Welcome to South Austin Aikido

The pictures from the recent kyu tests have all been posted.  Enjoy!

http://southaustinaikido.phanfare.com/

Last night was a fun night of training and kyu testing with Zak Fisher and Shawn Rader both testing for Rokyu.

Zak Fisher displayed a beautiful line of connection on ikkyo.  Zak moved very well, showing a lot of improvement, especially during the past few weeks in preparation for this test.  His randori was impressive.  Zak was relaxed and moved well while utilizing the entire mat.

Shawn displayed a lot of good aikido in his technique.  His movement and attention to uke’s center shows that our Aikido community is on the right track.  His randori was awesome, demonstrating very nice movement and relaxed motion.

Both of these test candidates did an exemplary job during their kyu tests.  Way to go Zak and Shawn!!  Thanks to Chad, Denne, Brian, Gilbert and Tommy for providing ukemi for these kyu tests.

Following the kyu tests we went over to Pei Wei for dinner and an enjoyable conversation with the candidates about their wonderful kyu test.  It was truly a fun evening.

Click here for pictures of the kyu tests

Following Craig Sensei’s class on Sunday, Jesse Spears tested for his Ikkyu.  The test went pretty long as ikkyu tests go, but he hung in there despite getting pretty tired towards the end.  Jesse showed a good understanding of aikido principles in his technique.  He has come a long way and continues to improve each year with new ideas being added to his aikido.  Even though Jesse was exhausted towards the end of his test, he demonstrated an energetic randori. Over all it was a very good test.  Way to go Jesse!!  Thanks to Denne, Tommy, Todd, Brian and Tim for providing ukemi for the test.

Following the kyu test, several of us went to Zen for dinner.  The food was pretty good and even though one of us fell when sitting on the back of a chair, there were no noted casualties.  A good time was had by all.

Click here for pictures of the kyu test

On Sunday, Craig Slack Sensei came to Austin and taught a two hour class for our group. The class was really well organized. Craig Sensei just keeps getting better. Every time I think I have just about figured out where he was, he has already moved on to something new and different.

This weekend he focused on similar movement of the hips and how it relates to a punching motion or two punch combination that moves the hips in an entering fashion from katedori, kosadori, munetsuki, shomenuchi, katedori and yokemenuchi. We utilized a couple of techniques, but the focus was on how to connect early and begin the movement before or just as uke touches.

The class was a lot of fun and left me with much to work on in the coming weeks. Thanks to Craig Sensei and Sylvia for visiting our community once again and sharing their aikido with us.

This weekend we will have open mat for kyu test preparation on Saturday followed by a guest instructor and kyu testing on Sunday.  See schedule below.

Saturday, October 1st

Open Mat 10:00AM to 11:30AM:  We will have open mat time available for reviewing the upcoming kyu tests as well as general open mat time.  All are welcome to participate in this 90 minute training session.

Sunday, October 2nd

Dojo Friendship Training 1:00PM to 3:00PM:  Our friends from Alamo City Aikido will be visiting us and Craig Slack Sensei will teach the first class from 1:00PM to 4:00PM.  Class is open to all.

Kyu Testing 3:00PM to 4:00PM:   We will have kyu testing during the second class.  We plan on going out for dinner immediately following and all are welcome to join.

This year was the fifth year for Sunny Skys Sensei to visit Austin. Each year Skys Sensei brings such a refreshing approach to teaching. He is able to relate life experiences to aikido in a way that makes sense to all of us. It adds such joy to your practice to think about the similarities to our every day relationships. After all, we are supposed to be learning about how to relate to other people.

Over the weekend, we worked on blending by entering early from many different attacks including shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, mentsuki, katatedori, and kosadori. The training was fun but I sure got tired. I found myself soaking wet after each session. We had a great turnout with several visitors from San Antonio. Thanks to everyone for making this a great success. I am already looking forward to next years seminar!

Click here for pictures of the seminar