Welcome to South Austin Aikido

Robert Goeking tested for Yonkyu, Brian Kammerer tested for Gokyu and Tim Schmelter tested for Rokyu.  All candidates had spent a great deal of time preparing for their test, which was evident in their technique.  Todd, Chadwick, Chad and Tommy provided ukeme for the tests.  Thanks to everyone who stayed to support this testing event.

Jay Sensei and the Kammerer family went to San Antonio on Saturday to train with our friends at Alamo City Aikido.  Mike Sensei taught a wonderful class, demonstrating techniques that help understand the connection between nage's and uke's center.  After the class, the group went out for a nice lunch.

• Click here for more pictures

I was fortunate enough to get to visit the Aiki Shrine for a special training session with Saotome Sensei the first weekend in March.  The weekend was absolutely incredible. 

The Aiki Shrine is a beautiful training area which has removable wall panels on three sides.  The design is rather clever and as I watched panels being removed, I sat in awe wondering who thought of that. 

The weather was warm and humid which made it easy for us older guys to loosen up.  The people from northern climates were suffering a little but for me it was pretty close to perfect.  It was like training in a dojo and training outside all at the same time. 

The message Saotome Sensei presented was on hamni and how it improves your relationship to uke from a martial perspective.  Good stance and focus are needed to train in a martial sense. 

Sometimes we forget about the martial aspects especially early in our training.  However, later we need to refocus and remember that a grab leads to a kick or punch and be positioned and alert enough to navigate around the second attack. 

There were many good aikidoka present to practice with which made the weekend a truly enjoyable and memorable experience. 

• Click here for Jay Sensei's Pictures

Tres Sensei's seminar was a resounding success!  Last year's seminar was incredible, but WOW, this year was really special.  The energy on the mat was absolutely amazing! Attendance was over 30 registered aikidoka.  A new record for Hill Country Aikido / Chiisai Aikikai. 

Tres Sensei shared many interesting techniques that was perfect for the many levels of aikidoka that attended this year's seminar.  Tres Sensei would demonstrate the techniques, indicating application of the exercise in fast motion, then slow to focus on the connection necessary to achieve the desired blending motion.

Tommy Kammerer and Matt Lowes tested for Nikyu on Sunday.  That certainly was a long test.  I was tired just from watching.  Both demonstrated a solid understanding of all techniques required.  The suwari waza was well balanced and the taichi waza was performed with good posture and proper foot movement.  The tests were fun to watch and very well done.  Congratulations to Tommy and Matt for two very impressive tests!

All of their preparation really paid off.  Special thanks to Todd, Chadwick, Jesse and Mike Fisher who provided ukeme for the test.  They sure got a work out.  The energy in the dojo was just incredible today.  Thanks to everyone who stayed to support the testing and making this test effort such a success.

• Check out the pictures from Tommy's and Matt's test

Alina tested for 6th Kyu today.  What a nice job.  Even the amount of techniques Leslie Sensei threw at her, it did not disrupt her rhythm.  Alina used smooth and relaxed movement, which was awesome to watch.  Great job Alina!! 

Then Jesse tested for 4th kyu.  After nearly two years of training Jesse demonstrated that he is indeed ready for advanced training.  Jesse demonstrated techniques with great posture and excellent arm tension.  Both tests were inspirational to witness.  Great job Jesse!!

• Pictures of the kyu tests