Welcome to South Austin Aikido

On Tuesday, February 24th Sara tested for Junior Rokyu.  This was her first Aikido test and all of the preparation leading up to the test paid off.  Sara did a fantastic job and showed she has learned a lot about Aikido in a short time.  She moved very confidently with a relaxed motion that was a joy to watch.  Sara easily handled all of the required techniques and many of the additional ones I threw at her.  Way to Sara on a great test!!  Not bad for our youngest aikidoka, who just turned 13. Thanks for the cookies too!!

Thanks to everyone for participating in the kyu test preparation and event.

Click here to see the pictures.

Just a reminder that Daylight Saving Time will begin this weekend at 2:00AM on Sunday, March 8th, at which time we will turn our clocks forward one hour (spring forward).

See http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/b2.html  for more details.

The photos from the past two kyu test weekends have been posted on our Phanfare site.

Click here to see the photos.

It is that time again to clean the mats as well as the rest of the dojo.  We will spend the time immediately following the first class on Sunday, March 1st to perform the dojo clean up.  As the saying goes "Many hands make quick work" and as such all members are encouraged to come and help so that we can quickly finish (typically within 45-60 minutes).

On Monday Kyle Shillibeer rolled 75 times to celebrate his birthday.  Kyle did a great job rolling for the many aikidoka who helped with his special rolls.  Great Job Kyle and Happy Birthday!

This past Sunday we had three kyu tests.  There was a great turn out and the energy on the mat was simply awesome.

The first test was Richard Moore testing for Gokyu.  Richard has learned a lot and it really shows in his Aikido even though this is only his second test.   You can see a lot of Aikido principles in his technique.  His randori was pretty special as he used the mat well and was able to lower his energy to make for smooth transitions from partner to partner. All in all it was great test, way to go Richard!

The second test was Marty Herzog testing for Sankyu.  Marty hung in there very well throughout his test showing a lot of patience in connecting with his partner.  He had a wonderful, relaxed movement that was impressive to watch.  Marty has really improved from his last test, which is a testament to his consistent approach in training.  Marty brings a special energy to the dojo everyday which he shares with everyone in our community.   Marty’s randori was very special.  He used the mat very well and moved in a comfortable manner, showing a lot of headway in his understanding and putting it into practice.  Way to go Marty!

The last test was Kyle Shillibeer testing for Nikyu.  Kyle did an excellent job by maintaining good posture and always was looking for the soft connection without pushing his partner.   Kyle has only been with us for a short while, but has demonstrated that he has embraced the ideals of Aikido and has put them into use.  During the test his many ukes pushed him at a rather torrid pace, which actually shortened the test a full 10 minutes.  Kyle handled everything the ukes' could deliver while showing a lot of poise.  Way to go Kyle on an excellent test!

After the test, a group of us went to Freebirds for our post test celebration.  Good food and good fun where shared by all.  Thanks to everyone for participating in the kyu test prep and event.

Click here to see the kyu test pictures