Welcome to South Austin Aikido

This past week Jay Sensei received a letter from ASU stating that had been promoted to Sandan (3rd degree black belt).   I cannot think of a better person to be recognized for his dedication and commitment to the art.

Jay Sensei is an inspiration to our community.  Always with a smile, hearty laugh, huge heart and a willingness to help all who come onto the mat.  Everyone feels welcome, creating an environment and energy in our dojo that is simply incredible!  We are truly fortunate to have Jay Sensei in our lives and we all wish him the very best. 

Congratulations Jay Sensei on your well deserved promotion to Sandan!

Mark your calendars!  We are excited to announce William Gleason Sensei’s visit to South Austin Aikido on June 12th - 14th, 2009.

William Gleason Sensei is the Chief Instructor of the Shobu Aikido Dojo in Boston, MA and the author of The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido. His latest book, Aikido and Words of Power is scheduled for release in February 2009.

Gleason Sensei has been practicing aikido for nearly 40 years, 10 years in Japan, and has taught Aikido in the Boston area for over 25 years. His approach to Aikido and teaching style are truly beneficial to Aikidoka of all levels and we enthusiastically invite Aikido students of all traditions to join us.

Click here for the Seminar flyer 

Click here for the registration form

We are excited and happy to announce Mary Heiny Sensei's second annual visit to South Austin Aikido on March 13th - 15th, 2009.  Our Aikido community had an awesome time during the seminar with Mary Heiny Sensei last year and we all look forward to her return in March.  We enthusiastically invite Aikido students of all traditions to join us for what will surely be an incredible seminar.

Click here for the Seminar flyer 

Click here for the registration form

Today Brian Canham rolled 60 times to celebrate his birthday. Brian did very well rolling for the many aikidoka who helped with his special rolls. Great Job Brian and Happy Birthday!

Seth Green has not been with us very long following his move to Texas from Massachusetts, but he was certainly game for his Yonkyu test.  Seth demonstrated a lot of good aikido ideas during his test.  The primary one was not focusing on the outcome and continuously looking for connection to his partner without using strength.

Overall Seth did an outstanding job, even when faced with the different movement of the ukes that naturally comes with a new dojo.  Way to go Seth!!

Thanks to everyone for supporting the preparation and kyu test.

Click here to see the kyu test pictures.

The Thanksgiving weekend is quickly approaching and with it comes a long weekend.  Whether you are working, traveling, spending time with family or getting an early start on holiday shopping, South Austin Aikido wishes you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Please note that South Austin Aikido will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will be open during our normal schedule on Sunday, 11/30.