Welcome to South Austin Aikido

It was a big aikido weekend!  We had a pot luck Saturday night at the Kammerer family home to celebrate recent shodan promotions for Todd and Tommy Kammerer and Shawn Young from San Antonio.  The party featured lots of good food and Pamela's special pineapple upside down cake.  I managed to scarf a piece down as well as make off with some of the left-overs.  We watched the videos of several shodan tests as well as a couple of other aikido videos.  In addition to the members from our dojo, several friends from San Antonio including Michael and Shawn Young along with Emmanuel and Kendra Jesters.  It was truly an enjoyable gathering with friends.

Sunday proved to be a fun aikido day for our friends from San Antonio, who stayed the night and participated in the test activities.  Michael Young taught the first class, which included some interesting similarities to Systemma exercises, focusing on relaxation of the body, particularly the shoulders.  This was very enjoyable, though it put my brain into overload.  The class went by quickly and before we knew it, it was time for the kyu test. 

Brian Kammerer tested for nikyu and actually broke a sweat.  The test was fast paced but Brian moved well and displayed a lot of good aikido in his techniques.  The randori was incredibly quick in pace but Brian handled it very well.  Brian kept the ukes spread out very well, changing the pace of techniques throughout the randori.  Overall, Brian did great on his test.  Way to go young man!!

Pamela Tovar tested for sankyu, displaying great control and connection in her aikido.  She moved with purpose and in a very relaxed manner.  The randori and jiyuwaza techniques were awesome!  Pamela's performance during her test clearly demonstrates the value of regular practice.  Way to go Pamela on a great test effort!!

Following the kyu tests, we had quite a gathering at La Feria for dinner with 22 dojo/family members attend the post-kyu test dinner.  All were pretty hungry by the time we got to La Feria, enjoying a nice dinner and lots of wonderful conversation.  All in all, it was a fun weekend of hanging out with some very special people from San Antonio and the members of our dojo. 

Thanks to everyone who came to support the party and kyu testing this weekend.  Special thanks to Mike, Shawn, Emmanuel, and Kendra for taking time out of their lives and spend time with us.  Thanks to Mike Young for teaching and sharing his aikido spirit with us.

Click here to see the pictures