Welcome to South Austin Aikido

Ok, where does one begin on a story like this one?  Six years ago Todd and Tommy Kammerer began training at Aiki Zenshin Dojo with Sunny Skys Sensei in Fremont, California.  When they first started, they set a goal to someday test for their shodan together (father and son).  Work changes brought them to Austin, Texas in 2002, where they began training with us at Hill Country Aikido / Chiisai Aikikai.  Since their move to Austin, the entire Kammerer family has become the backbone of our dojo, training regularly and contributing so much to the organization of our Aikido community. 

The shodan exam can be a challenging experience.  First, you have to travel to a foreign dojo, usually far from home. Then you get to test in front of a Shihan, which can be a little intimidating.   I do not know about everyone, but I get nervous going to a new dojo just to train at a seminar, much less get up and perform for a test.  Then you get paired with members from other dojos, many you may have never met before.  Everyone trains a little differently which can make it more challenging to properly blend during the test, while at the same time your knees are shaking and your mind is spinning.  Not to mention the weight of your home dojo on your back, wanting to make the home crowd proud.  However, despite these obstacles both Tommy and Todd performed beautifully during their shodan tests.

The tests were conducted at the Aiki Zenshin Dojo in Fremont, during a seminar with Ikeda Sensei.  Tommy got to go first (Todd's greatest fear that he would have to follow Tommy) and he performed very well, remaining relaxed throughout the test.  He moved well, with some of Tommy's jo dori being the best I have seen.  Todd looked the best I have ever seen him, maintaining excellent posture and control.  Todd's tachi dori were excellent and demonstrated how much effort he has put into his training.  Both were excellent tests that we are all very proud of.  Way to go Tommy and Todd!

Click here to see the shodan test pictures