Welcome to South Austin Aikido

Its hard to summarize what an overwhelming experience summer camp was for me this year.  I found it hard to leave. In fact I was holding back tears by the end of the last class.  Being surrounded by so many committed aikidoka who came and shared just incredible energy and ideas with me was, without a doubt, a moving experience.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner were my favorite times, not just because I am so fond of food, but it was a time to visit and discuss many ideas about aikido in general and sharing of life experiences with a lot of new found friends.  Sharing a room with another aikidoka brought back childhood memories of how I grew up sharing a room with my brother.  We often shared ideas about practice and interacting with others during class and how we approached different situations on the mat as well as aikido philosophy when we probably should have been sleeping.  The sense of community was absolutely the best I have ever experienced at any aikido seminar due to the closeness of the group.  The training was good as well even though someone kept steeling my oxygen and I was often left gasping for breath. 

Wednesday was a scheduled off day or optional training day which proved to be the most grueling of all of the training days.  First, Alina, Ron Santichen and I went horseback riding.  I am terrified of horses but did survive with all my parts still attached.  Alina and Ron both looked like naturals on a horse.  I figured being from Texas, that I should be able to ride.  HA!! Maybe some experience would help.  Then we went into town to see Doc Holidays Grave site, which proved to be a little bit of a challenge having to hike uphill at elevation.   Following we returned to camp to train during the optional afternoon class.  The crowds that prevented training from getting too rambunctious during the regular classes were missing and I found myself on  a  206 tatami mat area with only twelve other people.  AHHGG!! 

It was a lot of fun but what little air was left near Glenwood Springs was consumed that afternoon by me.  All in all it was a time I will not forget and hope others from our group here in Austin will share in next years camp with me.