Welcome to South Austin Aikido

Tres Sensei's seminar was a resounding success!  Last year's seminar was incredible, but WOW, this year was really special.  The energy on the mat was absolutely amazing! Attendance was over 30 registered aikidoka.  A new record for Hill Country Aikido / Chiisai Aikikai. 

Tres Sensei shared many interesting techniques that was perfect for the many levels of aikidoka that attended this year's seminar.  Tres Sensei would demonstrate the techniques, indicating application of the exercise in fast motion, then slow to focus on the connection necessary to achieve the desired blending motion.

Almost everyone was baffled during their attempts to roll slowly and smoothly without any rough spots.  We should rename the exercise anti-gravity rolling.  The overall message was to look for ways to smooth techniques through relaxing, not just pushing through the roll.  While Tres Sensei makes it look easy, many of us will need more practice to achieve the desired affect.

The pot luck party on Saturday was also a smashing success with over 30 in attendance.  While most of the kids disappeared into the bedroom for video games, the rest of us collapsed onto the couch for relaxed conversation.  Pamela made a pineapple upside down cake which went almost unnoticed due to the excess of food options.  However, once discovered, it was every person for themselves.  I barely escaped without scars!!  All in all, I did manage to consume more than my fare share of just about everything.

Special thanks to Ron, Ian and Tres Sensei for coming down from Boulder to share their aikido with us, Alamo City Aikido for the additional mats, the many guests from San Antonio, Ft. Worth, and the Austin area, and everyone in the dojo for contributing to this very special event.

• Pictures of the seminar