Welcome to South Austin Aikido

On Sunday, Gilbert Hughes, Brian Canham and Mark McDonald all tested for yonkyu, sankyu and nikkyu respectively. It was the biggest test we have had in some time with all three taking advanced tests.

Gilbert started the kyu testing and even though he had been out supervising band camp the prior week he looked like he lives on the mat. He moved very well with a great sense of connection and understanding of the techniques. Great job Gilbert, you made it look pretty easy! Nothing like hanging out with several hundred high school band members to fire up your aikido!

Gilbert was followed by Brian Canham who tested for sankyu. This is the first of the long kyu tests. Brian showed a lot of improvement from his previous test, with good posture and softer arms while showing what consistent practice will do for one’s aikido. Brian even remained fairly relaxed through his randori, which other than one mental mistake, went pretty well. Congratulations Brian on a job well done on a great test!

Finally, Mark McDonald tested for nikkyu. This is a long test and it was pretty hot in the dojo but Mark hung in there through the long test. Still recovering from knee surgery, Mark moved very well and showed remarkable improvement from where he was just a few months ago. He easily handled all I could think of for his test. Way to go Mark on a great test!!

The pace of the kyu tests was pretty quick, making for some very nice test thanks to the awesome ukemi. Way to go ukes!

Following the kyu tests about 25 of us, including family and friends, went to Pei Wei for a victory celebration. The food was good and I enjoyed spending time with a lot of very special people. Thanks to everyone for a great test event!!

Click here to see the pictures.