What's New Archive 2004
Holiday Schedule
Tuesday 12/21 and Thursday 12/23 - Normal class scheduleSunday 12/26 - No ClassTuesday 12/28 and Thursday 12/30 - Normal class scheduleSaturday 1/1/05 - Special New Year's Day training from1:00PM to 3:00PM. Come join us and start off the New Year with Aikido training. Sunday 1/2/05 - Normal class schedule, followed by painting the walls inside the dojo.Training Day with our friends at Alamo City Aikido in San Antonio - Saturday, December 11th, 2004
On Saturday several of us traveled to San Antonio for a one day training workshop. We worked on ukemi, bokken, connection, jo, and randori. All in all the day was over in a blink of an eye. The training was a lot of fun, but I certainly felt it the next day. I slept pretty well following that effort as well.
Thanks to Todd, Tommy, Alina, Christopher, Chad, Kaye, Mark, and Pamela for making the trip to San Antonio for the day. We were also joined by several aikidoka from Mission Texas, who drove up for the day as well.
It amazes me how the special training workshops improve everyone's aikido at an accelerated rate. Everyone who came was instantly rolling better and taking better ukemi the following day, myself included. Special thanks to everyone at Alamo City Aikido for hosting this event and inviting us to attend.
Jeanne and Chad take Birthday Rolls - Sunday, December 5th, 2004
Last week Jeanne and Chad took their birthday rolls, it seams like only a month ago Jeanne started learning to roll and whalla!! She now rolls without effort and without sound. Way to go Jeanne, all that practice is starting to really show in your aikido.
Chad rolled a lot with many hard falls. It is funny, but sometime we panic when hard falling, and usually that means we try to make it happen a little too much. But Chad hung in pretty tough and looked like a pro rolling and falling. Keep it up and you may get the honored title of "The Fall Guy". Way to go Chad!
Peter Trimmer Sensei, Rokudan / Shobukan Dojo comes to San Antonio, January 28th - 30th
Our friends at Alamo City Aikido in San Antonio will be hosting a seminar in January with Trimmer Sensei, a 30 year student of Mitsugi Saotome Sensei. Please join our friends for a weekend of training and learning with this insightful and experienced instructor. All AIkido Dojos and Affiliations are invited. See Alamo City Aikido's website for more information.
Big Test Day at Hill Country Aikido - Sunday, November 14th, 2004
What a day! We had four tests, which included Pamela Tovar and Tim Schmelter testing for Gokyu, Brian Kammerer testing for Yonkyu and Tommy Kammerer testing for Ikkyu.
The tests lasted almost an hour and a half and wore me out just watching. However, a lot of good aikido was displayed by each of the testing candidates. I was overcome with pride by the carefulness and level of detail displayed during the test.
Tommy was outstanding, showing incredible receptiveness to each attack and constantly adjusted for each uke, no matter how big or how small. Pamela and Tim each displayed a complete understanding of not only the required techniques, but also for many which were sprung on them during the test. Brian showed he understands a lot about aikido, both in movement and in principle, even for one of our youngest aikidoka.
Since so many were testing, the test candidates got take a lot of ukemi, making the tests extra tiring. Everyone held up pretty well and gave all they had. Way to go all test candidates! I am extremely proud of all who tested, for the way they conducted themselves during the test and for the constant practice each has done in preparation.
Following the test, we all headed down to Buffet Palace, for what would have been known in my younger years as a "bulk feeder". It was fun to have so many accompany us for dinner to celebrate the testing. Thanks to everyone who stayed to support the test effort and thanks to all for joining us for dinner.
Chadwick and Wendy are Having a Baby
Chadwick and Wendy Chennault are having their first baby early next year (due mid February). They are registered at Target and Baby's R Us for all kinds of wonderful baby stuff. Any and all gifts are welcome. Please contact Jay Lindholm at 970-2422 if you need any additional info.
Jay Sensei Attends Halloween Seminar with Saotome Sensei in Boulder
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Halloween Seminar at the Boulder dojo with Saotome Sensei.
I hope that everyone from our dojo has the opportunity to train in the Boulder dojo at some point in the near future. The dojo is incredible! Often described as the "aiki palace" and for good reason. The shomen is a thing of beauty and the matted area is more than twice the size of our mat in Austin.
The seminar itself was very interesting. Saotome Sensei focused on unstructured training, with the key being on blending. We went through a series of paired bokken exercises, followed by open hand practice that combined with the altitude, was enough to take your breath away. At least I was sucking air pretty hard.
We worked on blending from several different attacks including shomen, yokomen, katadori and katatedori. The focus was on how as one moves into more advanced stages of training, it becomes necessary to let go of the focus on just technique. First blend with the energy, while not being attached to any idea or outcome, and allowing it to unfold as you move.
The seminar also focused on attention to personal freedom. If we let our minds focus on a stoppage point, we essentially block ourselves. When we find ourselves stuck, then nage should walk or move to create a different angle for redirecting uke.
I had a most enjoyable week of aikido training with my friends in Boulder, Colorado. Special thanks to everyone in Boulder for putting on a super seminar once again.
George Ledyard Sensei Seminar in San Antonio - Friday, October 22nd through Sunday, October 24th, 2004
This past weekend Alamo City Aikido hosted a seminar with George Ledyard Sensei from Seattle. What an enjoyable experience! Ledyard Sensei explained the various levels of training as you gain experience, from static to flowing to energy, showing a natural progression of basic aikido techniques and why they work. The higher levels of training, while probably a bit over most of our heads, were shown to plant seeds of ideas that will hopefully help us in the future. Ledyard Sensei also explained common problems that we all face while performing basic techniques. This included how to evaluate and correct our aikido based on very simple suggestions relating to movement, including which muscle groups should control the various types of movement. All in all, it was an awesome weekend!
Way to go Alamo City Aikido! Thank you for putting on a super seminar!! Thanks to all our members who came to support our friends in San Antonio!!
Kyu Tests - Tuesday, October 12th, 2004
Mark McDonald and Nathan Lucas test for Rokyu. The tests were very exhilarating as Mark broke a sweat and turned beat red. However, both tests showed a lot of good aikido techniques. A lot of preparation was evident in the techniques of each of these two aikidoka. Nathan displayed very relaxed arms especially during randori. Mark did some quality techniques during the jiwaza. It was rewarding to see each of these guys connect with their partners, especially on iriminage. Special thanks to every one who stayed and cheered them on. Plus thanks to those who provided ukeme for the tests. Way to go Mark and Nathan!!
George Ledyard Sensei, Rokudan / Aikido Eastside comes to San Antonio, October 22nd - 24th
Due to unforseen circumstances beyond his control, Peter Trimmer Sensei will be unable to travel to San Antonio for the October 22nd - 24th seminar. The Alamo City Aikido seminar was originally cancelled, but the seminar is now back on with a new guest instructor. George Ledyard Sensei has agreed to travel to San Antonio for the October 22nd - 24th seminar. Check out Alamo City Aikido's website for further information.
Hill Country Aikido on Television - Friday, October 8th 2004
That's right, we were fortunate to have Amy Hadley from News 8 Austin do a segment on our dojo. The segment is called "Fit for Friday" and airs each week throughout the day on Fridays on local cable channel 8.
The filming took place on Monday at noon and again on Friday from 6 to 8 am when we aired several live segments on aikido from our dojo. Amy and Brandy (her intern from my old alma mater Texas State) came and allowed us to show them a little about aikido and why we love it so much. It was amazing to think the once "little dojo" could get 12 people on the mat at 6 am to practice.
It was a lot of fun practicing with the newscast and all of our aikido buddies who were courageous enough to venture out into the darkness to join us. Amy and Brandy were pretty adventurous as well attempting break falls at their first lesson. We will post a video stream of the training and interviews from this segment in the near future. Check back soon to see us in action.
Special thanks to every one at News 8 for considering us for this segment and doing such a wonderful job of spotlighting aikido. Thank you Chadwick for setting up this opportunity and Hats off to all our members for supporting this event in the early hours, which turned out to be a blast!!
Kyu Tests - Sunday, September 19th 2004
Christopher and Alina test for Gokyu. WOW!! I think these may have been the best Gokyu tests ever at our dojo. The cuts were clear and the movements were relaxed. They both handled all techniques with ease and expertise. Leslie Sensei had to dig deep into her bag of tricks to challenge these two with ushiro ryokata. Even then, they both had ideas of how to handle the attacks. These tests show how hard work and consistent practice make you capable of dealing with any attack even those you have not practiced. It gives new meaning to understand the basics and you will be able to create techniques on your own without memorizing. Way to go Chrisotpher and Alina!!
More Birthday Rolls - Roxanne and Alina Reach Age milestones
Sunday 9/2/04: Roxanne reached the ripe old age of 17 recently and received 54 rolls. Not too shabby for having only trained about 6 times prior to these rolls. Tuesday 8/31/04: Then Alina received 105 rolls for her 16th birthday. She looked like a pro rolling and even enjoyed some iriminage of her own. Congratulations to both Roxy and Alina on their birthday rolls.Kyu Tests - Sunday, August 29th 2004
Matt and Chadwick test for Ikkyu. Man, what a grueling test. I have not completely forgotten the total exhaustion experienced from my ikkyu test but watching these two brought back memories. I was spent just from watching. The aikido displayed was a true celebration on what we work for every day with very focused and relaxed movement. A lot of practice was also evident in the techniques and the way each blended with their partners. Great job to both Chadwick and Matt!! Special thanks to everyone for supporting this test and to Michael, Shawn, Tommy, David, Hiroaki, and Todd for providing ukeme. It was also very special to have Shawn, Michael and Josh visit from San Antonio to support the testing as well.
Unfortunately we will have only two more classes with Matt prior to his move to Oregon. Good luck to Matt and Gwen on their new home. You will be missed!
More Birthday Rolls
Tuesday 8/24/04 was Tom Giebink's 55th birthday. Towards the end of the advance class, Tom reminded us that it was his birthday and so birthday rolls were in order. Normally we perform the birthday rolls during the first class where we get to experience nages with various energy levels, but Tom waited for the advance class where he was guaranteed high energy for all of his rolls. Tom did an excellent job, performing 160 rolls. Happy birthday Tom!
Birthday Rolls and a New Dojo Record
Sunday 8/8/04 was Matt Lowes 32nd birthday. At the end of the first class, Matt performed his birthday rolls, taking ukeme from everyone in the dojo. When Matt was finished, he had completed 250 birthday rolls! WOW! This is a new dojo record, and one that may stand for some time. Great job and Happy Birthday Matt....
Visit to Alamo City Aikido - Saturday, August 7th 2004
On Saturday, Pamela, Jackie, Todd, Barbara, Tim, Chadwick and I went to San Antonio to visit our friends at Alamo City Aikido. Jackie, Todd and I jumped into the kids class taught by Joe Rangel. Jackie was a little hesitant to join in, however, once on the mat she began rolling like a pro.
The second class was taught by Mike Young, where we worked on randori exercises developed by George Ledyard Sensei. Mike attended the weapons/randori intensive last January and was kind enough to share what he learned in that seminar. Thanks for the instruction and new ideas on how to practice randori. What a fun time.
Following training we forced ourselves to some Mexican cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Fortunately for me Todd was driving, because I had some heavy eyelids on the trip home.
Kyu Tests - Sunday, August 1st 2004
On Sunday, Jeanne and Chad tested for Fifth Kyu. Both of these aikidoka train on a very regular schedule, which was evident in both tests. The tests were exemplary and show a lot of progress. Leslie Sensei threw out many additional techniques, which were all handled with ease by both Chad and Jeanne. Way to go Jeanne and Chad!! Thanks to all of you who provided ukeme for the test as well as those who came to support this test effort.
Jay Sensei and Alina Attend Summer Camp in the Rockies
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.
Sunny Skys Sensei Seminar - Thursday, July 15th though Sunday, July 18th, 2004
Hill Country Aikido just completed a weekend seminar with Sunny Skys Sensei from Fremont, California. Sunny Sensei says he is a little unorthodox in his approach to aikido and if so, we say we're all for it. Sunny Sensei has an incredible knack for explaining aikido in references to everyday life that are simple and easy to relate to. What a gift to have him visit us. He is warm and sincere in his approach, in a manner that makes people of all levels and all ages feel comfortable right away. We worked on several different types of connections through the weekend which made sense. We worked mainly on maintaining good posture using "backbone" as a point of reference throughout several types of techniques.
We had several enjoyable evenings visiting with Sunny Sensei that culminated in a pot luck party featuring way too much to eat and a fun time swimming and soaking in a hot tub. That was nice. Thanks to those who visited from out of town included everyone from Alamo City Aikido and Mike Pollock from Tulsa, Oklahoma. You all helped to contribute to what was our best seminar yet. Thanks also to everyone from our group who worked to make the seminar happen. A very special thanks to Juanita Tovar for letting us use the La Quinta meeting room and swimming pool for our pot luck and letting us get to know her a little better.
What a fun weekend. Hopefully, everyone who attended got as much out of the seminar as I did. For those of you who didn't get to participate, better mark your calendars for next years seminar, cause this was an experience you do not want to miss.
Picture Page Link Added
We have added a "pictures" link to the menu bar (see left side). Just click on PICTURES and it will take you to a summary page for all of our posted pictures. Enjoy!
Mat space has increased to over 1,500sqft
We have received our third addition of mats, increasing our total training area to 1,521sqft. It is so wonderful to have the additional space, especially with the increase in membership at our dojo. The high energy level during training is awesome! Visitors are always welcome, so come on by and check us out.
Jay Sensei Attends DC Summer Camp
Every year that I go to the DC Summer Camp I am amazed at how many dedicated aikidoka come there to practice and learn aikido. I meet people from all over the world who practice aikido at home. This year the list included people from Portugal, Brazil, Turkishtan, and South Africa. In addition, there were people from just about everywhere within the US. It is exiting to train with someone who lives so far away and discover that our training and technique are not that different. And while we might have difficulty communicating verbally, the practice provides a means of communication that we both understand.
The focus of the practice and continued support of senior students made the camp extremely rewarding for me. We were lead through many new exercises which I hope to share with our group during the coming year and improve my techniques as we continue training. Sensei had several strong messages although he lectured very little and mostly demonstrated what to practice and watched. The first message was on the focus of training. Not to allow ourselves to get too rapped up in rank. The development of a skill takes time and is not necessarily related to rank. Too many times our focus is on rank instead of the practice and learning of aikido. We should turn our attention to learning the skill and rank will take care of itself.
The second message was on martial awareness. At times we focus so much on the technique that we loose the big picture perspective on where we are, who is around, and how much space we need or have. The understanding of distance and space are critical to the practice much more so than the actual technique. We must learn to automatically adjust these distances and understand our surroundings as part of our training. Do not get so focused on the hand that we loose sight of the person and our ability to move within our surroundings.
As usual, we covered so much ground in so little time that my head is still spinning. Hopefully, when I regain my balance, the ideas from camp will settle to a point where they will become part of my regular understanding and practice. All in all it was a great camp and highly recommended for everyone in the future.
We will have class on Sunday, July 4th
Jay Sensei is currently enjoying the ASU summer camp in Washington D.C. this week. We will have class on Sunday, 7/4/04 at our normal time, with Todd teaching the first class in Jay Sensei's absence, followed by Leslie Sensei teaching the second class. Come start your July 4th celebration with Aikido!
More Birthday Rolls - Awesome Job by All!
Sunday 6/27/04: Jessie did 104 rolls for his 38th birthday.Thursday 6/17/04: This was a wonderful day, for on Leslie Sensei's birthday, we had the highest turn-out of members in our dojo this year (21 members, plus 1 guest). The energy was wonderful and everyone enjoyed participating in the birth rolls with our Sensei, who did 155 rolls for her birthday. Awesome job Leslie Sensei!Big Aikido Weekend, June 4th - 6th, 2004
Friday 6/4/04: Wow, where do you start to describe a very full and exciting weekend of aikido. First, we were invited to teach aikido techniques to a karate school at the Austin Recreation Center on Friday night. This was attended by Leslie sensei, Jay sensei, Alina, Robert, Matt, Chad, Jesse, Todd, Tommy, Brian, Barbara and Brenda. The event was a blast! The students were incredibly open and receptive to the techniques. It was a real eye opener to work with other martial artists who had a different perspective on training and how to move. It really anchored home the importance of movement in performing techniques of any style.We first started trying to teach rolling to the kids class. Finally, winding up looking a lot like Arnold Schwarzenegger's first day at school in "Kindergarten Cops". Whew, That was wild. Then we worked with the adult group for over an hour. All in all we got to roll and share our aikido with the group. The energy in the class was awesome. Special thanks to all the members of the Karate School for opening their dojo and hearts to us. Thanks to Chad, Tommy, Brian, Alina and Todd for toting mats over to the recreation center. That was like real work. We had to lug them up two flights of stairs. UHG!!
Saturday 6/5/04: Pamela, Chad, Todd, Tommy, Brian, Brenda, Barbara and myself traveled to San Antonio to visit our friends at Alamo City Aikido. We arrived in time to roll around with the kids class. Requiring a lot of shikko, boy are my quads unhappy!! Following the kids class we trained with Craig Slack Sensei until we were totally drenched. Us Texans can really sweat. (Converted Californians Sweat good too). After class they conducted tests including an Ikkyu test for Shawn Young. The test was grueling but she hung in there and did an outstanding job. Thanks to Todd and Barbara for driving us around all day.Sunday 6/6/04: Seven members of the San Antonio group traveled to Austin to train with our group. What an amazing class with 27 aikidoka on the mat. It was definitely a seminar feeling in the dojo. After the first class we had testing for Pamela Tovar (Rokyu) and Todd Kammerer (Ikkyu). Both tests were outstanding. Pamela showed incredible softness and control of body movement, especially considering the fact that she has only been training since February. Way to go Pamela!! Then Todd handled the many and energetic attacks of 8 different ukes during his test which lasted almost an hour. He was pretty spent by the end but did a lot of really nice aikido during the test. Todd definitely represented our dojo well during this test. Way to go Todd!!Recent Birthday Rolls - Great Job Everyone!
Tuesday 6/1/04: Jay Sensei did 128 rolls for his 50th birthday.Sunday 5/30/04: Tim did 50 rolls for his 35th birthday.Thursday 5/27/04: Chadwick sets new dojo mark on birthday rolls. WOW!!! With only a few days before some not to be mentioned middle aged less than skinny guy has a birthday, Chadwick raises the bar yet again. Chadwick now to be known as "the fall guy" rolls an unbelievable 211 rolls for his birthday with a large number of hard falls mixed in as well. Who said a 32 year old guy couldn't hack it. A pretty impressive display if I do say so myself and new dojo record. Way to go Chadwick!Sunday 5/2/04: Brian did 172 rolls for his 15th birthday. Brian has come a long way since his birthday rolls last year.Mark your calendars... Sunny Skys Sensei seminar July 16th - 18th
Sunny Skys Sensei, Sandan / Aiki Zenshin Dojo, will be returning to Hill Country Aikido / Chiisai Aikikai in July for a seminar on July 16th through 18th. See our EVENTS page for more details.
April Kyu Tests on Sunday, April 18th, 2004
Robert Goeking tested for Yonkyu, Brian Kammerer tested for Gokyu and Tim Schmelter tested for Rokyu. All candidates had spent a great deal of time preparing for their test, which was evident in their technique. Todd, Chadwick, Chad and Tommy provided ukeme for the tests. Thanks to everyone who stayed to support this testing event.
Visit to Alamo City Aikido, March 20th, 2004
Jay Sensei and the Kammerer family went to San Antonio on Saturday to train with our friends at Alamo City Aikido. Mike Sensei taught a wonderful class, demonstrating techniques that help understand the connection between nage's and uke's center. After the class, the group went out for a nice lunch.Jay Sensei visits Saotome Sensei's Aiki Shrine, March 6th and 7th
I was fortunate enough to get to visit the Aiki Shrine for a special training session with Saotome Sensei the first weekend in March. The weekend was absolutely incredible.
The Aiki Shrine is a beautiful training area which has removable wall panels on three sides. The design is rather clever and as I watched panels being removed, I sat in awe wondering who thought of that. The weather was warm and humid which made it easy for us older guys to loosen up. The people from northern climates were suffering a little but for me it was pretty close to perfect. It was like training in a dojo and training outside all at the same time.
The message Saotome Sensei presented was on hamni and how it improves your relationship to uke from a martial perspective. Good stance and focus are needed to train in a martial sense.
Sometimes we forget about the martial aspects especially early in our training. However, later we need to refocus and remember that a grab leads to a kick or punch and be positioned and alert enough to navigate around the second attack.
There were many good aikidoka present to practice with which made the weekend a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.
Tres Hoffmeister Sensei Seminar - Friday, February 27th though Sunday, February 29th, 2004
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.
Tommy and Matt Test for Nikyu - Sunday, February 1st, 2004
Tommy Kammerer and Matt Lowes tested for Nikyu on Sunday. That certainly was a long test. I was tired just from watching. Both demonstrated a solid understanding of all techniques required. The suwari waza was well balanced and the taichi waza was performed with good posture and proper foot movement. The tests were fun to watch and very well done. Congratulations to Tommy and Matt for two very impressive tests!
All of their preparation really paid off. Special thanks to Todd, Chadwick, Jesse and Mike Fisher who provided ukeme for the test. They sure got a work out. The energy in the dojo was just incredible today. Thanks to everyone who stayed to support the testing and making this test effort such a success.
Alina Tests for Rokyu and Jesse Tests for Yonkyu - Sunday, January 25th, 2004
Alina tested for 6th Kyu today. What a nice job. Even the amount of techniques Leslie Sensei threw at her, it did not disrupt her rhythm. Alina used smooth and relaxed movement, which was awesome to watch. Great job Alina!!
Then Jesse tested for 4th kyu. After nearly two years of training Jesse demonstrated that he is indeed ready for advanced training. Jesse demonstrated techniques with great posture and excellent arm tension. Both tests were inspirational to witness. Great job Jesse!!
No Weapon's Class on Thursday, January 15th, 2004
Due to a seminar for another group on Thursday evening January 15th, we will not have our Weapon's class from 7:00pm to 8:00pm (this week only). We will still have our All Levels class from 5:45pm to 7:00pm.
Tommy Raises the Bar - Sunday, January 11th, 2004
Happy Birthday to Tommy Kammerer who rolled and rolled and rolled and rolled on Sunday. A new Hill Country Aikido birthday roll record of 190 rolls. It must be nice to be 18. Way to go Tommy!!
Chad Tests for Rokyu - Sunday, January 11th, 2004
Chad tested for rokyu and had an incredible test. Leslie Sensei threw him a couple of curves with techniques like katatedori kotegaeshi and katatedori kaitenage but Chad handled them with little problem. Leslie Sensei commented on the level of detail Chad displayed in his aikido. Many good elements were present. Though Chad might have been a little nervous at the start, he settled into a nice rhythm. Great movement and posture, especially considering he has only been training since August. Great job Chad!!Mark your calendars... Tres Hofmeister Sensei seminar Feb 27th - 29th
Tres Hofmeister Sensei, Rokudan from Boulder Aikikai, will be returning to Hill Country Aikido / Chiisai Aikikai in February for a seminar on Feb 27th through 29th. See our EVENTS page for more details.