How is it almost the end of April already? The year seems to be flying by! Winter is always tough in terms of training where flu and Covid hit hard meaning that I missed sensei Heidi's course in February. I also missed the Easter course but finally made it to the Cilfynydd Course this month. From every course I take away something, an insight here, a new technique there, there's always something to gain on these courses. [For my latest inspiration see my animal and free flow article]. Jack in our junior section performed well at Cilfynydd and has found one of his new favorite techniques, thanks to sensei Ray Brown who gave a mini master class in Koshinages! As a result, we're now concentrating on our flips so Jack (and everybody else) can land safely. Congratulations to sensei Richard Paull for gaining his 6th Dan and Shihan Peter Thomas for his 8th Dan, both well deserved promotions. It's good to see Oakdale Aikido still being represented. Congratulations also go to our very own Nate who gained his 5th Kyu (yellow belt) back in January. Despite nerves kicking in, Nate performed a solid grading and showed what it means to perform under pressure. Well done Nate! And finally, we introduced the 'Uchideshi' scheme in the junior class where once a week, a student has the opportunity to take 'Tenchi Bear' home. To do so, the student must show Budo qualities above and beyond the normal expectations of them and so far the scheme has proven to be a hit.
And that's it so far. Classes continue where all the students are showing progress and gains in their aikido and what's more, we're all enjoying the training.
Osu!
Sensei Marc.
