Victoria Family Aikido

Our first seminar was a great success! Much thanks to Inaba Sensei for the great family classes, jo classes, taijutsu and ki training. It was a very special experience to have dedicated training with Inaba Sensei in such an intimate setting.

Congratulations to the people who passed their kyu tests: Caleb, Rachel, Mary, Dave and Kees. Good going everyone!

I have to say however, that I have never been so stiff and sore after a family class as I was on Monday. Those classes were pretty hard! Also, remember kids, no using pressure points on kids at school!

2008 is going to be a great year for Victoria Family Aikido! Here’s a few things I’m looking forward to:

• A full year of regular classes. By the end of this year, the current beginners (children and adults) should be well seasoned!
• Children’s testing. There are a number of kids that have been training with me for many years. These children, as well as new children that have been attending regularly, will get the opportunity to test for their first real belt rankings.
• Seminars. Inaba Shihan is totally on board to do at least one seminar here in Victoria this year. Currently I’m thinking about sometime in the spring.
• Adult testing. Our first round of 5th kyu tests should be ready when Inaba Sensei comes to visit. Everyone is progressing very well.
• Road trip to Calgary Aikikai summer camp! This is consistently one of the best seminars around, with fantastic guest instructors in an amazing setting (Canmore).
• Weapons classes. I would like to add another class just for adults where we can focus on weapons techniques.

These are just some of the ideas that could be manifested this year. Feel free to share your own great ideas!

We had an awesome first week. The kids and parents who made it out had a great time and we had no trouble at all with setting up mats etc.

Thank you to all the kids for your patience and willingness to let the adults practice for half an hour each night.

The only injury was to Lachlan’s pride when I flattened her with a vicious kokyunage to the face tonight during a demonstration! Sorry kid.

The insurance is purchased; the hall rental is signed and delivered. Monday, November 5 will mark the official start of Victoria Family Aikido. I feel very positive and enthusiastic about all the wonderful people that have confirmed that they will be training.

We have a fantastic practice location secured, but the insurance is still in the works. Things should be secure by the first week of November.

One month isn’t long to wait in a lifetime of training!