TAOS Newsletter-- January 1998

Holiday training and potluck! Former or inactive dojo members invited to train and party!

We would like to celebrate the holidays by inviting present and former dojo members to a special training. On Saturday, December 13, there will be a special training at the dojo, followed by a potluck lunch and party at 12:00. Bring your gi and some food to share! Come and train, bring a friend to watch, come and party, or just come and be there! We welcome all to share together, on and off the mat. No charge for former or inactive dojo members who would like to come and train this day. Training will be at the regular time of 10:00-12:00, with the party and lunch following class.

Recent Promotions

We have been fortunate that several students at the dojo have recently tested for shodan (first degree black belt). The displays of ability and knowledge were a joy and a wonder to behold as they demonstrated their accomplishments.

Congratulations to:

on receiving their shodan rank!

Dojo T-Shirts

We have Traditional Aikido T-shirts, available in long or short sleeves, in black or white. Show your support and style for the holiday season!

Wednesday Special Class

Noel Kennedy, sandan and dojo manager, is conducting special classes on Wednesday nights, focusing on weapons and ukemi ("the art of falling"). Come train and work on your skills. Learn or review some basics and enjoy yourself on the mat.

Why I Train

Do you come for self defense, exercise, the company, or to feel better about yourself? Does regular keiko keep you more focused in the here and now? Share with us why you train Aikido and what you get out of your practice, and we will include your comments and thoughts in future issues.

Weapons classes on Fridays

If you don’t have a bokken or a jo, come anyway. This is the special night when we focus on weapons (buki waza). We work with either bokken (wooden sword) or jo (staff). Weapons forms underlay many of the empty handed techniques, and training with weapons can sharpen your empty hand skills.

Beginners and more experienced aikidoka train together, and all students are welcome. Classes are on Friday are from 7:00-8:00. Weapons are also generally included in Wednesday night classes.

Sonoma State Classes

We invite students who are taking Aikido classes at Sonoma State University to come and train with us at the dojo. Noel Kennedy teaches at SSU on Thursday nights, and we have traditionally held a movie night once a semester when SSU students are invited to the dojo to watch some of Sensei's collection of O-Sensei videos. Please come and train with us on other nights!

Seminar in March

Bob Benvides has arranged for a seminar on the uses of Aikido in law enforcement. There will be a guest instructor, and the seminar will be held in March at the dojo. More information will be available in future issues.

Mentoring Program for New Students

We are in the process of implementing a "mentoring" program for new students. Each incoming student will be assigned a senior (sempai) who can answer questions, help them through the rough spots, and just be a support person.