TAOS Newsletter-- September 1998

From Sensei

Training Aikido will be the hardest thing that you will do in your life. I say this a lot to new people coming to "check out the dojo." Training, or the process of training, is a reflection of the universe. Aikido is like life, new challenges come with each day. Wading through training is one of the most difficult things you will do in your Aikido life. The DO always puts up obstacles in your way. "Oh, I am too tired to train tonight, I’ll just stay home tonight," you say. Then the voice in your head says, "TONIGHT is your training night." "Yeah, that’s right, I said I would train four nights a week and I can’t miss tonight. Okay, I am going tonight." You can bet more obstacles will appear before it’s time for class, but you make it. You come to training, and it seems like you never have done this before, everything seems impossible to do, but you hang in there. The "body mind" learns from repetition. This patterning of movement is the key to integrating Aikido into your body. This is the "do" that teaches the body mind the proper movements. Going to training, doing the techniques over and over will incorporate this patterns into your body mind. This is the key to learning Aikido. Hang in there.........................................Sensei

Words from the Dojo Manager

Greetings, fellow students. First, I would like to thank all of our continuing students on their active support of the dojo. Second, I ask all nonactive students to come back and train. Once you join, you are always a member. All that you need to do is come on in. The dojo grows stronger with your support. We are looking forward to the special events that are scheduled this fall - October Gasshukku, SSU movie night, special visitors from around the world. Looking forward to seeing you. Thank you...............Dojo Manager Ian Noel Kennedy.

Gasshukku

On Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11 , we will be hosting a Gasshukku to celebrate with the senior American students of Saito Sensei. This is will be an intense training weekend of hour long sessions conducted by a variety of senseis. This is a wonderful opportunity to train with a range of instructors from California. The instructors, all sixth dan, will include David Alexander, Hans Goto, Bill Witt, and our own Dennis Tatoian. Participants at all levels and from all schools are welcome to come and train. It provides an opportunity for practitioners of Aikido from all over the north bay to meet, exchange ideas, train, and enjoy each other’s company. Don’t miss it! The cost for the training will be $35 per day, or $50 for both days.

Recent Promotions

The following students recently were promoted to first degree black belt, or shodan rank:

Our dojo manager, Noel Kennedy, recently was promoted to third degree black belt, or sandan rank.

Aikido of Leadership

The leadership workshop Barry Tuchfeld and Jeff Dooley gave in July went well; about a dozen people attended. These included CEOs, consultants, and educators. They are planning another in November. Anyone interested should contact Barry at (707) 570-1937.

TAOS and Aikido Online

The dojo’s web page is up and running. For the web-enabled, our address is http://www.traditional-aikido.com/.

Thanks to Barry and Alan for the initial work and design, and a special thanks to Craig for uploading, updating, and refining the look and feel. E-mail from the site goes to Sensei, and we have been getting mail from Europe as well as the US.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, September 16 - visitors from Hawaii! Come and train with them!

Thursday, September 17 - SSU movie night 6:30-8:00. Bring a friend and watch some of the dojo’s collection of O’Sensei videos. Bring a friend.

Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, Gasshukku with Senseis Witt, Tatoian, Goto, and Alexander. DON’T MISS THIS ONE!