Christian Tissier Seminar

Just to make all aware Brighton Aikikai are hosting Christian Tissier in Dartford in February.


If you are interested in attending could you let me know as I will need to arrange event insurance specific to the BKAA members, as there is a requirement for BAB insurance.


I have enquired with Phil and BKAA members are welcome.

BRIGHTON AIKIKAI PRESENTS Christian Tissier,
Shihan - 7th Dan
...Aikikai at the Dartford Olympic Judo Club
Saturday 26th February 2011

10:30 to 12:30
15:00 to 17:00

£25 for one session
£45 for both

BAB insurance needed for UK practitioners
Contact:Phil Rozier +44 (0) 7736 301785
info@brightonaikikai.org.uk
www.brightonaikikai.org.uk

Lots of clips on youtube such as:
Tissier clips

Malvern - Jason Godwin visit - 16th December 7-9pm

Jason Godwin lives in Japan and is highly trained in a number of different martial arts, some akin to aikido. He is visiting the UK over the Christmas period and has agreed to teach a session at Malvern. This will be mainly Bokken and Jo. 

The session is on Thursday 16th December between 7pm and 9pm. 

Here is a bit of info about Jason:

Jason started Bujinkan training in 1991 in Portsmouth, before moving to live in Japan in 1997.   Jason has lived in Japan for 13 years now and is a long time regular student of Soke Hatsumi and Nagato Sensei, being awarded 14th Dan by Soke earlier this year.  He also has experience in kendo and has been graded in Judo at the Tokyo Kodokan.

If you are interested in attended, please contact Matt or Paul at Malvern dojo.

They are also thinking of following this with a curry, but would need to know numbers for booking the curry place.

Latest Joiners and Gradings

It has been sometime since I last added to our membership and gradings, although only have a few to mention


New Members are:

• Dion Brittan - Malvern
• Jacek Gruszczynski - Bournemouth
• Steve Manston - Bournemouth

I am pleased to welcome these 3 to the BKAA


Latest Gradings

• Brian Walker - Malvern - 5th kyu
• Nick MacLean - Malvern - 5th kyu
• Oscar Lam - Bristol - 4th Kyu

Congratulations on your beginnings in Aikido.

As usual, if I have missed anybody out or have made an error, let me know and I will correct.

BKAA get together in Swindon

Thanks to those that attended today, I enojyed the day and am  sure others did too.

Betsy has added her pictures to a web folder in Picasa

I will add more as they filter through.

Doncaster Two Circles Seminar

John Edge at Two Circles dojo is proud to announce an Aikido Seminar 

from September 25th-26th, 2010

Aikido instruction will be provided by Stephen Rehrauer Sensei, AAI

European Director, Rokudan (6th degree black belt)

The seminar will be held  at St Judes & St Leonard church hall, Barnsley Road, Doncaster

The training is open to students of any martial art or rank, and from any organization or dojo.

Rehrauer Sensei began the study of the Tomiki style of aikido under the direction of Seiji Tanaka Sensei, who had been a direct student of Tomiki Sensei himself. When transferred several years later to Spain , Rehrauer Sensei continued his aikido training in the Hombu Style under the direction of Tomas Sanchez Sensei, a student of Nobuyoshi Tamura Sensei, and was awarded his shodan by Sanchez Sensei in the spring of 1985. 

After returning to the United States that same year he settled in Chicago.  Two days after his arrival in Chicago, he went in search of a local dojo in which to train, met Toyoda Fumio Shihan, and began an intensive period of training under his direction.  It was the beginning of a long and profound relationship of student and master, teacher and friend, which continued until Toyoda Shihan’s untimely death.  Toyoda Shihan saw clearly the way in which the practice of aikido techniques become lessons that shape a way of life where mind and body are one.  During that period Rehrauer Sensei studied and taught regularly at Tenshinkan, the headquarters dojo of the Aikido Association of America, and benefitted from many serious and fruitful discussions with Toyoda Sensei concerning these spiritual and technical aspects, and deeper meanings of aikido technique and training practice.

While studying and teaching aikido in Chicago at Tenshinkan dojo, Rehrauer Sensei became a founding member of the first board of directors of the Aikido Association International and acted as its first Secretary and Treasurer.  there he benefitted as an active participant in Toyoda Shihan’s developing methodology for teaching highest quality aikido and ensuring quality standards among AAA and AAI certified instructors.  He accompanied Toyoda Sensei on many workshops to other cities throughout the USA, and in Europe.  Having earned his 4th dan, Toyoda Shihan appointed him as one of the original members of the first AAA National Teaching Committee, and when Rehrauer Sensei relocated from Chicago to Rome to begin work as a professor, Toyoda Shihan appointed him as the European Secretary of the AAI.  While acting as European Secretary he accompanied and assisted Toyoda Shihan on his many European Seminars.  In April of 2000, Toyoda Sensei nominated him for promotion to Godan and the Doshu awarded Rehrauer Sensei his 5th dan on January 1st, 2001 at the annual Kagami Biraki ceremony.  This past year he was nominated for 6th dan and the current Doshu promoted him to Rokudan onJanuary 1st, 2010.

Rehrauer Sensei in his capacity as European Secretary regularly consults with the Toyoda family concerning administrative and technical issues, and both attends and directs workshops and training seminars throughout the European region, passing on what he received from Toyoda Shihan, in order to ensure the technical excellence and quality of instruction for which the AAI is widely known and respected.

Gradings and New Members

I would like to congratulate Darryl Charlwood on achieving his 1st Dan in June.

Philippe Girard ventured down to the Bournemouth dojo for Darryl's assessment.

Also some other gradings that have happened in the last couple of months

Simon Jeffery - 4th Kyu - Bournemouth
Jon Wilton - 4th Kyu - Bournemouth

A correction:
Slawomir Jaloszynski - 4th Kyu - Finsbury

New Members I would like to welcome to the BKAA


Nick MacLean - Malvern
Brian Walker - Malvern
Darren Nichols - Swindon
Megan Emms - Swindon
Katie Booth - Swindon
Louis Deva Kumar - Bristol

One new member that slipped through:
Matthew Mungeam - Orpington

BKAA Seminar in Swindon

I have been in contact with David Currie and due to work commitments he is unable to attend the seminar in Swindon this October.

We looked at alternative dates, although unfortunately diaries cannot be committed.

Therefore this time the BKAA meeting will continue, although I will look for alternate instructor and themes.

If you are attending, could you start to indicate numbers, as I will consider whether to run both Saturday and Sunday or single day only again.

Recent death of Chris Roper

Friends and fellow students were saddened to learn of the recent death of Chris Roper.  

Chris, who was 61, was a 1st Dan student at the Colchester club. 

His funeral took place on Friday 9th July at the Colchester Crematorium.  

The funeral was attended by family and the many friends who came to know Chris through aikido. This large turnout says much for Chris' personality and popularity.  

Those who attended heard an address in which Chris' many virtues and friendships were mentioned.  Those of us who knew him can confirm that he was a generous and talented artist who gave freely of his time and energy.

 

Our respects and condolences go to his family.  Chris will be greatly missed.

Update on recent Gradings and New Members

As I have not completed this for a couple of months. As usual if I have missed anybody, let me know and I will amend.


Couple of additions


New member
Mike Lister - Bournemouth


Gradings - All Bournemouth
Anne Delaney - 5th Kyu
Dennis Delaney - 5th Kyu
Tomasz Rak -  4th Kyu


First I would like to welcome the following new members to the BKAA


Tommy McGregor-Smith - Selby
Matt Swift - Bournemouth




Quite a few gradings have come through to me over the last few months at all levels of the syllabus.


Joseph Leader - 2nd Dan - Finsbury
Adrian Bain - 1st Dan - Finsbury

Andy Turner - 1st Kyu - Malvern

Pete Lord - 2nd Kyu - Bristol

Hanna Lord - 2nd Kyu - Bristol
Steve Roe - 4th Kyu - Malvern
Mark Gibson - 4th Kyu - Malvern
Tomasz Rak - 4th Kyu - Bournemouth
Slawomir Jaloszynski - 5th Kyu - Finsbury


Club Sensei: If you have any gradings that you wish to acknowledge I can open the blog to you and all are welcome to edit and add comments, please ask if you want to add more local club news.

Finsbury Mats need new home

Gone to Orpington dojo, thanks Mike for collecting and making use of the mats.


If anybody has need of some mats for their Aikido practice can you contact Philippe at Finsbury asap.


He has the Finsbury mats in urgent need of finding a home, or somebody who has somewhere to store them


Any takers, this is required asap, as the Finsbury dojo (sports centre) is being refurbished and therefore will be closed until later this year.


Please contact either me or Philippe asap or comment on this blog with your contact details. Thanks

Three new Dan grades in Selby

I would like to congratulate the following for their achievements in Ki Aikido with the Selby dojo.

• Wayne Acaster    - 2nd Dan
• Adrian Ward         - 1st Dan
• Andrew Smith      - 1st Dan

Well done to Dave Connell for continuing with them and getting them to achieve this.

BKAA October seminar

Although I had feedback from various dojos, based on this and the poll that has been run. 


The next BKAA seminar will be held at the Swindon dojo.


Dates will be confirmed, although we should be able to get both Saturday and Sunday at a more reasonable price.


Thanks to all who replied.

Live blade sword med 4

Hi folks,
Do any of your good selves have the sword med for 3rd Dan on DVD or video? I know it as meditation 4. It is a solo unlike the sword med for 2nd dan. I have a version written down, but if anyone has another version, please let me know.
thanks
Roger

New members and grading update

I would like to welcome.the following members to the BKAA


Paul Kent-Smith - Bournemouth
James Gomm - Colchester
Richard Ward - Selby


To congratulate and recognise the progression through the grades, I would like to let all know of the following:


Ricardo Falchi -  5th Kyu - Finsbury
Ruben Kempenaar - 5th Kyu - Finsbury
Betsy Hayward - 5th Kyu - Bristol
Tony Bromiley - 5th Kyu- Bristol


If I have missed anyone, let me know and I will update


Also you will see to the side of this that I have added a poll for the next BKAA seminar, to make it more central for all dojos, the choices are:

• Sports centre in Milton Keynes
• Swindon dojo
• Judo centre in High Wycombe. 

Please could you make a choice and then I can arrange booking and set the date for your diaries.

Spring Seminar at Bath Uni

I would like to thank all those members who came along today and made the day an enjoyable event for all.

Although the distances travelled were far, it seemed that all had a good day out and a mixture of topics were explored.

BKAA Spring Seminar - Saturday 13th March 2010

 Seminar is still being held at the University of Bath next week, agenda will be a selection of ideas from the club sensei.

Although numbers are reduced, this event will continue this time.

Future events will be in a more central location, hopefully to improve attendance.

See you next week

BKAA Seminar - Saturday 13th March

Just to let everyone know that the BKAA Seminar in March is going to be a single day's event now.


As this is now only one day, David Currie will not be attending or instructing this time, and will attend the seminar later in the year.


I have asked the BKAA dojo instructors to give an hours tuition each, to give some variety and insight of different areas of Aikido to the day.


Please comment, if there are any specific areas you would like to learn.


The seminars are for the BKAA to get together as an organisation and share an Aikido experience.


From the polls that were carried out ~30 people replied for attending on the Saturday, and only 10 staying for the Sunday morning, therefore the reason for moving to a single day event.


I have been looking around for alternate and more central venues for later in the year and will let all know what is available in the coming weeks. I have found a venue in Milton Keynes, which is central to everyone and unless there is a concert on at the Bowl a non-descript place, apologies for anyone who lives or comes from there :o)

Swindon Aikido Saturday event

A quick note to say a big 'thank you' to Derek and the Swindon club for a great afternoon of aikido on Saturday at the Haydon Wick center in Swindon. A good turnout from both the Bournemouth and Malvern clubs and guests. It was most emyoyable and great to catch up with some good friends. I look forward to the next get together.
Roger

BKAA Seminars - please feedback

I have asked around for feedback from the BKAA Sensei and thought I'd share some of the comments and thoughts. If you could comment to this blog then I would appreciated the feedback.

My goal is to make the BKAA Seminars accessible to more of the BKAA Membership. And of course ensure that the day or days are attractive to you in their content.

Some of the comments and ideas that have been given are:

• Alternate Venues
• Reduce accommodation costs
• Length of each session
• Concentration span
• Move session to Friday evening from Sunday
• Weapons session
• Advanced class
• Social Event
• One day event
• Less Seminars per year

Some of the comments that I have extracted are below:

Generally, when people have done the full weekend, they start to run out of steam around lunchtime on the Sunday, and they still have to travel back as well. I think the Sunday should be  a few hours at most. Also, if a one day event becomes the best way forward, we still need to be careful that it is not too long. Anything over 4hrs becomes a chore for people.

Two factors dictating members' decisions to leave on the Sunday

• Exhaustion
• Time (travel, recovery or commitments on the following morning). 

It would be nice to have something different thrown in; may attract more people for the Sunday.

With the possibility of moving to Friday evening session.

There seems to be a lot more energy and enthusiasm on a Friday night (psychologically speaking). 

Bath is one of the more expensive places to stay. 

Worthwhile checking out B&Bs in the area, to get an idea of costs

Bath dojo is great in terms of the quality of mat, and size is great.

Bath is an outstanding venue, but barring a particular gathering or event there is a real diaspora following the training sessions. Ramsgate/Broadstairs the general nothiningness of the area meant that BKAA members were more likely to club together to do something. When something specific is organised members tend to feel more of an obligation to be there.

Less seminars (say not more than one a year) - if you only get one bite of the cake in a year, you tend to make a greater effort to be there. The more seminars, the more one takes them for granted.

Realistically in light of the amount of actual teaching/training that takes place, the seminars are as much about the social aspects of the BKAA as the learning (if not more so). 

I realise that all have to travel significant distances to attend the seminars and am looking into options that are available. I will look into local accommodation, mat availability and centrality of location.

I will keep you all posted through this, although please add your comments