St Patrick’s College Incursion Program
Sharma, Lynford and I spent a couple of days last week at St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe where we conducted an incursion program for Year 8 history students. This included talking about feudal Japan and the Samurai, as well as demonstrating Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido and Jodo. The students were then given a hands on experience with some paired bokken exercises. Thank you to the staff and students at St Patrick’s for your efforts and for giving us this opportunity.
Junior Aikido Grading
We had some grading tests on Tuesday 16 July. Last night, I had the pleasure to award some certificates to some of our junior aikido students. Congratulations to Cedric Hioux 9 kyu, Oscar Kincaid 10 kyu and Sasha Kincaid 10 kyu. Fantastic attitude and good stuff all around.
Kyu Grading 16 June 2024
Gotaro Kitayama Sensei and some of his team came up from the Gold Coast this morning for training along with Tom Garwood from Northside Budokai.
It was a pleasure to conduct kyu grading tests for Mayumi and Louie Swan. Thanks for your hard work and congratulations on both receiving 3 kyu aikido.
We also took the opportunity to finally present Colin Tibbetts with his official certificate for 2 Dan aikido. Well done everyone.
AKR Jodo Championship and Seminar 12-14 April 2024
Just had a massive weekend in Sydney with Northside Budokai’s Lynford Rosos and Tom Garwood attending the 2024 AKR Jodo Championship and Seminar.
The event was conducted by a delegation of 5 Japanese 8 Dan teachers led by Shiiya Mitsuo Sensei, an unprecedented level of instruction. Special thanks to Butsui Sensei for her work in the background to put this together. Congratulations too to Tom Garwood who passed a test for 3 Kyu and also Tom Johnson from Queensland Kohokai who was graded to 6 Dan.
Kagami Biraki
The Aikikai Hombu Dojo held it’s New Year Kagami Biraki Ceremony on 14 January. This includes the announcement of promotions by way of recommendation. This year included Aikido Shoryukai Australia members, following the support of Shimamoto Shihan. The good news is that Colin Tibbetts of Bayside Budokai was promoted to 2 Dan as well as Damon Schearer Sensei of Kuroyama Budokai and Lynford Rosos Sensei of Northside Budokai who were both promoted to 5 Dan. A significant achievement and congratulations to all.
Certificates
Gotaro Kitayama Sensei of the Gold Coast Budokai attended our Keiko Hajime on 4 January and it was a privilege to present him with his certificate for 4 Dan Aikido having been graded by Shimamoto Shihan last September. The following Sunday 7 January we were also joined by Ayanoshin Kitayama who performed an outstanding test for Junior 5 Kyu aikido. At the end of class he was presented with his grading certificate together with his 6 Kyu certificate which has been hanging since last year. To top things off, Jeff Nesterowich also received his 1 Dan Certificate issued by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo from his grading test last September.
Welcome Back to 2024
This week, with the start of the new school year, saw the resumption of Juniors Akido. They joined the seniors who kicked back into action as of 4 January. We currently have space available in both the adults and juniors classes. In spite of the hot weather, it is a great time to get into something new or return to your training.