An interesting book

As a beginner in aikido, I am always looking for books to supplement my first steps in this martial art. "The Aikido Student Handbook" by Greg O'Connor (purchase it through the Toledo dojo's home page) has been a great first resource for me. It's one of those books I'll be reading and referring to on a regular basis. While I was out of town for the holidays this past week, I bought "Aikido Basics" by Phong Thong Dang and Lynn Seiser. It's very good too. Sometimes the descriptions of techniques are difficult for a novice to understand just by reading them, but I particularly appreciate reading sections about proper aikido etiquette, mental approach, and ki development. If anyone has particular books they would recommend -- especially for someone new like me -- I would appreciate hearing about these books. Thanks. ---Tom

A Shodan Tradition?

It has been common knowledge in the dojo that Doug Krohn would go without a haircut for several months until the shodan test where he would shave his head soon afterwards. (Check out the "before picture" in our group photo with Saotome Sensei.) Well, during this past Thanksgiving Gasshuku at Chicago, I agreed to shave my head as well after the test. And then Doug, Sensei, and I talked Douglas Cifuentes into joining the band wagon. And so Doug shaved his head the following Monday. Then on Saturday morning, he brought his clippers and shaved my head before class. Then three weeks later, Douglas finally fulfilled his pact. So do we have a tradition -- that every Chikyokan dojo member who achieves the rank of shodan will have his/her head shaven? As the Pharaoh Rameses, played by Yul Brynner, said in The Ten Commandments: "So let it be written, so let it be done."

-Andre (aka "Muketsu")

Dojo Store Items Are Now In!

The new clothing and other items are now in at the Dojo store! Please pick them up when you are in. We have a few extra t-shirts and cinch bags if you are interested, and everything came out really well.

Hakama 101

Sensei teaching students at Maumee Valley

Sensei was invited to teach aikido for two weeks to my Winterim class ("The Science of War") at Maumee Valley Country Day School. The students were able to learn much in these hour-long sessions, and they told me later that this was one of the highlights of each day of the course.

-- Tom

Some facts about the New Year in Japan

Check out this page on Wikipedia for some interesting stuff re: the New Year celebration


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshogatsu


Do more research, you will understand why the New Year activity is called 'kagami biraki'
(Hint: click on the link to 'mochi' then 'kagami mochi') It has to do with a mirror, and coincidentally our dojo is "Wisdom mirror"... "Chikyokan Dojo"

akemashite o-medetō-gozaimasu - あけましておめでとうございます - New Year's congratulations
kinga shinnen - 謹賀新年 - Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving Seminar with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan

I had a great time traveling to Chicago in support of the Shobu Aikido dojo. A few pictures for those that didn't make it.

End of the Year Dojo Tradition

Last year we at the dojo started a tradition of giving Jay Sensei a little extra in his stocking at the end of the New Years keiko. I would like for us to continue this tradition. (Caution...Guilt Trip Ahead!!) Seeriously, we are so fortunate to have a teacher that is teaching full time. This is almost unheard of in the USA. In Japan, the sensei for most everything, in fact most everyone, is paid at the end of the year, which is how this tradition started. Jay Sensei devotes his being to the Dojo and the Zendo, so if you can give $10, or $50, or $100, please do so. Please see Chuck Greer or contact any senior member of the dojo and they will get it to me.
Thanks, Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas to all of you

Dojo Winter Holiday Break & New Years Eve Keiko

Regular classes at the dojo will be suspended on Dec 24th and will resume Jan 2nd. Our Special New Year Eve class will be held from 10pm till midnight - please make sure to register for this class at the dojo.

- Sensei

Hakama 101

Winter gasshuku

Congradulations to Doug Krohn, Andre Aguillon and Douglas Cifuenteson their recent Shodan tests! Saotome Shihan was most happy and sowas I!____________________________________________________________________