Gleason Sensei and the New Shodans

What a great weekend we had with Gleason Sensei! As always I feel like a beginner (as in newbie as opposed to simply having a beginner's mind) whenever he comes to town. Many new concepts, different techniques, and deep philosophies were explored with an amazing Shodan test included as a special treat. Congratulations to our newly minted black belts: Andy, Bob ("Tenchi"), and Chelsea! Here are some photos from the gasshuku including our dinner at Sakura, the local hibachi-style Japanese restaurant in Toledo. (Note: In some of the photos there were several cameras taking pictures simultaneously which explains why everyone in the photos is looking at different directions.)



The Muketsu Brown Belt Lineage. Who will be next to join this exclusive and prestigious club?


Later that evening, Andy honorably restored our dojo's Shodan tradition (please refer to the 12/23/06 posting). Tenchi followed suit the following day as one can see in the later photos. Chelsea apparently has had a head start even before he started Aikido (pun not intended, or was it?) :p



The Two New Shodans:


The Two Senseis:


The Two Docs:


The Two Maestros:


And the Tradition Lives On...

Bravo, Chelsea-san!!!

This past Sunday, our dojo's very own Chelsea Tipton II, currently 1st Kyu, conducted his final concert as Resident Conductor of the Toledo Symphony. He will be moving on as Music Director of the Symphony of Southeast Texas in Beaumont. A good number of Aikidoka attended his farewell concert to show support as well as enjoying good music. Appropriately entitled "The Stars Align for the Toledo Symphony," the concert included special performances from Doc Severinsen, Mark O'Connor, David Shifrin, the Toledo Youth Orchestra, the Toledo Youth Orchestra Sinfonietta, and the Toledo Symphony School of Music. Congratulations, Chelsea-san, on your extraordinary performance, on your achievements with the Toledo Symphony, and on your contributions to the musical community in this town. And for now, good luck on your upcoming Shodan test!

Here are some photos from the concert:

Chelsea with Doc conducting one of the numbers...


Could switching to Geico really save you 15% or more on car insurance? Does Chelsea play a mean clarinet?


During the intermission...

We were laughing because Sensei was making fun of me for not paying my ASU dues on time.



And now, the finale...


Gassho.

Gasshuku with Gleason Sensei - This Weekend!

Yes folks, William Gleason Sensei, 6th Dan, is coming to Toledo this weekend, May 28-30. Here is a clip from his DVD, Aikido and Japanese Sword. His latest book, Aikido and Words of Power, is available in bookstores and for online purchasing.