We’ve had two major leaks on one half of the Dojo during last week’s storm. The landlord has been notified to fix the roof, but we don’t know how fast he will action it.

For the time being we are hoping to be able to use the undamaged half once the floor and mats have dried off.

For Monday evening and the morning classes we are able to use the Judo/Jitsu side of the Dojo as the training hours don’t clash. For all other classes please check status with your instructor.

It’s Grading Time… and Seminar Time… Again

Have you noticed how we’ve only just had a grading? I swear it was only a week ago. And there is another seminar just before the grading too. What’s up with that? I’ll tell you what’s up, lots of good training, that’s what. You may have clicked onto this already, Aikido, like any art, martial or not, relies on constant and diligent practice. The more you practice the better you get but as you get better you need to practice even more to get even a little bit better. It may seem like a process of diminishing returns but trust me, the returns are huge. It all comes down to expectations and perceptions.

There will be times when your expectations are high but your perception is muddy. Or your expectations are low and your perception is crystal clear. Those are not the best states to be in. In the former state you set yourself up for disappointment. In the later you’ll probably experience disillusionment. Attending seminars and training hard towards your next grading is a good way to bring your expectations and perception into alignment. In particular, a seminar is a great opportunity to be shown things from a different angle; to catch a glimpse how others think and execute. A seminar is a great way to experience a shift in perception—pay attention and you may experience an “Aha!” moment. A grading on the other hand makes you nervous because you want to do your best. You’ve set your expectations at a certain level (hopefully high) and now you have to live up to that. What a great test of managing ones expectations and emotional state.

I hope that this shows you how seminars and gradings go hand in hand in helping you not only evolve your Aikido skills but also to better yourself as person.

Last, but not least, a big ‘thank you’ to all those who turned up last weekend to help with the cleaning. You all did a great job and the dojo was a pleasure to be at on Monday, even though the weather was really nasty. For those who missed out on the opportunity to help with the cleaning—don’t despair. We’re planning on having more regular cleaning sessions from now on. Soon there will be a check list on the wall of what needs to be done and how often. We’ll also try to have a thorough group cleaning session once a month. It will be a good time to commune with your fellow practitioners. And remember, the floor doesn’t care what grade you are when you’re sweeping 🙂

Upcoming Events May

• 11 – 12 May, Aaron McConnell Seminar — Wellington, Motueka, Nelson
  Aaron McConnell is a senior student of Sawada Sensei at the Kimori dojo in Nagoya, Japan. Aaron brings a refreshing view of akido, based on his cheerful outlook and many hard hours spent training under one of the finest teachers. More details about the Wellington schedule are available on our website.
• 18 May, Grading Seminar — Wellington Dojo, 2 Drummond Street, Mt Cook
  Looks like we’ve got a few people going for higher grades. Let’s give them all the support they deserve.

Attendance Register

Be sure to check your attendance so far and please pay any outstanding fees: April 2013 attendance register.

The red is creeping up again on the payments register. Please do try to stay up to date with your fees. If $7 is hard to pay, $14 will be twice as hard. Also remember that having your fees up to date is a prerequisite for grading eligibility. ou can only grade if your fees are up to date. That includes the annual registration fee.

See you on the mat!

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