posted Feb 10, 2012 2:21 PM by Dan Gilbert
Just a quick note. I am thrilled with the success of the children's class, having to regularly expand the mat size is a good problem to have!
However... let's keep safety in mind. The children's class is in the evening, and we are a downtown dojo. So, keep the doors locked, make sure that we know who is in the facility when we are training, we have had great participation with the parents... let's keep it up, it is great to have at least two parents at each class. On the adult side, we are having regular visitors, keep in mind that we need to use tightly controlled techniques with visitors. Until they have come for awhile, you don't know how good or how consistent their ukemi are. We want training to be effective, and we want to avoid injuries.
Dan
|
posted Nov 11, 2011 8:32 AM by Dan Gilbert
Most people that stay with Aikido get to the point where they would like to travel to Japan and visit the original Hombu. Unfortunately this is very expensive, and scheduling can be difficult, not to mention the language barriers.
Being associated with Shun Poo Kan presents a unique opportunity every year. The United Kingdom Aikido Association hosts instructors from the Hombu every year in a summer session lasting a full week. The session is held every August. Not only is travel to the UK much cheaper than travel to Japan, but you have the SPK network of dojo's to support you while you are over there.
This is a well attended event every year, if you want to go you need to get your name in early. There are no level restrictions, new students are just as welcome as senior instructors. And, there is a major advantage of having the classes all covered in English (well, sort of).
The location is in the West Midlands of the UK, a beautiful area of England, plenty of opportunity to do some sight-seeing while you are there.
The bottom line, if you want to check out your Aikido, and remain true to what O'Sensei taught, what better way than to work with the senior instructors from the founding dojo?
If you are interested let me know..... I plan on attending next August.
Best Regards,
Dan
|
posted Nov 11, 2011 8:25 AM by Dan Gilbert
We will have a pizza party after class on the 6th of December. The class will be short and show parents what the children have been working on, followed by pizza and drinks. The cost will be $5.00 per person.
Feel free to stop by and see what Aikido is all about!
|
posted Sep 15, 2011 7:13 AM by Dan Gilbert
I have had parents ask, how can I help my child in Aikido class.
The biggest thing I would suggest would be to show interest and talk to your child about Aikido. This helps keep enthusiasm up, and.... you have to practice outside of class times. Aikido is not an easy martial art, you are re-learning how to move, walk, breath, and learning how the human body moves. There is a lot of philosophy about protecting yourself and others involved as well, not at all what the children see at the movies.
Right now the most important things are understanding ukemi (breakfalls) and shikko (knee-walking). As we get a handle on those we will move to various versions of taisabaki (body movement). This covers everything from walking, to avoiding contact, to breaking grips and projecting power.
It would be great if all parents could stop by and visit at least one class every month or so. If you understand the principles involved, you can be a great help to your child.
There is some good material on this website in the download area, and we will be adding more material as we go.
Please ask questions! I make myself available before and after classes in case there are questions.
Dan |
posted Aug 24, 2011 1:42 PM by Dan Gilbert
We will be starting our children's classes - Every Tuesday night from 7:00 to 7:45 starting on the 30th of August. Please arrive early to help set up the mats.
Parents - you can download information and the waiver required to participate on the download link from our home page. |
posted Jul 30, 2011 7:12 AM by Dan Gilbert
We are holding a fundraiser on the 7th of August at St. Marks in the Parish Hall from 1 to 5.
Hair cuts, nail art, hotdogs and drinks - get gussied up for the start of the school year and help us improve our mats.
Contact d.gilbert@yahoo.com with questions
|
posted May 30, 2011 6:47 PM by Dan Gilbert
After an extensive reworking, we can now announce our new SPK-NC website. Hopefully this version will be simpler to maintain.
I am happy to add features, just let me know what you would like to see on the site - d.gilbert@yahoo.com
|
|
