Japan Aikido Friendship Seminar 2010

Gesmond Vella Sensei was privilaged to be able to attend a recent friendship seminar in Matsusaka, Japan during 2-8 May 2010. The seminar was organised by one of the dojo's close associates Yoshitake Hashimoto Sensei and combined the teaching knowledge of Senseis from around the globe.

All participants were eager to gain instruction from Sensei Maruyama, Sensei Oshima and Sensei Williams. The experience of training in Japan with people from all around the world was exhilerating, and the hosting Japanese aikidoka were, as expected, warm and accomodating. All who participated in this momentus event gained much from sharing knowledge of both technique and culture.

Another privilage awarded the seminar participants was the 6th and 4th Dan demonstration gradings (i.e. Gradings are not necessary after 3rd Dan), of Yoshitake Sensei and Hitome Sensei. As expected, it caracterised both skill and beauty. In addition, and as a monumental first, Colin Staples Sensei was honoured by being asked to participate in the grading as an Uke. This is rare compounding the fact that he was from Australia and from a different style.

At the end of the seminar, some of the participants joined a cultural tour of Japans many exquisite cultural attractions. From staying at a traditional Japanese inn, to visiting and staying in a Buddist Temple, all the while enjoying all of the great cuisine. Late night sake consumption around a PC of the daily photo's was common place as was the laughs and enjoyment shared by all. Thanks to everyone for such a great experience.

In addition to the tour and training was the great honour of being presented with recent grading certificates by Maruyama Sensei in Japan. Ges Vella Sensei was presented his Sandan, and Andrew Long his Nidan. To make this even more special was the knowledge that it was presented a long side the presentation of Sensei Michael Williams his Judan (10th Dan). This is a very rare event and both Ges Sensei and Andrew were deeply honoured.

The South Kingsville Dojo would like to thank eveyone who participated and we hope that in future the Dojo will be able to both host Japanese visitors and again visit Japan.

Congratulations! First Victorian Junior Black Belts

Tuesday the 23rd of June 2009 saw the grading and presentation of the first Victorian Junior Black Belts. With over 8 years of training behind them, two of the original juniors took their Junior Black Belt grading in front of the current Dojo owner and Head Instructor, Ges Vella Sensei, and the Dojo's founding instructor, Daniel Rylatt Sensei.

The Dojo is very proud of the dedication and achievement of these students. It would also like to sincerely thank all the ukes and other instructors that attended the grading, for their help over the years and for their participation on the night.

A special thanks to Daniel Rylatt Sensei for attending and being part of this momentous occasion.

Sensei Yoshitake Hashimoto visits Newport

Sensei Yoshitake Hashimoto visited the Newport Dojo during his visit to Melbourne in July this year. We were honoured to receive Sensei Hashimoto’s teachings both at the seminar conducted at Catherine Schnell Sensei’s Dojo and on the Tuesday when he took both the children’s and Adults classes.

During the childrens class, Sensei Hashimoto demonstrated the need for a good centre and ways to practice transition from movement to still and stable through a number of exercises and games. The children were in awe of his skills and of the dynamic throws he presented with Hitome (his wife). Hitome’s air time was amazing.

In the adults class Sensei Hashimoto continued to teach us the importance of centre, balance and a good understanding and development of the basics.

Everyone who attended the night agreed that Senseis visit was very informative and we all welcome his return whenever it is possible.

Thanks is extended to Colin Staples Sensei (Bentleigh Dojo) for his efforts in bringing Hashimoto Sensei to Melbourne and each of the Melbourne Dojo’s.

Domo arigato gozaimashita

Jimmy takes class

Well, we thought we were prepared, or at least, had an idea about what was to come. However, as expected, Jimmy from Raw Combative (http://www.users.on.net/~lisaverkuyl/files/) set to work on us like we were in the Army. And during the process could not stop smiling.

After a slow warm-up we started to get into it. With a clear focus on the need for balance, Jim then accelerated the training into paired movements and defenses, incorporating a number of very effective defense techniques. This incorporated from on-you back defensive maneuvering to entry and grabbing techniques.

All who attended had a great time and no doubt stretched their knowledge, and bodies. It was a consensus that everyone on the night enjoyed both the training and the people who delivered it. Thanks Jimmy from all who attended the night.