Aikido'Ka

Grass Valley's Family Martial Arts School -- Focus, Fitness & Fun

Special Events

Congratulations to the Winners of the Aikido’Ka Contest

In addition to having a contest for folks who weren’t yet members of the dojo, we also just completed a contest for dojo members.

Congratulations to the winners!

1st Prize: Jeff Peterson
2nd Prize: Jeff Haut
3rd Prize: Asia Currie

Here’s what they won:

First Prize: 1 month unlimited free training (aikido & kettlebells), Kingfisher bokken, Kingfisher tanto, free trip with Frank Sensei to an upcoming seminar (or free attendance at an upcoming seminar at the dojo — winner’s choice), custom Aikido’Ka T-Shirt, Aikido’Ka backpack, aikido book and DVD.

Second Prize: 1 month free unlimited training (aikido & kettlebells), Kingfisher tanto, custom Aikido’Ka T-Shirt, Aikido’Ka backpack, aikido book and DVD.

Third Prize: 1 month free kettlebells training, custom Aikido’Ka T-Shirt, Aikido’Ka backpack, aikido book and DVD.

Jeff with his new bokken
Jeff with his New Kingfisher Bokken

 

This was really fun. We will be doing this again!

Winners of the Aikido’Ka at the Fair Contest

And the winners of our Contest at the Fair are:

1st Prize: Melissa Brokenshire
2nd Prize: Tonjia Maya
3rd Prize: Heather McCormack
4th Prize: Mary Thompson

Here’s what they won:

1st Prize: 6 Months Aikido and Kettlebells training (both twice a week), uniform, Aikido’Ka t-shirt and Aikido’Ka backpack (up to approx. value of $945)

2nd Prize: 3 Months Aikido and Kettlebells training (both twice a week), uniform, Aikido’Ka t-shirt and Aikido’Ka backpack

3rd Prize: 3 months Kettlebells Training

4th Prize: Aikido’Ka T-shirt and Aikido’Ka backpack

Congratulations, everyone!

Saturday at the Fair!

We’re having quite the time at the Fair, doing demonstrations, meeting people, telling people about aikido and our Contest.

We have a demonstration this evening at 6:30, please come and visit!

And, don’t forget that you can win a 6 month aikido and kettlebell membership in our amazing Contest.

Friendship Training

Ian and I are attending the California Aikido Association friendship training this weekend.  Today’s session was a meeting of Division 2 dojos.  Division 2 is led by Frank Doran Shihan.

Doran Shihan and Danielle Smith Sensei taught.  Doran Shihan emphasized the concept that aikido does not really have tenkan (turning) techniques.  Rather, the tenkan techniques are really irimi-tenkan (entering-turning).  If you simply turn out of the way of an attack, chances are that you will still be in a dangerous position.  However, you can move yourself to a save position by entering and then turning.

Danielle Smith Sensei emphasized moving from center and included a fascinating exploration of the 8-directions kata (happo giri) to teach how to take balance.

It was a great time and we learned a lot.

Tomorrow, we will be at Aikido of San Jose training with all 3 divisions of the CAA.

Cyndy Hayashi Self-Defense Seminar

Cyndy Hayashi Sensei’s self-defense/practical aikido seminar this evening was absolutely fantastic.  Everyone had a great time and learned simple, effective self-defense techniques.

Tomorrow, Cyndy Sensei will be teaching two aikido classes from 10:00 – 11:30 am and 12:30 – 2:00 pm.  We’ll have a potluck from 11:30 – 12:30 at the dojo.  Come, train and have a great time.