Pinned Post
Keep Moving!
@Everyone
Dear Deshi,
Firstly, congratulations to Fred and Wayne on their successful gradings last week. I hope this gives you some confidence and acknowledgement of the effort you have both made since starting your Iwama Aikido study early this year. Thank you for your commitment and positive energy, it is great to have you in the Dojo 🙇♂️
Also, a big thank you to Janet for being so willing to provide assistance to fellow students, and the support provided around the Dojo. A great example to us all.
Gotta Keep Moving!
Where to from here? In the spirit of being part of a Japanese Dojo, I ask all deshi (students) to please take ownership of their ongoing development and focus on the following points:
Please arrive to class 10-15 min early to set up the Dojo. When this is done quickly, we then have time to do consistent warm ups and stretches. This means more time for keiko (sincere practice).
When we enter the Dojo, it is 'game on'. Certainly be friendly and welcoming to your fellow deshi, but also check your own mindset and focus. Keep chit chat to a minimum (better to have relaxed conversations at the end of class). Be observant from the get go - are there any jobs to do? are other students busy with something that you could offer to help with (if unsure, ask)?
Once all jobs are done, simply enter the mats and sit quietly or do some stretches. Stay observant and be ready to quickly line up in seiza once Sensei enters the mats.
Please continue to work on our observation and receiving instruction skills. Traditionally, when sensei gives instructions or corrections, simply acknowledge you understand with 'Onegaeshimasu'. No need to paraphrase, repeat, or otherwise. Of course, if unsure by what sensei has said, simply say 'sumimasen or sorry, can you please explain again'.
This mindset of being ready to respond proactively is part of the training and culture. It stands us all in good stead.
These behaviours help build a traditional Dojo culture, to support and promote a healthy training environment, where we can all improve together.
Monthly get together - to strike a healthy balance of running a traditional Dojo in Australia, let's continue to finish class early and have a beer, nibbles and a chat on the last Thursday of each month, a time to relax and be social 😀
Finally, with regards to attendance, please try to get to as many classes as possible. I would love to see a better turn out to Saturday weapons class, it is such a great way to start the weekend, that we all can benefit from. Please consider 🙏🙇♂️ I am happy to look at Sunday morning or afternoon weapons also, please just let me know if this could work. If we find something that can work, let's do it.
Reminder: if you are unable to attend class, please post in the Dojo App no later than 2 hours before class if possible.
As always, please contact me if you have any questions about our Dojo or your own training. Onwards and upwards!
Michael