Orientation Weekend in Hall 3. This event was also the first joint month-end training session of the Western Cape Aikikai. Over the course of the two days, new students and old explored various aspects of the art of Aikido. From learning how to walk and turn again (didn't we know how to do that???) to getting to grips with the challenge of making the ground your friend while learning the graceful art of rolling.Students learnt to remain zen while under attack, to keep centre and to relax into a technique rather than force it.
Sensei John Ulster demonstrated a number of immobilisations; Sempa
i Regina introduced
everyone to the notion of keeping centred while moving or rolling; Sensei Ghalib stretched our tired muscles and overflowing brains with operating in three dimensions and the evolution of aikido from armed styles of martial arts.
And of course the braai on Saturday afternoon presented the ideal opportunity to get to know one another off the mat. With a special mention reserved for the pukka German potato salad!
A warm word of thanks to everyone who made this weekend a success, some travelling in from Paarl to come and train - we even had Brandon fly in from England to join us!!!
2008 is looking bright.
See you on the tatami soon!
