Aikido Seminar - Summer '08

On Saturday, September 6th 2008 Aikido students from several Aikido schools in Colorado came together late this summer to share in their knowledge and passion for the Japanese art of Aikido.  This seminar represents the first time Castle Rock AIKIDO has hosted an Aikido seminar in their new dojo on Caprice Court.

All Aikido seminars open with a traditional bowing in or "rei."

Several students tested for "Go-kyu," the first of five ranks under black belt in Aikido.  Pictured here from left to right are Castle Rock AIKIDO students Vimesh, Justin, Pawel, and David.

Sue, testing for "Ni-kyu" or 1st brown belt, throws Kriss across the tatami mat.

Kriss, once again on the receiving end of an Aikido throw is slammed to the mat by Cari testing for "San-kyu."

Vimesh executes "Shiho-nage" on Justin.

Les, from Kiryu Aikido, whips a black belt to the mat with a "kote-gaeshi" wrist lock.

Steve, also testing for black belt or "sho-dan" tosses his "uke," Phil.

Steve disarms Daniel's "tanto" knife with a "Hige-shige" arm lock.

After testing was complete, Izawa Sensei, from Tanshijuku Aikikai, graced us with a 25 minute mini-class focussed on the principle of "Zanshin" or 'ready awareness.'

There were an aweful lot of people on the mat this hot, Saturday morning.  Good thing the overhead fans were installed two weeks before!

Seminar group shot.  Front Row from left to right: Mariquita Izawa Sensei, Albright Sensei, Izawa Sensei, Blevins Sensei, and Shiraki Sensei. Second row... oh boy, that might take a while... maybe next time!

As is our usual trend, we basically took over half the restaurant at our usual dojo hang out, The Rockyard: American Grill & Brewery on Castleton Drive in Castle Rock.

Shiraki Sensei, Blevins Sensei, and Albright Sensei look on as each "Aikidoka" or student tests for rank.

Want to come find out how much fun Aikido is at Castle Rock AIKIDO?  Click Here for a limited-time, special offer.