Dojo News - February 2008
February 7th 2008
NEW Article on Sensei's Corner called "Bring It!"
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When you're not practicing Aikido, what are some of your hobbies?
In addition to Aikido I try to spend as much time as I can in the outdoors backpacking, hiking, camping and sightseeing. Before I moved to Denver, I was really big into sailing and I bought a small sailboat to sail in small races on Lake Superior. Colorado doesn't have very many opportunities for sailing, so my boat is currently sitting at my parents' house in Michigan.
How long have you lived in Colorado?
I moved to Denver in January 2003, so I guess I've been out here for 5 years now. Before that, I was at school at Michigan Tech in the upper peninsula of Michigan (way up by Canada).
How long have you been training in Aikido?
I practiced for about 1-1/2 years at Michigan Tech before I moved to Denver and then trained for a short while at another dojo in Denver before finding Albright and Shiraki Sensei. Overall, I'd say about 4-1/2 years total.
What other martial arts, if any, have you trained?
I trained in Iaido (the Japanese art of sword drawing) with Albright and Shiraki Sensei for about 1/2 a year when our dojo was still in Stapleton. I also took a few classes in Tae kwon do and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at Michigan Tech before I found out that those styles weren't for me. That's all the experience I have.
What is it about Aikido that you like best?
Aikido is vast. If you're interested in physical fitness, Aikido has a place for you. If you're interested in philosophy, Aikido has a place for you. If you're interested in a very practical martial art, Aikido has a place for you. If you're interested in personal development, Aikido has a place for you. And you can train in everything all at the same time.
Why did you select Aikido as opposed to other martial art styles?
Honestly, I have very little desire to associate with people with big egos or a "training to become a badass" mentality. I still have a sour taste in my mouth when I think about my introduction to those styles I mentioned earlier. It was all very machismo with an arrogant attitude. I'm probably wrong about associating everything non-Aikido like this, but in my five plus years of Aikido there has only been a one or two isolated instances where I've come across this type of behavior in Aikido. This includes in the dojo as well as out of the dojo with fellow Aikido students. Even the Aikidoka (aikido students) I've met who choose to focus on the more martial aspects of Aikido, they are very easy-going. Aikido is just a good fit for my personality.
What does Aikido do for you?
Aikido allows me to push myself to my limits for personal growth and, at the same time, learn a martial art.
Why do you think others should practice Aikido?
Actually, there's no reason why anyone shouldn't practice Aikido. For me, the beginning reasons were all about physical fitness, expanding my horizons, developing self-confidence and a "non-violent" attitude. Now, it's more about self-discipline, awareness, personal growth, and control.
What is your favorite quote by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido?
"Iron is full of impurities that weaken it; through forging, it becomes steel and is transformed into a razor-sharp sword. Human beings develop in the same fashion."
February '08 Student Featurette: Daniel Hicks
I'm Stuffed with Sushi! How about you? Mt. Fuji Dinner Recap
We all had a great time on Friday evening, January 25th, at Mt. Fuji. Thanks to Michael, Connie, Francis, Miho, Sean, Cari, Elizabeth, Daniel, Ramon, Heather, Brian, Jeff, Pawel, Will, Meg, Kyle, Sue, Julia, Kelsey, Dave G, Kriss, David M, Travis, Irini, and Joanna for coming! We definitely kept the wait staff up much later than they expected, but I'm sure they appreciated the extra business and had fun with us, too.
A past teacher of mine would frequently say, "Bring it!" What she meant by that was whatever you want to experience, you have to "bring it" to the experience. This can apply to tangible things as well as intangible things. For example, let's say you are going to a party. If you want there to be guacamole at the party then you'd better "bring it."
Similarly, if you want to have a fun at the party, then it is your responsibility to "bring it," - the fun, that is - to the party and not expect it to be waiting there for you. It is your responsibility to "bring it." It is not the responsibility of others, the activity or the event.
Click HERE to read the rest of the article.
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Student Daniel Hicks to Test for Black Belt Feb 23rd!
On February 23rd, long-time senior student Daniel Hicks will be testing for shodan or 1st degree black belt in Aikido. Daniel will be the first student that Albright Sensei has personally trained and tested through the entire Aikido ranking system from mu-kyu to black belt.
Only one other time has Albright Sensei tested anyone for the rank of shodan. This, indeed, is a very special event. Daniel, as you read above, is also February's Student of the Month.
It was great to see so many people attend. And, what a great surprise it was to have former students and significant others show up as well. Please join us on the 4th Friday of next month if you don't want to miss out on this.
Daniel, tell us what do you do for a living?
I'm an Acoustics & Audio/Visual Engineer. Most people think that I'm a sound engineer for concerts, but actually I design the buildings for good acoustics and the AV systems for use during the concerts. I work on theaters, recording studios, conference halls, courtrooms, and even high-end condo developments and residences.
Whatever you want to experience in life... bring it!
Please come out and show your support for Daniel during his test in LaFayette on February 23rd! Several other students will be testing for lower ranks that same day. This is a great opportunity for students to see what a black belt test is like in Aikido.
Best of luck, Daniel!
Where & When
Saturday, February 23rd, 2008
10am - 12pm
Attendance is FREE if you are not testing
Monarch High School, LaFayette, Colorado
Wrestling Room in the south building
Last time we went out for Sushi. This time were going to go Irish! I know if may be a few weeks early for St. Patrick's day, but oh, well! Please join us around 9:15pm at Brannigan's Irish House on Wilcox St. in downtown Castle Rock. We will be celebrating both Daniel Hicks' promotion to black belt as well as celebrating Albright Sensei's 6th annual 29th birthday!
All current, former, and prospective Aikido students are invited to join us! Spouses, friends, and significant others are welcome to join, too!
Please Join Us Friday, February 29th at Brannigan's Irish House
Our monthly 4th Friday Social Night!
Well, it is almost the 4th Friday of the month again. That means it is time for some well-earned R&R with our fellow Aikido students after a very successful and exciting testing seminar up in Louisville. Congratulations to everyone who passed!
This Friday, February 29th we are going to cut class short again (around 9pm) and all go out together and have some fun. If you're not an Aikido student at Castle Rock, this would be a great opportunity to come try a class and get to know everyone.
Castle Rock AIKIDO
Traditional Japanese Martial Arts Exclusively for Adults
Call (720) 221-3665
