Volume 3 Number 4, October 1997
Toyoda Shihan Summer Camp
by Gwen Boyd
July 17th through the 20th marked a new tradition in AAA Aikido, the AAA Aikido Camp. The event consisted of an extended period of intense Aikido training lead by Toyoda Shihan, area yudansha and our very own Buddy Hege Sensei as the Guest Instructor! Zen meditation sessions complemented the Aikido. Greg McNeil Sensei assisted with the sittings sharing his knowledge, strong energy and “special” techniques with the attendees.
It was an excellent camp where new techniques and ukemi were demonstrated along with very good pointers on many of our established favorites. A highlight of any seminar are the Dan tests. This year was especially exciting since our very own, Jon Drew took his Shodan test. Jon had an excellent test full of clean, strong techniques and a randori that sent cheers through the crowd. Congratulations on a job well done and a much deserved Shodan rank, Jon Drew Sensei!
The AAA Aikido camps and seminars are a wonderful opportunity to practice Aikido for Aikidoka of all levels. Although there is always that brief period of wondering how you are possibly going to survive 6+ hours of Aikido for multiple days, the effort quickly leaves you super charged with a new burst of energy that fuels the search for the next seminar or camp.
Retsushinkan Dojo
The Aikido Center received it’s official name from Toyoda Shihan during the summer camp session. Retsushinkan, pronounced ret-sue-shin-kan and stands for ‘explosive mind dojo’. A dojo must be in good standing for a minimum of one year prior to receiving an official name. With the issuing of this name we have become totally integrated within the Aikido Association of America. With this brings the future... We are planning a seminar with Toyoda Shihan here in Charlotte. Our tentative schedule is March 13, 14 and 15, 1998. This is great new for all of us. Make plans now.
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