“In Aikido training, we learn from everyone. We learn from the most experience people, but we also learn from new students. Everyone is connected through the heart and develops a mutual understanding. It is important to create a place where that can happen.”
Hao is promoting to 1st dan (black belt) on Sunday, October 19. Students training will show up at 12:30pm as always and guests can do the same or by 1:15pm. It's our last promotion of the year so we can gather a big group and celebrate at Picante afterwards.
It's a real gift of martial arts practice that we get acquainted with our own strengths and challenges, and start to develop a map for our lives. When we have a useful framework and a supportive community, challenges start to feel more like meaningful opportunities for growth.
Our very own Encian Pastel is an amazing artist. He offers dojo mugs (with and without a handle) so you can enjoy the new logo and a beverage of your choice.
We are open with a regular schedule on Monday, October 13 (Indigenous Peoples' Day). You can show up at 7:30pm for sticks practice, and we have spares for community use. See you there.
Our next promotion day (and the last of the year) is Hao - 1st dan. That is Sunday, October 19 with 12:30pm arrival for students and up to 1:15pm for guests. See you there!
We are yielding the space (no class) on Friday, October 10 for a special event at the studio. If you like to plan ahead, here is the events page with promotions, community meals, and the occasional hiatus.
Thank you so much for supporting Martha in advancing to 1st kyu. And it was a rite of passage for the whole dojo with Alan Sensei facilitating. We are cultivating a super capable group.
We are happy to share this neurodiversity event (online this Friday at 2pm Pacific) with Andrew Reichart. If you want to learn more about the many brain styles and how to work harmoniously with them, see you there.
Martha is promoting to 1st kyu (second level brown) on Sunday, September 21. We'll show up at 12:30pm to set up and train, then do the promotion, and will pack up at 2:30pm as usual. See you at the dojo.
On Sunday, September 14, we'll scrub the mats before class (showing up at the usual time of 12:30pm) and then will gather at Picante (6th Street and Gilman) for a meal after class. See you at the dojo.
Thank you for supporting Zoe in becoming a brown belt. She started training almost a decade ago in our youth program. And the next dojo event is mat cleaning and a Picante meal next Sunday.
It's a pleasure to share the updated events page, with spring promotions on the way. Thank you for showing up for each other so we can amplify the joy and strength.
Thank you, Dean Gloster, for your contributions to Spoon Knife 6 (Rest Stop) and Spoon Knife 9 (Numbers). It's a pleasure getting to know you through the Aiki Arts Center practice in Berkeley too.
"I’m trying to be quieter and calmer and meet attacks with a more relaxed openness."
On Fridays this month, we are focusing on the fundamentals to support our new students. All levels are invited to practice. We'll learn technique names, how to work in a group of three, and basic movements like rolls and falls. See you at the dojo.
"Because it’s an environment where each of us experiences vulnerability, and we rely on and trust each other, it fosters genuine connections between people."
Our youth aikido program for ages 7 - 12 is taking place Tuesdays and Thursdays starting October 2. We've got postcards on the way and appreciate your efforts to spread the word with Bay Area Parents.
We're heading into the fall promotion season, with Zoe for brown belt on Sunday, September 7. It's during the usual class, so you can show up at 12:30pm. See you there.
