16. May 2011 by Dojo-Cho Tim.

I want to truely thank ALL the Manasquan Dojo members that helped in the preperation of the Dojo-Cho seminar. I believe that it was a fantastic success, but most importantly that all of you were able to experience the seminar level of instructors we had at the dojo!

Thank you so much for all the help and the dedication to the dojo. Please click on the attached picture of the seminar!

Dojo-Cho Seminar 5/15/11

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2. April 2011 by jlofton.

Thursday night we had what we called “Pirate Night” at the dojo.  We all wore an eye patch during class.  Our objective was to experience the handicap of not having sight in both eyes.  This class was inspired in recognition that one of our members is pretty much blind in one eye.  He’s mentioned before that he has a blind spot and that his depth perception is thrown off.  We wanted to experience this for ourselves to better understand what he has to deal with and at the same time challenge ourselves in terms of “what if you were put at a disadvantage - how does your aikido flow then”?

Yeah, it was different!  Sure enough, blind spots - people “all of a sudden” popping in/out of sight; depth perception thrown off …  But the beautiful thing was that if you executed the fundamentals (proper ikkyo position vs chasing the attack; staying connected so you can feel what’s happening; etc.) it all works!  Tim even did a series of techniques with both eyes closed!!!  I think I can safely say everyone had a GREAT time and we all have a deeper appreciation and respect for those who work through handicapped situations.  We really encourage others to try this sometime.

Big Ups to Tim for encouraging this exploration of our aikido.  Last month we had a “One Armed Samurai” class where we constrained one of our arms to experience the handicap of only having one arm available for use.  That was a pretty cool learning experience also (followed by some festivities and viewing of “The One Armed Swordsman”).

Check out the pix below of the training and Pirate festivities that followed.   AAAARRRRRR

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30. September 2008 by Dojo-Cho Tim.

I had in my possession a drawing handout of the Iwama Jo Kata’s for a long time. I am not sure when & where I got it, but thanks to James Walsh (Aiki-Parent) that document is now on a .pdf form for you to view.

Click on Saito/Iwama Aiki-Jo

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1. September 2008 by Dojo-Cho Tim.

Below are all the forms for testing applicants and requirements for adults and Aiki-Kids.

Beginner Basics & Terms

Testing Procedures & Questions

Instructors & Their Role

Evaluation Form

Adult Rank Requirements

Aiki-Kids Testing Requirements Pg1

Aiki-Kids Testing Requirements Pg2

Test Application

Testing For Aikido Rank

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