Selected articles from Issue 2

September 2000

OFF TO A GOOD START!

Hilo Seishikan Aikido held its historic first ever practice session on Monday, August 14, 2000.  There were some 35 members present at the session which was conducted by nine of our instructors.  Each of the instructors took turns addressing the students at the end of the practice.

It was an exciting and inspiring practice session and everyone involved enjoyed it!  Everyone joined in and partook of refreshments following the practice.

We have gotten off to a really good start and the instructors are planning for a busy schedule of hard training.  A first instructors’ practice and meeting was held on Saturday, September 2, and the instructors all committed themselves to plan and carry out classes and instruction, which will be of the utmost in training their students.  Our aim is to make Hilo Seishikan Aikido the best martial arts club anywhere.  In order to accomplish this, we need to have the commitment to training of each of our students.  Please make up your minds to train as often as possible.  Make it your goal to train as hard and as best as you can.  Remember, “if you do, you can.  If you don’t, you can’t.”  So, “JUST DO IT!”

AIKIDO RANK TESTS UPCOMING

Aikido rank testing is scheduled for the month of November.  Youth aikido students will test on Wednesday, November  8, at 6:00 p.m.  The Open and Advanced classes will test on Monday, November 13, at 5:30 p.m.  There are requirements of hours having practiced in order to qualify for rank testing.  However, who tests and for what rank is left largely to the judgment and discretion of the instructors.  Personal development, skill level, practice habits and attitude, improvement, and progress towards our club goals are all taken into account, in addition to attendance.  The instructors have all taken it upon themselves to train and prepare the students for the rank testing.  Let us all look forward and go for it!