Selected Articles from Issue 3
October 2000
TAKAYAMA-SENSEI OF CHIBA-SEN
A club activity for Spring of 2001 has been planned and approved by the club instructors. It will be called, “Spring LEARN-IN 2001!” We have chosen the date, Saturday, March 17, to hold the learn-in. What it will encompass is the conducting of three special classes for all of our students during that morning. The classes will be planned and taught by all of our instructors. Students are encouraged to attend and train in as many of the classes as they can. If they can not make it to all three classes, they should practice in at least one or two of them. All the instructors will be there at the classes to help each and every one of the participants. The learn-in will end with a lunch. There will be a small fee charged to buy bentos for anyone who will be at the lunch. Detailed plans are currently being worked on and further announcements are forthcoming.
Parents are invited to participate also. You may observe, just have lunch with us, or if you would like to, you may participate in the sessions. You will be introduced to the exercises your youngsters go through each session. You may also try and learn breathing exercises, etc. We would love to make this a “family” affair! If the shirts are received on time, we will also be distributing our new “Hilo Seishikan Aikido” t-shirts at the learn-in. So, come and participate everyone, and learn at Hilo Seishikan Aikido’s “Spring LEARN-IN 2001!”
FIRST RANK TESTING COMING!
Hilo Seishikan Aikido’s first rank testing is coming up fast and your instructors are hard at work planning and preparing for it. New certificates of promotion are being designed and soon will be ordered. We are really looking forward to the testing and ask that you all train hard and get ready!
Your instructors were asked, “What are some of the most important things that you think should be considered in ranking a student?” Here are their replies:
Ruth Walker-sensei: “I believe some important factors that should be considered in ranking are: knowledge of the arts and execution of the moves, the exercises, but with an attitude that is demonstrated by positive behaviors.”
Carrie Yonemori-sensei: “The development of the whole student is considered in determining rank. The student’s understanding of aikido principles, enthusiasm for learning, participation in club activities, number of hours practiced and how the student practiced during those hours, and maturity are all factors which are taken into consideration.”
Steve-Adams-sensei: “Ranking is more than how well one performs aikido arts. Ranking needs to reflect the total development of the student. The ranking needs to reflect continued improvement in arts as well as the student’s attitude and behavior on the mat.”
THOUGHTS
By R. Yonemori
What are words?” How do we use them? Where did words come from? Logic tells us that there probably was a time when there were no words. Man came along and somehow for some reason, invented words. Words have evolved, and today there are countless words used everyday in many different languages. We use them orally and we also write them. We say them over the phone, and also send them over the internet. We speak them and also hear them. We use them to explain things, to tell someone what to do, to find out things, to learn, to teach, to give messages, and many other things.
One important function of words is the expression of our thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. We express our love, anger, jealousy, joy, gratitude, insecurity, ego, and other feelings through words. In this way, words are very revealing of the speaker and the writer. The personality, mood, intention, and inner thoughts and feelings of the person are shown just as clearly as by facial expressions. The language we use can be beautiful, bad, dirty, sincere, compassionate, kind, affectionate, rough, or whatever we chose. How we say or write words can also make a big impact.
Words have a strong impact on those who hear or read what we have to say. Sometimes only a single word can hurt someone and the would could last for a long time. Through words, we can hurt others, or other can hurt us. On the other hand, our words can bring someone joy, relief, gratitude, and other positive feelings. Therefore, we should watch what we say and express. In keeping with the goals of our club as expressed in our club name, be sure to be truthful, and at the same time consider how your words will affect the other person. And, sometimes even the truth can hurt. At times we need to be discreet and choose when and if we should say it, with regard to the effects of our words.
JAPANESE PROVERB
Chiri mo tsureba
Yama to naru
(translated)
Even dust amassed
Will grow into a mountain