Special Events

Each year we enjoy some special events. Below are general descriptions, and at right are links for particular past events.

Winter Camp -- 

Traditionally held in Japan in the coldest part of winter, Kangeiko is a week in January when  our students who wish to  take part wake early every day for ninety minutes of extra training.  Some of us  overnight at the dojo to deepen the experience. Practices begin at  530 AM, so we learn how we   deal with that small discomfort, and we can still get to our workplaces after. Our limits expand and we get a power boost for the new year. The training centres around some theme such as fluidity, timing, adapting to the momentum of an attack.

On the last morning, students prepare and share breakfast together, and everyone takes the opportunity to relate their personal experience of the camp.

Summer Camp -- 

Jiseicamp is an annual week-long immersive training experience for those who undertake it. It draws us beyond our normal comfort zones. It enhances our concentration and awareness.

Morning sessions begin at 530. Afterwards we prepare and eat breakfast together. Then we clean up and rest for the 1030 practice. Afternoons we are free to ourselves or we may do some chores like laundry, food shopping or dojo upkeep. Third session starts at 730, and finally lights-out is at 1000. Most participants overnight at the dojo. Some attend all three sessions per day, others two or one.

Breakfast is a chance for mondo (discussion), where we participate in the oral tradition of the martial arts and talk about all aspects of practice.

The conclusion of  camp is a communal meal, shared with our families, held at the home of one of the campers. Korean Barbeque is the traditional main dish.

Family Celebration --

Each December we invite friends and family to celebrate with us.  The  festivities start with technical demonstrations by our several martial arts classes, and afterwards we share favourite dishes we have prepared for the occasion.

Chinese New Year -- 

As a social occasion for students new and old, we celebrate the Chinese New Year. We enjoy the traditions, foods, and music from Eastern cultures where our martial arts have their roots. 

Workshops--

From time to time we offer special workshops to study martial arts techniques that are related to our style of aikido but distinct from it. Usually that means working with some  type of weapon such as  bo (staff) or practice sword (wooden bokken or steel iaito)

School Group Visits --

By special invitation some junior high school groups come to our dojo for day trips, to experience a bit of what the martial arts are about.

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