Thanks to all for making the November state training so much fun, and to Tony Sensei, as always, for such great training. Lots of games, lots of learning, and lots of laughs!
Kids Focused November State Training
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September 2021 HANAMI GEIKO
The winter is over and, as the cherry blossom beside the river in Deloriane came into spectacular blossom, we had our yearly celebration (in Japanese called ‘hanami geiko’ or ‘cherry blossom viewing’).
A full weekend of training was had up at Tenchi dojo in Meander, with an overnight party and socialising. Thanks to Martin and Bodhi, as always, for being such welcoming hosts and the use of their amazing dojo.
The weekend was completed with a party at the river under the cherry blossoms. A fantastic start to the year!
June 21 – Winter Training at Tenchi Farm Dojo
With COVID continuing to play havoc with interstate travel and sporting activities – the National Winter School was, again, restricted to more localised training but with the wonderful support and contributions of internet- based classes by some of our most senior Sensei and Shihan.
It was a wonderful 2-day event with many of us staying overnight and enjoying the hospitality and companionship of Bodhi and Martin; the hosts of the gorgeous and inspiring Tenchi Dojo. Warm Fire, friends, delicious food and a relaxing sauna after a hard day’s training- Perfect!
The training was full of energy and enjoyment as always – and we wish to congratulate Mercy Blanco in particular, for her very impressive Shodan Grading – which we were especially proud of since this was the first Dan grading to be held at Tenchi Farm. Congratulations to Mercy.
May 21 – State Training and Gradings in Hobart
Thanks to all who came to our May state event in Hobart. Wonderful classes from Tony Shihan, Martin Sensei and Ken Sensei. Also congratulations to our 3 new 5th Kyu; Michelle. Kias and David. Well done and thanks to all.
March State Training
Once again, it was time for a state training -this time in the Launceston Dojo a the University of Tasmania Unigym. Thanks to all who participated – many of whom journeyed from Hobart and beyond to get together for this regular opportunity to train and socialise together. We were, once again, privileged to be led by Tony Smibert Shihan for a three hour session focused on ukemi and a bokken.
We finished with the successful grading of Paul Morrow to 2nd Kyu. Congratulations Paul.
We were also very blessed to be able to get together and John and Rob’s house after training for delicious pizza and nibbles. Thank you so much for hosting – it was a lovely end to the day.
Summer School 2021 – Tenchi Farm and Zoom
Obviously, the current situation means that national schools are impossible, but this year we managed to recreate something similar by linking all our national Dojos via zoom.
With Starting ceremonies conducted by Tony Smibert Shihan at our Tenchi dojo, we had 3 days of intenisve training, including contributions via Zoom from many of our wonderful Shihan and senseis acrosss Australia.
This was a great opportunity for some committed training, and socialising as we enjoyed the beautiful weather and good company. Camping overnight and sharing meals was a pleasure in such a wonderful location.
August State Training
An awesome time was had by all at our recent state training in the Launceston Unigym dojo. Thanks to all who attended, and for Tony Smibert Shihan for such an inspsiring and fun traininig.
We also had the opportunity to wish our good friend and long-time training partner Michael Seward well for the future(pictured above in black on the left). Mike is moving interstate and we thank him very much for his many years of hard work on behalf of Aikikai Tasmania, and his years of training with all of us.
For more photos of the event – try this google photo album:
Aikido Winter School 2019
Saturday 29 June – Friday 5 July 2019
Every year there are 2 national schools, one in summer in Melbourne, and one in winter in Sydney. This year’s national school was attended by a number of Tassie aikidoka, including (of course) Tony Sensei as one of the hosts and senior instructor of the event, as well as Ken Treblico Sensei and Tristan Derham Sensei, and Lance Wilson, Chris Jones and Luke Dolby.
As usual it was lovely event, with the food and good company being particular highlights. The Guest Instructor from Hombu Japan (shown in the picture above) was Suzuki Sensei, who joined in every class and presented a wonderful insight into many techniques and key understandings.
Below are a couple of photos from the event.
Hanami Geiko 2018
Updated Hanami Geiko information:
John Rockstrom Sensei will now be coming to Tasmania a little later in the year, and so the training will now be led by the wonderful John Watson Sensei alone.
The registration form for hanami is now available (last minute!) – please download, fill it in, and send to hanamigeiko@gmail.com if you plan to attend. Tassie aikidoka need only fill in the minimal amount of contat info – but it is useful to have numbers for those meals and accomodation options! See you soon!
The first version (first link below) is a little easier to use, but if you have an older version of word or you are using a Mac, you may need the older version (second link below)
Once again another half year has flown by and we are once again coming into spring and all that this brings us.
Tenchi Farm Dojo
It also means that the time for Hanami Gieko – Tasmania’s annual social and training event held at the beautiful Tenchi Farm Dojo. This year we have been very fortunate in enticing both John Watson and John Rockstrom to join us for this special event, meaning that this Hanami will be especially memorable and a unique opportunity to combine such high quality training with such a wonderful natural setting.
One again, all are welcome. Set up your camp in the gardens or bring a bedroll and sleeping bag and stay with us on the mat in the dojo./ Meals are also available by arrangement.
For more information contact hanamigeiko@gmail.com or ring Martin Bratzell Sensei on 0409 695 321
Future Dates for Special Training
The following message was emailed to Northern Aikidoka – let us know if you didn’t receive it (The invitation is, of course, open to all aikidoka – let us know if you are thinking of attending)
Dear Aikido friends.
Here are the dates for training for the next three months at Tenchi Farm Dojo for your diaries. It’s usually the third Saturday if it works.
28th April 10am- 12pm
26th May 10am -12pm
16th June- TTC with Tony Smibert Shihan. Times to be announced.
In addition to the Saturday morning class a Friday evening class 6.30pm – 7.30pm with a shared meal and sauna is available. A Saturday early morning class optional.
Bring a sleeping bag and something to share. There is a $15 per night Tenchi contribution for sleeping on the mat or camping. Book a bed if you prefer.
In the future, if there is interest we would love to include a Saturday option for community Tenchi time which could include forest bathing and nature time, sauna, music, pizza, bbq or other communal meal, camp fire and having fun together. Family and friends also welcome.
Watch this space 🙂
Any interest, questions or feedback please email
tenchi.farm@bigpond.com or call 0409695321
Warm wishes,
Martin and Bodhi
Aikido AikiKai Tasmania 