We are planning a “Kids Bring a Friend” Day at each of the dojos. The Kids Bring a Friend Day will consist of the kids hopefully bringing along their friends and then training with them as we introduce the new kids to their first aikido techniques.

The Kids Bring a Friends Days are:

Linwood – Tuesday 3 March 4.45pm – 5.30pm
Burnside – Wednesday 4 March 4.45pm – 5.30pm
Rangiora – Saturday 7 March 10.30am – 11.15am

Masuda Shihan and his wife have their final training tonight at the Burnside Dojo. They depart Christchurch on Saturday Singapore Airlines SQ 298 leaving at 11.50am. We will be at the airport from about 9.30am if you wish to say good bye.

We am very pleased to announce that Kevin Allen has been awarded Godan [5th degree black belt].

The ASC Rangiora Dojo, held an "Over 50's Night on January 23rd. The idea came about in discussion at our traditional "After Friday Class" drinks at the Speights Ale House in Rangiora. An article by Patrick Mason was sent to the Northern Outlook along with a good action picture (Patrick is our Over 50's model). 12 members of the public attended and four have since joined. Not all of these folks were over 50 but that doesn't matter.

Some of these new people have friends that are interested in Aikido so we will no doubt have a flow on effect.

We'll keep you posted. [Kevin]

The Aikido Shinryukan Canterbury Open Day for 2009 was held on Wednesday 28 January at the Burnside Dojo. The Open Day began with a short demonstration by about 10 of the dan grades. The purpose of the demonstration was to give an overview of how aikido developed and the basic techniques which students learn. The demonstration was well received by over 50 people who seemed to enjoy Chris's weapons taking and Luciano's "soft" and "hard" techniques.

We are running an Over 50s Night" at the Rangiora Dojo tonight 6.30 - 7.45pm tonight ie Friday 23 January. Aikido is suitable for all ages and for those in the 50+ age group is great for buidling flexibility and muscle strength. All beginners are very welcome.

The Rangiora Dojo is at the Northbrook Studios, Northbrook Road, Rangiora. For a map click on Dojos in the menu.

We have an Open Day for Aikido Shinryukan Canterbury set down for the Burnside Dojo [for a map click on dojos] at 6pm Wednesday 28 January. We hope that those interested in aikido including friends and family of existing members will come along for a short demonstration followed by a "have-a-go" session.

On behalf of all the instructors and members of Aikido Shinryukan Canterbury we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please have a safe break and we hope to see you on the mat in 2009.

Some important dates to note:

Saturday 29 November Seminar – Linwood Dojo – Takase Shihan
End of year BBQ – 7pm – 243 Tuahiwi Road, Tuahiwi – Kevin Allen’s place

Sunday 30 November
Senior Grading – Burnside Dojo

Saturday 6 December Dawn training – Waimairi Beach

The top trainer record for the number of classes in a month has been broken in October. The previous record was held by Ben Hayward with 57 classes in October 2005. The new record set in October was 59 classes by Kahurangi Bronsson-George. Well done Kahu.