Aikido Shugyo Dojo Newsletter   Copyright © 1997
Feb 1997-Mar 1997
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

by John McNabb and Oleg Gorfinkel

When we first put out Aikido News in the new format just over a year ago, we started out by printing 50 copies. We ran out of the first issue long before the next one came out. For every issue thereafter, we kept increasing the size of the printing, but it was never enough. Often, we have had to print additional copies—sometimes several times—during the lifetime of an issue.

Now, our circulation has grown to a whopping 300 copies. Our newsletters are distributed through literature racks at the Bloor Valley Club and Metro Central YMCA, giving the public a window into our dojo and our art and sometimes attracting new members (we hope!). In addition, we have begun to offer home subscriptions. Now anyone, including non-members (some of whom live abroad) can receive Aikido News by mail at the cost of $10 a year (six issues).

We are now considering the idea of accepting advertizing as a way to cover our basic publishing costs (currently about $210 per year). If you have ideas or suggestions about that or about attracting sponsors, please talk to us (John, Fran or Oleg).

The main reason for this newsletter's success is, of course, your writing. People telling their own stories, sharing experiences, getting to know each other through their writing—this is what makes Aikido News such a good read every time. In this issue, for the first time, we have submissions (articles and artwork) by our youngest members—students from the kids' class. Also, Remi Lugand writes about his recent beginnings in aikido. Joseph Shaw's aikido reflexes come to his rescue while he is out walking, and his wife Beverly gives us the view of an aikido spouse. Ramin Arvin uses metaphor to provoke thought on the refinement of practice. Hugh Stephens sees practice as a method for casting aside old patterns and taking control of one's life. Sensei Fran Turner writes about recent losses in the aikido community. We also present a feature article by John Nelles about his role as Fight Director for the Shaw Festival's production of Rashomon.

Aikido practice affects our bodies with its dynamic, vigorous techniques and our minds with its spirit of cooperation. Please continue to share your experiences in the art we practice, as well as your thoughts on our newsletter and our dojo. Artwork is especially welcome. Also, please don't forget to give us photographs or any other graphic material to go along with your written submission. An article benefits immensely from a nice visual to support it.

Cartoon by Hamish MacDonald

Passing away by Fran Turner

The aiki reflex by Joseph Shaw

Just a beginning by Remi Lugand

Aikido as scuplture by Ramin Arvin

Reflections of an aikido spouse by Beverly Shaw

Being at the centre by Hugh Stephens

Kids Class

CPR and Basic First Aid course
Saturday, February 22, 9:30-16:30 at the Dunfield Club (Yonge & Eglinton)
Aikido Shugyo Dojo students may join a course in CPR and Basic First Aid at the Dunfield Club (Yonge & Eglinton) on Saturday, February 22. All are encouraged to take this day-long course arranged by the Sports Clubs of Canada. The fee is $50. To enroll, please contact Hugh Stephens at 972-0360 by February 14.

Mini-seminar and testing for Shugyo members
Saturday, March 22, 10:00-17:00, Metro Central YMCA There will be a day-long seminar followed by testing for Aikido Shugyo members at the Metro Central YMCA on Saturday, March 22. The fee is $20 ($10 for students). A brief General Meeting will be held during the lunch break.

Seminar with Fran Turner Sensei
April 19 & 20 at Montreal Aikikai
Fran Turner Sensei will teach at Montreal Aikikai on April 19 & 20.

Seminar with Donovan Waite Sensei
June 21 & 22 at Metro Central YMCA
Donovan Waite Sensei, 6th dan, from New York Aikikai, will teach a seminar hosted by Aikido Shugyo Dojo at the Metro Central YMCA on the weekend of June 21 and 22. There will be a party that Saturday. Jennifer Doyle is organizing the talent night segment of the festivities. Call her at (416) 698-2721 and let her know about your performing abilities. Don't be shy.

Aikido Shugyo Dojo—coming to a television set near you!
The Y class on Wednesday, January 22 was more exciting than usual. A large group of students was in the dance studio training while a crew from Health Watch, a program on Life Network, videotaped the class and then interviewed many of the members. Health Watch had been taping some other programs at the Y, as well. Aikido was selected as an interesting choice for viewers, who are described as mostly women in the age range between early twenties and forties. The crew were great to work with, unobtrusive and focused as they moved through the class. Then, Harvey, the producer, put his subjects at ease for the interviews. From the hour and a half of taping, a four-minute aikido segment will emerge (which, we were told, is considerable length for an on-air segment). We will hit the air around the end of March, and Health Watch promises to let us know exactly when.

We're grateful to the Y for supporting us in this wonderful opportunity to promote aikido, and Shugyo deserves a pat on the back for professional conduct throughout.

This newsletter is published every two months and is available at the dojo for all Aikido Shugyo members and visitors. If you would like to have Aikido News delivered to your home every two months for one whole year, send your name, full mailing address and a cheque or money order for $10 ($10 U.S. for U.S. residents) payable to Aikido Shugyo Dojo to:

    56 Langley Avenue,
    Toronto, Ontario M4K 1B5
    CANADA

You’ll receive your Aikido News in the mail.

"Go as deeply as you can into life, and you will be able to let go even of blossoms."

Ryôkan, from Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf, translated by John Stevens