- Takeshi Yamashima Shihan Gallery
In preparing for our upcoming seminar with Takeshi Yamashima Shihan I searched the web for bio-info and photos.
I found these images, with one exception, at http://www.christchurchaikido.co.nz/. Thank you Akido Shinryukan for making these images public :-)! The 'exception photo' was taken from The Aikido Ohana website: http://www.aikidohana.org .
Yamashima Shihan will be teaching a weekend seminar at our dojo on the weekend of August 27 - 29, 2010.
- The City of Fremont 50 Year Anniversary Celebration Demonstrations_ September 23, 2006.
- Tres Hofmeister Seminar_ April 17 - 19, 2009.
Our 12th Annual Spring Seminar with Tres Hofmeister Sensei was wonderful! Forty-two aikidoka participated in the event. Most of the participants came from the Bay Area yet we also had quite a number of out-of-towners. Aikido West really lent their support with eleven of their members, students and teachers, on the mat. We also had a number of folks from Aikido of Diablo Valley, Aikido of Livermore, and a few came over ‘the hill’ from Santa Cruz. Four actually commuted all the way from Placerville, CA. However the prize for coming the longest distance goes to Jay Lindholm Sensei, Todd and Tommy Kammerer, Darrell White and Charles Pummill, venturing all the way from Austin TX.
As you view these photos, especially if you are unfamiliar with seminar training, you might be thinking, “What the heck? It sure doesn’t ‘look’ like martial training!” Oft times ‘seminar training’ is an opportunity to study the underlying principles of ‘aiki connection’ as manifested in basic techniques / forms. Hofmeister Sensei has a very astute understanding of the structural integrity of the human body. His work in the Feldenkrais Method has broadened his vision of the deep connection of physical function and internal awareness. At this seminar Tres Sensei offered up some very simple ‘practices’ that helped us gain insights into maintaining a sense of self-integrity, physically and emotionally, while engaged with a training partner. And, feeling ‘whole’ feels good… note the many happy faces!
We are so grateful to have this ongoing relationship with Hofmeister Sensei. He always shows up eager to share his ‘cutting edges’ and enthusiastically engages with students of all levels. We look forward to having him return next year for Spring Seminar 13! Thank you Hofmeister Sensei!
The bulk of the photos were taken by Jason Tsuyemura on Sunday morning. Jason, who graciously volunteers his time and skill to document our events, was otherwise engaged on Friday & Saturday. I have included a small number pics from Saturday including a couple taken at the very enjoyable potluck on Saturday evening hosted by Shawn & Maiko Douglass. Thank you_ Jason, Shawn, Maiko_ as well as all who contributed to make the weekend such a wonderful event!
Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Tres Hofmeister Sensei's 11th Annual Spring Seminar_April 2008
Each year keeps getting better! Hofmeister Sensei stepped on to the mat on Friday evening ready to kick it up. After a slow and easy warm-up, he started the training with a bit of knee work and before long we were on our feet happily sweating.
The weekend just flew by! Hofmeister Sensei is a very energetic, inter-active instructor. He eagerly made his way around the mat sharing his insights and taking ukemi (falls) from beginners to advanced students. He encouraged us to examine the idea of staying comfortable in one's body both as nage (defender) and (uke) attacker. My personal revelation... structural integrity and relaxation is a dynamic relationship that offers our bodies, and perhaps our overall well-being, a state of balance and freedom. In a state of 'holistic physical organization', whether at rest or in movement, we can perhaps expand our sense of selfness within the context of the space around us.
Hofmeister Sensei is gathering quite a fan base in the Bay Area. We had students in attendance from a number of Bay Area dojos. The students of Aikido West really lent their support to the success of the weekend. And, while on the subject of showing support, Jay Lindholm Sensei and Todd Kammerer journeyed all the way from South Austin Aikido, TX, to join in on the fun!
Thank you, Hofmeister Sensei and all who attended, for making this the best Spring Hofmeister Sensei Seminar to date!
Images by Jason Tsuyemra. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Adult Kyu Exam_ March 17, 2011.
VyHan Ngo navigated a beautiful exam and was promoted to her first adult rank - rokyu. Do not be fooled by VyHan's delicate appearance... she is a very powerful young woman!
Images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ March 5, 2011.
All four of our 'newbies' did wonderful job on their first belt exams! Their enthusiasm and skills put smiles on all of our faces :-)!
Congratulations on your promotions:
Ethan Francisco / white belt + one stripe.
Emily Moreira / white belt + one stripe.
Ananya Saxena / white belt + one stripe.
Giovanna Silva / white belt + one stripe.
Images by Jason Tsuyemra. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams, February 5, 2011.
Our test candidates were pumped up on this bright and cold Saturday morning! Jamie navigated an especially strong test and was jumped a rank. I am always ready to honor a child who trains consistently with an excellent attitude!
All of our candidates did a great job! Congratulations on your advancements:
Ethan Aliaga / white belt + two stripes.
Jamie Lu / yellow belt (jumped a rank).
Mikayla Cowan / yellow belt + one stripe.
Joseph Dela Cruz / yellow belt + one stripe.
Natasha Rodkin / yellow belt + two stripes.
Wonderful images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei. Music: "Summer Solstice" by Gentle Thunder.
- Children's Belt Exams_ February 2, 2011.
This was our first Children's Test Event in 2011. All of our candidates were eager to show their skills and each one of them shined brightly! Julia did a beautiful test and was jumped a rank. Hannah really gave Conner-san (her uke / attacker) quite a workout which we all enjoyed watching :-) .
Congratulations on your promotions:
Owen Shen / yellow belt.
Calvin Tam / yellow belt +one stripe.
Julia Peng / orange belt.
Anita Nguyen / orange belt + one stripe.
Hannah Nguyen / orange belt + one stripe.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Teen Belt Review, December 29, 2010.
Ryan Chen moved through a solid teen belt review and was promoted to the rank of teen orange belt_ low!
- Children's Belt Exams_ December 29, 2010.
In spite of it being the Wednesday between Christmas and New Years, we had a really good turn out for the Test Event. The testing pace was relaxed and fun. The celebration afterwards was full of good cheer and lots of sweet treats!
All of the exams were very good and entertaining ;-))) !
Congratulations of your promotions:
Nabil Mohammed / white belt + two stripes.
William Huynh / yellow belt.
Vicky Pham / yellow belt.
Aidan Satuito / yellow belt.
Claire Satuito / yellow belt.
Nathan Takemori / yellow belt + one stripe.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ December 8, 2010.
This was a very sweet Children's Test Event. Four of our kids tested for the very first time and all did a great job! We also had one yellow belt test and one orange belt test and both were strong.
Congratulations of your promotions! :-)
Abhirup Dasgupta / white belt + one stripe (Aiki-Tot)
Jamie Lu / white belt + one stripe
Neel Venkatesen / white belt + one stripe
Thu Vu / white belt + one stripe
Lucy Karlsbrun / yellow belt
Chelsea Chan / orange belt
Images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ November 27, 2010.
Our kids were really rockin' on this fine Saturday morning. Three of the candidates were jumped a rank which doesn't happen very often! And, we've never jumped three students at the same Test Event! :-)
Congratulations on your advancements:
Anderson Dang / white belt + one stripe.
Joshua Huang / white belt + two stripes.
Daniel Huang / yellow belt + one stripe.
Julia Peng / yellow belt + two stripes. *jumped a rank*
Anita Nguyen / orange belt. *jumped a rank*
Hannah Nguyen / orange belt. *jumped a rank*
Be sure to check out Jason's silly Test Event pic, it's really fun!
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ November 18, 2010.
I am so proud of our dojo children. When it comes to testing they really shine!
Congratulations on your promotions :-)))
Vina Nguyen / white belt + 1 stripe.
Connan Wang / white belt + 2 stripes.
Mikayla Cowan / yellow belt.
Joseph De La Cruz / yellow belt.
Frances Lin / orange belt.
Chloe Retika / orange belt.
Beautiful images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Teen Belt Reviews_ November 18, 2010.
YenVy and VyHan are sisters and both are very enthusiastic students who really bring their 'A game' to the mat! These two rock!!!
BIG time congratulations on your promotions!
YenVy Ngo / teen green belt_ high.
VyHan Ngo / teen red belt_ low.
Images by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Adult Kyu Exam_ November 3, 2010.
This was D'wayne Murphy's very first kyu exam. He spent quite a bit of 'open mat' time with his sempai in preparation and it paid off :-).
Congratulations on your promotion to rokyu!
Images by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Children's Belt Exams_ November 3, 2010.
It was another another wonderful Test Event! Our test candidates were rockin'!
Congratulations on your promotions:
William Hyunh / white belt + 2 stripes.
Vicky Pham / white belt + 2 stripes.
Aidan Satuito / white belt + 2 stripes.
Claire Satuito / white belt + 2 stripes.
Baotran Trinh / orange belt.
Images: Jason Tsuyemura :-)
- Children's Belt Exams_ September 25, 2010.
All of these girls took out the stops and navigated their exams beautifully!
Congratulations on your promotions:
Julia Peng / yellow belt.
Elizabeth Tan / yellow belt.
Anita Nguyen / yellow belt + 1 stripe.
Hannah Nguyen / yellow belt + 1 stripe.
Beautiful images by Jason Tsuyemura. Music: Jan Garret & JD Martin, "I dreamed of Rain". Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ September 8, 2010.
This was a sweet afternoon of children's belt exams. Five of our kids eagerly tested for their first ranks and Jeff did a wonderful presentation for his second orange belt stripe.
Congratulations on your promotions:
Ethan Aliaga / white belt + one stripe.
William Huynh / white belt + one stripe.
Nate Rodkin / white belt + one stripe.
Aidan Satuito / white belt + one stripe.
Claire Satuito / white belt + one stripe.
Jeff Wang / orange belt + two stripes.
Images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ August 11, 2010.
We had another wonderful afternoon of belt testing. Sam, one of our Aiki-Tots, navigated his first exam with lots of enthusiasm, skill and big smiles. All of our test candidates did GREAT presentations! Congratulations on your advancements!
Sam Glaubman / white belt + one stripe.
Vicky Pham / white belt + one stripe.
Mikayla Cowen / white belt + two stripes.
Owen Shen / white belt + two stripes.
Nathan Takemori / yellow belt.
Evan Nusaputra / yellow belt + one stripe.
Images: Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Summer Camp in the Rockies 2010
This marked the 30th anniversary of Boulder Aikikai's Summer Camps. 240 aikidoka from around the country as well as far away lands participated in the week long event. The three senior instructors, Saotome Shihan, Ikeda Shihan and Doran Shihan were all in fine form and taught marvelous classes. Breaking the tradition of hosting a guest senior instructor, senior students and chief instructors from around the country were included on class schedule. I trained in classes taught by Kevin Choate (Chicago Aikikai), Kimberley Richardson (Two Cranes Aikikai), Tres Hofmeister (Boulder Aikikai), Dan Messisco and Jonathan Lewis (Boulder Aikikai). I marveled at the quality of instruction and their unique 'takes' of the art.
Beyond the awesome classes I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to spend some time with many old friends and meet new ones. I shared a room with my good friend Jay Lindholm, chief instructor of South Austin Aikido. Next door roomed another close friend, Todd Kammerer, who shared the room with Tim Schmelter, both training under Jay sensei. We shared many a good time on and off the mat!
For some strange reason I didn't break out my camera until the end of the week. The first group of images are from Saturday morning's photo-op, followed by shots taken shortly before and during the Friday night party at the Hotel Colorado, and lastly I've included a few pics taken through our rent-a-car's window on our journey back to the Denver International Airport.
A hearty thank you to the teachers and students of Boulder Aikikai for for hosting such a wonderful event!
- Children's Belt Exams_ July 24, 2010.
It was a perfect morning for a Test Event, sunny and just the temperature to have our roll-up door fully open. All of our candidates were pumped up and ready to show their skills!
Congratulations on your promotions:
Alan Trieu / white belt + one stripe.
Joseph De La Cruz / white belt + 2 stripes.
Julia Peng / white belt + 2 stripes.
Anita Nguyen / yellow belt.
Hannah Nguyen / yellow belt.
Joshua Huey / green belt + 1 stripe.
Wonderful images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
Music: "I Dreamed of Rain," Jan Garret & JD Martin.
- Teen Belt Review_ July 7, 2010 - Ryan Chen
Ryan Chen was our only teen test candidate for the evening. He did a very nice job on his first teen belt review and was advanced to the rank of teen yellow belt_ low. Omedeto Gozaimasu!
- Children's Belt Exams_ July 7, 2010.
Today's Test Event was a whole lot of fun. Four dojo kids tested for their first stripe! Isaac, one of our Aiki-Tots, was the youngest to test and he really shined. Minhthe and Baotran received orange stripes on their yellow belts. It was a great day!
Congratulations on your advancements:
Isaac Ammerlaan / white belt + 1 stripe.
Terence Mercado / white belt + 1 stripe.
Enya Mistry / white belt + 1 stripe.
Pranav Ramesh / white belt + 1 stripe.
Minthe Trinh / yellow belt + 1 stripe.
Baotran Trinh / yellow belt + 2 stripes.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ June 22, 2010.
The morning sunlight flooded in our roll-up door and our test candidates excitement added to the brightness! It was a very fun morning and all of our candidates navigated strong exams :-).
Congratulations on your promotions:
Nabil Mohammed / white belt + one stripe
Owen Shen / white belt + one stripe
Sumay Thakurdesai / white belt + one stripe (Aiki-Tot)
Lucy Karlsbrun / white belt + two stripes
Codey Huang / orange belt
Selene Huang / orange belt
Beautiful images by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Children's Test Event_ May 1, 2010.
It was a warm and bright Saturday morning and our test candidates were 'pumped up'! Two of our Aiki-Tots, Abhinav & Margaret, tested for their first stripes and the photos document their delight with the whole idea! It was a very strong day of testing in which all of our candidates really did stellar exams.
Congratulations on your advancements:
Abhinav Biju / white belt + one stripe (Aiki-Tot)
Margaret Campbell / white belt + one stripe (Aiki-Tot)
Terrance Mercado / white belt + one stripe
Nathan Takemori / white belt + two stripes
Elizabeth Tan / white belt + two stripes
Jonathan Kretchner / yellow belt
Chloe Retika / yellow belt + one stripes
Images by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Teen Belt Reviews_ May 11, 2010.
All three of these teens started training many years ago in our Children's Program and have been and continue to be amongst our most consistent students regardless of age. All three tested skillfully with poise and enthusiasm.
Congratulations on your promotions:
Mary Wang / teen red belt_ low.
Arthur Kwong / teen purple belt_ low.
Melvin Lin / teen purple belt_ low.
Images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Adult Kyu Exams_ May 11, 2010
Patricia Zee started at the dojo when she was seven and tonight she did a wonderful job on her first adult kyu exam and was awarded the rank of rokyu (6th kyu). She stepped on to the mat looking quite nervous and yet once she got moving all was well!
Evan Chan also started his training at the young age of seven or eight and tonight he was promoted to yonkyu (4th kyu). He moved with strength and precision... and even smiled a time or two :-)!
Congratulations to both of you!
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ May 11, 2010.
It was a beautiful spring afternoon and the mat was full of bright faces. All three of our newest girls, Julia, Anita and Hannah, navigated excellent exams. Daniel put smiles on our faces with his delightful energy and attention to details. Chelsea showed skill, poise and stellar posture.
Congratulations on your promotions:
Julia Peng / white belt + one stripe.
Anita Nguyen / white belt + two stripes.
Hannah Nguyen / white belt + two stripes.
Daniel Huang / yellow belt.
Chelsea Chan / yellow belt + two stripes.
Beautiful photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Teen Belt Review_ May 1, 2010.
Nathan Nusaputra navigated a very clean exam! Congratulations on your promotion to teen orange belt_ low.
Images by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Teen Belt Reviews_ March 23, 2010.
We had a great afternoon of children's tests followed by two really fine teen belt reviews.
Ryan Chen nicely navigated his very first teen review and was awarded his the rank of teen white belt_ high.
VyHan Ngo took out the stops and moved through a rather comprehensive teen green belt review with expertise and power! Early on it was obvious that she was going home with a new belt!
Omedeto gozaimasu to both students and keep on rockin'! You made us proud!
Wonderful images provided by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ March 23, 2010.
It was a sweet Test Event. We only had four test candidates so the pace was easy. Ishan, one of our Aiki-Tots, did a wonderful job on his very first belt exam. All of our candidates navigated their tests with skill, poise and great spirits! :-)
Congratulations on your promotions:
Ishan Rao / white belt + one stripe.
Lillian Tsai / yellow belt + one stripe.
Frances Lin / orange belt + two stripes.
YenVy Ngo / green belt.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Adult Kyu Exam_ February 9, 2010.
- Children's Belt Exams_ February 9, 2010.
It was a cold Tuesday afternoon and our kids warmed up the dojo with their skills, enthusiasm and smiles!
Congratulations on your promotions:
Anita Nguyen / white belt + 1 stripe.
Hannah Nguyen / white belt + 1 stripe.
Codey Huang / yellow belt + 2 stripes.
Selene Huang / yellow belt + 2 stripes.
Melvin Lin / red belt + 2 stripes.
Images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ February 6, 2010.
I always look forward to Saturday morning Test Events; the morning air is fresh and the students arrive perhaps a bit sleepy, yet rested. This bright morning was especially sweet. Two of our Aiki-Tots tested for their 1st stripes and both Joshua and Connan navigated their exams with skill and good spirits! All of our candidates did a great job... congratulations on your advancements!
Joshua Huang / white belt + 1 stripe.
Connan Wang / white belt + 1 stripe.
Evan Nusaputra / yellow belt.
Natasha Rodkin / yellow belt + one stripe.
Jeff Wang / orange belt + one stripe.
Joshua Huey / green belt.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ October 27, 2009.
Whew... we had a very busy evening! Six kids tested for new ranks and each one did a fabulous job.
Congratulations on your advancements:
Evan Nusaputra / white belt + two stripes.
Chloe Retika / white belt + two stripes.
Baotran Trinh / white belt + two stripes.
Joshua Huey / orange belt + two stripes.
Melvin Lin / red belt.
Arthur Kwong / red belt + one stripe.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
Music: Matsiko Children' choir; album: "If Love Was Love"; song: "I've Got a Name." http://www.icnchildren.net/choir/album.php
- Adult Kyu Exam_ September 8, 2009_ Art Rodkin.
Art Rodkin put a lot of effort into this nikyu exam (1st level brown belt) and it paid off! Our "Big Guy" set his size and strength aside and energetically connected with his ukes (attackers). It's very satisfying to watch such a physically strong guy chose to venture on the 'aiki' path. Art-san, congratulations on your promotion!
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. posted by Skys Sensei.
- Teen Belt Reviews_ September 8, 2009.
Stanley Han & Taiga Yamaguchi were promoted to teen yellow belt_ low. Both of them navigated their tests with confidence and appropriate skill. Congratulations on your advancements!
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ September 8, 2009.
It was an evening of fun belt exams! All of our kids navigated their tests with confidence and skill. Jeff Wang did a stellar exam and was jumped an additional rank!
Congratulations on your promotions!
MinhThe Trinh / white belt + one stripe.
Mark Emmons / yellow belt.
Natasha Rodkin / yellow belt.
Frances Lin / yellow belt + one stripe.
Codey Huang / yellow belt + one stripe.
Selene Huang / yellow belt + one stripe.
Jeff Wang / orange belt.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Music_ "I dreamed of Rain" by Jan Garret & JD Martin.
- Teen Belt Review_ August 15, 2009_ VyHan Ngo.
This belt review marked VyHan Ngo's transition from our Children's Program to our Teen Peer Program. VyHan stepped up with a very strong test! She pulled off a number of bone-rattling iriminages to the surprise of her ukes. This petite young woman can really generate some power! VyHan was promoted to teen orange belt_ low.
- Children's Belt Exams_ Saturday, August 15, 2009.
It was a Saturday morning and our test candidates were pumped up and ready to show their stuff! Five young ones navigated their very first belt exams. Two others tested for higher level children's ranks. Everyone did a great job!
Congratulations on your advancements!
Harrison Chou / white belt + one stripe
Jeremiah Nguyen / white belt + one stripe
Chloe Retika / white belt + one stripe
Baotran Trinh / white belt + one stripe
Lillian Tsai / white belt + one stripe
YenVy Ngo / orange belt
Mary Wang / green belt + one stripe
Beautiful photos by Jason Tsuyemura.
Music: 'I Dreamed of Rain'_ Jan Garrett & JD Martin.
Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Adult Kyu Exam_ August 15, 2009_ Kyle Tsuyemura.
Alright... Kyle Tsuyemura kicked it into high gear for a really fine ikkyu exam! Congratulations on a well deserved promotion. Next stop, black belt!!!!!!!!!!!
Photos taken by Kyle's dad, Jason. Thank you, Jason!
- Summer Camp in the Rockies 2009
- Teen Belt Review_ July 14, 2009. Austin Whaley
Austin Whaley put some juice into this test! This exam transitioned Austin from our children's program into our teen program.
Austin, congratulations on your promotion to teen orange belt_ high!
Images by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Adult Kyu Exam_ July 14, 2009. Minh-Thy Nguyen.
Seven year old Minh-Thy joined her brothers on our mat in September 26, 2000. She has trained in our kids' program, teens' program and now holds the rank of ikkyu in our adults' program. Her next exam will be for the rank of shodan, first degree black belt. Minh-Thy is one of our most dedicated students. Her aikido is absolutely beautiful_ moving with grace, ease and power!
Minh-Thy, congratulations on your promotion... we are so proud of your accomplishment!
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura
- Children's Belt Exams_ July 14, 2009.
This was a small Children's Test Event due to many of our families being out on vacation. Frances Lin successfully navigated a very solid yellow belt exam. Alex Spry delighted us with a strong, entertaining and energetic presentation and was promoted to green belt + 2 stripes.
Omedeto Gozaimasu!
Music: 'I Dreamed of Rain'_ Jan Garrett & JD Martin.
- Children's Belt Exams_ May 19, 2009
Our kids consistently shine brightly on test day. And, this group of test candidates really glowed! We had six children receive well earned promotions on last Saturday, 5/16. And we had five more kids proudly shikko up to receive their stripes or new belts at this Test Event. I can proudly say that all of the tests were very good!
A BIG 'omedeto gozaimasu' (congratulations) to you all!
Nathan Nusaputra / yellow belt
Dan-Anh Hoang / yellow belt + one stripe
Alex Chua / yellow belt + two stripes
Josephine Chua / orange belt
Melvin Lin / green belt + one stripe
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Teen Belts Reviews_ May 19, 2009. Stanley Han, Ivy Pham & Taiga Yamguchi.
Three of our new teens navigated three wonderful Belt Reviews!
Congratulations to Stanley Han, Ivy Pham and Taiga Yamaguchi on your advancements to teen white belt_ high!
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Children's Belt Exams_ May 16, 2009.
Six children tested and each one did a really great job!
Omedeto Gozaimasu! Congratulations on your advancements:
* Chelsea Chan / yellow belt (awesome posture!)
* Charles Cheng / yellow belt
* Jonathan Cheng / yellow belt
* Vy-Han Ngo / yellow belt + two stripes
* Yen-Vy Ngo / yellow belt + two stripes
* Joshua Huey / orange belt + one stripe
Thank you Jason Tsuyemura for these wonderful images!
- Adult Kyu Exam_ May 2, 2009. Anila Kalonia.
Anila started in our children's program when she was seven years old. She has consistently trained with focus and a strong, eager spirit. Her mat presence is so notable that over the years we have included her in a number of our public demonstrations. It's always a joy to watch her take her belt exams. Anila was testing for her next teen rank. However, her exam was so strong that I offered her the option of her first adult rank which, after consulting with her parents, she did accept.
Anila, welcome to our Adult Program and congratulations on your promotion to rokyu!
Images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ March 3, 2009.
It was a very busy night with seven exams and most, fairly long. Our photographer, Jason, spent the whole hour and a half with one eye glued to the view finder :-)! All of our test candidates were well prepared and navigated their exams with skill and high spirits.
Congratulations on your promotions:
Codey Huang / yellow belt.
Selene Huang / yellow belt.
VyHan Ngo / yellow belt + one stripe.
YenVy Ngo / yellow belt + one stripe.
Jeff Wang / yellow belt + one stripe.
Mary Wang / green belt.
Alex Spry / green belt + one stripe.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
Music: Matsiko Children' choir; album: "If Love Was Love"; song: "I've Got a Name." http://www.icnchildren.net/choir/album.php
- Teen Belt Review_ February 7, 2009.
Brett Whaley was our only teen to test on this bright Saturday morning. His test was technically strong and very energetic! Congratulations on your promotion to teen green belt_ low!
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Children's Belt Exams_ February 7, 2009.
The kids were awake and ready to show their stuff! All of the test candidates, with the exception of Melvin, were newbies_ either testing for the first time or navigating their second white belt exam. Every test was special in its own way!
Congratulations on your promotions:
April Huang / white belt + one stripe
Shayna Kapadia / white belt + one stripe
Evan Nusaputra / white belt + one stripe
Frances Lin / white belt + two stripes
Nathan Nusaputra / white belt + two stripes
Melvin Lin / green belt + one stripe
Images taken by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Adult Kyu Exams_ December 20, 2008.
- Children's Belt Exams_ December 20, 2008.
The kid’s seemed to be more pumped up than usual for their belt exams on this bright Saturday morning. Josephine and Joshua tested so strongly that they were bumped up an additional rank!
All of the children did a great job on their exams. Congratulations on your promotions!
Charles Cheng / white belt + two stripes
Jonathan Cheng / white belt + two stripes
Justin Legaspi / white belt + two stripes
Charles Cheng / white belt + two stripes
Natasha Rodkin / white belt + two stripes
Alex Chua / yellow belt + one stripe
Josephine Chua / orange belt (an addition rank promotion)
Joshua Huey / orange belt (an addition rank promotion)
Images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ December 16, 2008.
We had so many kids eligible for testing before the end of the year that we scheduled two Test Events in December. This was the first one which we held on a Tuesday evening. As usual all of our test candidates enthusiastically embraced their opportunity to show their skills. The kids did a great job and had a whole lot of fun with their Santa hat randori (group attack practice).
Congratulations on your promotions!
Nathan Nusaputra / white belt + one stripe.
Dan-Anh Hoang / yellow belt.
Yen-Vy Ngo / yellow belt.
Vy-Han Ngo / yellow belt.
Austin Whaley / orange belt.
Images by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Adult Kyu Exams_ November 22, 2008.
Conner Whaley, one of our many dedicated teens, energetically and successfully navigated a very long sankyu exam (adult 3rd kyu). I definitely laid the pressure on this talented young man. So much so that he suffered a rather intense asthma attack toward the end of the exam. Conner is not a quitter, after a short break he was back on the mat and finished strong! The examining board looks for technical accuracy, connection with the uke (attackers), and the ability to hold one's center under pressure. Conner scored highly on all accounts!
Ealasaid Haas started here many years ago at the age of fifteen. When she headed off to college, she said she'd be back. And, return_ she did! Ealasaid has some knee injuries and other health issues that would prevent many people from continuing their training. Undaunted by these limitations, she set her goals on achieving her 1st level brown belt. She spent many months of 'open mat' time with a number of sempai (senior students) preparing for this test. The hard work paid off. She stepped onto the mat confidently and handled everything that was asked of her with proficiency and tenacity. It was a great test! And... she's already setting her sights on her next brown belt level!
Congratulations to Conner on his advancement to sankyu and Ealasaid on her promotion to nikyu! Omedeto gozaimasu!
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Children's Belt Exams_ November 22, 2008.
One great Test Event after another! Our kids aren't just focused on getting their next rank. They're working very hard to absolutely do their best, resulting in three of our kids getting jumped a rank! It's not the first time that we ever promoted a student an additional rank. However, in the past 16 years we've only honored a few students in this way and we have never had more than one at time, let alone three. These kids were amazing!
Great work one and all! Congratulations on your promotions:
Frances Lin / white belt + one stripe.
Chelsea Chan / white belt + two stripes.
Dalton Pham / yellow belt + two stripes.
Victoria Pham / yellow belt + two stripes.
* Melvin Lin / promoted an additional rank for excellence_ green belt.
* Alex Spry / promoted an additional rank for excellence_ green belt.
* Arthur Kwong / promoted an additional rank for excellence_ red belt.
Images by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Derek Tokuda's Nidan Exam_ November 8, 2008
Derek navigated his nidan (second degree black belt) exam with centeredness and technical accuracy. As the photos show, Ikeka Shihan focused on Derek's 'weapons taking' abilities. This set the stage for an exciting and dynamic presentation of core aiki skills.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Children's Belt Exams_ October 1, 2008.
Our kids are awesome. Even our newest young ones rocked!
Congratulations on your promotions:
Justin Legaspi / white belt + one stripe.
Arnav Pawar / white belt + one stripe.
Natasha Rodkin / white belt + one stripe.
Calvin Tam / white belt + two stripes.
Brett Whaley / orange belt + one stripe.
Thank you Jason Tsuyemura fro the wonderful images.
- Adult Kyu Exams_ August 23, 2008.
It was another wonderful Test Event! Kevin Trieu, transitioning from our Teens' Program, did a great job on his first adult kyu exam and was promoted to rokyu. Kevin's older sister, Tiffany, tested for the rank of gokyu, with a strong, yet relaxed presence. Chris Lococo navigated his gokyu exam with clean forms and high energy.
Omedeto Gozaimasu on your advancements!
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura. Posted by Skys Sensei.
- Teen Belt Reviews_ August 23, 2008.
Both of these students navigated their first teen reviews very successfully transitioning from our Children's Program to our Teen Program.
Congratulations on your promotions!
Wayne Kuo / teen yellow belt_ low.
Hai-Kinh Hoang / teen orange belt_ low.
Photos by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Children's Belt Exams_ August 23, 2008.
Our kids are incredible. Even the shy ones seem to shine on test day!
Congratulations on your promotions:
Mark Emmons / white belt + two stripes
Dan-Anh Hoang / white belt + two stripes
Alex Chua / yellow belt
Josephine Chua / yellow belt
Timothy Hong / yellow belt
Melvin Lin / orange belt + one stripe
Photos taken by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Teen Belt Reviews_ August 19, 2008.
Patricia Zee was the only test candidate for the evening. It was her first teen rank review, transitioning her from our Children's Program to our Teen Program. Patricia did a very good review and was awarded the rank of teen orange belt_ high. Her father, Bernard Zee, was our photographer for the night. He got a lot of great shots, however in many of them Patricia face got lost in her hair! So, in this gallery I've included pics of her with her sister, Stephanie, and an fellow student, Tiffany. I have also included a whole bunch of photos that Bernard took during the training.
Congratulations to Patricia on your promotion and a hearty thank you to her dad, Bernard, for these images!
- Children's Belt Exams_ August 19, 2008.
We had so many kids ready for belt exams that we held two Test Events in one week! This first one was held on Tuesday evening and the second one on Saturday morning. All of our candidates gave it their all! This album also includes photos that were taken during the training periods.
Congratulations on your advancements:
Vy-Han Ngo / white belt + one stripe
Yen-Vy Ngo / white belt + one stripe
Codey Huang / white belt + two stripes
Selene Huang / white belt + two stripes
Neel Mishra / white belt + two stripes
Jeff Wang / yellow belt
Austin Whaley / yellow belt + two stripes.
Thank you Bernard Zee for your wonderful images!
- Children's Belt Exams_ July 12, 2008
We enjoyed another morning of really wonderful tests. The pace of the children’s class was very relaxed. Typically we have eight to ten kids testing for new belt ranks. Five kids were scheduled and we had one ‘no show’ so we had plenty of time for our candidates to demonstrate their skills. The easy pace also afforded the kids an opportunity to spend time training with our teens and adults that showed up to support the event.
Congratulations on your advancements... omedeto gozaimasu!
Joshua Huey / yellow belt + one stripe.
Dalton Pham / yellow belt + one stripe.
Victoria Pham / yellow belt + one stripe.
Mary Wang / orange belt.
Images taken by Jason Tsuyemura.
- Adult Kyu Exams_ 7/12/2008
- Boulder Aikikai Summer Camp 2007
I had a great time at 'Camp 2007'. Lots of excellent training and great off the mat fun with aikido friends from around the country.
The slide show music is from a group called Gentle Thunder. The album_ "Beyond Words" / track_ 'Big Sky Sunrise'.
- Boulder Aikikai_ Summer Camp in the Rockies 2006.