University of South Florida Aikido

Dojo Training Update for the Month of April, 2012

Sensei Guy — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:35:56 +0000

Last month, the white belt student who logged the most training hours was Andrea Vera. The black belt student who logged the most training hours was Meredith Abel. Good work! Last month, the following students were promoted: Meredith Abel (nidan), … Continue reading →

Seminar: Sensei Dan Messisco at JionJuku Academy of Warrior Spirit, May 25-27 2012

Sensei Guy — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:27:33 +0000

Sensei Dan Messisco (ASU 6th Dan, Michigan) will be teaching a Memorial Day weekend seminar hosted by the JionJuku Academy of Warrior Spirit in Largo Florida. Registration is limited to 30 – advance registration is required!

Student Promotions

Sensei Guy — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:17:49 +0000

On Wednesday April 25, five students tested and were promoted by an instructor panel consisting of Hagen Sensei, Clementi Sensei, and Murray Sensei. They had strong tests, and we congratulate them for their dedication and effort to make themselves better!

4th kyu: Kenneth Bedeker
5th kyu: Alan Abelson
6th kyu: Tiago Dominguez
6th kyu: Tian Dominguez
6th kyu: Brittany Willard

Nidan Promotion – Meredith Abel

Sensei Guy — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:53:03 +0000

On Saturday, April 21 Saotome Sensei promoted Meredith to the rank of nidan (2nd degree black belt). Meredith performed a phenomenal test and set a high standard for our Dojo. Be sure to congratulate her when you see her, we are all very proud!

The following clip is from Meredith’s weapons randori (courtesy of Leslie Salas). Ukes are Ian Pinkerton (Shindai), Phil Ott (Shindai) and Scott Ellis (Sarasota).

Meredith Nidan Weapons Randori

Seminar: Saotome Sensei at Shindai Aikikai, April 20-22 2012

Sensei Guy — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:32:35 +0000

Saotome Shihan will be teaching his annual seminar at Shindai Aikikai, Orlando, this April 20-22 2012. One of our members – Meredith Abel – is scheduled to test for nidan at this seminar, and we will be coordinating carpooling and hotels for all interested students to come and show support. Sensei’s April seminars is always one of the best seminars in Florida, and should not be missed!

A poster, map, and schedule are available at the Shindai website:

http://shindai.com/events/mitsugi-saotome-shihan/

Dojo Training Update for the Month of March, 2012

Sensei Guy — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:34:32 +0000

Last month, the white belt student who logged the most training hours was Alan Abelson – and he’s held the title for three months now! The black belt student who logged the most training hours was Meredith Abel. It looks like all those training hours are starting to pay off!

In March we also welcomed 1 new member to our dojo. Please welcome Jonathan Espinoza!

Dojo Training Update for the Month of February, 2012

Sensei Guy — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:15:16 +0000

Last month, the white belt student who logged the most training hours was Alan Abelson. The black belt student who logged the most training hours was Jon Posnick. These students are really setting the bar! Congratulations!

In March, we will begin preparing students for kyu testing in April (before or at the start of USF Finals) – if you might be ready, be sure to focus on your test techniques and get your hours in!

Dojo Training Update for the Month of January, 2012

Sensei Guy — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:53:58 +0000

Last month, the white belt student who logged the most training hours from our Dojo was Alan Abelson. The black belt student who logged the most training hours was Jon Posnick. Let’s recognize them for their hard efforts! Also in … Continue reading →

Schrader Sensei Awarded Ueshiba Juku Designation

Sensei Guy — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:43:54 +0000

This month, Saotome Sensei awarded one of our instructors – Daryl Schrader Sensei – the Ueshiba Juku designation. Ueshiba Juku translates loosely as “academy of the Founder”; it recognizes that the recipient has shown exceptional loyalty and leadership within the art, to transmitting the teachings of O-Sensei, and is a true inheritor of the teachings of O-Sensei. It is only awarded to very senior Aikido teachers, and rank is no guarantee of award.

This is a very high honor, and declares Schrader Sensei to be one of Saotome Sensei’s successors. Congratulations, we are all very proud!

2012 Training Begins! (Update)

Sensei Guy — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:35:00 +0000

2012 training has begun, and our new schedule has been set! The new times are: Mondays 715pm-9pm Wednesdays 715pm-9pm Fridays 715pm-9pm Sundays 2-4pm Also, promotion certificates are also in and will be presented to those who tested in December. See … Continue reading →