Post Summer Camp Intensive Aikido Training

We just got back from Birankai Aikido Summer Camp and we are  bringing it home!

Four of us from the dojo attended Camp this year and the classes were inspiring. You can see video clips of the classes at: http://birankai.org/blog/

Be sure to catch Sean's classes Thursday July 11 at 6:15pm and Saturday July 13 at 10:15am.  Then the week of July 16 we will have a special class schedule with Senseis Fleshler, Van Amburgh and Scollard. Come train as we bring the gems of Summer Camp home to the dojo!



Tuesday July 16:
6:15pm, Scollard Sensei, body arts
7:30pm, Fleshler Sensei, weapons

Wednesday July 17:
6:15pm, Van Amburgh Sensei, body arts
7:30pm, Fleshler Sensei, body arts

Thursday July 18:
6:15pm, Scollard Sensei, body arts
7:30 pm, Fleshler Sensei, weapons

Friday July 19:
Regular 6:15pm class

Saturday July 20:
10:15am, Van Amburgh Sensei, body arts
11:30am, Van Amburgh Sensei, body arts/ weapons

Tuesdays 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Bokken Basics

Tuesdays 5:30-6:00 pm (public welcome; $10 drop-in)

continuing through July by popular demand!

Bokken Basics

Come learn to center yourself with the wooden sword, balance and breath.

In this new Center Yourself Tuesday series we will study the fundamentals of sword work using the wooden bokken while practicing an eight part kata. No falling is required in this class. Footwork patterns include pivoting, sliding and stepping forward and backward. If you do not have your own bokken you may borrow one from the school during class time.

During this class we will:

    •    Raise the sword in line with the spine
    •    Execute sword motions relative to the center line of the body
    •    Move our upper body so it's supported by the motion of the lower body
    •    Develop footwork that supports movements of the sword

By learning these skills we will :

    •    make good use of the ground so that gravity becomes a friendly force
    •    enable our bones to transmit power cleanly so that our muscles can relax
    •    engage the left hand so that it knows what the right hand is doing
    •    educate the left and right half's of our bodies to coordinate around a central axis
    •    allow our ribs to expand and contract in sync with the sword motion and breathing    •    settle our eyes to align with our intention
    •    improve our balance so that dynamic stability is realized

"Being centered" and "moving from center" will shift from abstract concepts to tangible experiences.

Your instructor: Suzane Van Amburgh 
This class is open to the public for a $10 drop in fee.
Free to dojo members and private students.

Center Yourself, Tuesdays, 5:30-6:00pm
Aikido Multnomah Aikikai, 6415 SW Macadam Ave, Portland OR 97239

Quick updates for May!

Multnomah Aikikai is preparing to host Birankai Northwest Regional Seminar with Guest Instructor: Lorraine DiAnne Shihan on May 17-19, 2013
The fee and class schedule are now posted. Check our Seminar info page for regular updates.

Tuesdays 5:30-6pm, just before our regular 6:15pm class, come for Movement Q&A with Suzane. Free for members and "Aikido Starter Kit Participants." Public drop in fee is $10.

Our Monday early morning class has discontinued.

Upcoming Seminars to plan on (Click in the top nav bar to see all the Upcoming Dates):

May 3-5: Claude Berthiaume Sensei Seminar at Two Rivers Aikikai, Portland http://www.2rivers.org/

July 5-10: Birankai North America Summer Camp at San Francisco State University, California. Register now. Check for details and updates on these pages:

http://www.birankai.org/EventSchedule.php

http://birankai.org/blog/?p=163

https://www.facebook.com/Birankai?ref=ts&fref=ts

July 13-14: Didier Boyet Sensei Seminar at Seattle Aikikai (formerly known as Puget Sound Aikikai) Seminar details here: http://www.seattleaikikai.org 
Enjoy video of Boyet Sensei: http://www.youtube.com/user/BiranOnline

Itching to start Aikido?

ENGAGE YOURSELF

  Do you know someone itching to train Aikido?          

    

Aikido Starter Kit ! 

  Includes...

  - one month of group adult classes,
  - two private lessons with the Chief Instructor 
  - uniform ( gi )

  all for one tidy price: $179
  Hey, that's more than 30% off! *

*This is a $290 value, you save $111. The recipient of this offer must use it before April 30, 2013. Offer applies to the adult aikido program and is open to students new to aikido. Private lessons should be scheduled and completed within the first month of training. Appointment times subject to the Chief Instructor's availability. If recipient's uniform size is not currently in stock, one will be ordered for you.

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Multnomah Aikikai provides a method of personal development for people of all ages through traditional, practical and sincere training in the martial art of Aikido. Through dynamic martial engagement the body is awakened, the mind is sharpened and the spirit is nourished. We teach respect, patience and perseverance in an open encouraging environment.
Aikido Multnomah Aikikai, 6415 SW Macadam Ave, Portland OR 97239

Free Introduction to Aikido Saturday March 16, 10:15am

Come to the dojo Saturday morning, March 16th, for a
FREE introductory Aikido class. 

Get on the mat and participate in fun, engaging partner exercises that awaken a sensory experience and ignite a spark. No fee. Sign-in and waiver signature required. 
Register by email: dojo@multnomahaikikai.com

Aikido Multnomah Aikikai   6415 SW Macadam Ave, Portland OR 97239
Download PDF of the flyer: click here

May 17-19, 2013 Seminar at Multnomah Aikikai

 Save the Dates! May 17-19, 2013

Birankai Northwest Regional Seminar
With Guest Instructor:
Lorraine DiAnne Shihan

Birankai North America Senior Council
Member, with additional instruction by:
Darrell Bluhm Shihan and other Pacific
Northwest instructors. More information forthcoming.

Check the seminar info page on Dojo News.
Printable flyer available on our website: MultnomahAikikai.com

Sword Play for Couples Feb 15, 2013

Sword Play for Couples 

Friday February 15, 2013

This class is open to the public and also a great avenue for dojo members to invite family and friends (you don't have to be married or dating your practice partner; just bring a friend). Please let us know if you are planning to attend, because we truly have limited space for this class and a limited number of bokkens. Contact Suzane at spacetomoveinfo(at)gmail.com.

Connect with your partner in a whole new way! Discover the nuances of engagement, maintaining connection and sensing your partner through the wooden sword. Invite a friend or make it a date night! Instructor: Suzane Van Amburgh, 5th dan, shidoin. Fee: $35 per couple. Friday Feb. 15, 7:30-8:30pm. Please pre-register via spacetomoveinfo@gmail.com

Aikido Multnomah Aikikai, 6415 SW Macadam Ave, 97239