Sunday, November 15, 2015

Our members featured in Apodaca Sensei seminar videos and articles


1. Article by our own Sanders Anderson was published in Biran Nov 1, 2015. Post includes video of Apodaca Sensei teaching at our dojo October 24, 2015 and Sanders' seminar report.


Read the article and see the video on Biran:
http://birankai.org/blog/?p=1069





2. In this video clip from the seminar, Apodaca Sensei teaches a point about taking ukemi. Uke is Greg Corbin, 1st kyu, Multnomah Aikikai.

Click to view video clip: Oct 2015 Seminar Apodaca Sensei

Trouble seeing the video above? View it at this link (updated 11/29/15):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B71m_xdJDqYvNlJxNEVzRGlEVGM/view?usp=sharing






Sunday, November 1, 2015

Aikido and Iaido seminar with Frank Apodaca Sensei October 23-25, 2015



Thanks to all who came to our seminar with Frank Apodaca Sensei October 23-25, 2015


Apodaca Sensei seminar Oct. 2015 at Multnomah Aikikai


This photo can be viewed at:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_EvkmlfoxglSVF3WVFLajBnTGM/view


Congratulations to Jon Paul Oliva on passing his Fukushidoin teacher certification test!

Here's a video of Apodaca Sensei working with Jon Paul, Saturday, on a "basic and beautiful practice" - makiotoshi!




Video can also be viewed at this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_EvkmlfoxglZUNTMWRla2hTd0k/view?usp=sharing



Sunday, October 18, 2015

Why seminar attendance is important - video from Birankai North America

October 23-25 Multnomah Aikikai hosts a seminar with Frank Apodaca Sensei!

Hear why seminars are important. These interviews were conducted during a seminar held at Eugene Aikikai. See if you recognize any of our dojo members on the mat!


Is the video frame not working? Click this link to view the video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/EUhiptpDCQU

Seminars are at Multnomah Aikikai come but once a year (with a few exceptions). Apodaca sensei will teach a children class and a iaido  class on Friday; adult body arts and weapons classes on Saturday and Sunday. Apodaca sensei is the chair of the Examining Committee for Birankai North America, he is is Chief Instructor of his own dojo in North Carolina and he served as the Chief Instructor of Multnomah Aikikai 1995-2000. October 2015 marks Apodaca sensei's 30 years practicing aikido!

Come celebrate, be in the dojo, help out, observe classes and/or train!

Check the weekend class schedule and view details about the seminar on our seminar page:
seminar with Frank Apodaca Sensei

Friday, August 28, 2015

Catch up on the videos, photos and great articles on Biran Online

Catch up on the videos, photos and great articles from our Birankai 2015 Summer Camp in Tacoma Washington.


My First Aikido Camp is a wonderful article by Meghan McCoy, a student from Oak Park Aikikai.

Senseis Darrell Bluhm and Frank Apodaca 2015
Article excerpt: 
For me, particularly since I’m still very new in Aikido, every class had something new to learn. Familiar techniques, such a katatedori suwariwaza ikkyo, had to be approached differently because I was practicing with someone I’d never met, and so I had to learn how to move in a way that worked with them. The weapons classes were immensely beneficial, especially Frank Apodaca Sensei’s weapons class. He emphasized cultivating “the eyes to see,” which I took as meaning not just watching and stealing the technique, but also seeing and feeling the energy with which someone moves. I once read that proper form is essential, but without technique and heart put into the form it’s all mechanical, and much of what I believe Aikido to be is lost.


From the August 19th post, scroll down and enjoy the posts! 

There's a link to the Birankai Smugmug site with great camp photos...


Check out the wonderful videos tracing back to the first day of camp. Here's one from George Lyons Sensei's class; katatedori, ai hanmi iriminage chudan opening. Along with Lyons Sensei's movement, watch how his ukes move:




Here's a video of Neilu Naini Sensei of Clallam Aikikai in Washington, teaching an outdoor weapons class. Observe her clean execution of tsuki makiotoshi:



There's much more to see, watch and read on Biran Online.
Be sure to subscribe to Biran Online. It's the Aikido Journal of Birankai North America.

Follow your own Dojo News!  When you subscribe with your email address, you'll receive a notification in your inbox whenever a new article is posted.


-Suzane Van Amburgh, Chief Instructor, Aikido Multnomah Aikikai











Saturday, August 1, 2015

Summer Lesson Special- $40 off Aikido lessons

Aikido Lessons at a refreshing price!

So refreshing!
Summer 
Lesson 
Special!  


This summer you can get started with a series of four aikido lessons at a refreshing price. 

When you schedule all 4 private lessons and make one payment you'll save $40!

Regular price for four lessons: $260
Summer special price: $220


Private lessons taught by Suzane Van Amburgh, 5th degree black belt, Birankai certified shidoin instructor. Learn more about Suzane Sensei.

Limited time offer. Be one of the first 5 people to book. This special price is for for new private lesson students. Lessons to be scheduled within August.

Location: Aikido Multnomah Aikikai, 6415 SW Macadam Ave, Portland OR 97239
Schedule: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat time slots, subject to availability.
Contact Suzane: spacetomoveinfo(at)gmail.com or use the inquiry form on this Dojo News web page.

Get started in Aikido practice this summer with private lessons!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Balance Challenge Circuit Training Course

The Balance Challenge! Circuit Training Course

Improve your balance, safely and enjoyably, by practicing the balance challenges in this indoor circuit training course. The exercises are varied and fun. Exercises are scalable so you can practice at the level of challenge appropriate for you. Regardless of your skill level, you can improve your balance and have fun doing it!
Saturday August 1, 2015, Noon- 1pm: 
Initial orientation session, $20. Personal training and orientation to the course presented by Suzane Van Amburgh
Saturdays, August 8, 15, 22, 29, 2015, noon to 1pm: 
DIY. Self-directed training for alumni of the orientation session. Suzane Van Amburgh on site and available to offer help and clarification as needed.
Cost?
Once you’ve completed the initial orientation session on August 1, you are eligible to return on subsequent Saturdays for self-directed training (DIY) at a reduced rate of $10.
Multnomah Aikikai members who attend the initial orientation session for $20, are eligible to return on future dates for self-directed training (DIY) at no charge.
Not a member? Become a Multnomah Aikikai Community Member for $20 per month.
Your Instructor and balance coach:
Suzane Van Amburgh developed the balance challenge circuit training course and continually improves the stations of the course. Suzane is a martial arts instructor (aikido and iaido), a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher and a balance trainer. She conducted balance testing and balance training protocols at a physician’s office. She is the founder of the balance lab. Suzane brings fun balance challenges, benchmarks to self-assess progress, and an array of resources to help you explore and improve your own sense of balance.
The exercises:
The training course includes a variety of challenges to improve coordination, proprioception, leg and core strength, how we use our eyes, eye/ hand coordination, somatosensory functioning, use of hip joints and spine.
Our balance is influenced and maintained by the eyes, inner ear, and brain working together. The brain receives signals from the somatosensory system and processes that information along with input from the structures of inner ear and the eyes. Proprioceptors in the ankles and ribs are key to one’s sense of balance and the ability to restore balance. Leg strength and joint functioning are essential factors in balance as well.
When you improve your balance you invest in an improved quality of life. What do you feel safe doing? Even a slight erosion of confidence in you balance over time, will subtly narrow the range of activities you choose to engage in. As confidence in your balance grows, you will broaden your options, move freely and enjoy a more active life.
Whether you are rehabilitating from an injury, training for top performance, or anywhere in between, you will find the right level of challenge for you. If are interested in graceful aging, neuroplasticity, fall prevention or improved decision-making, you will find the Balance Challenge Training Circuit Course fascinating and engaging.
Questions?
Contact Suzane Van Amburgh by email: spacetomoveinfo(at)gmail.com
Find your Space To Move at Multnomah Aikikai