Photos from the Kubotan course

Saturday's Kubotan course

We held another successful Kubotan I (Self-Defense Keychain) course this past Saturday. Sensei Wyndham covered many topics such as blocking, striking and controlling techniques specifically utilizing the Kubotan.

The participants took part with much enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Everyone had a great time while learning invaluable techniques for protecting oneself and one's family. We appreciate everyone's attendance and attention to safety while still having fun.

Be sure to watch for a Kubotan II course which will be scheduled in the near future. Don't worry if you missed Kubotan I -- the courses are designed in such a way it does not matter the order in which you attend.




















Mr. Wyndham demonstrates a choke defense.




















Mr. Wyndham demonstrates a strike using the kubotan on Mr. Honeycutt.




















Students practice the low block using the Kubotan.

Kubotan I Course is this weekend

Don't forget! The Kubotan self-defense keychain course is this weekend at the Spartanburg dojo. The class is this Saturday, April 4 from noon-1:30 p.m. Sensei Wyndham will cover using the Kubotan keychain as a defensive weapon and its use in blocks, strikes and controlling techniques. We will also review defensive and evasive strategies.

Registration is still open, but space is limited. The course is open to Aikido Academy members and non-members. Contact Ms. Wyndham at 864.595.9555 or aikidoacademy@charter.net to register.

Spring Training Camp registration deadline

Sensei Carter of the Columbia dojo reminds us that the Spring 2009 Training Camp is fast approaching, and he's gotten a lot of registrations. If you're interested in going but haven't registered, don't wait too long to register. As of today, there five to ten spots left. Registration closes Friday, April 3. That's this Friday.

The April 18 Spring Training camp will include mini-seminars in Nihon Goshin Aikido with Sensei Wyndham and Sensei Carter, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with Mr. Jack Walker and Ryu Kyu Kempo with Kyoshi Gary Shull.

If you haven't been to one of the training camps, it's a good opportunity to add to what you know about Aikido and complementary martial arts as well as a great chance to meet other martial artists.

To register, contact Sensei Carter at 803.951.3559 or senseicarter@gmail.com.

The new schedule begins this week

In order to expand our classes and to make classes more convenient for students and parents of students, the following class schedule will go into effect Monday, March 16.

Adult Evening classes

Monday

7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Tuesday

(advanced adults) 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday

6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Thursday

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Adult Morning classes

Saturday

9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Little Samurai (4- to 7-year-olds)

Tuesday

4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Youth Division (8- to 14-year-olds)

Monday

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Sparring (Optional)

Alternating Saturdays

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We hope you will find these class times convenient. Please make adjustments to your calendars.

Spring Training Camp

Plans for our Spring Training Camp are underway. Sensei Carter of the Columbia, SC dojo will be hosting the camp.

The camp is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner at the dojo at 6 p.m.

The schedule includes courses by

Sensei John Wyndham: Nihon Goshin Aikido
Sensei John Carter: Nihon Goshin Aikido
Mr. Jack Walker: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Kyoshi Gary Shull: Kempo

Specific topics will be announced soon.

If you are interested in attending and if you would like to register early, please contact Sensei John Carter of the Columbia, SC dojo at 803.951.3559 or at senseicarter@gmail.com.

Back to normal schedule

The Aikido Academy is back on its normal schedule now that the ice and snow is mostly gone. See you all on the mats!