Happy Anniversary!
Following our dojo tradition, we had our Lunar New Year dojo party on February 9 this year.
It was a really joyous event. Many students came together to enjoy a nice meal and each other's company. Years ago when it all started, except for Mike and I, everybody else was single. Now, students bring their other half and even their children to the party. Our family has definitely grown.
At the party, Mike and I were presented a gift from the membership for the 10th anniversary of Capitol Hill Aikikai. It is a photo book compiled by our beloved students. Who knows how they managed to dig out old pictures of our practice at the old church, demos at street festivals, seminars, and aikido road trips that we did with them. Of course, there are many pictures of our dojo gatherings over the years, It was really touching. Students old and new leave heart-felt messages about their feelings for the group. The part that cracked me up the most was the quotes from their instructors:
"You are the center of the universe."
"There can be only one."
"You are the best YOU that you can be in this moment."
"I'm coming for you."
"No T-Rex. No chicken paw. No foot left behind."
"Bokkens don't kill people; people with bokkens kill people."
"So, for tonight, can we all agree that this direction is up?"
"So, everyone find someone who is taller to practice with."
Honestly, I often wonder if anybody was listening. Now there is solid evidence that they do. The photo book captures perfectly the precious moments we spent together. Every single second that we put in for the last ten years was worthwhile.
As I always say, Capitol Hill Aikikai students: you are what makes the group so great. Your friendship and support is the best birthday present for Mike, your sensei. You are it. You are the best.
It was a really joyous event. Many students came together to enjoy a nice meal and each other's company. Years ago when it all started, except for Mike and I, everybody else was single. Now, students bring their other half and even their children to the party. Our family has definitely grown.
At the party, Mike and I were presented a gift from the membership for the 10th anniversary of Capitol Hill Aikikai. It is a photo book compiled by our beloved students. Who knows how they managed to dig out old pictures of our practice at the old church, demos at street festivals, seminars, and aikido road trips that we did with them. Of course, there are many pictures of our dojo gatherings over the years, It was really touching. Students old and new leave heart-felt messages about their feelings for the group. The part that cracked me up the most was the quotes from their instructors:
"You are the center of the universe."
"There can be only one."
"You are the best YOU that you can be in this moment."
"I'm coming for you."
"No T-Rex. No chicken paw. No foot left behind."
"Bokkens don't kill people; people with bokkens kill people."
"So, for tonight, can we all agree that this direction is up?"
"So, everyone find someone who is taller to practice with."
Honestly, I often wonder if anybody was listening. Now there is solid evidence that they do. The photo book captures perfectly the precious moments we spent together. Every single second that we put in for the last ten years was worthwhile.
As I always say, Capitol Hill Aikikai students: you are what makes the group so great. Your friendship and support is the best birthday present for Mike, your sensei. You are it. You are the best.
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