Nov 1986 - Lancashire Aikikai Newsletter

Here is the first newsletter I have edited; if there are any mistakes then I blame your writing or my eyes. The next date for submitting articles, news and comment is the 8^th January.

The next general course is on Sunday 30^th November starting at 10,30 it is to be hoped that the turnout will be better than the numbers attending the Hazel Grove course last month. A good turnout is particularly important because at the end of the afternoon is the Aikikai's Annual General Meeting. Hence please do not rush home after putting the mats away. The A.G.M. sets the tone for the forthcoming New Year and more importantly you can air your views.

The teacher's course for members graded 3^rd Kyu and above is on the 29^th November starting at 14.30 promptly.

A possible location in the Lake District has been visited with a view to arranging a weekend course, if successful this would lead to a Summer School.

As you are no doubt aware our application to join the British Aikido Board was successful the next committee meeting is early January so details will be in the next newsletter.

Some personal data is being kept on computer, it is considered that as the data is for a recreational purpose that no registration under the data protection act 1984 is required, The data kept relates to names, addresses, grades and such like. Its use is restricted to the Aikikai and will help to maintain the records and ease the newsletter production.

Birth announcements - withheld for this online version - Data Protection provisions

Although its rather early may I wish your families and yourself a merry Christmas.

Andrew Baird.

ABOUT THE CLUBS.

The Accrington Club has moved to the Civic Hall, Pickup Street, Clayton-le-Moors and practice on Saturday mornings between 10.30 and 12.30 and now have a new mat to show off.

Our headquarters at Chorley continues to meet on a Wednesday and Thursday running both junior and senior sessions from 19.00 & 20.00 respectively. Members from other clubs and organisations are always made welcome and receive the best tuition from our principal, Mr Mucha.

The Hazel Grove Club in Stockport meets on a Wednesday, Thursday at 19.30 and Sunday at 10.30 unless itâs the first Sunday in the month when the practice starts at 10.00. A practice for 4^th Kyu and above is held on the third Friday of the month at 19.30 the emphasis is on doing and teaching is kept to a minim7um; members from other clubs would be welcomed. Please check the high-grade class is on by ringing. The junior class is on a Thursday from 18.00 to 19.30. Our Dojo could come under a bulldozer in the future but fingers are crossed.

The Prescot Leisure Centre Aikikai has now been established for the last two years and has a regular following every Sunday between 20.00 and 22.00. Unfortunately the Saturday evening class has been suspended until next summer as Mr. Devlin is on a year's course to do with his job. He would like to thank all the people who have supported him in making the Prescot Club successful.

The St. Helens Club meets on a Tuesday evenings and will always be pleased to see you..

The Ramsbottom Club, which meets on Wednesday evenings between 19.00 and 21.30, is now accepting Seniors to their classes.

The Warrington Club on Monday continues to see new faces and is our newest club.

SYMBOLS IN AIKIDO

The triangle, circle and square are the symbolic signs of Aikido.

TRIANGLE This is considered as a symbol of procreation.

One splits into two. A spot of Ki ( nothing ) is divided into two Ki's - positive and negative. The two Ki's interact and give birth to all things in the universe. It is also your triangular stance.

CIRCLE. This signifies a form of harmony attainable after bringing your partner under control.

SQUARE The four corners represent the characteristics of gas, liquid, flexible matter, and solid matter. These characteristics also allude to training methods. Ki, flowing, flexible, and solid. "Ki" and "Flowing" methods are for most purposes treated as one.

The training methods are: -