2006 New Year's Day Practice

The New Year's Day Practice at Chamberlain Studios is a great way for all members to begin the new year. Each art practicing at the dojo will teach a small session so everyone gets to see what the others are doing. After the practice sessions, everyone will participate in cleaning the dojo from top to bottom. Then we will all enjoy some food and drinks at a local restaurant.

Dojo Project Day

Students and families volunteered a Saturday afternoon to get some work done around the dojo. Some of the old bamboo was dug up and replanted elsewhere. Lots of new bamboo was planted. The backyard pile of debris and rubble (from the previous removal of a fireplace) was disposed. The driveway was repaired. The guest bedroom and bathroom in the house was finished. Of course, the hard labor was followed by the eating of pizza and drinking of fluids.

Everyone worked hard and we got a lot of stuff done. Our thanks to everyone that participated.

Kitae Dojo Aikido and SMR Demonstration

A couple of members of Jita Kyoei Dojo travelled to Houston to participate in an aikido and Shinto Muso Ryu demonstration by Denis Dorris and Kitae Dojo. In addition to participating in the demo, there was some additional aikido training with Dorris Sensei (on the mat, in the parking lot, in the grass, anywhere and everywhere we could get it).

Big thanks to Denis Dorris Sensei and Kitae Dojo for allowing us to participate and for the extra training.

Spring Aikido Seminar

featuring C.E. Clark Sensei

An outstanding weekend of good training with good people. We had lots of folks that travelled from Austin, Bastrop, Oklahoma City, Jena, and Baton Rouge, not to mention the folks that came from all over the D/FW metroplex.

Dojo Anniversary Demo & Party

April 15, 2006 - Jita Kyoei Dojo

The weather was perfect for the 25th anniversary of the Chamberlain Studios. Everyone did a great job with the demonstrations of all the martial arts practiced at the dojo. Lots of folks showed up to watch the demos and then join us for burgers and hot dogs and other goodies. Thanks to Dr. Chamberlain and all the other instructors for creating such a friendly environment and allowing us to take part.

Shochugeiko (Summer Training)

Houston Aikido Seminar

featuring C.E. Clark Sensei

Louisiana Aikido Seminar

featuring C.E. Clark Sensei

Thanks to the members of the Gentle Wind Dojo for hosting the seminar and putting up with a group of Texans. The training was good, the food was great, and the company was excellent. It was good to see old friends from Louisiana and Florida at the seminar.

Judo/Jujutsu Seminar with Ernie Cates Sensei

A great weekend with an amazing man. Everyone learned quite a bit and were inspired by this 73 year old that is still very active on the mat. Cates Sensei shared an depth of knowledge and skill that comes from over 56 years of martial arts training and history. Everyone is looking forward to the next chance to be on the mat with him.

Another Dojo Project Day

It started as just a need to dig a trench for some wiring to some new outside lights. So we decided to have a BYOS trench digging party (Bring Your Own Shovel). Then it turned into a full-scale dojo project day. Lots of folks showed up and were put to work digging the trench, building a new fence around the front yard (and new firepit), cleaning up the side fence area, and moving some of the plants. Of course, we finished off with lots of pizza and other snacks.

Thanks to all the dojo members and their friends and familiy that showed up to help out.

Fall Aikido Seminar in Dallas

featuring C.E. Clark Sensei

Another great weekend filled with good training and good friends. The seminar focused on aiki newaza and transitions from tachiwaza (standing techniques) into newaza (groundwork). Kuzushi, tsukuri, and kake are just as important on the ground as they are in standing techniques. The embu went very well with everyone presenting nice demonstrations and a couple of people getting promoted. Thanks to those folks that travelled from out of town/state (Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana). We're all looking forward to the next one.

Aikido Seminar in Oklahoma City, OK

featuring C.E. Clark Sensei

Thanks to Shobu Aiki Dojo for hosting a great seminar. Despite the weather, lots of folks showed up and participated in some great training. Clark Sensei lead us in several interesting drills exploring kuzushi and musubi and then applying those lessons in randori.