Sunday, December 28, 2008

New 2009 NGA (Nihon Goshin Aikido) Fundamentals Course

Sensei John Carter of the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense of Columbia, South Carolina has designed an innovative, specialty course for students of all levels who are interested in learning and drilling fundamental self-defense techniques. This is an eight-week revolving course consisting of basic self-defense tactics. We will run this course in our group classes along side our standard curriculum of classical techniques, self-defense applications, weapons defenses and attack lines. This course will be rolled out on Monday, January 5th, 2009.

Monday, December 22, 2008

2008 Year End Message From Sensei Carter


We have had a wonderful year here at the Columbia, South Carolina dojo. We have seen tremendous growth in our youth, adult and specialty programs. Our student body is the best. Our students work hard, have great attitudes and love to learn. I have personally been edified by the commitment the students have to the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido as well as living true Budo or "way of the warrior".

We hosted two successful training camps this year as well as a fun and action packed summer camp for the youth. We also had three sho-dan candidates pass their tests this year. We were able to promote one this year, and will have a double black-belt ceremony in early 2009 for the other candidates. We will have at least three sho-dans testing for Ni-Dan (2nd degree black-belt) in 2009, which is very exciting for our school. We have a host of students who have completed general rank tests and will kick off the New Year with many more students who are currently preparing to test. We will add more specialty classes in 2009 as more students are interested in our grappling, sparring and weapons offerings. There will be other upcoming procedural and instructional updates, so stay tuned and watch for special announcements.

Our new location in Irmo is well established and classes are filling up. I will be considering expanding the class hours at that location. Additionally, our associate school in Spartanburg, SC is also doing well. The Spartanburg dojo owner, Sensei John Wyndham and I have worked through alot this year in regards to our dojo operations and we will complete this year on a tremendously positive note. 2009 will be a great year for learning and training at both our dojos. I want to say thanks to my friend Sensei John Wyndham. He and I have known each other and have trained together for 23 years. We came up the ranks together, helped each other achieve our Sho-Dan, Ni-Dan and San-Dan certifications. We support each other in running our dojos, teaching our students, and improving our own martial skills. Mr. Wyndham is a great friend and I wish him and his family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

To all the Columbia, South Carolina students and those who have moved away from Columbia recently, I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Looking forward to a great New Year!

Sensei John Carter