Aikido, the modern martial art!

I flew out of the San Jose airport last Thursday, 3/12, and I've been having so much fun that I've barely checked my email! 

For me the folks at South Austin Aikido are family.  Since I arrived, I've been staying with the Kammerer family.  Before moving to Austin, Todd, Barbra and their kids_Tommy, Brenda and Brian_ were significant contributors to spirit and support of our dojo.  Although many miles separate us, our 'family ties' remain strong.  Seven years ago, through the Kammerer's encouragement, I was invited to teach my first seminar in Austin and 'the good news is '... they have invited me back every year since.  This year's seminar is scheduled for September.  So what brought me here now?  Well... I hadn't taken a vacation in three years, I was missing my Austin family 'somethin' terrible' (a family which has grown considerably over the years) , Mary Heiny Sensei was being hosted by South Austin Aikido for a weekend seminar and Todd broke through every excuse I had for not making the trip by generously gifting me the airfare! 

I am having such a wonderful time that I am bursting with gratitude!  I've been staying at the Kammerer's home and enjoying every minute.  Brenda's daughter, Gabrielle, has stolen my heart.  At the moment I'm alone waiting for Jay Sensei's arrival... so I can't tell you exactly how old Gabby is.  She's just starting to put words together and she clearly understands that big smile can make a grownups heart melt!  Our conversations revolve around the word 'mine'_ recalling the seagulls in the children's movie "Nemo".  In playful delight we toss the word back and forth often without any object of ownership.  She is definitely a bright, little cutie!

As I mentioned... Jay Sensei is on his way over to pick me up.  Jay Lindholm is South Austin Aikido's chief instructor.  In an earlier posting congratulating him on his recent rank advancement, I described Jay Sensei as "a delightful man with a huge heart and a big laugh".  On both attributes, I will now add as BIG as Texas!  I am pleased and proud to say that we have become good friends over the years.  Hardly a week goes without a phone call of some length, just checking in with each other.  I'll be spending the rermainder of my trip with Jay and the love of his life, Gail.  'I tell ya'...I'm being blessed with down home Texas hospitality!

I need to get the rest of my things together, Jay will be here any moment.  When time allows, I'll get off another installment of my time in Austin!  Also, I've been burning the candle a bit at both ends, so I ask that you please over look any grammatical errors or misspellings... my current state of mind is quite groggy !

Update 3/18.  Whoa, I just corrected multitudes of mistakes!!!  And, since I am still very sleep deprived, I'd wager that there are many more !

Posted by Skys Sensei.