New Students
Please extend a warm welcome to our newest students, Alyssa and Corne.  We're happy you're here, and look forward to training with you.

Dupont Dojo Update
Every day brings new changes to the dojo.  The furniture is set up, the kamiza is installed (thanks, Buck), and the dressing rooms are, uh, dressed.  We have more to do, and we welcome everybody's input.  Our goal is for the dojo to be a welcoming place, sort of a home away from home. 

On a related note, we've updated portions of the website.  The quarterly payment option on our payment page now includes a 5% discount.  We've also eliminated the PayPal™ surcharge on both plans.

Lastly, aspects of the site have been optimized for the iPhone.  Since I'm the only person in the dojo with an iPhone, and since my iPhone has seemingly grafted itself to my hand, I've basically optimized the site for me.  Take that, Ryan!

Grand Opening Seminar with Peter Bernath Shihan
On Saturday, January 17, we will celebrate the grand opening of the Dupont Dojo with Peter Bernath Shihan of Florida Aikikai.  Bernath Sensei will conduct three classes, beginning at 10:15 a.m.  Kyu testing is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.  A light lunch will be provided.  The cost for the seminar is $40.  Additional details can be found in our flyer.

Peter Bernath is a Shichidan (7th degree black belt) and Shihan, or master instructor.  His Shihan certificate was awarded by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the Founder of Aikido, Morehei Ueshiba.  He is a member of the technical committee of the United States Aikido Federation, and hosts the annual winter camp in Fort Lauderdale, attended by hundreds of Aikidoka from across the United States.

Bernath Sensei began his Aikido career in 1972 under Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei, Chairman of the United States Aikido Federation and chief instructor of the famed New York Aikikai.  He has traveled extensively throughout the world teaching Aikido seminars, and has studied under many of O'Sensei's top students.

New Years Cleansing Class
On Saturday, January 10 our school will hold its annual cleansing class, or misogi, at the Dupont Dojo.  Class will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m.  Following class we will hold a potluck dinner and welcome the New Year in style.  Please note that this class requires that you RSVP.  Also, please let us know if you wish to contribute a dish.

For those who have not attended cleansing class before, I can guarantee you that it will be an exhilarating experience.  Beyond that, I'm afraid my lips are sealed.  (You will have fun, don't worry!)

Odds and Ends
The school has begun a marketing campaign through Google, and is offering new students a free one week trial.  Instructors, please let me know if a new student redeems our coupon, so I can keep track.

With the holiday season behind us, regular classes will resume at the UNF Dojo.  The first class is scheduled for Monday, January 5th.  There is generally an influx of new students when the semester starts, so let's be sure to welcome them.

Lastly, for those of you who are testing, open mat is a good way to prepare.  We had a productive session on Friday, which was, in my opinion, very worthwhile.  Open mat is also a good opportunity to work on your ukemi.