Subject: Goshinkan Farewell
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 16:43:27 +1100

Dear Instructors and Students,

 

As many of you are aware, we have had Goshinkan on the market for the last year.  The time has come when it looks like the final contracts will be exchanged and Valerie, Shani and myself will relocate to Fiji to establish Aikido dojos in that country.  Goshinkan will continue to run exactly as before under the excellent guidance of Jim Nicholls and Elisabeth Andel.  Elisabeth Andel will still be the Aikido Yuishinkai International multi-media coordinator for the group.  I still retain the position of International Chief Instructor and Chief Instructor for Australia.  Valerie will continue in her capacity of correspondence and promotions. 

 

On the 25th of March, there will be two classes ( 10:00-12:00 and 3:00-5:00) , followed by an evening get-together (starting at 7:30), in the dojo for us to farewell all of you.  On Sunday morning at 10:00am, there will be a large Yudansha grading.  As you know, I keep a list of all black belts in Australia who are currently practicing (approximately 80).  Therefore, I list below those I would be honoured to grade prior to my departure.  In future, I will visit Australia for regular seminars, including those with Maruyama Sensei.  We are currently making arrangement for Sensei's visit in October, when he will do an Australian tour to a number of different venues, including Goshinkan. 

 

Shodan

 

Ben Tan-Griffith

John Emerson-Griffith

Kate Gunton-Sydney

Victor Bertolani-Sydney

 

Nidan

 

Paul Smith-Goshinkan

Dylan Jones-Goshinkan

Michael Bevins-Goshinkan

Phillip Baxter-Goshinkan

Martin John-Sydney

Aran Bright-Griffith

Peter Bergin-Snowy Mountains

Anthony Rasmussen-Griffith

Shane Griffith-Whyalla

 

Sandan

 

Mark Evans-Goshinkan

Joanne-Goshinkan

Simon Russell-Griffith

Rod Nixon-Smith-Griffith

Daniel Rylatt-Melbourne

Mark Campbell-Grafton

 

Instructors please note, if there are any 1st Kyu students that you would like to nominate for Shodan, let me know.  Also, if you have any students that you feel are ready for a promotion but are unable to grade physically, advise and I will recommend them for a promotion.  This includes those who serve the vision of Aikido Yuishinkai in an exemplary manner. 

 

All of your dojos have run independently of me for many years.  So, only Goshinkan will feel a difference.  Under the guidance of Jim and Elisabeth, this will soon stabilise and extend into the future.  On Saturday evening, the 25th of April at the get-together, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the new owner and caretaker of Goshinkan.  Please let me know if your students will be grading on the 26th.  Of course, everyone is welcome to attend both the get-together, the classes and the grading.  Very best wishes, Michael Williams