North Texas Aikido

The Dojo is OPEN!

2010-02-17T15:09:00.003-06:00

Today, the North Texas Aikido campus passed its final inspection and we are now cleared to begin classes at our new, permanent home!

Make plans to attend our first official class in the new building on Friday, February 19 at 7:30 pm.

Bring snacks and beverages for a celebration immediately following our inaugural keiko.

All regularly-scheduled classes for kids and adults are back in session.

We'll see you there!

Anticipation...

2010-01-13T12:56:00.004-06:00

The dojo building is scheduled for what should be its final electrical and plumbing inspections today. Once this hurdle is cleared, we move on the the final inspection for our Certificate of Occupancy.

UPDATE: PASSED!

Bonus points: It turns out that this inspection grants us our Certificate of Occupancy, pending the official blessing of the Fire Marshall. There are just a few more things we think he'll want to see before we ask for his inspection, but we are in the home stretch!

A Big Thank You!

2010-01-13T12:42:00.003-06:00

A big THANK YOU to the members of North Texas Aikido who answered the call - despite short notice - on Sunday to help with the roadside trash pick up. We were able to clear out 18 bags of garbage and 8 bags of recyclables in record time.

We appreciate you all!

So, what's next?

2010-01-04T10:24:00.002-06:00

Now that we've taken the leap of faith of moving out of our temporary home, people are wondering what happens next.

For now, we're concentrating on our final push to qualify for our certificate of occupancy from the county, before we can resume any classes in the new building. Until then, we'll continue to meet at the usual class-times to clean, paint, stain, sand or any of the myriad details that will still need to be done at our new home.

Weather permitting, we'll conduct outdoor classes before or after the work details.

As a reminder to people wishing to visit the new facility, our property is still legally considered a construction site, and as such is not yet open to the general public. Folks wishing to visit or desiring any information about North Texas Aikido should call the dojo first at 972-390-9600.

All In!

2009-12-23T07:25:00.002-06:00

Contrary to the overly-optimistic previous post, North Texas Aikido has been continuing its classes in the temporary Richardson location for the last month or more, while we worked to finish-up several nagging details that got bogged down (literally) by weeks of rain.

With the end of the October rains, we were able to have a very productive November and complete most of the remaining tasks that stand between us and our "Certificate of Occupancy" from the county.

While not everything is finished, we believe that we are close enough at this point to go "all in."

After tonight's class at the Richardson location we will toast the future with some saké and unlace the mat cover to prepare for our move into our final, permanent home.

The Countdown BEGINS!

2009-10-01T21:58:00.003-05:00

On Monday, September 28th, Russ-Sensei gave our current landlords our 30 days notice of intent to vacate our temporary location in Richardson.

In 30 short days our new address will be 2150 E. Lucas Road, Allen, Texas.

There's still plenty to do at the construction site, but it's close enough for us to finally begin getting ready to move into our permanent home.

If you haven't seen it in a while, you can always seen the latest pictures HERE.

The walls are going up!

2009-08-10T10:36:00.003-05:00

Well, technically the walls have been up for some time, now, but the sheetrock is now in place.

All those weekends of hand-stuffing the recycled blue-jean insulation in the walls is now hidden from view by nice, smooth drywall. The tape-and-bed crew began work on Friday, and the texture crew will be out on Wednesday.

You can check out the pictures from last Saturday here.

Texas "Trash-Off" Saturday, April 4th

2009-03-28T09:05:00.005-05:00

Saturday, April 4th is this year's Texas Trash-Off and North Texas Aikido is doing our part!

We'll be picking up trash and recyclables along the 2-mile stretch of our adopted roadway, starting at 9:00 am.

As usual, bring gloves, water and comfortable clothes to be outside for a few hours. If you have a grabber of some sort, you'll be happier than those who have to touch some of the garbage on a more personal level. Bags, stylish orange vests and erudite conversation on a variety of topics will be provided.

Feel free to bring refreshments for responsible enjoyment afterwards.

Demo Photos Added

2008-11-22T19:46:00.003-06:00

North Texas Aikido recently hosted a demo at our current, temporary location. Photos from the event have been added here.

Roadside Trash Pickup This Saturday!!

2008-04-02T16:33:00.002-05:00

North Texas Aikido will be conducting a roadside trash/recyclables pick-up this Saturday, April 5th, in keeping with our commitment to the Don't Mess With Texas campaign.

All members of North Texas Aikido, 15 years old or older (and all Parents and friends!) are encouraged to participate. The hard-core group that always does the job on your behalf could use some fresh company and new ears to hear the same tired, old jokes.

Meet at the Dojo property in time for our 10:00 am start. Call the Dojo for directions or more information. If you've never been out to see the building under construction, this would be an excellent time to see our future permanent home.

Bring gloves, water and comfortable, layered clothing to be outside for a few hours. If you have a "grabber" of some sort, you'll be happier than those who have to touch some of the garbage on a more personal level. Bugs may be starting to make an appearance by now, so hedge your bets and bring some bug spray.

Bags, vests and erudite conversation on a variety of topics while picking up roadside cast-offs will be provided.

THE DOJO HAS MOVED!!

2008-04-01T16:20:00.002-05:00

North Texas Aikido Family,

The dojo has moved to a temporary home in Richardson. We had
hoped to make the transition directly from Allen to our new
home in Lucas but it is still under construction. Until we can
take up residence there we will be training on Plano Road just
south of Arapaho. The Address is 651-681 Plano Rd. Suite 129
in the Richardson Tech Center. There is a map on the website
at www.northtexasaikido.com, just click on Map. The complex
is the red brick buildings about a 10th of a mile south of the
intersection of Plano and Arapaho on the west side of the
road. Suite 129 is the first unit closest to the street. Don't
let the Hartman Floors and Walls sign fool you, we're there.

The Aikido and Yoga schedules will remain the same and
training will continue uninterrupted. The phone number is
still 972-390-9600. If you have any questions give us a call.

See you soon,

Russ and Vicky

WE'RE MOVING!

2008-03-26T08:02:00.005-05:00

Unfortunately, our lease on the current location of North Texas Aikido is expiring before we can finish construction on our new, permanent home.

In the meantime, we've secured a spacious, new, temporary home in which to train. Located just south of Arapaho Road on Plano Road/Highway 5 in the Richardson Tech Center, we'll have nearly 5,000 square feet of space in which to rattle around after nearly 8 cramped years in our old 1100 square foot location.

View Larger Map

Note that the address above is approximate, based on where Google thinks you are when you are looking at the building. We'll update this post with an actual mailing address once we figure out exactly what that is.

On the west side of the street, you should see the new facility.

View Larger Map

Our phone number will remain the same.

There are still some papers to sign and other logistics that need attention, but we expect to be moving in this weekend, immediately following our regular Saturday Weapons Class.

If you can help, we can put you to use.

ALL DOJO MEETING TUES, FEB. 26

2008-02-23T10:47:00.002-06:00

This Tuesday, February 26th, there will be an ALL-DOJO MEETING immediately following the evening class. If you cannot otherwise attend class, please try to make it to the meeting at 8:30 pm.

Thanks!

Dojo Construction Photos

2008-02-20T07:20:00.002-06:00

Until I get a chance to add them to the Gallery Section of the website, you can find the occasionally updated pictures of the Dojo Construction here.

DOJO CONSTRUCTION PICTURES

Roadside Cleanup This Saturday!

2007-12-04T06:25:00.000-06:00

North Texas Aikido will be conducting our final roadside trash/recyclables pick-up of the year this Saturday, December 8th in keeping with our commitment to the Don't Mess With Texas campaign.

All members of North Texas Aikido, 15 years old or older are encouraged to participate. The hard-core group that always does the job on your behalf could use some fresh company and new ears to hear the same tired, old jokes.

Meet at the new Dojo property in time for our 9:00 am start. Contact the Dojo for directions or more information.

Bring gloves, water and comfortable, layered clothing to be outside for a few hours in the cool weather. If you have a "grabber" of some sort, you'll be happier than those who have to touch some of the garbage on a more personal level. Bugs really shouldn't be a problem this time of year, but you may want to hedge your bets and bring some bug spray.

Bags, vests and erudite conversation on a variety of topics while picking up roadside cast-offs will be provided.

THANK YOU

2007-10-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

A BIG THANKS to the few who turned out to help with yesterday's trash pick-up. Even though only half our usual number of volunteers were kind enough to help this time, we still managed to clear our two-mile stretch of road in around three hours. Some of us helped with much-needed mowing and weed-eating as well.

Besides clearing the roadsides of trash, we also seperated out all the recyclables and turned them in at the Branch Volunteer Fire Department for their fund-raising purposes.

Maintaining a volunteer presence in such activities as the quarterly road-side trash pick-up and donating recyclables to the local fire department are just two ways in which North Texas Aikido can build new and better relationships in our community.

Please consider participating in the future.

Roadside Cleanup This Saturday

2007-10-17T07:12:00.000-05:00

In keeping with North Texas Aikido's committment to the Don't Mess With Texas campaign and simply making good neighbors, we will be conducting our quarterly roadside trash pick-up this Saturday, October 20th.

Meet at the new Dojo property in time for our 9:00 am start. Contact the Dojo for directions or more information.

Bring gloves, water and comfortable clothes to be outside for a few hours. If you have a "grabber" of some sort, you'll be happier than those who have to touch some of the garbage on a more personal level. Bug spray is never a bad idea, either.

Bags, vests and erudite conversation on a variety of topics while picking up roadside cast-offs will be provided.

Dojo Construction Update

2007-08-22T22:31:00.000-05:00

Remember that concrete slab pictured here?

It looks a little different now. Maybe you should take a look.

Dojo Clean-Up

2006-12-28T17:55:00.000-06:00

The New Year is almost upon us and we want to welcome it with a shiny, clean Dojo. In keeping with traditon, North Texas Aikido is having a Dojo Cleanup Day on Saturday, December 30, at 12:30 pm.

Please plan to come help out, and bring any cleaners or equipment you think may help. The more people participate, the less time it will take to get the Dojo into proper condition to meet the New Year.

Winter Weather Reminder

2006-11-29T07:38:00.000-06:00

With the first taste of winter due to hit on November 30, it's time to remind everyone of North Texas Aikido's policy on winter weather.

Any time there is a Winter Weather Advisory or Warning, classes at North Texas Aikido will not be held.

Attempts will be made to keep the phone forwarded directly to Sensei, should you have a question about the status of a class.

Don't risk your car or your life trying to make your way to the dojo, only to find yourself alone.

Summer Schedule Ends September 30

2006-09-23T10:16:00.000-05:00

North Texas Aikido will resume its regular schedule beginning Oct. 1, 2006.

This will bring an end to the 9:00-10:00 am morning weapons class in the park, to be replaced with our regular 12:30-1:30 pm class. As usual, an open workout will follow the weapons class.

All other classes will continue unchanged.

Monday Night Class on Hiatus

2006-07-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

Due to the busy schedules of several of the senior students who teach, the Monday night Beginner's Class is on hold until further notice.

When it resumes, Beginner's Class will most likely be restructured into a quarterly occurrance with a set duration - probably 3 or 4 weeks at a time.

Check at the Dojo or here on the NEWS page for updates.

Summer Schedule Resumes

2006-06-21T04:49:00.000-05:00

Beginning July 1, North Texas Aikido will reinstitute its summer schedule to accommodate outdoor training before the heat of the Texas day sets in.

Saturday weapons training will be held at 9:00 am 'till 10:00 am. Bring sunscreen and water.

The usual 12:30-1:30 timeslot will be a supervised open workout.

Congratulations, Richard!!

2006-05-13T17:11:00.000-05:00

Our own Richard Gilbert, still in California as uchi-deschi at Aikido San Leandro with Pat Hendricks, Sensei, has been successfully tested for his Sandan. Details are sketchy at present, but we expect to get all the details as soon as Richard - and his voice - return in a few days.

Still No Trash Pick Up!

2006-02-15T19:44:00.000-06:00

Weather forecasts for the weekend don't sound too promising, so in case you haven't already heard by coming to class (*hint), there will be no trash pick up this weekend, either.

High temperatures for Saturday are not forecast to get above 40°, and the likelihood of rain is pretty high. Add to that the chance that some of that precipitation will be in the form of sleet or freezing rain, and we think that you'll be happier nearly anywhere, other than on the side of a road picking up trash.

We'll reschedule in a few weeks. So watch this page, or come to class for news.

Also, since freezing rain is possible this weekend, please remember the Dojo policy for Winter Weather Advisories:
Any time there is a Winter Weather Advisory or Warning, classes at North Texas Aikido will not be held. If there is any doubt, call the Dojo number for information. 972.390.9600

Don't risk your car or your life trying to make your way to the dojo, only to find yourself alone.

Trash Pick Up Day - CANCELLED!

2006-02-10T13:18:00.000-06:00

UPDATE - Due to today's rain and tomorrow morning's forecast cold temperatures, the Adopt-A-Highway folks will have to wait for better weather to have us pick up roadside garbage. PLEASE, don't wallow in the mud at the dojo property waiting for anyone to show up in the morning. Really ... keep your feet clean and show up for regularly-scheduled classes, instead.

New Year's Training and Party

2006-01-10T19:24:00.000-06:00

North Texas Aikido will bring in the New Year with training and a pot-luck party on Saturday, January 14th. Come for the training, stay for the black-eyed peas and saké. Bring your favorite dish, dessert or beverage - or better yet - all three.

Change of Plans

2005-12-28T19:57:00.000-06:00

Contrary to what was previously posted, North Texas Aikido will NOT be having New Year's Day training on January 1, 2006. Our celebration will be postponed a week or two. Watch for updates here and in the Dojo.

Holiday Schedule

2005-12-19T06:53:00.000-06:00

North Texas Aikido will not be holding regularly-scheduled adult classes on the following days:

Saturday, December 24, 2005
Monday, December 26, 2005
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Monday, December 2, 2005

Winter Weather Reminder

2005-12-07T13:04:00.000-06:00

Roads in Texas can become treacherous in an instant this time of year, so be sure to remember that any time there is a Winter Weather Advisory or Warning, classes at North Texas Aikido will not be held.

Don't risk your car or your life trying to make your way to the dojo, only to find yourself alone.

Adopt-A-Highway Trash Pickup Day

2005-10-12T16:52:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, October 15th, North Texas Aikido will be earning its keep as the adoptive parents of our two-mile stretch of road with a trash pick up day.

Those of you who volunteer will be rewarded with the use of a stylish, blaze-orange safety vest and all the trash bags you can fill. We typically manage to stuff more than 30 "Dont Mess With Texas" large, white trash bags with the generous offerings drivers launch out their car windows while passing by our new home-to-be.

Bring gloves, water and something to pick up trash (nail on a stick, or a grabber-type thing you see on TV from time to time). Bug spray and sun screen aren't bad ideas, either.

We'll be getting started at 9:00am and should finish up around noon.

Summer Schedule Ends

2005-10-12T16:48:00.000-05:00

Beginning Saturday, October 15th, North Texas Aikido will resume its standard schedule.
For the uninitiated, that simply means that we're no longer holding our Saturday weapons classes at 9:00am at Ford Park to beat the summer heat. Instead, they will resume in their usual 12:30-1:30pm time slot, followed by open workout at the dojo until the last person with a key needs to leave.

Summer Schedule Resumes

2005-07-12T21:51:00.000-05:00

Beginning July 16, North Texas Aikido will reinstitute its summer schedule to accommodate outdoor training before the heat of the Texas day sets in.

Saturday weapons training will be held at 9:00 am 'till 10:00 am. Bring sunscreen and water.

The usual 12:30-1:30 timeslot will be a supervised open workout.

KID GASSHUKU

2005-07-12T21:41:00.000-05:00

North Texas Aikido's KID GASSHUKU Summer Camp will be July 20, 21 and 22 from noon until 5:00pm.

Current students interested in attending should register as soon as possible by filling out a registration form available at the Dojo.

Fee: $75
Bring: Uniform, change of clothes and a light snack.

For more information, call the Dojo at 972.390.9600.

Something New...

2005-05-04T19:54:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to keep the "News" section of the website current, and to get upcoming events listed in a more timely manner, North Texas Aikido is trying out a blog-style format. All the previous news items have been moved over to this new page for those who have never visited the site before.

2005-05-04T19:47:00.000-05:00

March 9, 2005
Foundation of Excellence
The not-yet-spring rains have brought forth a host of new life and beginnings on the Dojo property. The trees, dormant through the mild winter, have begun to sprout buds. Annuals have struggled up through the Texas clay and have spread their new leaves to the sun - and yesterday, where once there was a bland patch of featureless dirt, a large concrete foundation had sprung up in the space of a few hours.Of course, it didn't literally appear as quickly as that. The forms had been in place for a week or more, waiting on the endless succession of Texas storms to run their course before the concrete crew could arrive to do their work. Once they were there, however, the concrete was poured, smoothed down, had the forms removed and was being burnished before most of us could dash out to have a look. Here is what we found.

December 15, 2004
Signs and wonders!
North Texas Aikido has Adopted a Highway. Should you find yourself traveling along Lucas Road between the "Bait Sandwiches" shop and the driveway to the new dojo property, look for the signs that mark the two-mile stretch recently "adopted" by North Texas Aikido. Four times a year we will conduct cleanups, picking up any trash and other interesting items* that find themselves on the sides of the road. This is a valuable community service provided by our membership that will help to build positive relationships with our new neighbors.*Besides the 30+ bags of expected bottles, cans and fast-food wrappers, our first cleanup day netted an "athletic supporter" and half a bra - go figure...

September 11, 2004
Summer Schedule Ends!
Along with the most of the summer heat, SUMMER SCHEDULE HAS ENDED*. Normal Class Schedule resumes. (* Translation: no more 9:00 am weapons classes outside)Our hopes are that we will no longer need a morning weapons class come next year. With any luck, we'll have a nice, new facility with high ceilings to practice inside during the hot summer months.

June 6, 2004
Summer Schedule Begins Again!
Due to the summer heat, North Texas Aikido is instituting its Summer Schedule once again. What does this mean to you? For those of you who attend the Saturday weapons class, this means we're meeting outside in the parking lot for weapons training at 9:00 am until 10:00 am. This way we get out and start training while it is still (relatively speaking - it is Texas, after all) cool outside under the unlimited sky, weather permitting, rather than under our low ceiling at our current facilities. The regular 12:30 class will still continue inside as a continuation of the week's theme of instruction and may take a more spirited pace.

May 15, 2004
Kids' Promotions
Lots of kids' tests completed.The dojo was abuzz with the sound of plenty of kids being tested this past Saturday. We are pleased to announce that all the candidates up for promotion successfully passed their exams.

May 14, 2004
Happy Anniversary!
This month marks the 20th year of Russell Alvey Sensei's path in Aikido! On behalf of Students, Friends and Family, Congratulations, and ... Thank you, Sensei!

May 10, 2004
Tweaking the Site
Yes, Phil, we're still here... ;-)
Online Calendar of Events AddedPartially out of a desire to keep upcoming special events posted for easy perusal by our members and guests, but primarily to help your absent-minded webmaster remember his teaching assignments, we present our North Texas Aikido Calendar of Events. At present, it only lists our current class schedule, but as events are planned, they will be added to the schedule. Check back often, and feel free to prod the webmaster with dojo events that should be listed.

April 29, 2004
Did you miss us? We certainly missed you!
We're Back Online! Bear with us as we gradually unpack our website on a new server and try to figure out where all our digital furniture should go. Many heartfelt thanks to Kent and the rest of the Merrell family for graciously hosting our website at their own considerable expense for the last several years. Thanks also go to Chris Pearce and Clay Luther for their help in obtaining a new home for our website.Along with the move will come the usual host of broken links and a general house-cleaning of old, outdated pages and pictures, as well as new and expanded content to better serve our students and visitors.

April 3, 2004
Yet another new Shodan!
Congratulations to Dr. Mike Sealock on his successful Shodan test! Once again, a full dojo was was on hand to view an excellent performance and to celebrate with Mike afterwards - and boy, did we party!

February 7, 2004
Another new Shodan!
Congratulations to Doug Koval on his successful Shodan test! The dojo was packed with well-wishers eager to see Doug's excellent performance and to celebrate with him afterwards.Naturally, nobody thought to bring a camera ... Fortunately, we had the good fortune of a visit from Dave Delong, Sensei of the Aikido Institute of Texas- and his student, Jared Mays, who had a disposable camera in his truck. Hopefully, we will eventually have a picture or two to post online.

September 6, 2003
Along with the crushing heat, SUMMER SCHEDULE HAS ENDED*. Normal Class Schedule resumes. (* Translation: no more 8:30am weapons in the park until next summer)

July 31, 2003
A good excuse for a party!
Russ Sensei has been in California all this past week serving as uchi-deshi (full-time live-in student) at Aikido San Leandro, under his instructor, Pat Hendricks, Sensei. In his absence, senior students, Nancy, Nina and Keith, of North Texas Aikido have been instructing all the classes and keeping the home-fires burning.
While in California, Russ Sensei has been brushing up and preparing for his Yondan demonstration, given just this past Saturday. Richard and Daniel flew out on Thursday to assist as ukés during the demonstration - which culminated in the promotion of Russell Alvey, Sensei to Yondan (4th degree black belt). We are all very excited and pleased for Russ Sensei and will doubtless use his promotion as an excuse for a big party at the dojo!

July 2, 2003
Thanks!
Thanks go out to everyone who helped to make the seminar with Pat Hendricks, Sensei a success! We are still glowing from the success of the seminar with Pat Hendricks, Sensei, June 28-29.. While quite hot even during the early-morning outdoor weapons sessions at Ford Park, nobody saw fit to pass out or even make too big a fuss about the summer heat and humidity here in north Texas. The two-day seminar on weapons and taijutsu wrapped up with Dan tests, and we are pleased to report the following promotions:
Shodan:Sharon AlexeichikIan Alvey Nancy Cushion
Nidan:Keith FinkJanice GilbertDaniel GonzalesNina HoggMark HolmgrenThanks also go to our guests from Colorado, Kim and Paul, who found themselves suddenly conscripted into taking ukemi for many of the candidates during the tests. (We couldn't have done it without you two - Thanks!) Last, but certainly not least, thanks to all the students, parents, friends and of course our own Dojo-Cho of North Texas Aikido, who spent countless hours cleaning, planning, decorating the Dojo, and cooking for the pot-luck party following the completion of the seminar. We've already begun plans for next year's seminar, to be held during a cooler month - and with any luck - in our new facilities. Stay tuned!

SEMINAR RESCHEDULED
June 28-29, 2003A Weekend withPat Hendricks, Sensei
Seminar schedulefor Sat & Sun:9am - 10am 10:15am - 11:15amLunch1:30pm - 2:30pm2:45pm - 3:45pm
Seminar with Pat Hendricks, Sensei. To our great delight, Pat Hendricks Sensei, of Aikido San Leandro has graciously agreed to visit us once again and conduct a weekend seminar June 28-29, 2003. Due to the very limited space at our current facilities, the seminar will be open to all current students of North Texas Aikido and a limited number of guests only. Visitors should speak directly with Russell Alvey, Sensei for confirmation of their attendance. Seminar fees are $75 for the entire weekend of instruction or $10 if you would just like to observe.

June 7, 2003
Summer Schedule Resumes
The Summer Schedule Resumes June 7. The Saturday weapons class, will move to 8:30am Saturday mornings to try and beat the heat. The standard 12:30 weapons time slot will temporarily be used for test preperation and more advanced-paced training for the duration of the summer schedule.

January 1, 2003
New Class Offered
The new Beginners' Class will begin January 6. All new students and those wanting to "brush up" on basic Aikido techniques and information are encouraged to attend the new Monday night classes, held from 7:00-8:00pm. These classes will be taught by the Dojo's sempai and will cover requirements for the first rank test, as well as concepts on etiquette, terminology and basic weapons.

December 14, 2002
Party time!
In honor of O'Sensei's birthday, North Texas Aikido will be having a Potluck Party immediately following the 12:30 pm class on Saturday. All students and their families are invited to come and share their favorite recipés. Russ Sensei may even blow the dust off of his Aikido Video collection for viewing during the festivities.

December 2002
Please make a note...
The Dojo will be closed on Christmas Day and on New Year's Eve. New Year's Day class will be held at 10:00 am. You can always sleep later...

November 2002
Please make a note...
The Dojo will be closed Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, as well as the following Friday and Saturday.

November, 2002
Getting caught up...
Updates and Ramblings
Frequent visitors to the site will note that not much has been posted or updated for some time, now. Please don't infer that nothing has changed or is going on at North Texas Aikido – Quite the opposite. We hope to be adding new photos and other information, and perhaps archive some of the older photos on the site. Also, there will be updates to the Yoga schedule soon, as well.
In the meanwhile ...
The class schedule is slowly morphing into one that more closely meets the needs of our students and full-time Dojo Cho. By popular demand, the early-morning Saturday weapons class, originally intended to beat the heat of summer and give us all a chance to train under the endless ceiling of open sky remains in effect – even as the weather cools into winter. Just like the weather here in north Texas, this is subject to change at any time. The standard weapons class time of 12:30-1:30 has become more and more an advanced-pace taijutsu class, due mostly to the number of yudansha typically in attendance. Newer members should not feel the need to shy away from this class, but are asked to be aware of advanced pace the class is likely to take.
On the near horizon, a new beginner level-specific class will be added to the schedule, most likely on Monday nights. This class will focus primarily on familiarizing new students with the most basic positions, stances and techniques required on the students first rank test, as well as history, concepts and etiquette. This class will be taught by the senior students of the dojo.
As for the progress on the new Dojo, we're finally wrapping up the architectural drawings and just about ready to submit them to the engineers. For those of you keeping track (scroll down a bit, if you like), this has taken over a year just to get to this point. Our original attempts to mark our property line with laboriously transplanted cedar trees met with a sudden end at the hands of a rogue mowing tractor. When the hay in the field gets taller than the saplings, it gets tricky knowing when to turn... The freshly cropped cedars were ultimately replaced with heavy fence-posts, which will doubtless make much more of an impression on the neighbors mower should there be any future lapses in judgement.

May 14, 2002
the end of an era...
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Morihiro Saito Sensei in Iwama, Japan early Monday morning, May 13, 2002. Stanley Pranin of Aikido Journal writes, "Saito Sensei was truly one of the giants of modern aikido and his strong presence will be sorely missed. This editor was among the thousands of students touched by Saito Sensei during his lifetime. His son and successor Hitohiro Saito Shihan plans to hold a private funeral for family members shortly and a formal ceremony to be held in Japan in about one month's time. He asks that anyone planning to go to Japan to pay their respects attend the formal funeral to be announced soon."
Those of us at North Texas Aikido who have had the privilege of meeting and training with Saito Sensei in person will doubtless feel the loss more accutely, but his life has made a lasting impression that is felt by all his generations of students across the globe.
Our hearts and prayers are with the family and other loved ones of Morihiro Saito Sensei.

May 10, 2002
New Pics...
New Pictures Posted!CJ has been kind enough to post some pictures he took out at the property shortly after its purchase. Check 'em out!

March 18, 2002
Some catching up is in order...
Quite a bit has happened since the last update. Here's a few tidbits to tide you over 'till we get a chance to post some pics.The new NTA acreage has had quite a bit of work done on it to prepare it for our eventual building site. Brush has been hogged. Weeds have been eaten. Chains have been sawed ... er, that is chain saws have had the dust knocked off by copious use on brambles and branches. Those willing to take on the mission of poison ivy patrol have all been awarded the Red Rash of Courage by the local flora. You wouldn't believe the mounds of trash collected and hauled off our little corner of Collin County over the last several months. The vast majority of junk has been removed, but we suspect we'll still be finding hidden bedsprings, tires and bottles for some time to come. The laborious task of transplanting cedar trees to denote our property line and provide a little more privacy has begun, and two out of the three people assigned the task one Saturday a while back really threw themselves into the work. (The other person decided he's better suited to writing about it here instead...) Most notable, however is the new driveway just installed this past week. It winds a leisurely path from the main road back to the parking pad on the other side of the treeline. The driver is treated to a quick view of the lake along the way, and Sensei says it provides a lovely vantage point to watch the sun rise. Actual building plans are still in development, and as much as we'd like to get started on the construction of our new home, we are taking great pains to be sure all of North Texas Aikido's needs will be met by the new Dojo.
More to come soon!

March 10, 2002
Recent sightings...
Worm Boy Lives! If you don't know ... don't ask. Hi, Mike!

November 20, 2001
Several New Yoga Classes have been added to the Class Schedule.

September 15, 2001
Summer schedule has ended. Normal Class Schedule resumes.

September 7, 2001

2005-05-04T19:46:00.001-05:00

North Texas Aikido is pleased to announce that we have secured 8 acres of land on which to build our permanent home! In the days and weeks ahead we will try and keep everyone posted on our progress as we finalize the blueprints for what will ultimately be a signature training facility in the north Texas area.

August 6, 2001

2005-05-04T19:46:00.000-05:00

Due to the summer heat, North Texas Aikido is instituting a Summer Schedule through the end of September. What does this mean to you? For those of you who attend the Saturday weapons class, this means we're meeting at 9:00 am until 10:00 am. This serves two purposes — One: we get out and start training while it is still (relatively speaking) cool outside. Two: it gives those NTA students who will be attending the Saito Sensei seminar in California a chance to brush up on all the basic weapons techniques under the unlimited sky, rather than under our low ceiling at the dojo ...

July 30, 2001

2005-05-04T19:45:00.001-05:00

Our Rent has Gone Up! We mean, WAY UP! Without giving any real specifics, we can say that it jumped 50% per month. Unfortunately, being a dojo run on a shoe-string budget, we are forced to institute a raise in the dues structure to cover the cost. Fortunately, the increase in dues is fairly modest, and the first in several years. Please don't hesitate to speak with the instructor about any questions or concerns you may have regarding this change.

June 17, 2001

2005-05-04T19:45:00.000-05:00

We're Very Excited to have over 15 members of North Texas Aikido signed up (or with announced intentions) to travel to California in September to train with Saito Sensei!

May 22, 2001

2005-05-04T19:44:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder for those of you planning to attend the Saito Sensei seminar in Rohnert Park, California on September 21-23 need to start making your travel arrangements now. Registration forms are on the bulletin board in the kitchen.

May 19, 2001

2005-05-04T19:44:00.001-05:00

Clay was kind enough to bring a bottle of his homemade saké to the dojo Saturday for us to sample. We all eagerly gathered around after weapons training to do our part in the emptying of that very large bottle. People who don't like saké didn't have their minds changed, but those of us who enjoy the brew thought it was quite good. Thanks, Clay!

May 17, 2001

2005-05-04T19:44:00.000-05:00

Sensei met with the property owner, surveyor and potential new neighbor today to look over our proposed new site for the dojo.

May 6, 2001

2005-05-04T19:43:00.001-05:00

"What's Going On?" section of the North Texas Aikido web pages debuts.
Intro page interface updated by Keith.

May 5, 2001

2005-05-04T19:43:00.000-05:00

Two more Yoga classes added to the schedule

Getting up to speed so far...

2005-05-04T18:50:00.000-05:00

Many things have happened at North Texas Aikido since we first established our presence on the Web. Seminars have been held. Visitors have come and gone. Students have been promoted, and perhaps most notably, we had to say goodbye to our home of nearly ten years above the old feed store in historic downtown Allen, Texas. Renewed economic interest in the old Downtown area of Allen brought new building owners with new ideas for the W.O.W. building (circa 1912) on Main St., and unfortunately, those ideas didn't include us. Providence, however, hadn't abandoned us at NTA, and we quickly found a new location in which to lay our mats and throw each other down. Photos in the Gallery section will attest to the beauty of our new home, which we consider temporary until land can be secured on which to build our permanent, free-standing Dojo. At present, we have a location in mind, earnest-money contracts in hand, and hopeful spirits, pending approval of all those issues which local governments feel they need to approve.