柳に雪折れ無し
Yanagi ni yukiore nashi / “Willows don’t break under the weight of the snow*
(Japanese proverb)
Winter is upon us. We will be taking a break for the holidays, and wanted to give everyone a heads up before the season overtakes us.
LAST THIRD FRIDAY AND KYU TESTS OF 2024!
Friday, December 20 will be our last Third Friday class of the year, and will include tests for 6th, 5th and 4th kyu. Please come for class, starting at 6:30 pm, followed as usual by a potluck social hour.
DONATION MATCH CHALLENGE
We have been generously offered an anonymous $500 donation as a match challenge to round out the year. Donations may be made by check, cash or PayPal payment to info@chicagoaikikai.org.
DOJO CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR’S
No class will be held from December 24 to 31. Everyone enjoy the break!
NEW YEAR’S DAY CLASS
Ed Reiff Sensei has generously offered to lead a first class to kick off the New Year from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
KAGAMI BIRAKI AT CHICAGO AIKIKAI
Chicago Aikikai will hold its annual Kagami Biraki to celebrate the New Year on Friday, January 17 as part of that month’s Third Friday class. Current and past Chicago Aikikai members are all invited, as well as friends and family. Starting at 6:30 pm, instruction will be led by Marsha Turner Sensei, and then rotated among other senior members/instructors. Potluck dinner will follow. Those unfamiliar with the Kagami Biraki tradition can read about our last event or this article here.