Arts of the Samurai

Please be sure download the March Calendar to make sure you have the most up-to-date class schedule.

Martial Arts Supplies
Do you need a new bokken, one of the dojo Study Books, Uniform or other martial arts supplies? Good news - you can now order pretty much anything you want or need, directly from the dojo website! Just click Supplies and place your order! Pay for it directly, and have it shipped directly to your home - EZ!

Dojo Tea
Please note that there is not another Dojo Tea on the 18th - that one got by me!

Why March 2010 Madness? Because we've all been stuck inside due to the snow and cold weather, so usually we're going mad by the time March rolls around! That means it's time to get yourselves up and to the dojo to get your workout in and learn all the new and exciting things we have in store for you this month! See you at the dojo.

Thanks and I'm looking forward to a GREAT month!

Sensei Toni
Compassion is the foundation of a good life...

Dojo Tea

There is a dojo tea on Thursday the 18th. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so that I am sure we have plenty of room and goodies. This is a wonderful evening, and if you haven't been to one you really should come and experience it. Everyone is welcome, and if you have to leave early because it is a school night, that's okay. We will end around 8-8:30 regardless. I will ask a few of you to help me set up because there isn't much time between the Junior Kendo class and the tea.

In the past we have assigned rank for the honor of serving. This time I will allow those who wish to serve to volunteer. As it is a privilege to serve, please respond early if you wish to do this as it will be a first come, first serve (yes, that is a pun) basis.

Evening with the Sensei

You will see that Saturday night, the 13th, I have an evening with Sensei scheduled for the young folks. This is an opportunity for parents to have a valentine dinner or movie. You may donate whatever you think is fair for the evening to the dojo. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be sure I have enough neat materials and snacks, we are going to have a great time!

EZ Defense for Women

The next EZ Defense is March 6th. I am really depending on you to help get the word out. Please inform your co-workers and family members! If you are interested in learning more about this Workshop, please call: 865.310.3317 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Finally - please check your dojo email, sent to each dojo member this month. I've included a letter that I'd love for you to read and then take a moment (or two!) to respond to; just email me back with your suggestions.

Thanks and looking forward to a GREAT month!

Sensei Toni

Compassion is the foundation of a good life...

As we go into this new decade, let us have optimism and hope with a renewed comittment to making a difference this year in our own lives, and/or someone else's life: it is how we make a difference in the world. I pray for all of you to have peace, joy and prosperity in the coming year, and I am really looking forward to spending it with you!

On the new calendar, please note that Sensei Billey has added a class from 5-6 on Monday and Wednesday. It is dedicated to real-llife, scenario-based self-defense. Have fun, I know it will be a great class!

Please come and help Chris Laborde celebrate his 1st Dan in Kendo on Monday, the 11th, at 6:00. Remember that kendo tests are open, and all are welcome!

See you in class!

Sensei Toni

In this season of peace and joy, it may be difficult to find our own sense of peace. The world is full of strife, and everywhere we look there are conflicts, deaths, and violent dissension. Sometimes it is easy to feel helpless, anxious and worried.

I urge you to look to the better things that surround us all. The love of family and friends is so much more important than whatever moves countries and governments.

It is in our individual ability to find the peace there is in a special moment shared with someone you love that the world will be healed. It is in our ability to reach out to another human being and help them that the world will become prosperous. It is in our choice to see the brightness of a sunny day, to revel in the chill of gently falling snow, to dance with the music made by the people who matter to us, that the world will be able find a moment of stillness and connect with a better way.

We are the examples: whatever ripples we make in our day to day existence become waves on the ocean of humanity around us. In this season I pray for those ripples to be ones of joy, love and contentment. This is my wish for all of my dojo family: that where joy, contentment and love is concerned that you have 'enough' that you can share. Happy holidays to all!

Calendar Notes

As you can see by the monthly class schedule, there is no testing this month due to the crazy holiday schedule. Therefore, we will be double testing next month.

Agedo classes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning will be knife fighting. Kendo is still in the bogu, with forms work based on the needs apparent from the evening's combat.

A couple of people have asked me what the "Dojo" wants for Christmas/Hannukkah/Kwanza. These are the things we could use, but please don't feel obligated; I love just having you as students and I appreciate your help with the dojo through your tuition!

• Paper Towels
• Toilet Paper
• Dixie Cups for the water cooler
• Bottled water
• Sodas
• Used Adult sized Kendo bogu (armour, look on E Bay)
• DVD Reclaiming the Blade
• Bookshelves
• Storage containers

As a last note, if you are aware of a needy indivdual or family that may not be able to afford holiday dinner, please let me know confidentially.