When I was 8 years old, I started Judo classes and enjoyed it at the beginning. But as I advanced, Judo began to get more competitive and the dojo seemed to become less friendly and more tough. To move up in rank, I had to go to tournaments where I would face "opponents" almost three years older and more experienced than myself. I became tired of all the competition in judo and decided to move on.

Timothy's brother Matthew does an arm pin

My mother had spoken to her piano teacher, Jean Collins, whose husband, Bill, is a 5th dan in Aikido. He recommended Aikido Shugyo Dojo to my Mom because it had a children's class with great teachers. So, I decided to give it a try. One Saturday morning, my mother, my brother, Andrew, and I, went to the Bloor Valley Club to check it out. The kids' class teacher, Homayun, welcomed us.

The practice room did not have the tatami mats like Judo did, but that was all right. Homayun Sensei started the class by doing warm-ups. We did hand, foot, arm, leg and neck exercises. The class wasn't very big, only five or six kids, but with that number, the sensei could spend more time with each individual improving their techniques. I really enjoyed the class. The first technique I learned was tenkan and later a more advanced one like ikkyo. When the class was over I was disappointed because I had been having a good time.

After that class, we joined the Dojo and attended classes regularly. Soon plans were made to move to a new location. Before we knew, we were practicing in our new Dojo. It looks great! The members have worked efficiently and energetically for over a year cleaning, painting, installing change rooms, and recently, showers. This whole process must have been expensive but well worth it. It wouldn't have happened without members' contribution of money and hard work.

Homayun Sensei teaches these classes too; he helps us learn many skills and is, as always, patient.

Starting this September, a new class for youths, ages 10 to 14, was made available. There are about nine students and we work on more advanced techniques. We have a bit more space to practice and are working with other students around our own age. Homayun Sensei teaches these classes too; he helps us learn many skills and is, as always, patient. He helps me with a number of techniques that I can never quite perfect. The kids, including my two brothers, get along well during classes. Joseph Shaw, a senior student, also helps out and is always good to talk to.

In August, I attended a workshop with Sue Jeannette Sensei. It was an interesting session where we practiced another type of Aikido. It was hard at first but I eventually got the hang of it a little. On September 23, I went to a seminar taught by Clyde Takeguchi Sensei, an excellent instructor from Washington, D.C. The class worked on tenkan and many other techniques.

I am currently in seventh kyu and am working towards achieving sixth kyu. The testing is difficult, but from what I have seen, no one has failed yet. I enjoy Aikido and I hope one day to earn a black belt.



Other Articles
· Aikido for Kids - by Fran Turner
· Anna, age (almost) 10 - by Anna
· Aikido From A Youth's Point of View - by Timothy
· A Brief History of the Kids' Classes - by Homayun Kordbacheh