Aikido Weapons - Bokkens on the Beach
by Danny James, images courtesy of Fiona Evans
Three years ago Tony Neal Sensei decided it was time that there needed to be something on the aikido calender for the 'aiki-widows', i.e. the wives (and husbands), girlfriends, boyfriends and parents of aikido students that needed a way to meet the rest of the aikido community without having to don strange Japanese pajamas, skirts and throw each other around and generally get sweaty on a mat when you could do that at home anyway. Thus 'Bokkens on the Beach' was born, though later it was to assume the subtitles 'Weapons by the Waves' and 'Daggers in the Dunes' but by then it was all getting a bit confusing and not a little bit silly as well.
Stradbroke Island, only 30mins from the mainland was selected as an ideal location, in part because once you get non-aikido people on an island they can't run away and eventually find themselves wielding a wooden weapon on a beach somewhere.
Alternately hosted by Cleveland and more recently Capalaba dojos a feature of the weekends has been the accomodation. '5 star location 1 star accomodation' has been the catch cry from Thom Hansen and Tony Neal. Ably assisted by Darren Cowles, police officer and part time butcher, attendees have been treated to sumptous BBQ dinner and breakfast together with all the talkie-nage their partners can bear. Throw in a healthy mix of well credentialed instructors including John Ward, Murray Loader, Thom Hansen and Michael Williams Sensei and you have a fabulous weekend away for around $30.
But wait there's more, perched on the quiet side of Stradbroke Island at Amity Point there is all the quiet beach walks, snorkelling and slightly over priced icecreams from the local snack bar you could wish for.
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