June's News
Please be sure to download a copy of the June Calendar!  You will note that we will be closed June 27th and 29th for the Carbondale tournament.  We are also closed July 4th, but there is the annual (this will be #2) July 4th Celebration at the Martins.  It is a bring your own affair, you can bring meat for the grill, or a salad, or drinks, a desert, or just food for yourself if you want.  It is very informal and calls for a lot of lazing around in the backyard, talking, eating, shooting some arrows, etc.  Details will follow!

If you are attending the Carbondale or Smoky Mtn tournaments, there are sign-up sheets on the coffee table.  The tournament hotel for Carbondale is the Ramada Inn.  When you make reservations, let them know you are with the tournament.  I don't have a number yet as Master Black is still having some trouble getting info out from the damaged communications in that part of Illinois (they had an inland hurricane), but I am sure you can get the info by calling Ramada Inn in the phone book.

The Peoria tournment will probably not be a go this year.  Sensei Ben has decided to get married, of all things, on August 8th.  Since he is family, our priority is to be here for him!

Agedo classes this month will focus on the following:

1.  The Art of Strategy by Sun Tzu (the translation by R.L. Wing)  You need your own book so that you can take copious notes in the margins!  If you have not yet obtained a copy, you can usually get used ones from Amazon.

2.  The Code of Honor.  This goes hand in hand and is open to all kinds of discussion.

3.  Savate (French Foot Fighting)  This is also appropriate to the discussions we will be having.

Kendo classes will continue with cutting, this time with targets that move.  Please plan on bringing apples, potatoes or other such fruits and veggies to class.  We will also be continuing on the Directional Kata and on the Precepts of Kendo. 

We have several openings in classes, the first time since moving to the new dojo.  If you have friends or family that have been waiting for a spot, let me know.

We are kicking off the summer with a lot of fun, sweat and enthusiasm!!!  Its going to be a great time in the dojo and I am SO looking forward to spending another season with all of my wonderful students.  Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey!

Sensei Toni