During the week of the black belt test Steve Kellum will be in Colorado offering a variety of seminars including Jo staff, Aikido, Martial Movement, and Bokken.  This seminar is not being hosted by the Bennett’s, therefore, there will be a charge for participating in the seminar.  This includes even the current members of the Bennett Karate  Here is the seminar schedule:

Friday 11-13-2009 @6pm, Westminster MHK
Bokken, Jo kata, Two man Jo routines, Jo take away and throws

I saw a group doing this at the Budokan in Naha, Okinawa and it was pretty cool.  Jo is a requirement for black belt in a lot of Aikido organizations, so this might be one of the only times to learn such a thing first hand from an expert.  I think Jo, and Bokken defenses and attacks are pretty awesome and I suggest everyone to at least be able to see this.  This is one of the seminars that I will try not to miss.

Saturday 11-14-2009 @1pm, Erie at Bennetts Karate
Aikido basics, techniques, and Aikido with connection

This will take the place of our regularly scheduled class for Aikido on Saturday.

Sunday 11-15-2009 @2pm, Erie at Bennetts Karate
Aikido techniques, martial movement.

This seminar will take place after our bi-annual black belt test.

Monday 11-16-2009 @6pm, Westminster MHK
Aikido sensing and feeling, Martial arts with no mind, Movement for center.

All seminars should last a few hours, and costs $20.00 per person, per event, to participate.  Students and parents can show up and watch for free.  Steve Kellum was here a few years ago and helped us out with the black belt test for Joe Murrah.  He also did Randori with me and a few of the other black belts.  Randori, in terms of an Aikido setting, is when a group of individuals attack someone however they want, while the goal of the Aikido student (or teacher) is to use their knowledge of Aikido to parry, dodge, or subdue their assailants.  Its bad to kick, because you will definately get knocked down!

Steve Kellum is a 4th degree black belt in Uechi Ryu and was one of my teachers when I was growing up.  He was also one of the senpai students at my father’s dojo in Grand Rapids Michigan.  I tested for my 2nd Dan with him at Master Thompon’s dojo when he tested for his 4th Dan.