--Seikikai's new program offering 2 classes a week at a greatly reduced price is proving to be a success. The new students are invited to enter a special class, usually on Tuesday and Thursday. These classes emphasize the most basic aspects of Aikido, the warm-ups and basic tecnique. This allows them to get a good grasp of what Aikido is all about. Also, the new students are introduced to the relationship between Aikido technique and its relationship to Kenjutsu, the art of the Japanese sword. The more advanced students are also encouraged to attend these classes. This way they gain insights that were perhaps missed and they provide valuable experience to the new students. Everyone wins.

After 2 months of these classes, the new students have the option of joining Seikikai as permanent students.

Bring your friends to take advantage of this program.

For more information, send a blank message to discount@aikido-seikikai.com. You will receive details via autoresponder. This offer is only valid in Mexico.

--In the month of April, 14 students tested. Later this month we will post the results of these tests.

Due to our improved testing criteria chances are good that all did well.

Results will be announced at the promotion ceremony on Saturday the 22 of May. We would like to invite all of the students and their families and friends to attend. There will be a potluck immediately after.

Please bring something to drink and your favorite dish to share.

--Regarding testing. We always emphasize the necessity of all students attending the tests. It encourages the ones testing but, more importantly, your attendance shows respect toward the other students, the dojo and to the sensei. You can learn a lot watching the test.

Test attendance is obligatory. Also obligatory is coming in uniform and being on the tatami. Who knows? We may need you.

--We now have a secure source of uniforms and equipment. If you need a uniform, talk to one of the sensei and he will be glad to take your order. Cash in advance.

--In the month of April Seikikai presented another seminar in Cuba. Seikikai's representative led a seminar that included instruction in Aikido and Kenjutsu. Also, conducting various regular classes.

The Cubans, as always, were happy to receive their Mexican instructor and introduced him to many of the historical and touristic sites on their beautiful island.

While there, he also conducted examinations. When we receive the results of the exams, we will publish them here.

There were, however, 3 very special promotions that we want to mention here. Rafael Benitez was promoted to Shodan (the first level of black belt), Carlos Cueto also received his shodan. And, it is with great pleasure and pride that we mention the promotion of Cuba´s Chief Instructor for Seikikai, Alfredo Ruiz Fleitas to the rank of Sandan (the third level of black belt.)