Student body launches year-end campaign
Dear Student Body,
We have been busy with preparations for camp this coming summer (July 26-31 at the Seaview in Galloway, NJ) to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Yamada Sensei’s arrival in NYC.
It’s awe-inspiring to think back over the last 60 years ago when Yamada Sensei descended upon the NY Aikikai as its new chief instructor…the years of love, labor, patience, and pure grit and determination that he possessed to make us who we are today. That we could still be considered a central force in the study of aikido worldwide is a testament to that. As we approach two years after his passing, one can’t help but feel him with us in our daily practice, as well as all of the other legends who have graced our mat.
Debra Crampton said it well in our capital campaign video:
“This place is very special. It’s got so much energy accumulated from the great teachers we’ve had.”
And then in these past two years, Steve Sensei steadfastly has led us into the current stage of our existence with an eye towards the future.
-Our training and teaching is top-notch
-Visitors come daily from all over the world
-We completed a capital campaign and are in the middle of construction to spend those dollars given with such love and kindness
-In one short week we will gather again for our Hometown Heroes! Christmas Seminar featuring many of us who “got our start” here at the NY Aikikai. We will train, cheer on the dan tests, and then celebrate in our usual inimitable New York Aikikai style.
Let the summer camp festivities begin!
On Saturday, the 26th of July, after our first day of training, the NY Aikikai student body will host a celebratory opening night BBQ to welcome our guests.
To that end, this year’s end of year campaign is earmarked to raise capital to cover the costs for the summer camp opening celebration. The rest of the contributions will go to our general operating budget.
Sincerely yours,
Sharon Dominguez
President