First class of 2011

We had a great class! Everyone was energetic and eager to start the year off right. Sensei Larry, as usual, lead the class with grace. I can't thank him enough for all he does for us.

Just a reminder, there is a Black Belt Test this coming Saturday Jan 8. As a result the class will most likely be a short one to make room for the test.



The weather report says sunny skies and a high of 60°. Which is just about perfect for that much exercise.

Hope to see you all there.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!!

I'm posting baby New Year's picture to remind people of what he stands for. A sense of renewed spirit that 2011 will bring health, happiness and prosperity.

Let's all share that abundance together and with our friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.

Seasons Greetings

We at the Sanbukan Dojo wish to extend Warm holiday wishes for health and happiness and a New Year filled with success!




Although the Dojo is officially closed, many students will be coming to the Dojo to work on various techniques, their next belt requirements, etc. Should you wish to join us on the mats, please contact Patrick Reed directly and he will open the doors for you (562) 500-6683.

Regular class schedule will resume on Tuesday January 4th

An email to Mits

Hello from Tokyo!

I have changed paths in my life recently and I wanted to send my heartfelt thanks to Mits as one of the kindest and most inspirational teachers I have ever had the good fortune to spend time with.

A little background quickly- I moved to Tokyo in the summer of 2006 to come and train Aikido seriously, but in my quest to study at the highest level I saw a side of Aikido and people I used to trust that has turned me off of the art. There are many great teachers here, but after my experience my passion has been soured beyond repair. Leaving Aikido became the only satisfying option for me.

This however, is not an ending but a beginning. After some time away from training I have done a few classes with a second degree black belt in BJJ from Rickson Gracie's academy in Brazil. I am happy to be doing some martial arts again, the people at the club are kind and I want to thank Mits for introducing me to Jiu-jitsu and welcoming me to his home back in 1997? to share his teaching.

A lesson he shared with us during a seminar in Canada has always stuck with me. While explaining to us the benefit of not trying to hold a technique for too long if it is not working he relayed to us a story of a tribe of hunters who catch monkeys by placing rice in hollowed out coconuts. The coconuts have an opening just big enough for an empty hand to slip through, but once the hand closes to grab the rice it becomes trapped, once trapped the monkeys are easily finished off.(forgive my uninspired paraphrasing of the tale) This story stuck in my mind and I have held it for many years. This is a sign of a remarkable teacher, and one I spent too little time with. Of course this lesson was related, by sensei, to any type of situation that has negative consequences, not only grappling. From staying in any unhealthy situation too long, be it a job or a relationship.

This is a lesson that I have applied many times in many arenas of my life and I thought it appropriate to send a message to let sensei know
how much he is appreciated, from an old student and friend.

Thank you sir.

All the best,

Dave Stinson

Pot Luck Holiday Party Time

That's right boys and girls, it's party time.  This year's annual Pot Luck Holiday Party is coming this Saturday December 18th.

The following people have said what they plan to bring:

Cindy & Jeremy - Japanese Salad
Emanuel - Pizza
Alonso - Meat Dish
Bernardo - Oven Roasted Chicken
Pete - Un chingo da hambra
Jay - Veggie Platter & Beer Nuts
Larry - Dessert
Gilbert - Ham
Melvin - Curry Chicken
Martin - Empanadas
Misa - Soda & Pizza
Brian - Dessert (maybe Pie)

What are YOU bringing ? ? ?

The regular Saturday class will happen from 10:30AM - Approx. 12:30PM but then it's PARTY TIME!!!!

In other news:
Many people have asked, "When is Jeremy testing for Black Belt?"  The date has been set for Saturday January 8, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

We at the dojo have so much to be thankful for. Not the least of which is our fantastic friends. We truly have a family there, and for that I am thankful beyond measure.

But today is the day everyone should be home with their real family, so the dojo will be closed.

Until I see you all again..



HAPPY THANKSGIVING

And I'll see you all this coming Saturday, so don't eat too much!

Belated updates and congratulations

 So many things have been happening at the Dojo lately, it's hard to keep up some times.  We've had several new students join recently.  Mia, DC and Andrew all tested and there was even a reunion get together for the Spectrum Club Aikido Class.  Rainer, Ron, Micheal, Ellen, Big Mike, Johann and of course Sensei Mits were all present and had a wonderful time over at Cozymel's

Sensei Johann, Big Jei and Jeremy all had our birthday's.  And today is the sixth anniversary of when  the Reverend Mits Yamashita presided over the wedding of...

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston

November 14th 2004