North Texas Aikido

Texas "Trash-Off" Saturday, April 4th

2009-03-28T09:05:00.005-05:00

Saturday, April 4th is this year's Texas Trash-Off and North Texas Aikido is doing our part!

We'll be picking up trash and recyclables along the 2-mile stretch of our adopted roadway, starting at 9:00 am.

As usual, bring gloves, water and comfortable clothes to be outside for a few hours. If you have a grabber of some sort, you'll be happier than those who have to touch some of the garbage on a more personal level. Bags, stylish orange vests and erudite conversation on a variety of topics will be provided.

Feel free to bring refreshments for responsible enjoyment afterwards.

Demo Photos Added

2008-11-22T19:46:00.003-06:00

North Texas Aikido recently hosted a demo at our current, temporary location. Photos from the event have been added here.

Roadside Trash Pickup This Saturday!!

2008-04-02T16:33:00.002-05:00

North Texas Aikido will be conducting a roadside trash/recyclables pick-up this Saturday, April 5th, in keeping with our commitment to the Don't Mess With Texas campaign.

All members of North Texas Aikido, 15 years old or older (and all Parents and friends!) are encouraged to participate. The hard-core group that always does the job on your behalf could use some fresh company and new ears to hear the same tired, old jokes.

Meet at the Dojo property in time for our 10:00 am start. Call the Dojo for directions or more information. If you've never been out to see the building under construction, this would be an excellent time to see our future permanent home.

Bring gloves, water and comfortable, layered clothing to be outside for a few hours. If you have a "grabber" of some sort, you'll be happier than those who have to touch some of the garbage on a more personal level. Bugs may be starting to make an appearance by now, so hedge your bets and bring some bug spray.

Bags, vests and erudite conversation on a variety of topics while picking up roadside cast-offs will be provided.

THE DOJO HAS MOVED!!

2008-04-01T16:20:00.002-05:00

North Texas Aikido Family,

The dojo has moved to a temporary home in Richardson. We had
hoped to make the transition directly from Allen to our new
home in Lucas but it is still under construction. Until we can
take up residence there we will be training on Plano Road just
south of Arapaho. The Address is 651-681 Plano Rd. Suite 129
in the Richardson Tech Center. There is a map on the website
at www.northtexasaikido.com, just click on Map. The complex
is the red brick buildings about a 10th of a mile south of the
intersection of Plano and Arapaho on the west side of the
road. Suite 129 is the first unit closest to the street. Don't
let the Hartman Floors and Walls sign fool you, we're there.

The Aikido and Yoga schedules will remain the same and
training will continue uninterrupted. The phone number is
still 972-390-9600. If you have any questions give us a call.

See you soon,

Russ and Vicky

WE'RE MOVING!

2008-03-26T08:02:00.005-05:00

Unfortunately, our lease on the current location of North Texas Aikido is expiring before we can finish construction on our new, permanent home.

In the meantime, we've secured a spacious, new, temporary home in which to train. Located just south of Arapaho Road on Plano Road/Highway 5 in the Richardson Tech Center, we'll have nearly 5,000 square feet of space in which to rattle around after nearly 8 cramped years in our old 1100 square foot location.

View Larger Map

Note that the address above is approximate, based on where Google thinks you are when you are looking at the building. We'll update this post with an actual mailing address once we figure out exactly what that is.

On the west side of the street, you should see the new facility.

View Larger Map

Our phone number will remain the same.

There are still some papers to sign and other logistics that need attention, but we expect to be moving in this weekend, immediately following our regular Saturday Weapons Class.

If you can help, we can put you to use.

ALL DOJO MEETING TUES, FEB. 26

2008-02-23T10:47:00.002-06:00

This Tuesday, February 26th, there will be an ALL-DOJO MEETING immediately following the evening class. If you cannot otherwise attend class, please try to make it to the meeting at 8:30 pm.

Thanks!

Dojo Construction Photos

2008-02-20T07:20:00.002-06:00

Until I get a chance to add them to the Gallery Section of the website, you can find the occasionally updated pictures of the Dojo Construction here.

DOJO CONSTRUCTION PICTURES

Roadside Cleanup This Saturday!

2007-12-04T06:25:00.000-06:00

North Texas Aikido will be conducting our final roadside trash/recyclables pick-up of the year this Saturday, December 8th in keeping with our commitment to the Don't Mess With Texas campaign.

All members of North Texas Aikido, 15 years old or older are encouraged to participate. The hard-core group that always does the job on your behalf could use some fresh company and new ears to hear the same tired, old jokes.

Meet at the new Dojo property in time for our 9:00 am start. Contact the Dojo for directions or more information.

Bring gloves, water and comfortable, layered clothing to be outside for a few hours in the cool weather. If you have a "grabber" of some sort, you'll be happier than those who have to touch some of the garbage on a more personal level. Bugs really shouldn't be a problem this time of year, but you may want to hedge your bets and bring some bug spray.

Bags, vests and erudite conversation on a variety of topics while picking up roadside cast-offs will be provided.

THANK YOU

2007-10-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

A BIG THANKS to the few who turned out to help with yesterday's trash pick-up. Even though only half our usual number of volunteers were kind enough to help this time, we still managed to clear our two-mile stretch of road in around three hours. Some of us helped with much-needed mowing and weed-eating as well.

Besides clearing the roadsides of trash, we also seperated out all the recyclables and turned them in at the Branch Volunteer Fire Department for their fund-raising purposes.

Maintaining a volunteer presence in such activities as the quarterly road-side trash pick-up and donating recyclables to the local fire department are just two ways in which North Texas Aikido can build new and better relationships in our community.

Please consider participating in the future.

Roadside Cleanup This Saturday

2007-10-17T07:12:00.000-05:00

In keeping with North Texas Aikido's committment to the Don't Mess With Texas campaign and simply making good neighbors, we will be conducting our quarterly roadside trash pick-up this Saturday, October 20th.

Meet at the new Dojo property in time for our 9:00 am start. Contact the Dojo for directions or more information.

Bring gloves, water and comfortable clothes to be outside for a few hours. If you have a "grabber" of some sort, you'll be happier than those who have to touch some of the garbage on a more personal level. Bug spray is never a bad idea, either.

Bags, vests and erudite conversation on a variety of topics while picking up roadside cast-offs will be provided.

Dojo Construction Update

2007-08-22T22:31:00.000-05:00

Remember that concrete slab pictured here?

It looks a little different now. Maybe you should take a look.

Dojo Clean-Up

2006-12-28T17:55:00.000-06:00

The New Year is almost upon us and we want to welcome it with a shiny, clean Dojo. In keeping with traditon, North Texas Aikido is having a Dojo Cleanup Day on Saturday, December 30, at 12:30 pm.

Please plan to come help out, and bring any cleaners or equipment you think may help. The more people participate, the less time it will take to get the Dojo into proper condition to meet the New Year.

Winter Weather Reminder

2006-11-29T07:38:00.000-06:00

With the first taste of winter due to hit on November 30, it's time to remind everyone of North Texas Aikido's policy on winter weather.

Any time there is a Winter Weather Advisory or Warning, classes at North Texas Aikido will not be held.

Attempts will be made to keep the phone forwarded directly to Sensei, should you have a question about the status of a class.

Don't risk your car or your life trying to make your way to the dojo, only to find yourself alone.

Summer Schedule Ends September 30

2006-09-23T10:16:00.000-05:00

North Texas Aikido will resume its regular schedule beginning Oct. 1, 2006.

This will bring an end to the 9:00-10:00 am morning weapons class in the park, to be replaced with our regular 12:30-1:30 pm class. As usual, an open workout will follow the weapons class.

All other classes will continue unchanged.

Monday Night Class on Hiatus

2006-07-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

Due to the busy schedules of several of the senior students who teach, the Monday night Beginner's Class is on hold until further notice.

When it resumes, Beginner's Class will most likely be restructured into a quarterly occurrance with a set duration - probably 3 or 4 weeks at a time.

Check at the Dojo or here on the NEWS page for updates.

Summer Schedule Resumes

2006-06-21T04:49:00.000-05:00

Beginning July 1, North Texas Aikido will reinstitute its summer schedule to accommodate outdoor training before the heat of the Texas day sets in.

Saturday weapons training will be held at 9:00 am 'till 10:00 am. Bring sunscreen and water.

The usual 12:30-1:30 timeslot will be a supervised open workout.

Congratulations, Richard!!

2006-05-13T17:11:00.000-05:00

Our own Richard Gilbert, still in California as uchi-deschi at Aikido San Leandro with Pat Hendricks, Sensei, has been successfully tested for his Sandan. Details are sketchy at present, but we expect to get all the details as soon as Richard - and his voice - return in a few days.

Still No Trash Pick Up!

2006-02-15T19:44:00.000-06:00

Weather forecasts for the weekend don't sound too promising, so in case you haven't already heard by coming to class (*hint), there will be no trash pick up this weekend, either.

High temperatures for Saturday are not forecast to get above 40°, and the likelihood of rain is pretty high. Add to that the chance that some of that precipitation will be in the form of sleet or freezing rain, and we think that you'll be happier nearly anywhere, other than on the side of a road picking up trash.

We'll reschedule in a few weeks. So watch this page, or come to class for news.

Also, since freezing rain is possible this weekend, please remember the Dojo policy for Winter Weather Advisories:
Any time there is a Winter Weather Advisory or Warning, classes at North Texas Aikido will not be held. If there is any doubt, call the Dojo number for information. 972.390.9600

Don't risk your car or your life trying to make your way to the dojo, only to find yourself alone.

Trash Pick Up Day - CANCELLED!

2006-02-10T13:18:00.000-06:00

UPDATE - Due to today's rain and tomorrow morning's forecast cold temperatures, the Adopt-A-Highway folks will have to wait for better weather to have us pick up roadside garbage. PLEASE, don't wallow in the mud at the dojo property waiting for anyone to show up in the morning. Really ... keep your feet clean and show up for regularly-scheduled classes, instead.

New Year's Training and Party

2006-01-10T19:24:00.000-06:00

North Texas Aikido will bring in the New Year with training and a pot-luck party on Saturday, January 14th. Come for the training, stay for the black-eyed peas and saké. Bring your favorite dish, dessert or beverage - or better yet - all three.

Change of Plans

2005-12-28T19:57:00.000-06:00

Contrary to what was previously posted, North Texas Aikido will NOT be having New Year's Day training on January 1, 2006. Our celebration will be postponed a week or two. Watch for updates here and in the Dojo.

Holiday Schedule

2005-12-19T06:53:00.000-06:00

North Texas Aikido will not be holding regularly-scheduled adult classes on the following days:

Saturday, December 24, 2005
Monday, December 26, 2005
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Monday, December 2, 2005

Winter Weather Reminder

2005-12-07T13:04:00.000-06:00

Roads in Texas can become treacherous in an instant this time of year, so be sure to remember that any time there is a Winter Weather Advisory or Warning, classes at North Texas Aikido will not be held.

Don't risk your car or your life trying to make your way to the dojo, only to find yourself alone.

Adopt-A-Highway Trash Pickup Day

2005-10-12T16:52:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, October 15th, North Texas Aikido will be earning its keep as the adoptive parents of our two-mile stretch of road with a trash pick up day.

Those of you who volunteer will be rewarded with the use of a stylish, blaze-orange safety vest and all the trash bags you can fill. We typically manage to stuff more than 30 "Dont Mess With Texas" large, white trash bags with the generous offerings drivers launch out their car windows while passing by our new home-to-be.

Bring gloves, water and something to pick up trash (nail on a stick, or a grabber-type thing you see on TV from time to time). Bug spray and sun screen aren't bad ideas, either.

We'll be getting started at 9:00am and should finish up around noon.

Summer Schedule Ends

2005-10-12T16:48:00.000-05:00

Beginning Saturday, October 15th, North Texas Aikido will resume its standard schedule.
For the uninitiated, that simply means that we're no longer holding our Saturday weapons classes at 9:00am at Ford Park to beat the summer heat. Instead, they will resume in their usual 12:30-1:30pm time slot, followed by open workout at the dojo until the last person with a key needs to leave.