The name Tuesday derives from the Old English "Tiwesdæg" and lterary means "Tiw's Day". Tiw is the Old English form of the Proto-Germanic god *Tîwaz, or Týr in Norse, a god of war and law.[1] This could be one of the few reasons why one might choose to join the Aikido Club at Bishan Community Club (BSEC) on Tuesday evenings, besides countering prolonged Monday blues (if any).

Aikido (合気道) is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy” or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.[2]

BSEC's Aikido Class is led by Shinjukai’s renowned and well-respected instructor, Sensei Kelly Tan, a 4th Dan who has been (and still is) learning this art for more than 30 years. He too, shares the beliefs of Ueshiba, and always stresses on taking care of fellow aikidokas (people who practices aikido) during practice. His emphasize of footwork and basic foundation may seem boring to many, but unknown to them, it is these basics that paths the way of unifying life energy, adhering to the law of nature and beautifies every techniques mastered.

The dojo (training ground) first started at the multi-purpose hall in 1999 for adults. Due to overwhelming responses, a new class for children started in 2008. The children's class, led by Instructor Erik Heng, expanded quickly within a span of a year, with the no. of students comparative to that of the adult class. His firm and disciplined approach earned him not just the respect the children, but their parents as well.

Besides taking the children’s class, Instructor Erik Heng also assists Sensei Kelly with the white belts (new comers) in the adult class and is assisted by the leader of BSEC, Xavier Chan.

Reading this does not beat watching it in action. Being air-conditioned and strategically located near Bishan bus interchange, Bishan MRT station and Junction 8, it is hard to miss us.

The class is held every Tuesday evenings at 7pm for the children and 8pm for the adults. You’ll never know… this could be the avenue for your artistic talent. ;)
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Citation:
1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuesday
2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido