The Seminar

Training will be led by certified instructors of Birankai Midwest dojos and include:

• Aikido

• Weapons

• Zazen

• Related topics (e.g., conditioning or restorative movements that support training)

By taking some extra time and hosting the seminar in a dedicated residential setting we hope participants will have a chance to connect more deeply with their practice and one another. 

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Location

The Intensive will be held at the GENEVA Camp and Retreat, a full-service center in Holland, MI. We will have use of their lodging, dining, and gym facilities and access to their campus on the shore of Lake Michigan. 

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Tentative Training Schedule

Friday, April 5 

• From12PM: Arrival, check-in, setup

• 3-5PM - Afternoon session

Saturday, April 6

• Pre-breakfast: Zazen, conditioning/movement

• Morning session: 9:30-11:30 AM

• Afternoon session: 2:00-5:00 PM

Sunday, April 7

• Pre-breakfast: Zazen, conditioning/movement

• Morning session: 9:30-11:30 AM

• Clean-up, lunch

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Lodging and Meals

Intensive participants will stay in Geneva's lodging facilities, which include both a hotel-style retreat center and bunkhouse-style cabins. The retreat center rooms have 2 queen beds with private bath and may hold up to 4 people; the Shores Cabins include two bunk rooms with beds for 12 and shared washrooms (note: linens not included). 

For both the retreat center and cabin accommodations, we need to meet a minimum number of attendees. We will fill the retreat center rooms first and add a cabin if there is sufficient interest. 

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Pricing for the intensive for the Retreat Center accommodation is $225 per person (double occupancy - small discount available for additional people in room up to 4) for the weekend; if the cabins are added they will be $150 per person. PLEASE READ THE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY when you register so we know what you prefer. Nearby participants may also attend by paying commuter fees as appropriate on the registration form. 

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Meals will be served in Geneva's dining facilities. We will work with their staff to accommodate attendees' dietary needs and generally endeavor to keep the food simple, healthy, and appropriate for adults. Please note any food considerations on your registration. Meals will include:

• Friday Dinner

• Saturday Breakfast and Lunch

• Sunday Breakfast and Lunch

We will plan a group dinner off- campus for those who are interested in nearby Holland for Saturday evening. 

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NOTES - READ CAREFULLY

• Deposits: those wishing to stay in the Retreat Center may reserve a space with a $50 deposit. Please note that this deposit will NOT be refunded unless the space can be used by someone else OR the event is cancelled. There is no deposit required for those who are interested in Cabin accommodations but if you are, you should still register for the intensive and choose the "$0 Deposit" option. 

• PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE MARCH 20.

• As a religiously-affiliated institution, GENEVA is a completely dry campus. Possession or consumption of alcohol, cannabis products, or illicit substances is STRICTLY prohibited and will result in removal from campus with no refund of intensive fees. 

• All attendees are asked to maintain an engaged "intensive" spirit and to attend ALL sessions and help as able with setup and clean up. By "intensive" we mean a collective effort to support one another in our practice, not constant arduous training per se. We believe the potential of this format will be best fulfilled through everyone's full participation. 

• Additional activities will be planned on an as-possible basis, e.g., a group campfire, Lake Michigan swim at a nearby beach, etc. Stay tuned for more details!

• We will have additional details to share as the date of the intensive draws closer! Stay tuned!

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QUESTIONS may be directed to Rodger Park at Huron Valley Aikikai or your instructor.