Another school year has begun. A few of you still have some free time left. I hope you have all had an enjoyable summer and were able to create lots of great memories of another wonderful summer.

Going back to school is a good time to review some basic safety issues that you may have forgotten or havent’ thought about in a while.

The most important and probably the easiest way to stay safe is to PAY ATTENTION. Be aware of everything around you. Make eye contact with everyone you are around. Knowing what is happening around you can allow you to anticipate an action and give you more time to react to it or to avoid it all together. Be sure to report anything out of the ordinary to your parents and/or teachers. If you ever have to defend yourself (with words or techniques) please let someone know about it. Also, if you walk, ride a bike or the bus to school pay extra attention to who and what’s around you and report anything weird. Parents want and need to know if something isn’t right or if there is a change. If at all possible, don’t go alone and always follow the path you and your parents have decided is the safest route.

Remember to blend with all that happens. This can mean you have to physically move around something or someone, or it can mean keeping your mouth shut instead of jumping to conclusions and getting in an arguement. It’s tough, but NOT talking or reacting right away can sometimes help keep things civil. It also gives you time to consider why something has happened. Maybe there’s a reason that’s not immediately noticable. By taking even just a few moments to consider the events you allow yourself the opportunity to react more appropriately.

And, finally, remember to extend positive energy to all around you. Be the first to say hello, smile at people, help someone in need, be a good role model, do your best in everything and always be kind and respectful.

You learn Aikido techniques in the event you should have to defend yourself, but your Aikido training needs to be practiced daily by being a person you are proud of every day.

Good luck this school year and I look forward to all the fun we’re going to have on the mat!

Teresa Mastison Sensei