Peachtree Fam,

Just wanted to make sure everyone has heard the big news that Blue Sensei was recently awarded the title of Shihan from Aikido World Headquarters, at the recommendation of the US Aikido Federation. I've posted a press release about it on our social media channels - but press releases can be a bit lacking in the passion department, so let me fill in the gaps. Shihan is the highest title you can achieve in our art and our federation, and is reserved for a very select few instructors who have dedicated their lives to Aikido. The title isn't assured and cannot be applied for... it simply has to be earned.

In short, this is a REALLY BIG DEAL. It might sound just a little corny and Blue will kill me for posting this... but for those of you who haven't yet traveled and trained Aikido elsewhere, you will soon learn that we have the profoundly good fortune of being students of someone who is widely regarded as an international treasure in the world of Aikido. This is like learning to serve an ace from Roger Federer, the one-inch punch from Bruce Lee, the guitar from Keith Richards. Pick your metaphor - it's no overstatement.

Yet for all Blue Sensei's humility, we know the only thing he truly wants is for us to come to class. So... in that spirit, and in Blue Sensei's honor - see you on the mat!