AKI Honbu Dojo, Japan
The following is an impression of the visit by Jean-Rene's Chilean friends to Japan in May. They were very enthusiastic, gentle and open minded people...
Tierra
'Tierra' - 'earth' in Spanish - is very broad minded,
always accepting our planting seeds without return.
Universe is very broad minded also,
giving us the idea of mutual support function for growing high.
We have never ending plenty of sources called dreams,
for seeding in people's mind for hope and construction.
The earth is becoming smaller and smaller following to our
awareness about the universe and our life's chemical circulation.
It is recommended to exchange and clarify true idea of Aikido,
and share its fruits to many friends as much as possible.
We are constructing new world in dojo.
Y. Takeda
Yokohama, Japan
2 June 2006
AKI Australia
Hair on fire as maples begin to blaze: Autumn in Japan
Attendance at Aikikai Australia's 40th Anniversary
In January 2006, there was a gathering of Aikidoka from around the world in Melbourne, Australia, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Aikikai Australia.
Guest instructors included Doshu and his deshi Kodani Sensei; Sugano Sensei, founder and chief instructor of Australia; Yamada Sensei from New York Aikikai; Takase Sensei from New Zealand Aikikai; Ken Cottier Sensei from Hong Kong Aikikai and a number of Australian teachers.
The attendance of those outside of Aikikai Australia was initially refused. International Aikikai members were welcome but Australian-based Aikikai affiliates (such as AKI) were not. This dissolved into resistance after a period of time and eventually acceptance at the end of November 2005. Finally, other Australian based Aikikai groups were permitted to attend but only for the 3 days that Doshu was in attendance.
The AKI Australia members were invited personally by Doshu in May 2005 whilst attending his keiko and enbukai at Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura.
So 11 AKI members from around Australia attended and participated with 400 others in an university hall the size of a basketball court. There was little air inside and the temperature outside was 35-40 degrees with 90% humidity. Ukemi was impossible due to too many people, and the last day the temperature reached 42 degrees! Inside seemed even hotter!
Putting aside the attitudes of the host organisation and the atrocious conditions, we all made the most of the gathering. We met old friends and made new ones. The teaching of Sugano Sensei was very interesting and impressive; a most humble man in my opinion. Yamada Sensei is a powerfully built man and his waza was also powerful. Takase Sensei was technically precise whilst Ken Cottier was relaxed and effective.
Kodani Sensei (a Honbu Dojo uchideshi) was left behind on the Saturday by Doshu to join in the training and to teach the last class, but he was also left alone by the participants due to his reserved nature and lack of English. This was noticed by Edwin Waters from AKI Sydney who approached him and spoke with him in Japanese. Kodani Sensei remembered him and our group from Hachimangu Shrine in 2005 so this seemed to make him feel more at ease. Also Ayano-san spoke with him and he asked her if she could act as translator for his class. She was fitted with a microphone and translated for him. She looked like Madonna performing at a concert! Kodani Sensei's class was very enjoyable.
It is my belief that AKI Australia made a good impression as a group of open minded Aikidoka whose skills were also noticeable amongst the many people there.
One of the most noticeable impressions was that we are very lucky indeed to have such excellent teachers in AKI Thank you to Takeda Sensei and our senpai.
- Stephen Seymour (AKI Balmain)
End of the beginning: Turner Dojo closes its doors
Wednesday 12th April 2006 saw the last training at Turner Dojo in the A.C.T., Australia. The building was suffering from a number of structural ailments. Demolition is its fate and it is now going to join Sasame in the dojos in the sky.
Both Sasame and Turner Dojos were forming grounds for what is now Aikido Kenkyukai International. For those present at the beginning of training at Turner Dojo, leadership and inspiration came from Stewart Letford, Ralph Pettman and Bob Gibbon. The training then was conducted with passion and a considerable amount of good humour. These qualities are still regarded as prerequisites.
Our first contact with Japan was with Suzuki Sensei, affectionately known to us as Yass Sensei. He conducted classes at Turner Dojo whilst doing an English course in 1979-80 at the now Canberra University, and has continued to have a strong connection to the dojo. From that time on Turner assumed something of a Honbu Dojo status for Australia. It also had the distinction of being the dojo to start Takeda Sensei's growing influence outside of Japan, which now spreads world wide. Over the years Turner Dojo was blessed with guidance from Takeda Sensei, Seino Sensei, Numata Sensei, Takeda Satoshi Sensei, Kadoya Sensei, Suzuki Takeshi Sensei and many other generous and talented instructors.
The photo below shows one such visit in the early days of the dojo (also the early days of our instructors). It shows Yass Sensei and Seino Sensei with a band of sweaty Aikidoka including Stewart Letford, Ron Russell from New Zealand, Ralph Pettman, Bob Gibbon, Steve Seymour, myself and Neil Kelson.
Training on the last night was held as a celebration of those who had taught there at various times. Bruce Lowes started the proceedings and the instructors who were present took turns to lead the class. Finishing with myself who made tribute to the founders of the dojo by selecting methods of applying technique as those founders would have done them. To complete the proceedings in the traditional manner we all went to a restaurant in Dixon to celebrate the next phase of our development, whatever that might be.
- Mike MacGregor (Tengoku Dojo, AKI Queanbeyan)
Revisiting fundamentals with Numata Hideo Sensei
22nd April 2006: Any day spent with a great teacher is a great day, and Numata Sensei's visit to Balmain Dojo was no exception.
We truly appreciate Numata Sensei stopping in Australia on his way home from New Zealand to share with us his insights, and Takeda Shihan's insights, into this wonderful art.
Keiko ran from 8.00am to 1.30pm and was broken into three sessions, with ukemi after each session.
During the first session, Numata Sensei challenged many of our habits and preconceptions, particularly in relation to ukemi. His use of Shishido-san as a vaulting horse to demonstrate strength of posture brought smiles to our faces, and embedded his ideas in our minds.
The second session was devoted to bokken basics, as Numata Sensei drew on his Iaido experience. Everything was revisited - how to hold the bokken, how to stand, how to draw, how to cut - every aspect was carefully and clearly explained.
The third and final session focussed on kokyu nage, with Numata Sensei effortlessly (and endlessly) sending Simon and Berin flying around the mat. He also exhorted us to relax, smile, and train joyfully
Our Japanese guests were much in demand for ukemi at the day's end, and we thank them for their generosity.
Thanks also to Ayano-san for her excellent interpreting of Numata Sensei's words, which made the experience more complete.
Lunch at a local cafEand a party in the evening rounded the day off perfectly. Our thanks to the Sydney crew for a great day.
- Scott Burns (AKI Canberra)
What to focus on? May visit to Japan
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Chileans, Canadians and Australians were this year in the crew of foreign afficionados coming to Japan to practise with the local teachers. To me, as a beginner being there for the first time, the differences of styles were a very interesting thing. Differences that appeared between the different visiting groups but also between the different local teachers. Takeda
Sensei repeated "gather and move", Suzuki Sensei explained "the more relaxed
inside, the stronger outside", Numata Sensei demonstrated the efficiency of
a straight
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and relaxed back posture where generation of the arms' motion
happens at bottom of the back, the Doshu emphasised the technical
correctness of the moves.
All these different styles lead me to the
following question: what to focus on? I do ikkyo, catch the beginning of
the attack, cut down with my hara, not with arms, so that I can keep the
connection with my partner, keep my shoulders low and open, continue the
extension even when my partner is on the floor. At the same time I should
try to "gather and move", be "relaxed inside", pay attention to my posture
and finish ikkyo with a technically proper pin. Do I just forget about all
that and focus on entering?
I guess at this point it becomes a choice,
which in turn becomes a style, doesn't it? Any opinions / experiences are
welcome.
- Bertrand Douillard (AKI Balmain)
While even surfers slumber: the new Wellington St Dojo
We had been searching for a space in which to hold early morning classes on and off for some years now, having tired of sand in the face while training on the beach, the rather uncompromising slabs of concrete at the rear of the pavilion, and the series of freak 6am wind and rainstorms that seemed to last precisely 90 minutes.
And so we began to ring around and approach hall owners in the eastern suburbs in the hope of starting some regular early morning classes. Each time, our requests were met with embarrassed yet polite declines or stonecold refusals.
One venue, when approached for space to run these classes in the 'Art of Peace', told me quite simply that "it wouldn't work out". Apparently, they had "tried it in the past" and it "wasn't conducive to the wellbeing of the cleaning staff" (???). My "But..." was met with a dial tone. To this day, I'm still struggling to make sense of their response and can only think they must have misheard 'Ai-ki-do' as 'Al-Qae-da'...
The 30th May 2006 marked the second last day of autumn and the end of our search; we had finally found a warm welcome and a home for our new dojo at Bondi Public School. Given the 6am kickoff and the proximity of the winter solstice, I was fully expecting an empty hall and the sound of crickets as I swung my bokuto at the inaugural keiko. Instead, five dojo diehards, complete with crumpled, smiling faces and enormous bed-hair, had made the effort to be there. The walls of the hall were decorated with brightly coloured drawings by the school's children and there was such a lovely energy from the moment we entered. It was a very energetic and playful class, and was a wonderful way to bless our new space.
The cool air felt so refreshing and invigorating against our warm skin as we left the dojo and headed back out into the world. For most it was straight off to work. For a small few though, it was off to the beach for a dip and then to a cafe for a celebratory breakfast!
I am very grateful to all of you who dragged yourselves out of bed so early on that frosty morning to share your spirit. It was a real blessing... And thank you to those who continue to brave the darkness and head for Wellington Street while even the surfers slumber.
- Berin Mackenzie (AKI Bondi Beach)
Itte irasshai! - Sydney bids farewell to the highlander
Chris Guthrie has always been one of the pillars of the Balmain Dojo. His experience and unwavering attempts to get people more relaxed and willing to try new things has served to improve all those who worked with him. Chris' unorthodox method of teaching always kept people on their toes and he was always sure to be there when you needed him, both on and off the mat. His moving to Japan this May was met with sadness but we are all glad that he is still among friends over there. We wish him the best and hope that he finds his way back from time to time. |
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- Cameron Bernard (AKI Balmain)
The elusive search for a 'perfect' dojo
Since October 2002, Aikido Kenkyukai Orange had trained in its initial, temporary home at Croagh Patrick College. The College is a circa 1880s heritage-listed stately home that is owned by the organisation I work for and used as a training venue and home for our youth programs.
Aikido classes were held in one of the upstairs rooms that had previously been used for hospitality training. It was small but convenient - we were the only users so could leave the mats down. But three years of ukemi took its toll on the ceiling of the kitchen below. Cracks began developing and when a large chunk fell out (oops), new arrangements became a top priority. We immediately moved classes outside onto the lawn around the fountain and trained there (only once rained out thanks to the drought) while looking for another home for the dojo.
This proved harder than we thought. We had been looking on and off for most of the three years since we started, but not seriously. Now we had to move quickly. We tried most of the schools in town and a number of church halls. All were booked, unsuitable or unwilling to have us. We thought the PCYC would be a goer but there was a hitch with their accreditation/insurance which meant a number of activities had to find another venue.
Finally, in some desperation, we got a spot at the Uniting Church Hall in the centre of town. Still not huge, but bigger than where we were, and available on the nights we wanted! So that is where we now are, our new home, our new dojo. (An interesting "return" for me having "grown up" in Church Halls as the son of a Uniting Church Minister.)
The word 'dojo' is often used to refer to the physical location, the venue, the building. But it also relates to much more I think - to the people, the energy, the keiko, the ki. Our students handled the changes magnificently, became experts at stacking, lugging and laying mats, and adapted to the outdoor training and new venue in great spirit. And since starting at the new location just over a month ago, we've had four new students join (numbers have doubled)!
So if you happen to be passing through Orange or near Orange (and let's face it, everyone does at some point :-), please come and visit. We'd love to catch up and train with you in our new space!
- Stephen Nugent (AKI Orange)
The Path
I have a question Steve, just if you have a bit of time. Ayano sent me this picture of O-Sensei with the quotation: "I have given my
life to opening the path of Aikido but when I look back, no one is following
me." From what I understand, O-Sensei may have preferred people to follow his
path. What do you think? Following O-Sensei's path or one's own path?
- Bertrand Douillard (AKI Balmain)
O-Sensei is speaking about the path of 'egolessness'. He
doesn't mean his personal ego self but rather the path of unification.
When he looked back, he saw everyone learning Aikido to defeat others.
He maintained that Aikido was the path of Love and not to defeat others
but rather that when someone's mind was turned to attack and injury to another,
they in fact broke the unity with the universe and therefore brought about their own downfall.
If one was at peace and at one with the universal mind then in fact
you don't do anything.
It is the outward appearance which gives that impression.
O-Sensei maintained that he did nothing and his attackers bought about their own downfall,
his awareness controlled his actions, rather than his attachment to the idea of winning.
He could not only see their movement before the physical manifestation but he could see
their mind and intention. His body moved in accord with his perception yet he (his true self
- the witness) observed it take place. You cannot be that which you observe... otherwise
who is observing? This is why we need to constantly reflect on his teaching and spiritual
advice...
So in answer to your question I can only suggest that we should constantly strive
to pursue the spiritual path (the "Do") rather than defeating others... easier said than done.
We have no choice but to work on the principle of defeating our opponent, initially, simply to bring
about a heightened awareness. It is the initial desire which begins our journey in self discovery so
to speak. From that state we may glimpse or have a satori which will drive us further, eventually
seeing within ourselves our true state i.e. one of unity with all and everything. So yes, we have
no choice but to pursue our so called "own path" but through diligent practice we may possibly be
shown the next step. It depends on the desire and efforts of each individual. Then we follow O-Sensei or else
we pursue our own way and stay attached to our ego and self importance as symbolized by our "martial skills".
Of what benefit are they on your deathbed...? None whatsoever!!
- Stephen Seymour (AKI Balmain)
AKI Canada
Expansion mode
Kootenay Aikido Kenkyukai is in expansion mode. At the Nelson Dojo, Philipp and Miryam initiated introductory classes that allow people new to Aikido to start slowly, focusing on good ukemi and exercises that emphasize hara connection. Several new members have now joined in the regular classes keen, committed, and eager to learn. It looks like the introductory classes will continue, drawing new and interesting folk from the community.
In the last few years, what was once a large childrens class dwindled and aged until we had only a small youth class. Now, the three youth have stretched themselves to join the regular classes. It is a challenge for them and their practice matures while they bring fresh youthful energy to the group. A new kids class has started and continues to grow under Miryam's leadership with her lively and sensitive teaching skills and grounded organization.
Jean-Rene has travelled a great deal in the last 8 months. By the time this newsletter is published, he will have been once to Santa Barbara, twice to Chile and Uruguay and twice to Japan. At our home dojo, classes run continually, led by our senpai. On Jean-Rene's return we receive fresh and inspired teaching.
In May, the largest group ever (ten members) departed from our dojo to Japan. For some it was the first time to Japan. For everyone it was a fantastic experience to learn about Japanese culture and to train with so many Japanese senpai and teachers. A group of eight Chileans and several Australians were in Japan at the same time, creating a wonderful feeling of an international family. Friends in Japan were so hospitable and helpful. Thank you to all for welcoming and putting up with such a large group of Canadians!
- Alix Flavelle (Kootenay AKI)
Visit to South America
Dear friends,
Last November, I had the opportunity to travel to South America on an invitation from Dan Messisco, a long term student of Saotome Sensei. Dan was on his way to instruct seminars in both Santiago and Montevideo when he asked me if I wanted to travel with him and share some of the instruction. I happily agreed and the experiences that resulted from that journey were most memorable.
I was very touched by the warmth of the people in both cities and I was also touched by the generous heart that Dan showed by allowing me to participate and join him in his travels (Click here for
more information on Chile and
Uruguay).
Since then, eight Chileans led by their instructor, Manuel Diaz, joined our Canadian group to make a total of eighteen people travelling to Japan for almost a month.
A wonderful friendship developed between the two groups and a lot of really good training continued on a daily basis with all the different sempai and Takeda Sensei.
One of the highlights of the trip was a two day visit (a mini gasshuku) to Tatebayashi and Daiyu Sensei's dojo to celebrate AKI Tatebayashi Dojo's 7th anniversary. Japan, Chile and Canada; three different cultures living and training under one roof.
Daiyu Sensei and Tatebayashi Dojo members:
honto ni omedeto gozaimasu - Congratulations on your 7th anniversary.
In a couple of weeks, I will be travelling once more to instruct seminars in Santiago and Montevideo for over three weeks. Sensei and Berin have asked me to write about my travels so I hope to take notes and put an article with photos and such, and to present an overview of that fascinating part of the world.
On the way to Santiago, I will be stopping in Santa Barbara where Lia and I will be joining our efforts in instructing a three day training for the 10th anniversary of all members of her dojo. There will be an enbu on the last day to commemorate ten years of hard and dedicated practice and to share the meaning of our practice with the audience in attendance. Her childrens class will also be partaking in the demonstration. Good Luck!
Lia and members: CONGRATULATIONS on 10 years of committed effort.
And finally, to Takeda Sensei and all Japanese senpai and friends who helped in making our large group in Japan feel so comfortable. A big THANK YOU for showing us such hospitality and graciousness. We were all touched by your generosity.
Until we meet again,
Hasta la vista
Mata ne
Au revoir
- Jean-Rene Leduc (Kootenay AKI, Nelson)
AKI Japan
Takeda Shihan's 8th dan celebrations
In January 2006, Takeda Shihan was awarded Aikido 8th dan by Aikikai Honbu Dojo and Ueshiba Doshu for
his long term effort and rendering a great service for Aikido. On 21st March, the celebration party was held successfully in Kamakura and was attended by
220 people including Hachimangu Shrine priest Mr. Yoshida, Mrs. Oishi (chairwoman of Shonan Aikido Renmei), and Mr. Matsuda (chairman of Kanagawa Aikido Federation).
On the day, representatives from Shonan Aikido Renmei worshipped at the main hall in the shrine. Hachimangu Shrine especially arranged a dedication with traditional sacred music and dancing for the day. A group photo was taken beside the famous big ginkgo tree after worshipping.
Before the training, Mrs Oishi handed out the certificates to four new 4th dans (3 women and one man) who were graded in
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February this year. After the purification by the priests, we had keiko led byTakeda Shihan. This was followed by a demonstration dedicated to the shrine by higher dan grade instructors such as Suzuki Takeshi Sensei, Takeda Satoshi Sensei, Suzuki Yasuyuki Sensei, Numata Hideo Sensei and Seino Takayuki Sensei. The dedication concluded with a demonstration given by Takeda Shihan.
(Video stills of Takeda Shihan's enbu by Berin Mackenzie)
The celebration party was held at Kamakura Park Hotel.
There were so many people from many different countries attending this party. AKI representatives from abroad, old students who used to train at Sasame Dojo, Yamaguchi Shihan's students... even some married couples who had Takeda Shihan as their marriage celebrant!
- Yamamoto Hiroshi (Kanazawa Hakkei Dojo)
Translated by Ayano Seymour
Ueshiba Doshu 10th Anniversary Enbukai
On Sunday, 7th May 2006, the AKI spring enbukai was held at the historical Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura. This year was a special demonstration celebrating Ueshiba Moriteru Doshu 10th year as adviser to the shrine. Over 200 participants from many different places attended and made the large Hachimangu Dojo look very small.
After Doshu's training session, the demonstration was dedicated by AKI dojo and instructors from Japan, guest groups and overseas AKI dojo. This year we had instructors from overseas including Stephen Seymour from Australia, Lia Suzuki from America and Jean-Rene Leduc from Canada. Manuel Diaz and his group from Hakusan Dojo in Chile demonstrated as a friendly guest group.
A special grading test was held at Higashi-Totsuka Honbu Dojo on Saturday, 6th May, for some of the overseas students who came to for this year's demonstration. It might have been a tough test for the people who had just arrived in Japan but they showed great enthusiasm in their test.
The Canadian and Chilean groups stayed in Japan for almost one month for Aikido practice, sleeping in one local house all together during their visit. The photo of the group I was shown after their visit looked almost like an activists den(?). Salute for your hard work! Hope to see you again.
- Yamamoto Hiroshi (Kanazawa Hakkei Dojo)
Translated by Ayano Seymour
AKI New Zealand
Easter weekend Gasshuku with Numata Sensei
Numata Sensei, Oki-san and Shishido-san arrived to a clear, cool and calm Wellington day. The seminar began on Easter Sunday, and while we originally planned a two-day seminar, Numata Sensei delayed his trip to Christchurch so we could have another keiko on Tuesday. AKI Wellington along with Aikidoka from Riai Aikido Wellington and Shinryukan Aikido Wellington participated in the seminar. It was held at Riai's lovely dojo at Chartwell School.
Numata Sensei's workshop was relaxed and accessible, for beginners as well as those approaching middle age and not as fit as we used to be. We were very lucky to have the translation services of Kenny Lynch whose knowledge of Japanese and experience of Aikido gave us a rich translation.
We did some work on basics like falling safely and keeping our torso aligned and flat when we are on the mat. Numata Sensei emphasised that flexibility (and extension!) is a key to accessing a good flow of ki, and we worked on this in suwari waza, kokyuho and tenchi nage, as well as a range of warm up/down exercises. Numata Sensei also touched on the idea of
meimon (gate of life); the centre (hara) is also in the back and movement is generated from there. We practiced that especially with tenchi nage.
Numata Sensei helped us to look at our posture, and he encouraged us to make our Aikido a lifetime body-regenerating, rather than degenerating, activity. He gave us lots of help on how to use stretching as uke: to help tori understand the exchange of energy as much as possible as well as to encourage uke to take the opportunity for stretching and elongating torso and limbs, and consequently strengthening the body. This elongating is also about extending, mentally as well as physically. It was very practical way of helping us to develop that sense of mental extension with relaxation when giving energy.
Alongside the idea of stretching and flexibility for strength, he reminded us of being aware of one's (physical ) periphery, e.g. extension going to the fingertips. Some of us gained sudden insights into the sense of expansiveness created by this awareness.
We really appreciated the warm atmosphere created by Numata Sensei during the seminar that maximised our learning opportunities, and his pleasant, easy manner outside of the dojo.
Mixed in to our five keiko, our guests travelled up to Plimmerton beach, enjoyed a Kiwi potluck party, strolled through central Wellington and Te Papa (the national museum), ate mussels, had a mad dash after the Tuesday keiko to Starfish - one of Wellington's best fish and chippies, had a great time horse riding at Makara and later went to the wild and windy Makara beach.
Thanks are due to many who made the seminar possible.
Arigatou gozaimashita to Numata Sensei for his kind nature, his gentle encouragement and his deep thoughts, and also to Oki-san and Shishido-san who made the long journey to "the last AKI dojo before the south pole" to share their Aikido with us. To Ralph Pettman, we owe a debt of gratitude that we can never repay to him and we can only hope to approximate it by passing on to others the flame of Aikido that he has lit in us. We are grateful to Matt Tebbs and all from the Riai Aikido Wellington who contributed for their support, for opening their dojo to us, and for the chance to train and research with them thereby deepening all of our experiences. We also recognise the important, on-going support of the Victoria University of Wellington Student's Association and the New Zealand Community Trust for our Aikido research.
With such support and contact from Japan, even though we are so far south, we feel very connected to the global AKI community.
- Rose O'Hara (AKI Wellington)
AKI USA
Oya-Ko Geiko (Kids and Parents Training)
The members of the Kids' Class of Aikido Kenkyukai International , Santa Barbara at 411-B State Street held an Oya-Ko Geiko (Parents' & Kids' Training) on April 1st. The event was organized by Matt Bridi Sensei, head instructor of the youth program at Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara.
Instead of being dropped off at the dojo, this special day, kids instructed their parents to wear dogi or any appropriate work out clothes and invited them into the dojo to try Aikido themselves. Under Matt Sensei's direction, kids demonstrated and taught their parents various falls, rolls, and techniques. They all participated in various Aikido games, as well.
The experience gave parents a deepened respect for their kids and raised kids' self esteem. As Brendan's dad Bob Bevier put it, "This was a very humbling experience."
2006 marks the 10th year anniversary of AKI (Aikido Kenkyukai International) USA, with its national headquarters here in Santa Barbara. Holding a special Oya-Ko Geiko is just one of many ways the dojo members are honoring this special landmark in the development of the organization.
- Lia Suzuki (AKI Santa Barbara)
The less-martial art of drinking BEER
Hello to all AKI members around the world,
My name is Bruce Sullivan (Sully). I am 48 yrs old. I started Aikido back in December. I had some bad health news in my life and I could not work out the way I did in the past. So I looked into Aikido. I have never felt better in my life. I think this is a great thing for me. Plus the calibre of people you meet has helps me know that I am on the right path. Steve, our sensei, is a great guy and has the patience of a saint. We just had Sensei Matt come visit us. I thought Steve was tough on us but Sensei Matt added more things for us to work on. I feel lucky to be able to train with Sensei Steve and on special occasions I get to train with Sensei Matt. He also helps us train in the art of drinking BEER. We all enjoy trying to master that art .
We have another very special occasion coming up in August. Kirisawa Sensei is coming to our little dojo for a visit and hopefully we can train with him and maybe work some more on the art of drinking beer too!
- Bruce 'Sully' Sullivan (AKI Pennsylvania)
Guest contribution from Chile
Spring time in Japan
To all of us who came to Kamakura in the spring of 2006 it was our first visit to Japan. We came full of enthusiasm and curiosity about this one-month encounter with a highly renowned master and such a distinct culture. It was not easy to come to Japan, it demanded a big effort from everyone.
From the first week we got the feeling about intensity of life in Japan as well as the intensity of Aikido training in Takeda sensei's dojo. Our bodies showed some effects of such training and some wounds appeared, however our hearts were full of joy and vitality.
Each of us went through a period of self introspection, doubts and transformation. In this process the inspiring presence and strength of Takeda sensei was a crucial help
At the end of our stay we can feel the effects of the trip, we are tired, we have walked long distances, travelled many times by train, drunk a lot of beer and sake, visited numerous temples, and tried to learn a little bit of this language so different from ours.
Now at home, looking back the recent time lived in Japan, we must say tank you Takeda Sensei for giving us this chance to expand our vision of the world, many thanks to all of your sempai for their generosity, and many thanks as well to all Japanese students for their partnership spirit.
- Manuel Diaz (Hakusan Dojo, Chile)
- May peace prevail on Earth -
AKI Honbu Dojo - Message from Takeda Shihan
AKI Australia - Hair on fire as maples begin to blaze: Autumn in Japan
AKI Canada - Expansion mode
AKI Japan - Takeda Shihan's 8th dan celebrations
AKI New Zealand - Easter Weekend Gasshuku with Numata Sensei
AKI U.S.A. - Oya-Ko Geiko (Kids and Parents Training)