July 2003

Inside this issue:

News From Headquarters 2

Seminars & Events 3

AAA/AAI 2003 Japan Trip 4

• Recollections and
Musings

From Our Members 8

• Attic Dojo

Youth Academy 9
• Hey Dad, Grab My
Wrist!

AAA Nationwide 10
• Regional News
• Upcoming Events
• Dan Rank
Promotions

Clockwise from top:

2003 National Instructors’ Seminar
Photo courtesy of Ben Zarit
Shodan test, Ryoshinkan Dojo
Photo courtesy of Michele Boge
AAA/AAI Group after Embukai at the
Budokan
Photo courtesy of Laura DeGraff
2003 National Instructors’ Seminar
Photo courtesy of Ben Zarit
 News from Headquarters
Aikido World A Message from the Chief
is published quarterly by the Aikido
Association of America and Hello all, it is close to summer here in Chi-
distributed to member dojo cago, finally! And finally Aikido World is
worldwide. Aikido World welcomes back in the running. We appreciate your pa-
photos, short articles, book or tience as AW has been slow in coming out to
movie reviews, as well as news
you all on the mat. But we now have new
related to Aikido and the martial
arts. Submissions and advertising
editors who are eager and willing to give it
inquiries may be directed to: their all for the AAA/AAI members.

I would like to take the time to ask all of you

Aikido World to support Ben & Stephanie as they take on 2003 Instructors’ Seminar.

1016 W. Belmont Ave. this big task. If any of you have stories to
Chicago, IL 60657 USA tell or pictures to submit, please do so. AW will try to get as many of them as possible
Phone: 773/ 525-3141 put into an upcoming publication.
Fax: 773/ 525-5916
e-mail: AikidoAmer@aol.com There will also be themes, specific topics, and other areas directly related to our art in
each edition. Please feel free to offer your ideas and feelings about the way of life we
love so much.

Some of the upcoming issues will cover seminars past and future and also bigger
events such as camps or world tours, like the just ended Japan trip.

Any way you look at it, Aikido World will hopefully bring you enjoyed reading about
Aikido World Staff the topic we all love to do and breath, AIKIDO!!
Publisher: Toyoda Family
Editors: Stephanie Norfleet Lazar So get your pencils (or keyboard) ready and start writing us. We are ready to put in
Ben Zarit print what you all have to say about the great art of Aikido.

Have a great summer and see you on the mat!

Contributors to this issue:
John Bieszk, Michele Boge, Bruce Andy Sato
Caughran, Dianne Costanzo, Ned Chief Instructor ~ AAA/AAI
Danieley, Laura DeGraff, Christine
Dyer, Bill King, Jonathan Knipping,
James Landry, James Nakayama, Toyoda Sensei always
Greg Null, Stephen Rehrauer, Andy lived bigger than life, and Toyoda Sensei was deter-
what he accomplished in mined that we be at the
Sato, Brian Weidmann such a short time is be- center of the growth of Ai-
yond measure. kido, supporting and re-
specting the art’s origins in
He arrived in the United Japan, while at the same
States not speaking Eng- time creating our own ex-
lish, with only a suitcase pression and strong art
and a little money. From here where we stand.
there he went on to found
national and interna- Toyoda Sensei left his fam-
Fumio Toyoda Shihan
tional Aikido organiza- ily and students with a re-
tions that together num- markable legacy and with a
ber more than 200 dojo and stress what have be- remarkable dream to carry
Visit us online worldwide, and lived to seecome the hallmarks of his on. His teaching will have
www.aaa-aikido.com/AikidoWorld/ the completion of a new in-instruction: powerful, effec- effects for generations to
ternational headquarters tive technique, clear in- come.
training facility in Palatine,
structional methodology,
Aikido World; Illinois. the importance of instructor AAA and AAI proudly move
Copyright © 1999-2003 certification and training, forward under the legacy of
Aikido Association of America As we entered the new mil- and the spirit of Budo the man whose dream cre-
Aikido Association International lennium, Toyoda Sensei which must inspire and mo- ated them, and has driven
All Rights Reserved continued to build upon tivate all of our activities. them so successfully

Page 2 Aikido World

 Seminars & Events
remained the same throughout
2003 National all of the instructors’
Instructors’ Seminar technique though – tai sabaki.
By Greg Null
That was probably the most
When I was asked to write this article, I profound thing I saw at the
was excited and dumbfounded at the 2003 Instructors' seminar in
same time. How was I going to express Chicago—tai sabaki. Not
my impressions about my first Instruc- that we don’t do it every day
tors' Seminar? Would I talk about the in class or at every seminar
guest instructors and my impressions of that I have attended, but to me
their teaching? Would I talk about all of this seminar seemed a little
the students from across the country that different. We didn’t just “do”
I’d never trained with before? Would I tai sabaki. Tai sabaki was
mention the ceremony that Shaku Joseph stressed.
2003 Instructors’ Seminar
Jarmin Sensei held in memory of To-
yoda Shihan? Or would I write about the Andy Sato Sensei taught most of
thrill of being thrown by Sato Sensei? the classes at the seminar and this was my
Before the seminar, I didn’t really know eighth seminar under him. But again, to
Then it came to me. To sum up my im- what to expect. I was told by my sensei, me, it was slightly different than our semi-
pressions of the seminar in one word – James Jones, that there would be a little nar in Arkansas, Houston, or Atlanta. Sen-
comfort. That might sound weird or stu- bit of everything taught there. And, of sei talked about the movements through-
pid at first. It does to me somewhat. But course, he was right. Several different (Continued on page 14)
the more I thought about what it is like instructors taught with different
to train in Chicago, the more I came methodologies as well. I found that if
back to one point: I am comfortable up different instructors from across the when passing through the door into the
there. Here is a small town boy from Ar- country taught the same techniques, matted area, the familiar deep, resonat-
kansas traveling up to the “Big City” to there were definitely subtle differences ing sound of people hitting the mat in a
train with the best the AAA has to offer in the movements. It was interesting to gymnasium was upon us. We filled out
and I was completely at ease when I got see the emphasis that different teachers the required paperwork, got dressed and
there. placed on their techniques. One thing proceeded to the mat.

2003 First Annual East West Virginia Aikido took on the task of It was good to see familiar faces, espe-
setting everything up. Personally, I do cially Andy Sato Sensei. With a big
Coast Instructors’ Seminar not know exactly what series of events smile, he invited us onto the mat,
by Bill King needs to take place to host an event of (Continued on page 15)
this size, but the logistics must be very
Well, it has been a long time coming. time consuming and difficult to pull off.
For years I have thought that there And West Virginia Aikido did it beauti-
should be additional venues for the In- fully. They had everything set up and
structors' Seminars. Don’t get me wrong; running like clockwork. Hats off to West
the National Instructors' Seminar in Chi- Virginia Aikido!
cago is fantastic. Every time I have at-
tended, I have come away with much Everyone slated to go to the Instructors'
food for thought…. as well as severely Seminar from our dojo was excited
chapped lips from the dry air there! I about attending. Many from our dojo
guess that’s what happens when you are were “first timers” and had heard many
used to working out 30 feet above sea tales of the scope and magnitude of an
level, but I digress… Instructors' Seminar. Excitement and
expectations were high, and with that we
A West Coast and an East Coast Instruc- were off. We drove up from Cape Fear,
tors' Seminar had been in the works for over the Appalachian Mountains, and
quite some time, and in 2003 the First landed in West Virginia on the first night
Annual East Coast Instructors' Seminar of the seminar. And it was, as we had
finally manifested itself in Charleston, expected, very exciting. The event had 2003 East Coast Instructors’ Seminar. Photo
West Virginia. Greg Noble Sensei and already started when we arrived, and courtesy of Bill King.

July 2003 Page 3

 AAA/AAI 2003 Japan Trip
I had a great time in Japan... highlights
Diversity and Solidarity were the All Japan Aikido Demonstra-
By Stephen Rehrauer tion (an all-day Aikido show), good
training at Hatayama Sensei's dojo, a
From May 23rd until June 1st, a three day side trip to Kyoto, dinner in
group of AAI members from Califor- Nara at a back-alley sake and snacks
nia, the Chicago area, Poland, and stand with Japanese businessmen, being
Greece had the opportunity to travel caught in a typhoon during an Aikido
to Japan to experience culture, tradi- camp near Mt. Fuji, and a final blissful
tion, and technical excellence in Ai- visit to an onsen (hot springs baths).
kido training. We were able to gather
with Aikidoka from all over the I loved the cooperative nature of Japa-
world to demonstrate Aikido tech- nese society, the interesting Japanese Hatayama Sensei and Christine Dyer with a
nique at the Budokan; celebrate the toilets, the efficient public transportation picture of Mt. Fuji. A typhoon hid the real
20th anniversary of Igarashi Sensei’s system, the serve-yourself beer-pouring mountain from view. Photo courtesy of
dojo in Hashimoto; attend a special machine, and most of all, the way we all Christine Dyer.
training session at Hombu dojo with fit right in while training at Hombu
Moriteru Ueshiba, the current Doshu; Dojo. are available there; the USA should
attend a number of special training emulate this. Nine months of Japanese
sessions with Hatayama Shihan and I'd always heard how expensive Japan is language study made me feel comfort-
Hiroaki Kobayashi; capping the trip but found prices comparable with those able wherever I went. I highly recom-
off with a weekend camp at a beau- in America. For a budget Japanese meal, mend it!
tiful Aikido resort on Lake Yama- just follow the early morning procession
naka, where we had the opportunity of school children buying their lunch at Christine Dyer is yondan at Chushinkan
to train with some of the top Shihan the 7 Eleven, Family Mart, or other con- Dojo in Buena Park, California..
in the Aikido world. venience store. Fresh, good things to eat
From the moment of our arrival, Ha- drew Sato Sensei led the AAI group which we have at Tenshinkan, and since
tayama Shihan went out of his way in a short but impressive demonstra- at Hombu dojo they never engage in
to ensure that we were well taken tion of basic techniques. That evening group practice, it was quite a challenge
care of, meeting us at the airport, we met with other Aikido practitio- to practice well in such tight surround-
arranging for our transportation to the ners from around the world, all of ings. In spite of this, spirits were high,
business hotel where he had pre- them associated with Kobayashi Shi- the energy level was incredible, and eve-
arranged rooms for us, helping us to han, for a festive dinner at a fine ryone had an excellent experience; so
navigate the intricacies of the Tokyo restaurant in the Shinjuku area of much so that during the course of the
train and subway system, inviting us Tokyo. week several of the AAI members would
to participate in his dojo classes, and return to take the Doshu’s regular 6:30
making himself available for any Sunday the 25th we attended a spe- AM morning class (which required ris-
questions or problems that might cial training at Hatayama Shihan’s ing much earlier to catch the first morn-
arise during our stay. dojo, and later in the afternoon ing train into the city). Following the
caught a train to Hashimoto to join Monday morning session a number of
Among the many memorable points more than 200 other invited guests at the our AAI group attended a special cele-
of the week, we would especially 20th anniversary celebration of the open- bratory dinner with the Doshu, and that
highlight the following events: ing of Igarashi Sensei’s dojo. evening the Toyoda family invited the
AAI officers and regional directors to a
Saturday the 24th of May was taken Monday, May 25th, Doshu Moriteru Ue- special dinner in remembrance of To-
up by the “All Japan Aikido Demon- shiba taught us a special class at Hombu yoda Sensei.
stration” (Zen Nihon Aikido Embutai- dojo, in which he stressed the impor-
kai) at the Budokan, at which more tance of kihon waza: ryotedori ikkyo, From Tuesday to Thursday, while
than 10,000 people gathered to cele- yokomen uchi shihonage, katadori ik- Stephen and Mrs. Toyoda attended a se-
brate the growth of Aikido through- kyo, shomen uchi and katatedori irimi- ries of organizational and business meet-
out the world, with 7000 people from nage and katatedori kotegaeshi. There ings at Hombu dojo and strengthened
over 80 different countries demon- were more than 80 persons in attendance
strating over a five hour period. An- on a tatami much smaller than that (Continued on page 13)

Page 4 Aikido World

 Recollections and Musings
The Four H’s hospitality, and humor. Japan is steeped Culture and Passion
By Dianne Costanzo in a code of honor. One of our sightseeing By Laura DeGraff
days led us to the shrine of the 47 Ronin,
samurai who avenged the death of their This May I had the great fortune to be one
From the moment we arrived in Japan, we
lord and then gave themselves up and of the participants in the AAA/AAI Japan
were always on the go: going to the Bu-
committed suicide. While the story itself trip. For years I had dreamed of visiting
dokan, where 7,000 of 10,000 in atten-
is impressive, what struck me was the Japan. Ever since the beginnings of my
dance participated in demonstrating Ai-
number of people who visited this shrine Aikido training, I’ve been interested in the
kido; traveling to Hombu Dojo and hav-
to honor the memory of those who sacri- Japanese culture, people, and the country.
ing Doshu Ueshiba teach class; visiting
ficed themselves for an ideal. To have the opportunity to combine my
Hatayama Shihan's dojo and Hiroaki Ko-
bayashi Sensei's dojo; and attending the fascination of Japanese culture with my
20th anniversary camp at Lake Yama- passion for Aikido was a dream. And as
naka, nestled at the foothill of Mount Fuji. the plane touched down at Narita airport
on the afternoon of Friday, May 23rd all I
There were trains, taxis, cars, buses, one could think was, “Wow, I’m really here.” I
sightseeing day that included a ride on the think it was seeing rice paddies that made
bullet train, and walking. We walked a me realize I really wasn’t in America any
lot. We climbed countless stairs in the more. We hopped a bus at the airport and
train stations. We climbed up stairs. We had a chance to get a closer look at the
climbed down stairs. And usually, we countryside on our trip to the train station
were toting our gi bags. On average, we in Tokorozawa. Patches of bamboo, beau-
walked about four miles a day. Yes, we Hiroaki Kobayashi Sensei’s dojo in Tokorozawa. tiful homes, and breathtaking temples
were constantly in motion. Photo courtesy of Brian Weidmann. laced the scenery and wove a memorable
picture of a foreign country. Our fatigue
For the most part, the weather was pleas- This flows into the second “h”, humility. from the 13 hour plane ride followed by a
Perhaps because the Japanese culture is so 2 hour bus ride was quickly assuaged as
ant, warm, and sunny—although there
communal, there is a great emphasis on we came closer to our destination at the
was that one afternoon when we felt the
tremors of an earthquake. I was reading in what is good for the group as opposed to Tokorozawa train station. A quick trip on
my hotel room (slightly smaller than the the rugged individualism often felt in the infamous Japan rail system took us to
American culture. Within this pronounced Kumegawa, our home for the coming
dressing room at Tenshinkan, and yes,
humility lies a legitimate kindness, a will- week.
that included the bathroom) when I felt
myself shaking. At first, I thought that ingness to give of oneself simply because
maybe my blood sugar had significantly it is the right thing to do. Such humility is So many things impressed me on this trip
tied into hospitality. No matter where we that it is hard to know where to begin and
dropped, but the shaking continued for a
few minutes. I looked out of my hotel went, we were greeted warmly and richly. where to end. Ultimately, I was struck by
room window and noticed the building After training at Hatayama Sensei and the deep connection between the Japanese
gently swaying. It eventually ceased and Kobayashi Sensei's dojos, we were treated culture and our training in Aikido. Japan is
that was that. (Continued on page 6)
(Continued on page 7)
Then there was the torrential rain we ex-
perienced on the first day of training at
Lake Yamanaka. After training, I believe
Kobayashi Shihan stated at the party that
night, "We haven't had a typhoon in May
in thirty-eight years. Ha ha ha ha ha."

These brief snippets, these snapshots of

our trip, so rich in experience, so textured
and fine, lead me to the following obser-
vations. No matter what we were doing,
whether training, traveling, or sightsee-
ing, I was constantly bumping into a real-
ity I call “the four H's”: honor, humility,
Shihan at Hombu Dojo. Photo courtesy of Laura DeGraff.

July 2003 Volume 15,World

Aikido No.1
Four H’s... ways included lots of stairs. We laughed senting the Aikido Association of Amer-
(Continued from page 5) at the size of bathrooms and that the taller ica at the Budokan and at the Anniversary
among us had to practically keep one foot Camp. I saw some wonderful Aikido and
to wonderful feasts filled with food and outside their bathrooms when they used I must say that it was very humbling to be
friendship. Everyone was so welcoming. in the presence of nine shihan at Lake
Yamanaka. At the same time, I can attest
And what would this trip be worth if not
...the Aikido given to us by our to the fact that the Aikido given to us by
for humor? We laughed at the earthquake founder, Toyoda Shihan, sparkles our founder, Toyoda Shihan, sparkles
and the typhoon and ourselves. We with a dynamism and clarity of with a dynamism and clarity of which I
laughed at the paradoxes we faced daily. which I am most proud. am most proud. And I return to the dojo
For instance, The Japanese are extraordi- to continue to cultivate the honor, humil-
narily clean, yet the public toilets do not the facility. We laughed at the "No Smok- ity, hospitality, and humor in my own
have towels to wipe one's hands (young ing in Bed" signs in our hotel rooms training.
people give away paper towels/tissue on when we noticed the cigarette burns on
the streets and in the train stations). the bed linen. Gambatte (Go for It)!

We laughed when we got on the wrong So much of the trip happened so fast, and Dianne Costanzo is yondan and an in-
train back to the hotel. We laughed at the I know that I will need some time to proc- structor at Tenshinkan Dojo in Chicago,
fact that no matter where we went, we ess my experience. Yet I can say that I am Illinois and is Dojo-cho of the Oak Park
were guaranteed a long walk, which al- so grateful for having gone and for repre- Dojo in Oak Park, Illinois.

Impressions of Japan souvenirs, that was adjacent to a large In the evenings during the week, we trav-
By John Bieszk temple and several surrounding buildings eled to Hatayama Shihan’s dojo and to
and a tall tower. In a city that was so Hiroaki Kobayashi Sensei’s dojo. Both
The Japan Trip 2003 started as a unique crowded (the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Hatayama Shihan and Hiroaki Kobayashi
training opportunity for me, as a chance Area totals more than 27 million inhabi- Sensei threw great parties for us, with
to be part of an Aikido demonstration at tants) and in which land is so valuable, to plenty of good food and good company.
the Budokan, to take a class from Doshu have such an area for these temples was Their generous hospitality and sincere
M. Ueshiba, and hopefully to go to the very surprising to me. training were much appreciated.
dojos of other Shihan and Sensei who had
come to AAA seminars in the past. In On Wednesday, we went on a tour of A special training seminar at a country
fact, it was all this, plus a much greater Odawara Castle, seeing the building and retreat near Mt. Fuji was held on Satur-
understanding of Japan, its people and many articles from the time period when day and Sunday. There were five classes
culture. it was inhabited. I remember taking a bul- over one and a half days, each running
let train there, with the train looking a lot with three different dojos, with nine shi-
On our arrival at the Narita airport, Hata- like a jet plane cabin; two plane-like seats han teaching. Unfortunately, it was so
yama Shihan had traveled there to meet on one side and three similar seats on the rainy we never did see Mt Fuji while we
us and help us get to our hotel. Later we other. On Thursday, we went to down- were at the resort. Monday came quickly,
met Isao and Teruko Toyoda, who came town Tokyo to shop and to see the sights. and our group split into several parties to
to greet us. Hiroaki Kobayashi Sensei and We saw many very modern and large return by different airlines to various
a number of his students also met us at skyscrapers, rivaling any in Chicago, with parts of the country. The trip was over,
the bus station. a lot of spacious land surrounding the but the memories of the training, the peo-
buildings. We also went to the Tokyu ple we met and their generosity, and the
The first Saturday in Tokyo was the Bu- Hands department store, eight floors of history and culture we saw, will last a
dokan demonstration, followed by a 20th clothes, office supplies, camping equip- very long time.
Anniversary Party for Igarashi Dojo that ment, and other items.
evening. The class from the Doshu at
Hombu Dojo followed on Monday. I am We then went to a shopping area with John Bieszk is godan, a member of the
sure others will describe these in detail, digital cameras, portable CD and DVD AAA Midwest Teaching Committee, and
so I will talk about other occurrences. players, small MP3 players, and digital Vice President of the Chicago area Haka-
TV program recorders that fit in your makai. He teaches at Ryoshinkan Dojo in
Sightseeing was a big part of the next shirt pocket. Friday, some of us went to Palatine IL, at the Lombard, IL and
four days. On Tuesday we traveled to the Kamakura, a very pretty garden area on Wheaton, IL Park Districts, and at the
graves of the 47 Ronin, a lesson in duty the coast that has many small shrines and American Tiger Karate Academy in Elk
and in determination that is still talked a very large, approximately 30 foot tall Grove Village, IL.
about today. We went to a bazaar, an area Buddha statue that was made in 1215 and
of many stores where we picked up a few has survived earthquakes and tidal waves.

Page 6 Volume 15,World

Aikido No.1
Culture... and respectful of each other. What an in-
(Continued from page 5) credible experience for someone coming
a country based upon rules, hierarchies from a society where we have learned
and mutual respect. Every society has that the human body, unless it is a reflec-
rules, that is true, but it seemed apparent tion of the societal image of beauty, is
to me (especially AFTER I returned to something to be ashamed of and hidden
Chicago) that in Japan the rules are so from view. This learning can so easily be
much more strictly adhered to than in transferred to our training on the mat. We
most places I have been. Clearly, in a are continually striving to find that point
country of so many people, survival is of balance between absolute focus on
contingent upon universal behavior. In ourselves and total awareness of what
my opinion, Aikido is also based upon everyone else around us is doing. We so
rules, hierarchies and mutual respect. At often direct our attention to wondering
the most simple, we have rules for con- what others may be thinking of our Ai-
duct within the dojo–these rules help us kido—from feelings of inadequacy to
to create order and facilitate our survival outright arrogance—that we lose the ca-
in training. Hierarchies in Aikido also pacity to be aware of anything else.
help us to survive and maintain order. We
learn from watching; we recognize appro- To me, Aikido is such a clear reflection
Andrew Sato Sensei, Pat Toyoda, Hiroaki Kobayashi
priate and inappropriate behavior by un- of Japanese society and culture that it is
Sensei and Steven Toyoda at Tokorozowa Dojo.
derstanding the hierarchy and learning Photo courtesy of Brian Weidmann. hard to miss the connections. All of these
how to function within it. In Japanese qualities: rules, order, awareness, respect,
culture, rules and respect are the basis for working together to create something hierarchies; they work together to make
individual conduct. Without strict rules wonderful. From the business realm to life ultimately easier and happier. These
for conduct, chaos would ensue, creating the personal realm; life and everything same things work together to make our
about it is treated in this compartmental- training more successful. It is so easy to
To me, Aikido is such a clear re- ized fashion. succeed because the rules are made so
flection of Japanese society and visible and easy to follow, and once you
A fabulous trip to the hot springs after a begin to be aware of these things you will
culture that it is hard to miss the
long weekend of training brought to light discover how harmonious and happy your
connections. this concept as it applied to the smallest training can become.
unit of the society–the individual. The
confusion; following rules creates order baths in Japan are unbelievable, but for I am so grateful for my opportunity to be
and ensures survival. At a higher level in me it was a challenge to adjust my west- part of this wonderful trip. The memories
Aikido, we have randori practice, ern mentality to the eastern tradition of will last a lifetime and while this was my
“seizing chaos”, trying to create order out bathing nude with total strangers. Think- first visit to Japan, I know that it will not
of confusion in order to survive. ing back to my first months on the mat, I be my last. Having the opportunity to ex-
remember discussions with my teacher perience Japan gave me a chance to look
In Japan, everything is compartmental- about feeling self-conscious. I was told at deeper into my own training and gain a
ized and yet there is an overwhelming that point that the only one paying any better understanding of what I am striving
amount of awareness that even though attention to me and what I was doing was for.
everything is separate and discreet, it ME. The comment that was made to me
functions together as a whole. I think that at that time was that we are “each the Laura DeGraff is shodan and a Youth
this is ultimately what we are trying to center of our own universe” and that Academy Instructor at Tenshinkan Dojo
achieve through our training. Walking while whatever we are doing may be ex- in Chicago, Illinois
down the streets of Kumegawa was such tremely important to each of us
a trip! Every store is specific to one prod- individually, it is not necessarily
uct – the sushi shop, the bakery, the op- of any import to the person next
tometrist, the noodle shop, the okonomi- to us. And yet, we strive to de-
yaki shop (okonomiyaki is Japanese velop an awareness of that per-
pizza!!! – and it rocks!), the tempura bar, son next to us while maintaining
the appetizer bar, the liquor store, the that focus on ourselves and our
camera store, the coffee shop, the pro- own universe.
duce store–each establishment devoted to
it’s own product but all of them working So it was at the baths. The only
together for the survival of the commu- one paying attention to me was
nity. These communities bear a striking me. Everyone around me was
resemblance to Aikido where we’re all doing their own thing, going
doing our own thing, but ultimately from bath to bath being polite Hatayama Shihan and Laura DeGraff at Sayamadai Dojo.
Photo courtesy of Laura DeGraff.

July 2003 Page 7

 From Our Members
The Attic Dojo an incense burner added to the
By Bruce Caughran purposeful atmosphere.

It may be surprising to learn that our Ai- When we were finished, we

kido family in Oak Park, Illinois prac- had a new space that was, in
tices twice each week beneath the eaves most ways, superior to the old
of the home of one of our members. athletic club. The expanse of
cushy mat is far better than
Dianne Costanzo Sensei founded our having rug burns on your nose
group in a suburban athletic club in 2000. from the industrial flooring of
Since then, we have grown to about a the gym, which always stank
half dozen for most of our evening of “Love My Carpet”.
classes. Changes in management at the
club in October of 2002 led to diminished There is easily enough room
support of our group and an immediate beneath the roof for jo and
The Oak Park Dojo. Photo courtesy of Remko VanDerKroft
challenge to our future. Remko, our man bokken kata. The steep pitch
from Amsterdam, responded by kindly of the eaves, however, man-
volunteering his home. We did a collec- dates that nage throw uke the length of in the attic. Now our time together seems
tive tenkan and left the club behind us. the room and not the width. Extending less like a class and more like training.
zazen becomes important when the walls Our group truly does feel like an Aikido
It was reminiscent of a Little Rascals epi- can appear so suddenly. The winter tem- family. We often have coffee together at
sode, where the gang all pitches in to peratures have been remarkably mild up- the kitchen table before we begin. We
have played ping pong in the basement
save the town newspaper. “I know kids…
and we have relaxed in the den after we
let’s put on a show!” We all chipped in: It was reminiscent of a Little finished.
Sensei brought the mats, Remko found a Rascals episode, where the gang all
weapons rack in Chinatown, Bruce
hauled over a shoji screen, Greg hung pitches in to save the town The family feeling is even stronger be-
newspaper. cause Magda and Remko’s children are
fabric and secured dry wall, Magda ar-
often present. Five year old Zosia does
ranged lighting, and Ange swept away
most of the warm-ups with us before she
dust that might have been as old as the
leaves the mat. If two and a half year old
hundred year home. Drafty windows stairs, which makes us frankly apprehen-
Filip is still awake, he follows along from
were repaired. Boxes were moved to the sive about the summer’s heat.
the sidelines. A beginner’s mind has
basement. Photos of O Sensei and To-
never been more evident.
yoda Shihan transformed a bare brick The physical space is not the only ad-
pillar into a shomen. A kanji scroll and vance we have Currently, visitors are welcome after they
made toward contact Costanzo Sensei at Tenshinkan
becoming a dojo (773.525.3141) and she lets Magda
“real” dojo. and Remko know to expect guests. Co-
Attendance has stanzo Sensei has spoken of eventually
actually grown outgrowing the attic and making a move
since our to a storefront in the Oak Park area. That
move. Kyu move is probably a wise one, as a resi-
ranks from sev- dential space is ill-suited for long-term
enth to third growth. The space will be missed, how-
are represented ever, if the day comes when we no longer
and we have shake the ceiling of the kids’ rooms be-
new members low with thundering breakfalls from the
planning to attic. The move has brought us together
take their first and the process has taught us a great deal
test. We went about how to make a dojo and, more im-
from one eve- portantly, what makes a dojo.
ning per week
at the club to Bruce Caughran is 3rd kyu at the Oak
two per week Park Dojo in Oak Park, Illinois.
The Oak Park Dojo. Photo courtesy of Remko VanDerKroft.

Page 8 Volume 15,World

Aikido No.1
 Youth Academy Corner
This will be an ongoing section with per- In these classes we emphasize the non- learning process.
spectives from instructors and kids who competitive, cooperative aspects of Ai-
are involved in the youth academy across
the country. Please feel free to submit arti- kido. Relationship and communication As an instructor, the family class may
cles and pictures about your experiences. issues can be explored on the mat. The be your biggest challenge. You must not
We are looking for games and techniques different generations are given a com- only deal with varying degrees of ability,
that really work. Please share your suc- mon platform on which to build future but also with the physical extremes of
cesses!
discussions. Families have a chance to pairing an eight-year-old with a forty-
spend that all-so-important quality time year-old, and with vastly different atten-
Hey Dad, Grab My Wrist! together that we hear so much about. tion spans. You must choose techniques
By James Landry that both can do safely. You must also
Good role modeling is an important as- mix traditional Aikido teaching with ac-
An eight-year-old stands in good hanmi pect of any child’s development. Our tivities common to youth and children’s
with right hand extended in invitation, parents are our first role models. When classes, although we have found that
“Hey Dad, grab my wrist.” Dad parents are just big kids on the
walks up, taking his son’s invitation mat and are happy to join in
in a cross hand grab. Dad is quickly with the more youth-oriented
introduced to the mat as son steps activities.
in, performing a kokyunage. Father
and son exchange grins, the elder’s If you have families that are
in approval, the child’s in glee. As members of your dojo, consider
Dad gets up off the mat he is met setting aside a class for them to
with the next invitation, this time train together. If you don’t have
from Mom. families training, consider en-
couraging their participation.
This scene is played out every Fri- There is nothing like the sup-
day night during family class at On- port of a spouse, parent, or
shinkan Dojo. What started out as a child to keep you coming to the
coincidence of convenience has dojo on a regular basis.
turned into a well-attended, high-
energy class held Friday night and When we have new students
Saturday morning where youth and join the dojo, we gather in a
adults are encouraged to train to- circle for introductions. Part of
gether. With a very family-oriented the introduction is to tell why
student base, we count among our you train or what you get out of
members nine family groups with the training. The adults always
some combination of parents and come up with some philosophi-
Illustration courtesy of Jonathan Knipping
siblings all training in Aikido. cally important reason for train-
ing. The kids cut right through and touch
Imagine if you have one adult and two we are young, we just figure our parents upon the reason we all continue to train:
youths training in the same family. This know everything. We seldom stop to it’s fun! Family class reminds us of this
could mean four to six trips to the dojo wonder how they came to know every- important truth.
per week, possibly two trips in a day. By thing.
training together, one or two of these James Landry is shodan and the assis-
trips can be eliminated. What a great opportunity it is for a child tant instructor at Onshinkan Dojo, Ai-
to watch his or her parent struggle with kido of Northern Indiana in Merrillville,
The real benefits go far beyond logistics. and learn something new, to make mis- Indiana
takes and constructively enter into the

AAA SUPPLY
Single-weave judo gi, red and white oak training weap- Phone: 773/ 525-3141
ons, weapons bag, gear bag, instructor and student
manuals, baseball caps, t-shirts, and hakama. Fax: 773/ 525-5916

Call or visit us on-line for your free catalog or to place E-Mail: AikidoAmer@aol.com
an order. Internet: http://www.aaa-aikido.
com/supply.html

July 2003 Aikido World

 AAA Nationwide
Central Region News John Bieszk Sensei, AAA Midwest Regional Director

The National Instructor's Seminar at Ryoshinkan Dojo was another excellent opportunity to train and to
review and re-affirm Toyoda Sensei's teaching methodology. Approximately 115 people participated, very
good attendance considering that the following weekend was the East Coast Instructors’ Seminar in
Charleston, WV. The West Coast Instructors’ Seminar took place earlier in the year.

Recent Events
April 24-27: National Instructors’ Seminar hosted by Ryoshinkan Dojo in Palatine, IL. Instructed by AAA Teaching
Committee members.

May 18: 2nd Annual Chicago Area Kids Seminar at Ryoshinkan Dojo in Palatine, IL. Instructed by AAA Chief
Instructor Andrew Sato Shihandai.

Upcoming Events
July 3-6: AAA National Summer Camp and Toyoda Sensei Memorial Training, hosted by Ryoshinkan Dojo in
Palatine, IL. Instruction by AAA Chief Instructor Andrew Sato Shihandai.

Aug. 22-24: Ohio Seminar hosted by Tetsushinkan Dojo in Holland, OH. Instruction by AAA Chief Instructor
Andrew Sato Shihandai.

Sep. 5-7: First AAA Women’s Only Aikido Seminar hosted by Ryoshinkan Dojo in Palatine, IL. Instruction by
senior AAA female instructors.

Sep. 26-28: Toyoda Center Seminar hosted by Yushinkan Dojo in Wyoming, MI. Instruction by Ed Germanov
Sensei, Chief Instructor Bulgarian Aikido Association.

Southern Region News Ned Danieley Sensei, AAA Southern Regional Director

There have been two seminars in the Southern Region so far this year. The first was in March, when
Horikoshi Sensei from the Horikoshi Dojos in Japan instructed in Atlanta. Horikoshi Sensei is affiliated with
the Kobayashi Dojos, so the instruction was familiar, but Horikoshi Sensei brought his own interpretation
and special energy to the weekend. Paul Domanski and his group did their usual excellent job of putting on
the seminar.

Then in May, Sato Sensei taught an East Coast Instructors' Seminar in Charleston, WV. Attendance was
excellent and Sato Sensei spent a lot of time on how to teach techniques from the proper tai sabaki. Greg
Noble hosted what turned out to be a large group and did an excellent job of getting us organized.

Upcoming events include the AAA Summer Camp in Atlanta with Sato Sensei in July and an AAA Teaching
Committee seminar in September.

Recent Events
Mar. 28-30: Guest Instructor Seminar hosted by Kyushinkan in Atlanta, GA. Instructed by Horikoshi Sensei.

Upcoming Events
Jul. 24-27: Southern Region Camp at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, Atlanta, GA. Instruction by AAA Chief
Instructor Andrew Sato Shihandai.

Page 10 Aikido World

 AAA Nationwide
Western Region News James Nakayama Shihandai, AAA Western Regional Director
Greetings from the Western Region.

Our year started off with a visit from Sato Sensei, January 30 - February 2, at Chushinkan Dojo in Buena
Park, CA, for our annual Western Regional Instructors' Seminar. Sato Sensei later visited Roger Mosconi of
the Aiki Institute of Spokane in April.

Coming up on June 27-29, we are having our annual Toyoda Sensei Memorial Seminar at Chushinkan Dojo.
This will be instructed by Western Region Teaching Committee members James Nakayama, Fred Phillips,
Martin Katz, and Ken Mac Beth Sensei. On July 18 - 20, in Helena, MT, Roque Wardell of Mountain Spirit
Aikido is sponsoring a seminar instructed by James Nakayama Sensei, Western Regional Director.

Our California Western States Camp will be on October 2-5, instructed by AAA Chief Instructor, Andrew
Sato Sensei, and Edward Germanov Sensei, AAI Bulgaria Chief Instructor, at Rossmoor, CA. Later during
the month on October 24-26, Ron Sims Sensei is celebrating Jyushinkan Dojo's 10th anniversary in Logan,
UT.

We've added a couple of new dojo here in the West. Mr. Pete Swingle, Dojo-cho of Ai-KO Dojo in Fresno, and
friend of Roque Wardell and Roger Mosconi, has joined our AAA family. Joseph Vaughan and Eric Wegner of
University of Idaho have also decided to affiliate their Aikido class with the AAA.

Recent Events
Jan. 30-Feb. 2: West Coast Instructors’ Seminar hosted by Chushinkan Dojo, Buena Park, CA. Instructed by AAA
Chief Instructor Andrew Sato Shihandai.

Apr. 11-13: Spokane Seminar hosted by Aiki Institute of Spokane in Spokane, WA. Instructed by AAA Chief
Instructor Andrew Sato Shihandai.

Upcoming Events
Jun. 27-29: Toyoda Sensei Memorial Seminar hosted by Chushinkan Dojo, Buena Park, CA. Instruction by
Western Region Teaching Committee Members.

Jul. 18-20: Montana Seminar hosted by Mountain Spirit Aikido, Helena, MT. Instruction by James Nakayama
Sensei, AAA Western Regional Director.

Oct. 2-5: Western States Camp hosted by Aikido of Rossmoor, Seal Beach, CA. Instruction by AAA Chief
Instructor Andrew Sato Shihandai and Ed Germanov Sensei, Chief Instructor Bulgarian Aikido
Association.

Oct. 24-26: Jyushinkan Dojo 10th Anniversary hosted by Jyushinkan Dojo in Logan, UT.

Eastern Regional News Glen Matsuda Sensei, AAA Eastern Regional Director

Recent Events
May 1-4: East Coast Instructors’ Seminar hosted by Kushinkan Dojo in Charleston, WV. Instructed by AAA
Chief Instructor Andrew Sato Shihandai.
Jun. 27-29: Worcester Seminar hosted by Zenshinkan Dojo in Worcester, MA. Instructed by AAA Chief Instructor
Andrew Sato Shihandai.

Upcoming Events
Sep. 25-28: Eastern Region Camp held at the Green Meadow Waldorf School, Chestnut Hill, NY. Instruction by
AAA Chief Instructor Andrew Sato Shihandai and Hiroaki Kobayashi Sensei, Kobayashi Dojos.

July 2003 Page 11

 Dan Rank Promotions
Shodan Nidan
Alan Adams, Yushinkan, Wyoming, MI Robert Caron, Zenshinkan, Worcester, MA
Angel Angelov, Tendokan, Sofia, Bulgaria Gene Edwards, Gyokushinkan, Fort Smith, AR
Julie Auman, Seishinkan, Dickinson, TX Chrisitan Gonzales, Kenshinkan, Vista, CA
Charles Chapman, Zenshinkan, Worcester, MA Luke Maranto, Kyushinkan, Roswell, GA
James Clark, Yushinkan, Wyoming, MI Rajeev Prasad, Tenshinkan, Chicago, IL
Dimitrina Dimitrova, Tenshinkan, Chicago, IL Don Ruffin, Chushinkan, Buena Park, CA
Ivan Dinev, Tendokan, Sofia, Bulgaria Stamatis Sahinopoulos, Fukushinkan, Piraeus, Greece
Jon Forrest, Chushinkan, Buena Park, CA Maciej Slota, Tenshinkan, Chicago, IL
Sharrod Graham, Tenshinkan, Chicago, IL Tim Spies, Ryoshinkan, Palatine, IL
Robert Hoff, Jikishinkan, Brooklyn, NY
James Landry, Onshinkan, Merrillville, IN Sandan
David Mata, Yushinkan, Wyoming, MI Laurie Erickson, Tenshinkan, Chicago, IL
Teresa McGee, Ryushinkan, San Diego, CA Maria Germanova, Tendokan, Sofia, Bulgaria
Alan Okada, Ryushinkan, San Diego, CA Glenn Iwaoka, Ryoshinkan, Palatine, IL
Craig Pearlman, Tenshinkan, Chicago, IL Kevin Kelleher, Aikido of Escondido, Escondido, CA
Piyatisaa Perera, Tendokan, Sofia, Bulgaria Iavor Mihailov, Tendokan, Sofia, Bulgaria
Paul Revenko-Jones, Tenshinkan, Chicago, IL David Rose, Tenshinkan, Chicago, IL
Jason Stone, Seishinkan, Dickinson, TX Plamen Tsolov, Tendokan, Sofia, Bulgaria
Daniel Vanhee, Kyushinkan, Roswell, GA
Jason Ward, Seishinkan, Dickinson, TX
Roque Wardell, Mountain Spirit Aikikai, Fort Harrison, MT Yondan
Christine Dyer, Chushinkan, Buena Park, CA
Veera Kasicharernvat, Ganshinkan, Salt Lake City, UT

Dimitrina Dimitrova shodan test. Photo courtesy of Michele Boge Glenn Iwaoka sandan test. Photo courtesy of Michele Boge

Aikido Association of America Regional Camps

Instruction by Andrew Sato Shihandai
AAA/AAI Chief Instructor
July 3-6: National Summer Camp, Palatine, IL. Ryoshinkan Dojo

Jul. 24-27: Southern Region Camp, Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Area School for the Deaf

Sep. 25-28: Eastern Region Camp, Chestnut Hill, NY. Green Meadow Waldorf School
Also instructing, Hiroaki Kobayashi Sensei, Kobayashi Dojos.
Oct. 2-5: Western States Camp, Seal Beach, CA. Aikido of Rossmoor.
Also instructing, Ed Germanov Sensei, Chief Instructor Bulgarian Aikido Association.
Page 12 Volume 15,World
Aikido No.1
Diversity...
(Continued from page 4)
ties, the rest of us combined cultural ex-
posure, tourism and training. Some of our
group decided to take a side trip to Kyoto
and its surrounding areas, while Sato
Sensei took matters in hand and led the
rest of us on a tour of some of the most
important and interesting historical sights
in and around Tokyo. We were able to
visit the famous tomb of the 47 Ronin
Samurai warriors, tour the Ginza district,
visit one of the most important traditional
temples in Tokyo, travel to Odawara on
the bullet train to see Odawara castle, and
travel to Kamakura to see the giant Bud-
dha and visit Hasedera, one of the most
famous temples in Japan dedicated to
Hase Kannon. On Friday, Stephen To- AAA/AAI Group with Hatayama Shihan at Sayamadai Dojo. Photo courtesy of Laura DeGraff.
yoda led us on a tour of the electronics
district, the downtown area, and Takashi- Overall the trip was intense, and a won- Toyoda Sensei left us. It also impressed
yama square. derful experience of the diversity and the upon me the importance of our working
solidarity that exists in the Aikido world. hard and constantly to ensure that we do
On Saturday morning, the 31st of May, In spite of the fact that so many people not lose what he gave us.
we traveled by bus to Lake Yamanaka to came from differing national and cultural
backgrounds, language groups and styles Japan is a country that has been able to
of Aikido practice, we were all able to combine extremely modern technology
Overall the trip was intense, and a join together in celebrating what we have with very traditional values in its every-
wonderful experience of the diver- in common: our love for Aikido and our day way of living, and this was also
sity and the solidarity that exists in dedication to both living and teaching the clearly the case in our experience of Ai-
the Aikido world. “Way of Harmony.” kido as it is practiced there. Aikido is a
modern martial art, but very deeply
Having the opportunity to train side by rooted in a long and fascinating cultural
begin a two day special camp, joining side with other groups and in another history. At the Budokan we were able to
with nearly 200 other Aikidoda from country also brought home to us the rich- see Shihan 80 years old and older demon-
around the world to train with such re- ness of what we ourselves have. Our av- strating Aikido technique, and while their
nowned teachers as Kobayashi, Arai, erage dojo in the USA is two to three technical ability and expertise may not
Kubo, Sugawara, Miyamoto, Hatayama, times larger than even a large dojo in Ja- have been what they were 20 or 30 years
Inaba, and Igarashi Senseis. In spite of pan. Having seen this, we begin to realize earlier, they were received and appreci-
the fact that we experienced the first May the enormity of Toyoda Sensei’s vision in
typhoon in Japan in over thirty years, and building Ryoshinkan, the headquarters In spite of the sore muscles, the
it poured rain for the entire two days, dojo for AAI. There is nothing like it in
Japan, where 80 to 100 people regularly
pain in the knees, the muscular fa-
spirits were not dampened. There were
three hours of training on Saturday after- train in a space a quarter of its size. This tigue, we were able to experience
noon and two hours on Sunday morning. luxury of space of course gives us the a profound inner joy as we threw
The camp lodge had three enormous ta- advantage of being able to extend fully in and were thrown.
tami areas where classes were being held our technique when we practice. As a
simultaneously, and participants were result, the quality of our instruction and ated with tremendous respect for what
able to choose which Sensei they wanted practice can stand up to anything we saw they had contributed and continue to con-
to train with for each one hour session. during these twelve days. tribute to the development of the art of
Aikido throughout the world. And they
The return trip on Sunday afternoon was At both the Budokan demonstration at the were admired for the fact that they were
equally memorable as we stopped at a beginning of our trip, and the closing still training and willing to share with
resort famous for its hot mineral springs, demonstration at the end of the Lake Ya- others what they had learned from a life-
where we were able to rest and recover manaka camp, the AAI distinguished it- time of practice. Rather than just being
with traditional “furo” hot baths and a self through the quality and strength of its appreciated for what they were able to
wonderful “all you can eat and drink” technique. Sato Sensei’s demonstration at produce now, as is so often the case in
dinner. camp was formidable, and brought home the West, they were appreciated for who
to me clearly the tremendous legacy that (Continued on page 16)

July 2003 Volume 15,World

Aikido No.1
National Seminar...
(Continued from page 3) In two years I’ve trained in
out the lesson. It was really bro- Fort Smith, Arkansas; Hous-
ken down in a way that I hadn’t ton, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia;
been exposed to before—not to Memphis, Tennessee; Chi-
that degree. cago, Illinois; and Brooklyn,
New York. There is one con-
Martin Katz Sensei taught another stant regardless; the people
session as well. What I noticed welcome me wherever I go.
most from his session was again Aikido is often times the only
movement. His body movement thing we have in common, but
was far different that my own and that is enough; I can walk
different from most I had studied onto a mat and suddenly I am
with. He seemed to glide instead with friends. Whether it’s
of step. I think you could have bal- Justin and Leslie in Chicago,
anced a book on top of his head or David and Amy in Hous-
during his demonstration. Again, 2003 Instructors’ Seminar ton, or any of the hundreds of
his tai sabaki was very deliberate. Not rank to go to his last Instructors' seminar. people that I’ve trained with, the camara-
just a movement needed in order to get to But it was shown to me by Sato Sensei derie is there—because of the training
a technique. and the other instructors that tai sabaki that we all go through.
was extremely important to him and
I also enjoyed the memorial that Shaku something that he continually stressed in The Instructors' Seminar was no differ-
Joseph Jarmin Sensei held for Fumio To- his teaching. ent. If anything, it was even better in that
yoda Shihan. That was my first experi- regard. I was mistakenly assuming that I
ence with that sort of ceremony and it I wonder if people understand how im- would be “brushed aside” or pushed to
was nice for me to see the reverence that portant it is to continue that remem- the back of the line somewhat since I was
everyone had for Sensei. I’d never had brance, especially for those of us who did only a second kyu and not yudansha.
the privilege to study under Toyoda Shi- not have the opportunity to study under Never once did I feel that way. Everyone,
han. I had just started and didn’t have the Sensei. My instructor has definitely con- from California to North Carolina, was
tinued that with his students and it has nothing but nice to everyone they trained
helped transition those of us that never with.
had the opportunity.
James Jones Sensei has always told me
I think that is why there was so much of that Aikido brings people together. It
a focus on tai sabaki during the seminar. could not have been shown better than at
Put simply, that is what Toyoda Shihan the 2003 Instructors' Seminar in Chicago.
wanted. Not to simply do techniques on Throughout the seminar, I was reminded
attackers. But to flow from movement to of those words: Aikido brings people to-
movement with such ease that it does not gether.
matter when and where the attack comes
from. I have learned that if one has Greg Null is 2nd kyu at Gyokushinkan
strong tai sabaki, the techniques will Dojo in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
2003 Instructor’s Seminar take care of themselves.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS!!!!

We are searching for great Aikido-related photographs to use on the
AAA web site and in AAA literature. We will give you credit. Please
send us your favorite photos, identifying as best you can the date,
event, instructors, technique, people in the picture, photographer’s
name, etc. We will accept either black/white or color, and either
regular photos or digital images. Make sure you enclose your name
and return address if you want originals returned to you.
We are especially looking for pictures of Toyoda Shihan and other
AAA and AAI instructors, artistic photos, and photos showing clear
Aikido technique or unique aspects of Aikido.
Please send them attention of Aikido World, 1016 W. Belmont Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60657, or by email to AikidoAmer@aol.com.

Page 14 Volume 15,World

Aikido No.1
East Coast Seminar... with time. Basic techniques undergo a how to instruct. As is typical, there is a
(Continued from page 3) metamorphosis, ever changing in their short lecture at the beginning of a ses-
effectiveness by the slight manipulation sion, demonstration and explanation of
welcomed us, and told us to get started. of a stance, the placement of a hand, a technique, followed by practical applica-
And with that, we did. step, a slide, or a slight adjustment in di- tion through training. We were also given
rection of movement. The basic tech- many examples of proper ki testing pro-
It took me a few minutes to get my “sea nique, kihon waza, is the gateway to the cedures, keeping in mind the intricacies
legs” after such a long drive. My mind application of applied technique, “oyo of ki testing and the mindfulness of gen-
was still reeling from the onslaught of waza”. Andy Sato Sensei was very clear der, guidance during testing, and projec-
exit signs, billboards, and the endless on this fact. He made sure the point was tion of intent when testing stance and bal-
white dashed line in the middle of the driven in, that the way to teach Aikido is ance. We were all instructed on what to
road. After a few techniques, I settled to teach basic body movement, then the do when, why you do it, and how to do it
basic techniques of a given art. Only then correctly. It was very informative and
“If you don’t have basic technique, can a student truly understand oyo waza. much needed.
you don’t have anything.”
Oyo waza was demonstrated and prac- The direction that the Aikido Association
—Andy Sato Sensei ticed at great length. One particular tech- of America has been heading in the past
nique was chosen and was literally beaten few years has been towards tai sabaki
right in and started to absorb what was to death, and then another, and it too was toshu, basic body movement in training.
being demonstrated. As always, Andy beaten to death. It seemed every incarna- From there it has been a process of build-
Sato Sensei brought a relaxed feeling to tion of oyo waza of a particular art was ing to the basic technique “kihon waza”
training that was filled with lots of explored. of a given art, then finally the application
smiles, jokes, and laughter. of basic technique, “oyo
waza”. Basic body move-
The full gamut of technique ment IS the key.
was discussed and demon-
strated, including some ba- When technique is not work-
sic weapons work with the ing for you on the mat, I
jo and bokken. Members of have learned from this and
the teaching committee previous Instructors' Semi-
were slated to instruct these nars, and also from practical
sessions, and did so with instruction of students, that
typical enthusiasm and ex- everyone must go back to
pertise. basic body movement. Ask
yourself: Do you have proper
I think all will agree that distance from uke? Are you
weapons work never seems extending ki and floating on
to be long enough, espe- a well-balanced center? Are
cially in the paired tech- you using unbendable arm?
niques of the bokken. It is Are you relaxed?
not just the technique you
learn, it is the total sensory East Coast Instructors’ Seminar. Photo courtesy of Bill King. If not, go back to the begin-
experience that makes ning. Go back to your basics
weapons work at the Instructors' Seminar and all of your technique will be sound.
something special—the almost over- When the seminar reached this part of our You will not have to work the technique,
whelming clacking sound of wood training, everyone was experiencing the the technique will just work. Instructors'
against wood during practice, the vibra- full magnitude of the art. Advanced pins, Seminars give us all a chance to learn
tion of the weapon when struck by an- throws and projections were used. Every- new ways of sharing Aikido with each
other, along with the familiar tingle in one was “showing the love” to each other and with new students. It brings us
your hands that results from intense con- other. (showing the love: putting on a back to the beginning. Learning, as well
tact. It is a sound and feeling that is al- really GOOD pin for an energetic pat on as teaching technique in this manner is
most one of the signatures of Aikido. the leg or mat, throwing with a little ex- the second greatest gift given to all of us
tra energy, extending uke into a really by Toyoda Sensei. His greatest gift is
Empty hand technique was highly energetic roll or fall… this is what bringing Aikido to us in the first place.
stressed If my memory serves me cor- “showing the love” means at Kure Beach
rectly, Andy Sato Sensei said, “If you Aikido.) It was very exciting. It was very Bill King is nidan and Assistant Instruc-
don’t have basic technique, you don’t educational. tor at Kure Beach Aikido in Kure Beach,
Aikido World
have anything.” The basic technique of a North Carolina
given art is the framework of Aikido. As As the Instructors' Seminar’s name im-
a living art, Aikido changes and grows plies, it is an event for instructors about

July 2003 Page 15

Diversity... were able to experience a profound inner the technique; one must do them with the
(Continued from page 13) joy as we threw and were thrown. proper spirit and intention and for the
they are and for what they had been able right purpose. And while the physical
to give to others. As we experienced the kindness and hos- waxes and wanes with time, there is no
pitality of Kobayashi and Hatayama Sen- limitation to the deeper growth potential
It was rewarding to see the mutual respect sei, who went out of their way to make us of the human spirit to which our physical
that permeated our training time, whether feel welcome and at ease, we saw clearly training opens us.
at Hombu dojo, at local dojos or at the an example of the deeper benefits of
camp at Lake Yamanaka. Rarely if ever training. These, like our own teacher To- I left Japan exhausted, but deeply satis-
was rank or age an issue. Never did we yoda Sensei, are men who are decent and fied and renewed in spirit, and with a
hear anyone criticizing any of the older kind after a lifetime of Aikido training. greater appreciation for both the strength
practitioners or teachers as being too Others feel safe and happy in their com- and quality of our own Aikido Associa-
weak or not “up to par” in their technique. pany. They have been able to draw people tion International, and the great advan-
Nor did we hear any comments about from all over the world together into a tages for training we have in comparison
whether one country’s group had stronger unified organization that crosses and su- to Aikidoka in other parts of the world.
technique than another. It simply was not percedes cultural and personal borders. This brought home to me quite tangibly
about who was better than whom, or who the importance of working harder to share
deserved more attention, or even who got As we participated in training and with others the gift that we have been
to teach. There was a very clear spirit and watched extremely talented Aikidoka given by promoting the growth of AAA
understanding that we were there together with already superb physical technique and AAI, and by doing all that is neces-
to train and to learn, and that everyone humbly listen to others in an attempt to sary to ensure the continued existence of
had something to contribute, to share and make their technique even better, we were our Ryoshinkan training center. More im-
to learn. reminded of another thing that Toyoda portantly, it has reminded me not to take
Sensei used to talk about so often – Shu- for granted what we have, and to make
While our training was strenuous and vig- gyo. Aikido training is not so much about more regular use of the training opportu-
orous, there was the realization that the physical technique as it is about our inten- nities and facilities available to us. This
physical training had a much deeper pur- tionality, and who we become through the alone made the trip more than worth-
pose which led us beyond the physical physical practice. No matter how perfect while.
into the realm of the personal and spiri- or powerful one’s physical prowess is,
tual. In spite of the sore muscles, the pain there is always still something more to Stephen Rehrauer is godan in Rome, and
in the knees, the muscular fatigue, we learn. It isn’t enough to know how to do is the AAI European Director.

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