AWA Newsletter Fall09

download AWA Newsletter Fall09

of 22

Transcript of AWA Newsletter Fall09

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    1/22

    With an aspiration to extend aikido into our communLandry Sensei invites our AWA dojos to partake in voteer work. He provides us with examples from his dojothe benefits thereof. You will see that it generates posiin and between dojo members and the surrounding comnity. What a wonderful way to spread the philosophy!

    We have DeGraff Sensei in her latest, On the Road the AWA, describing the strong bonds throughout ouganization. Coupled with her article is a West Virginia

    inar review by Kelly Street, emphasizing the importancdojo teamwork in hosting a seminar.

    Dorfman Sensei addresses the issue of using the dojweather storms in life, providing personal examples of aikido has helped him through tough times. His sensperspective is valuable, both personally, and within ourrent financial climate.

    Also included is an interview with Price Sensei, focuon his history, experience, and how aikido is effectapplied to law enforcement. He speaks on how he sta

    Gishinkan, his dojo in Kure Beach, North Carolina, how his students help to keep it growing. Prefacing his iview are articles from two of his students, revealing wawhich aikido can be effectively used as defense.

    It is a pleasure to present you with these refreshing, insful perspectives. I extend a thank you to our writers,tors, photographers and, most of all, our readers! Enjo

    In Aiki,

    Alison Lincoln, Design Director, 2nd kyuJikishinkan, Brooklyn, NY

    Dear Aikidoka and AWA members,

    Welcome, again, to the AWA newsletter! This issue willbring to light the ways in which aikido can be applied toour lives, beyond the mats, in the outside world.

    The Art of Peace is a way of life. To fully experience it,we must identify its lessons on a philosophical level.

    When we begin drawing parallels between physical andsocial technique, we see aikido in a more enlightening con-text. In realizing that kokyunage can be applied verbally,

    and randori can be applied emotionally, we begin to suc-cessfully control situations on a variety of levels. We beginto apply aikido to aspects within our families, friendships,work environments, and communities. We integrate aikidointo our daily attitude and encounters.

    Over time, our wisdom expands. As we learn to maintainpeace within ourselves, we set examples for others. Weslowly forge ourselves into model citizens by demonstrat-ing our lessons in patience, compassion, commitment,resilience, and sincerity. Training provides us with insightto improve ourselves is to improve the lives of those around

    us, and vice-versa. This process is how we best extend thisart beyond ourselves. This process is how we create peacein the world, one step at a time.

    In this issue, first you will find words from Sato Sensei onthe purpose of the kata, and how it translates directly toThe Way of Harmony. When applied genuinely, kata willextend beyond the mats and enhance your entire life.

    Following this is an interesting definition ofshugyo, written byMichael McGuigan. Shugyo may be about us as individuals,but it is also about everyone around us, including family.

    If your opponent st

    ith fire, counter

    ater, becoming comp

    fluid and free-flow

    Water, by its nat

    never collides with

    breaks against anyth

    On the contrary, it swal

    up any attack harmle

    -OSensei

    NEWSLETTERSeptember 2009 - February 2010

    Aikido in the Outside World

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    2/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Congratulations to the Newlyweds!

    Jonathan Knipping Sensei a

    Myhang Tran tied the knot o

    May 24th, 2009.

    Cheers to

    Mr. and Mrs. Knipping!

    RECENT DAN PROMOTIONS

    SANDAN:

    David Galdamez Sensei, Wadokan dojo, Spring, TX

    Robert Hoff, NYAA dojo, Brooklyn, NY

    Marcos Mendez, Kyushinkan dojo, Roswell, GA

    Greg Null, Gyokushinkan dojo, Fort Smith, AR

    Sandra Cousins, Wadokan dojo, Spring, TX

    NIDAN:Dirk Domaschko Sensei, Mushinkan dojo, Liberty Township,

    John Kurker, Kiku Matsu dojo, Chicago, IL

    Thomas Pampalone, Kiku Matsu dojo, Chicago, IL

    SHODAN:

    Stephanie Flores,Jikishinkan dojo, Brooklyn, NY

    Joe Johnson, Gyokushinkan dojo, Fort Smith, AR

    Michael McGuigan,Jikishinkan dojo, Brooklyn, NY

    Dave Strong,Joshinkan dojo, Springdale, AR

    Timothy Smith Sensei,Jishukan dojo, Sanford, NC

    Paul Van Huffel, Senshinkan dojo, MI

    Geoffry Teddy Weithers, NYAA dojo, Brooklyn, NY

    Michael Campbell, Bushinkan dojo, Royersford, PA

    Karl Hsu, Kyushinkan dojo, Roswell, GA

    Scott Skeen, Retsushinkan dojo, Charlotte, NC

    Phillip Smutko, Kiku Matsu dojo, Chicago, IL

    Sylvie Steranka, Kushinkan dojo, Charleston, WV

    Aaron Rainey, Wadokan dojo, Spring, TX

    2

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Aikido Kata and The Way by Sato Sensei....................3

    Shodan Essay: What Is Shugyo? by Michael McGuigan.....4

    Aikido and Community Service by Landry Sensei.............5

    Shodan Essay: What Is Aikido? by Rodriguez Sensei......7

    On the Road: July 2009 by DeGraff Sensei.......................7

    West Virginia Seminar Review by Kelly Street.................8

    Aikido at Work in Everyday Life by Adam Krent..............9

    Using Aikido and the Dojo to Temper

    the Impact of the Outside World by Dorfman Sensei.......10

    Cucumbery Cool of Aikidoka by Brian Shipkin.................12

    An Education in Avoiding Violence by Adam Tate...........13

    The Power to Empower by Laura Hiles..........................14

    Interview of Price Sensei by Alison Lincoln.....................15Nidan Essay: Aikido: History and Future by Ben Zarit.......17

    Aikido to Jiu-jitsu by Nakagawa Sensei......................19

    AWA Photos takenby Greg Null and AWA members......20

    Ai- Ki- DOh! comic strip by Knipping Sensei.................20

    AWA Calendar .............................................................21

    AWA Newsletter Staff:

    Alison Lincoln, Design Director, Jikishinkan, Brooklyn, NY

    [email protected] make submissions for consideration.

    John Hannon, Editor, Jikishinkan, Brooklyn, NY

    [email protected] make submissions for consideration.

    Kristin Kelley, Editor, Kiku Matsu, Chicago, IL

    Greg Null, Main Photographer, Gyokushinkan, Fort Smith, AR

    The Universal Ki says RECYCLE

    All contents within: 2009 Aikido World Alliance

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    3/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    So, how can aikido help us gain the ability to enjoywonderful gifts of life we have?

    From the beginning, we have said, talked about, or heour sensei use the term The Way of Harmony. Do wally understand what it means? After many hours of sitlooking out the front window or staring at the ceilinging my recent surgery and recovery, I think I have a sglimpse of what The Way of Harmony is. Everythingdo is the way; how we breathe, how we sit, and the we do anything!

    Your sensei tells you to do it this way, about your atechnique on the mat, and everything else you do indojo. This mentality stems from the culture and feudal ting of Old Japan, wherein whatever one did there wcorrect way to do it. Anything else was a waste orwere wasted by the samurai class. Without the correctitude, whatever process executed would be less than and so would the outcome. The correct process requfirst, a sincerity of effort, second, an effort to do it 1right, and third, the actual outcome, in that order. Thiscific form is necessary for one to get into the mind of way.

    For all of us, aikido de-velops our form (kataif you will) in every as-pect of our lives. Howto move correctly, actcorrectly, and treat oth-ers correctly all funneldown to the kata of our minds thoughts and actionsaikido training on the mat that should offer us this glimand be the catalyst for us to do everything using the kata. With thousands of repetitions of ikkyo or kotegawe learn not only the

    physical movement, butalso diligence, perse-verance, and patience,for ourselves and oth-ers. These are just afew of the byproductsthat, combined, devel-op and improve whowe are. Training on themat imparts in us theway we should act when we are not in the dojo.(continued)

    3

    Aikido Kata and The Way, On and Off the MatBy Sato Sensei, AWA Chief Instructor, RokudanKiku Matsu, AWA Headquarters, Chicago, IL

    Where does our training go to if it is turned off when weare not at the dojo? Is it really off when we are not on the

    mat? Is our pursuit for perfection and understanding of ai-kido something to be turned off and on only when needed?Questions, questions, questions. What are the answers?

    Our lives are short in the larger scheme of things, yet manydays we may feel and bemoan our sufferings and dailyproblems as if they are a thousand years worth. We shouldrejoice and work at enjoying what we have, not what wedo not have. Life is not about getting the next good parkingspot or wearing the latest fashion trend. It is about livingand enjoying each day that we can, as functioning humanbeings. We should enjoy the fact that our body parts work,allowing us to get on the mat and train, in earnest, with littleeffort other than our minds limitations.

    How to move correctly, act

    rectly, and treat others corr

    all funnel down to the kata

    our minds thoughts and act

    With thousands of repetition

    ikkyo or kotegaeshi, we learn

    only the physical movement

    also diligence, perseverance,

    patience, for ourselves and oth

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    4/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    (continuation)The real beauty and benefit of our aikido training is theability to change and conform to the way of universal har-mony. This takes never-ending commitment and practice,as it is a relatively simple path to recognize, but not aneasy path to walk. It is easy to see what has to be done, yet

    not always easy to do it, day in and day out, every day ofour lives. In following the principles of the way, it slowlytakes over every movement and thought, to the point where

    one may begin to feelguilty if somethingis done out of accor-dance. We must tryour best in all we do,for ourselves and forothers, with no hid-den agenda attached.The change from fol-lowing the form tofollowing the waylies within the effortof our hearts. Here,

    revealed, is the beauty of the artthe art of life throughaikido.

    By understanding and following the kata, forward move-ment and development happens naturally in everything wedo. Resisting this concept, feeling you know better or try-ing to alter what the dojo form or protocol indicates, only

    makes progress slower, harder, and less likely to transformyour life.

    The way is structured to help each of us understand ourself and our place in the world. It is in the practice. Thereis nothing magical about it, but it must be done and doneright, without deviation or short cuts. It is not much differ-ent than the morning ritual of brushing ones teeth. Just doit, and the mind will follow the heart. Here, one finds thecourage, insight, and strength to keep going, despite thehardships of life. When one is at that low and lonely point,digging deep in the way of practice can bring light and a

    better sense of self. It can create the desire to make eacharea of life a work of art, finding beauty and grace in boththe giving and receiving that we experience.

    It is slow going, but as you look back on your path, overtime, you will see the progress. You will start to understandthe benefit of the kata and how to follow and becomethe way of the universe, not just in the dojo, but in everybreath, movement, and minds eye. It makes for a satisfyingand enjoyable life. Please try your aikido not only on themat, but off the mat as well. It is an amazing experience!

    Shodan Essay: What Is Shugyo?by Michael McGuigan, Shodan

    Jikishinkan, Brooklyn, NY

    Years ago, decades

    actually, I read anarticle describingthe actions of a Jap-anese auto execu-tive taking a walkdown the factoryassembly line. Heengaged one of theworkers in a discus-sion regarding theside view mirror.

    On the surface itseemed to be alesserfixture on theauto, but obviously a required safety feature. The extive, however, needed to understand, in his own mind,it was designed in a certain way, and what the line womanufacturing steps were for this hardware, in ordeeducate future workers. The gist of the article was th

    Japanese culture you were expected to commit yourselearning your craft. It was not uncommon to commit yself to one craft. This required diligence, hard work,

    training. This commitment continued throughout youreer. Even as the chairman of a company you could nosatisfied with your station. Shugyo!

    Shuygo is accomplishing yourself in a discipline throughorous training. In aikido, that means training with purpEach time you step onto the mat, your intention is to an honest practiceto have committed attacks, to pratechniques as they are demonstrated, and to respect fellow students.

    I used to think that shugyo meant spending as much

    at the dojo as possible in order to advance my aikido.kind ofshugyo is very difficult to manage, and it has ntive effects on marriage and family. This kind ofshugyselfish and can cause the end of a persons aikido ting.

    I now know that, with respect to aikido, shugyo is a baing act. It is considering others that work hard to proyou with your chance to accomplish yourself. It meansrificing mat time for a night, or a week so that your facan have their own shugyo. My commitment to trainrigorous mental and physical training, (continued)

    4

    We must try our best in all we

    do, for ourselves and for others,

    with no hidden agenda attached.

    The change from following the

    form to following the way lies

    within the effort of our hearts.

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    5/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    5

    (continuation) follows a path that starts at the kitchen ta-ble helping my kids with their homework, and continuesthrough the laundry room, the ball fields, and the recitalhall. It passes through the grocery store, the kitchen, the of-fice, and the florist, even when this level of commitment onlyprovides a few hours of training at the dojo per week.

    Shugyo requires finding training opportunities in otherplaces by being creative. It means training at home, oftenlate at night in the parlor, being careful not to damageanything or disturb anyone during weapons training andukemi practice.

    The time you lose at the dojo, you make up for at seminars.You can get twenty hours of training in a few short days.The shugyo is the thirteen hours of driving to get to theseminar. The shugyo is doing it again and again.

    Shugyo is figuring out a way to train, and still be a fatherand a husband, so that with each accomplishment your en-tire family can celebrate with you.

    An Open Letter to Members of AWA:Aikido and Community Serviceby Landry Sensei, Sandan,Dojo Cho, Roshinkan, Spokane, WA

    The samurai is the first to suffer anxiety for human society,

    and he is the last to seek personal pleasure.-Morihei Ueshiba(Hanging in the hallway at Kiku Matsu dojo)

    Like many, I have trained in other martial arts before be-ing introduced to aikido. I can point to two aspects of ai-kido that immediately hooked me. The first was the gracefulbeauty of its very powerful movements. The second washow the philosophy contained within those natural move-ments matched my own personal philosophy about life.

    So began my study of aikido. In my training, I have come

    to the realization that the two qualities that brought me toaikido are inseparable. There is no grace in the power-ful movements without an understanding of the philosophy,and there is no understanding of the philosophy without thephysical practice.

    Budo (the Martial Way) is not felling the opponent by ourforce; nor is it a tool to lead the world into destruction witharms. True Budo is to accept the spirit of the universe, keepthe peace of the world, correctly produce, protect, andcultivate all things in nature.

    -Morihei Ueshiba

    What makes aikido different fromother martial arts? Walking into anaikido dojo feels different than walkinginto a gym, a studio, or a training center forfighting This is due to a feeling ofcommunitya spirit cultivaticooperative, protective, productive peace. It is this s

    that unites physical, spiritual, and mental practice.

    OSensei told me that I should practice with the view oing of service to others and the world.

    -Morihiro Saito, remembering OSensei,edited by Susan Perry

    Extend ki; one of the four basic principles of aikido. Wdoes this mean? Extend our energy out to our parThrow them far. Reach out with the bokken. Kiai withthority. In our dojo, this also means how we extend topeople we meet outside of the dojo, how we interact our families, our workmates, strangers we pass onstreet, in the grocery store.

    Foster peace in your own life and then apply The Art tthat you encounter.

    -Morihei Ueshiba

    How do we apply The Art of Peace to all that we encter? In our dojo, we practice by engaging with our munity, performing service to those who are in need,actively supporting, protecting, correctly producing,

    cultivating those things that make our community a bplace to be. (continued)

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    6/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    6

    (continuation)Part of our mission statement is to develop new opportuni-ties that expose people to the transformative spirit of aiki,creating a community living in harmony. We accomplishthis by encouraging our students, the participants of our ai-kido community, to participate in volunteer and community

    related activities.

    Aikido is for the entire world. Train not for selfish reasons,but for all people everywhere.

    -Morihei Ueshiba

    Our physical practice of the art of aikido must go beyondthe walls of our dojo if we are to grow in the spirit of aiki.We must reach out and extend our ki into the community inwhich we live. We do this by building a meditation gardenfor the people that live near our dojo, by landscaping thegrounds of a house for veterans living in transition while un-dergoing treatment, by bringing in the hay at the Mosconifarm, by collecting and delivering fire wood to the elderly,by teaching a cooking class to and feeding homeless teensat a shelter, by helping our neighbors shovel the snow fromrecord snowfall, by manning the phones during the localpublic television stations pledge drive, by tutoring studentsthat are struggling with school work, by making training ac-cessible to those who are unable to afford the cost. Wantmore ideas? http://www.volunteermatch.org/. Better yet,tap the imagination and interests of dojo members.

    When I worked for a social service industry that reliedheavily on volunteers, I ran across an interesting study thatmeasured the brain activity of people that volunteered.Imagine how you feel when some one gives you a heartfeltgift. This study found that the same feel good section of thebrain lights up when we give by volunteering as when wereceive that chocolate truffle. Further proof of this phenom-enon can be seen in the pictures accompanying this letter.

    A great deal of hard work was beingdone on this hot day. With many bodiesworking, we finished quickly and enjoyed lunch and eothers company for the afternoon. As you can see bysmiles, we all had a good time.

    Stepping out by yourself to do good things in the comnity can be a difficult and scary task. In our dojo we mthis easier by organizing and supporting group activmaking the introduction to community work more inviWe are also integrating a policy of community work the test requirements for members of our dojo. The currequirements are shown below. I encourage membeAWA to consider implementing some form of commvolunteer work initiative of their own.

    OSensei emphasized that the pur-pose of aikido training is not tech-nical but spiritual. OSensei saidto people that they should connecttheir lifes work and their lifes pur-pose to their aikido.

    -Seiseki Abe, remembering OSensei,edited by Susan Perry

    It is my intention that this letter gener-ates a conversation on how we, asfollowers of The Way, can better

    live up to our responsibilities as leaders in society. Howmight take our training in The Art of Peace to the strto keep the peace of the world, correctly produce, tect, and cultivate all things in nature. My hope is thatas members of AWA, can keep the true spirit of OSenaikido alive, while making it our own.

    Test Requirements of Roshinkan Dojo:After attaining the rank of second kyu and before testing forank of shodan, each student must complete fifteen hours of munity volunteer work.

    After attaining the rank of shodan and before testing for the of nidan, each student must identify a need in the commuThey will then develop a plan to alleviate that need and imment the plan.

    After attaining the rank of nidan and before testing for the of sandan, each student will organize, instruct, and/or supothers in a community outreach program of their choosing.

    All documentation regarding proof of completion of the abrequirements must be submitted to and approved by the cho before testing will be recommended.

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    7/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    7

    Shodan Essay: What Is Aikido?by Rodriguez Sensei, ShodanCaraguas Dojo, Caraguas, Puerto Rico

    It is not easy to define aikido because it differs from othermartial arts. As aikidoka, our goal is to harmonize with the

    energy of an attack directed toward us. Instead of blockingor hitting, we let the energy run its natural course and weblend with it. Aikidoka are always looking to find a peace-ful solution to any kind of conflict.

    In aikido, ai means harmony, ki energy and do theway or path. I think OSensei intended the journey on thispath to be endless. Aikido may start on the mat, but it goesbeyond. It can be applied to everything we do in our lives.It is a way of bettering ourselves and our relationships withother people. It can help us see our faults, allowing us tomake corrections, while teaching us how hard it is to im-prove. It makes us less critical of other peoples weakness-es. I have learned to be centered and calm when makingdecisions. Aikido has helped me improve my everyday lifeand will continue to do so.

    I have never practiced another martial art. I was lookingto learn how to defend myself. I believe most students startaikido looking for the same thing. I chose aikido becauseit was interesting to me that one could throw attackers withtheir own energy. The more I practice, the more I becomefascinated with the art. Now, I am always hungry to learn

    more.

    Aikido has given me great friends and a bigger family. Itis a beautiful art.The more time youdedicate to it, themore you will getfrom it.

    It is almost fiveyears, now, that Ihave been on this

    journey. What Ihave received ismore than I ex-pected and moreimportant thanwhat I came to itfor. I am lookingforward to whataikido has in storefor my future.

    On the Road: July 2009by DeGraff Sensei,Technical Committee Member, Sandan,Kiku Matsu, Chicago, IL

    Hello, fellow seminar groupies! I hope you are all enjo

    a great summer and getting a chance to have some futhe sun. Its been over two months now since Spring Cin Atlanta (my last trip abroad) and all my travels the first half of 2009 seem to have become distant meries. Since Atlanta, I havent traveled for any seminars,Im chomping at the bit as I count down the days uhead off for Morgantown, West Virginia. Returning to gantown will be a welcome experience and will conjurfond memories of my very first seminar on the road.

    I started training in February 1998 at Tenshinkan doChicago. I quickly discovered my passion for trainingstarted down the path of becoming an aikido junkie. I msome great friends early on in my training and when thenouncement appeared on the schedule of Sato Sensei sseminar in Morgantown, West Virginia, a few of us jokisuggested that it might be fun to surprise him on the mMorgantown. As the days passed by, we actually bethinking that maybe it wouldnt be such a crazy idea. Cwe survive the ten-hour drive in one car? Could we suthat same ten-hour drive on Sunday, after wed spenweekend training? More importantly, could we keep cret and not spoil the surprise? Well, heck yeah!

    So, as October 1998 approached, two of my friends aquietly made our plans to head out Friday morning anon the mat when Sensei showed up at the dojo in Mortown. It was definitely a long drive, but the thrill of myaway seminar and the anticipation of catching Senseguard was enough to keep the trip interesting.

    That seminar will always hold a very special place inheart since it is the anniversary for many of my firstaikido. It was my first long road trip. Anyone who has eled a long distance trapped in a car with two or mor

    their close friends knows that it is definitely a situationrequires extending ki. Road-trips will strain relationsThey require focus, training, compassion, understanand relaxation to endure a long trip in close quarters a group of people. Sounds a little like being on the huh?

    That seminar in Morgantown is very special to me foother reason. I met Noble Sensei at this seminar, andhave been friends ever since. This, to me, is one of the remarkable and amazing things that come out of travefor seminarsfriendships. (continued)

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    8/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    8

    (continuation)Since that first seminar, I have become a full-fledged semi-nar junkie. My schedule revolves around the yearly AWAseminar schedule. Every single seminar that I go to is achance to see old friends and make new ones. Every semi-nar increases my aikido family and strengthens ties that

    Ive already made.One of the uniquethings about theAWA is that, eventhough we are asmall organiza-t io n, we have manymembers who travelregularly. Becauseof this dedicationand commitment

    and yes, sometimes insanity, the AWA is a very close-knitgroup. The strong bonds that we develop with each otherthrough our regular attendance at seminars provide muchof the foundation that holds the organization together. Webuild these bonds of friendship through training, traveling,eating, laughing, crying, and simply being there for eachother. The end of the weekend comes for every seminar,and we leave knowing that, no matter when we may seeeach other again, our friendship will endure. Sure, I al-ways remember the nearest Starbucks, where we have thegroup dinner or the awesome Ritas Water Ice in Philly, butthe main thing is seeing friends. Its always the highlight

    of the weekend. Although, just between you and me, Imreally hoping the Dairy Queen in Morgantown is still in

    business!

    The strong bonds that we develop

    with each other through our regu-

    lar attendance at seminars pro-

    vide much of the foundation that

    holds the organization together.

    West Virginia Seminar Reviewby Kelly Street, 4th kyuAikido of Morgantown, WV

    Since attending

    my first seminar inApril 2008, theyhave held a specialplace in my heart.Through my trav-els to Yudanshakaiand Kangeiko, Ihave had the op-portunity to trainand develop friend-ships with some ofthe greatest, mostkind people I haveever met. The posi-tive energy, hardwork, laughter and camaraderieare just a few ofthe things that keep me coming back for more. It wasthese reasons that I was thrilled when Robinson Sensenounced that Aikido of Morgantown would be hostingfirst seminar in July this year. I could barely wait to come Sato Sensei and my fellow aikidoka to Morganto

    West Virginia, and our home dojo.

    In the months leading up to the seminar, it was evidentthere was much work that needed to be done. In addto the normal tasks of cleaning, painting, and decorathe new ladies dressing room needed much work. It a great experience to see many members come togeto spruce things up. Greg Cutlip (shodan) and James Tmier(1st kyu) constructed and painted the divider fornew ladies dressing room. Dan and John Caldwell (faand son, 6th kyu) worked endlessly to ensure we haconstant supply of cold bottled water and snacks. I

    Gibson (3rd kyu) donated the shoe rack and Mark Faaro (1st kyu) donated the new weapons rack. Perhapsof the most impressive additions to our dojo was our shomen. It was funded, designed, and constructed by cey Waugh (shodan) and Isaac Gibson, both membeAikido of Morgantown.

    In preparation for approximately fifty attendees, we needed to find a way to increase the area of mat spFortunately, we were able to borrow additional mats White Eagle in Morgantown. (continued)

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    9/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    (continuation)Many of our members donated their time to pick up and laydown the extra mats, as well as return them following theseminar. In exchange for the use of their mats, the membersof White Eagle were invited to attend the seminar. It wasgreat to see that many of them were able to participate.

    The group dinner was held at the home of Sensei Robinsonand his wife, Beverly. If you were one of the privilegedfolks able to attend, I dont have to tell you that it was noth-ing short of spectacular. Many thanks go out to the Robin-sons and Genevieve Larimer (Isaac Gibsons girlfriend) fortheir gracious hospitality and for preparing such a deliciousmeal for the incredibly hungry and tired aikidoka.

    Now that the seminar has come and gone, I am very pleasedto say that the seminar went off without a hitch, thanks tothe contributions and hard work of each member of our

    dojo. Not only did the seminar bring many people togetherto practice the martial art we all love, it also brought ourmembers together as a group. Personally, one of my favor-ite parts was seeing our newer members experiencing andenjoying theirfirst seminar.

    We thank those who were able to attend for helping makethe seminar a great success. I hope you had as much fun asI did! If you were unable to make it, I hope to see you at aseminar in the near future. For me, Yudanshakai is on thehorizon. See you on the mat!

    Aikido at Work in Everyday Lifeby Adam Krent, Nidan

    Jikishinkan, Brooklyn, NY

    Many of my instructors, both past and present, havminded students through different words that havin

    black belt is like having a trusty utility belt. Achieving rank provides the basic tools needed for using the ciples of aikido with assertion and general confidence.core knowledge, at this level of training, is also to be off the mat, in our daily lives.

    A recent class with Stewart Johnson Sensei struck a cwith me. It was a reminder of the process and condiin which the neutralization of an attack evolves. Assuthat the toolbox of knowledge is being utilized, ourrole, as nage, is of self-appointed leadership and guidaof uke, both mentally and physically. Nage, in an ineffort to invite and lead an attack, first creates an optunity for uke. This invitation is the first step of the procallowing uke to imagine success in the effort of attacreality, this invitation is simply creating a situation wuke is led into an exercise of adaptive blending. Nage has a responsibility of safety, guiding the attacker throa successive series of movements that will culminate inneutralized condition. As the process unfolds, it is cleasee that the energy of another person can be guided manipulated. The final outcome is the result of imaginaexperience, and the ability of nage to adapt and crea

    set of conditions that leads to their own determined go(continued)

    9

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    10/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    Using Aikido and the Dojo to Temperthe Impact of the Outside Worldby Dorfman Sensei,Technical Committee Member, Yondan,Dojo Cho, Banshinkan, Broomall, PA

    I enter the dojo, put on my dogi, greet all my fellowdents, bow, and step onto the mat for another inviging, refreshing, energizing, and enlightening session omartial art that has become part of my life. So many oexperiences over the past thirty years are tied to this arcluding the people I have come to know and befriend.all so natural, nowmovement, techniques, understanthe physics of things, teaching and sharing the knowlewith others. The four basic principles also make senseKWeight Underside, Relax Completely, Keep One Pointtend Ki. Over the years I have written and read articlethese and other subjects and how they apply to dailyoutside the dojo. The theory is very sound and logicalcompletely feasible.

    Another aikido class has concluded. I change back street clothes and head out into the world that fills the oaspects of my lifework, family, other social networksrelationships, professional associations, relaxation, peal down time. Naturally, Id like to blend all aspects olife into my aikido and vice versa. When my life is licalm body of water with small breezes, it merely takessistent time and practice, and a moderate amount of e

    to achieve harmony each day, week, and month. Unfnately, life and the related lessons it brings are not alwthat kind. (continued)

    10

    (continuation)In my professional role as a Senior Product Design Direc-tor, I have come to realize that I use this process everyday. I am charged with getting the best out of my designteams. Being in a position of leadership requires skillful andartful management. I apply this through guidance, leading

    towards a master design plan to create new and innovativeproducts with the best quality possible, while, at the sametime actively mentoring the staff so that they learn moreand can apply that institutional knowledge to projects inthe future.

    I also use aikido at work in how I handle what our depart-ment calls Design Triage. This process closely resemblesa randori scenario. Many times, projects with wildly con-densed timelines are infused, unexpectedly, into our reg-ular work stream. With thirty designers and hundreds ofprojects happening simultaneously, this creates a situationthat requires management with full perspective on all busi-ness opportunities and needs. New projects need to go onand off plates, while considering projects already in prog-ress that have promised deadlines.

    Something very important that I have learned from aikido,which can be applied to both business and everyday life, isthat you cannot necessarily change your environment. Youcan, however, manipulate what it throws your way, in mostsituations, by being proactive and involving yourself in athoughtful manner. This is known as living in the moment.

    Self-defense in not an exercise in passive engagement, noris life in general. The final outcome of any situation is deter-mined by many factors, and can include the involvement ofmultiple people. It is like steering an old ship with a largecrew. All of the smaller actions and responses come togeth-er to unify the direction of the ship. A captains personalexperience in nautical navigation allows him to make de-cisions like predicting wind, water, and weather changes.Disruptions in crew status and equipment condition alsoneed to be factored in to make the best decisions.

    Certainly, infusing compassion and empathy can help al-low smoother transitions and interactions for each and ev-ery successive experience. If all of these methods can beapplied to the dojo, work, and family life, then we can as-pire to a level of balance and happiness that OSensei pre-sented and shared with all of us. As in any great randori,resolving a difficult business situation or having engagingrelationships with friends and family should leave us with afeeling of positive ki. It should give us a sense of being onewith the universe.

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    11/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    (continuation)When I lost each of my parents over a four-and-a-half yearperiod, one to an aneurysm, and the other to cancer, myability to persevere, focus, and keep my balance was seri-ously tested. Many times I faltered. The pain and anguishof caring for each of them as they, in one case, sudden-

    ly passed, and the other slowly suffering over eighteenmonths, was heart wrenching. Harmony, aiki, balance, tol-erance, compassion, patiencethese all suddenly becomegreat challenges in themselves and an ongoing endeavor.With the unwavering support of my wife, together withdistractions I created, I muddled through the period, notunscathed, and not necessarily stronger. The circumstancescertainly numbed me for a long period of time. I did mybest to bury this from those around me, but Keep Feel-ings Inside was not one of the aikido principles. These lifeevents slowly blended into my ongoing life, which neverhad the courtesy to wait for me to get my Weight Under-side back.

    Some time has since passed and I never forget, but ratherhave adjusted my focus, given the lessons learned. I KeepOne Point, but it seems to be a different point at different

    11

    times, depending on the circumstances.Many times, I find I keep no particularpoint at all, being somewhat in a void or empty spalike to think that my training helps me to deal with mowhat life throws at me, but that assumes I have anticip

    all the possibilities. Id like to think that, similar to someskilled at jyu waza or randori, I have planned out of the scenarios Imight confront andam prepared todeal with them aseach situation pres-ents itself.

    As I reflect on thepast two years andthe current state I amexperiencing, I findthat bringing aikido into my daily life is quite challengThe reasons for this are not hard for me to identify. Mality is likely something many others are also experiencThe retirement ac-count is nearly fortypercent lower than itwas two years ago,and my employerhas initiated a num-ber of layoffs, done

    in a manner thathas left most peoplequite nervous abouttheir future. We justlearned that therewill be no salary in-creases, and therewill be budget cuts for the next one or two years. A mity of my fellow workers now skip lunch and let their vtion days lapse, for fear of being perceived as having time and not being critical to the organization. I pick newspaper, turn on the news, read the web and am

    sistently and continually overwhelmed with news abouunprecedented recession, continuing economic problunemployment increases, financial, housing, credit macrises, all with no immediate end in sight.

    We gather fairly regularly with friends just to catchThere is a rather melancholy mood hanging in the athey all seem to have been experiencing similar thingslax Completely...how do you do that again? Life seemhave become a chaotic randori full of uncooperative uHow terribly rude of life! Doesnt it know its supposecooperate and blend? Taking aikido (continued)

    The one constant through all

    has been aikido, the dojo,

    those with whom I share a sp

    bond. That seems to have alw

    been a beacon and somet

    that has rarely disappointed

    If aikido and its principles are

    to practice outside the dojo, w

    there are so many unknown, un

    trollable circumstances, Ill b

    the outside world into the

    where there exists a sense of c

    peace, consistency, and con

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    12/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    12

    (continued)outside the dojo is a very sound theory but, sometimes, lifecreates a challenging reality and even aikido is unable tobring the balance and focus that is so critical to stability.

    I continue to struggle with all that is happening around me

    and attempt to figure out how aikido can help my retire-ment portfolio, work environment, economy, and relation-ship with my boss who is also quite stressed. Maybe thingswont get better anytime soon, but I push forward to ensurethat things do not worsen. The one constant through all thishas been aikido, the dojo, and those with whom I share aspecial bond. That seems to have always been a beaconand something that has rarely disappointed me.

    If aikido and its principles are hard to practice outside thedojo, where there are so many unknown, uncontrollablecircumstances, Ill bring the outside world into the dojowhere there exists a sense of calm, peace, consistency, andcontrol. Maybe that is the place to best heal as the stormblows over. I think the key for me is utilizing the dojo as aplace of rejuvenation as I prepare to venture out into thestorm.

    The Cucumbery Cool of Your Average Aikidokaby Brian Shipkin, 3rd KyuKiku Matsu, Chicago, IL

    In my college days, my two best friends and I spent toomuch time playing a particular arcade game in the studentunion: the original Virtual Fighter. Based on some sortof new programming technology that I couldnt possiblyunderstand with my puny human brain, the play of this one-on-one fighter game purported to be more realistic andtrue to martial arts than other, more cartoonishly violent af-

    fairs (the name ofone game, in par-ticular, rhymeswith Bortal Rom-bat.)

    In any event, onecould play as astandard Bruce-Lee-type charac-ter, a corn-fedAmerican profes-sional wrestlertype, a dread-locked Brazilianboxer type, thefemme fatale,

    the ninja, etc. The coolest, mostlethal and most difficult character toembody, however, was Akira. His art? You got it: aik

    Sure, as practitioners of the wonderful and gentle a

    aikido, we are all aware that aikido is learned and pticed with the specific intention of not doing harm. Wdirect our attackers misguided aggression, demonstraforgiveness and mercy to those who have aimed to wus. But in the world of mindless video games, Akira mepeople up and looked cool doing it. He would hang and wait. If you timed it just right and hit the buttons moved the joystick in the correct configuration, hed into his opponent, crack him with some sort of arm(what I now know as irimi), and drain half his life. He featured a wicked sokumen.

    Does this game have any bearing on our understandinappreciation of aikido? Of course not. But, as aikidothink we all aspire to be Akiras; were all cucumber cobservant and centered, waiting to act only if acutelquired. Perhaps we dont do battle with large men in mand American flag speedos (well, at least I dont.) Hever, this country is experiencing an uncertain social political climate, with its economy in the toilet and pricecalating. We do our best to keep up with the Jones (and

    J-Los), six thousand channels of satellite television, fanfootball, and all the other middling and horrifying ep

    era that claim our attention. Yet, we have all conscioelected to dedicate at least part of our busy lives to sothing as austere, as richly difficult and taxing, as potenperceived as anachronistic or antiquated, and as ultimabeautiful as aikido.

    In a way, aikido is most productive when engaged oflected upon in the minute, seemingly insignificant situaof our daily lives. In the dojo, we practice techniqueelements of techniques crucial to the art. Outside the dhowever, we apply what we practice to how we livelives, as a metaphor for living rather than a concrete s

    of steps, turns, grabs and locks. Sitting on the mat, wato begin class, I often imagine myself not on the maall but rather in the world, on the street, amid throngpeople, buses, noises and signage, all clamoring foattention. I aim to attain the same level of centered contration and calm I can sometimes achieve within the doutside of it. It may sound trite to say, Aikido is more a martial art; it is a way of life, but perhaps truer wsimply cannot be generated.

    So...go on with your bad selves, you Akiras, you! Iawe of you all, every single day.

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    13/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    An Education in Avoiding Violenceby Adam Tate, 5th kyu,UNC-W CARE Coordinator for Mens ProgramsGishinkan, Kure Beach, NC

    How many weapons do you think I have on me right now?John Lothes asks a classroom full of thirty male UNC Wilm-ington students. They make a few guesses and then Johnproceeds to pull out and demo guns and knives from allmanner of places on his person. The students are attendingan event called the UNC-W Mens Leadership Summit, anannual Saturday program for male student leaders on theUNC-W campus. The event is designed to engage men onissues of interpersonal violence, mens health, male lead-

    ership roles, andexplorations ofAmerican mascu-linity.

    John Lothes(Shodan, KureBeach Aikido,UNC-W psychol-ogy professor, li-censed clinical psy-chologist, founder& faculty advisorto the UNC-W

    aikido club, andpart-time bounc-er), along with

    Price Sensei (Godan, Kure Beach Aikido Dojo Cho, AWATechnical Committee Member, police officer, and founder/instructor of Tactical Law Enforcement trainings), is present-ing a program on how to recognize potentially violent situ-ations and either avoid them or defuse them through non-violent means. Often, it seems young men have the attitudethat they can handle themselves in violent engagements.However, by the reactions of the men in the room to thenumber of places John was able to stash potentially deadly

    weapons, it was obvious that they had underestimated thescope of hazards they may encounter on a routine partynight downtown.

    The beginning of the program focused on raising the stu-dents awareness of the types of dangers they may en-counter around the Wilmington area. Drawing from hispsychology education and work as a bouncer in down-town Wilmington, John Lothes provided tips for recogniz-ing aggressive postures and behaviors in others, teaching

    the men to know what to watch out for. An emphasisplaced on walking away from potentially violent situatdemonstrating how real confidence is shown through control, not through violent action. An overview was given of the types of concealed or makeshift weaponsPrice Sensei had encountered through his police wMany of the students present commented that they never realized how many different ways there were fperson to hide a weapon in their clothing.

    After the initial cautionary address on what to watchfor, the presenters then segued into a discussion onprinciples of ai-kido, how to usethese principlesto be aware ofones surround-ings, and how touse verbal aiki-do to neutralizesituations wherethere is a threatof physical hostili-

    ty. Verbal aikidois blending withour attacker andempathizing withhis point of view,

    John Lothes says.When we blendwith someone, itis difficult for themto want to fightus. Rather thanmeeting aggres-

    sion with aggres-sion, the male audience was presented with an altersolution to conflicttry to see things from your opponpoint of view and then use the power of your voice language to resolve the situation.

    The student response to the presentation was overwhingly positive, with many students listing John Lothes Price Senseis presentation as their favorite part ofdays events.

    13

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    14/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    the trees, the posture of a stranger in the streets, the bof a potential weapon in someones pocket. This is mempowering than any degree of physical defense cever give me.

    Surprise in itself is one of the most dangerous weaa person can wield, and it can instill panic and helpness when it is used in an attack. Awareness is the grecounter-attack you can launch against this weapon, anderstanding this awareness has empowered me far beythat which any physical training could achieve.

    As I carry myself through life, centered in both my band my mind, I have found confidence that shows itsethe way I walk, the way I handle verbal confrontations,the way I portray myself to others. I have replaced mof the insecurity that surrounded my view of the worldwith a reckless sense of fearlessness, but with an unstanding of the danger that lies in wait and how to ait, and if need be, combat it. The damsel in distresstitude is long gonea story bred in fairy tales that shnot infect our reality. There is too much opportunity inworld to be afraid to seize it, danger and all, and aihas given me the power to do just that.

    14

    A Womans View of Aikido: The Power to Empowerby Laura Hiles, 2nd kyuGishinkan, Kure Beach, NC

    Violence. Rape. Sexual assault. Domestic violence. Being awoman in todays world can be a frightening experience.

    That is something I did not fully realize while growing up;the extent of my knowledge about these things consisted ofa few episodes of Law and Order: SVU. However, when Ifirst went to college in Hawaii, I got a sharp dose of reality.As I was walking down the streets near campus one day,carrying some vegetables I just purchased, I heard a bikecoming up behind me. I moved to the side slightly to letthe bike pass, and the next thing I knew I felt somethinghit my shoulder and knock me to the pavement. More sur-prised than anything, I sat stunned for a couple seconds.As I stood and shouted at the person that had hit me, I felta stabbing pain in my arm and my hand instinctively flewto my shoulder. When I pulled my fingers away, they glis-tened with blood that was dripping from a three inch cleangash that police said was most likely caused by a knife orrazorblade. Today, a dark scar remains on my left arm as aconstant reminder that this world is not perfectly safe.

    When I transferred to UNC Wilmington, I had never heardof aikido. I happened to see a sign for a self-defense semi-nar and wanted to attend. It was there that I first met PriceSensei and other members of the Kure Beach Aikido Dojo,and from the first instant that I saw the simplicity and power

    behind the art, I knew I was hooked.

    As a woman, I believe the scariest encounter is one inwhich brute strength is exploited. The ability to strip thisfactor out of a situation and to even the playing field in aconfrontation is one of the most empowering skills I haveever known. But having the basic ability to protect myself ina physical fight barely scratches the surface of what aikidohas imparted to my life.

    Aikido is not simply a martial art; it encompasses a totallydifferent outlook on life. Aikido has brought me a height-

    ened awareness to different aspects of my life and a newlyawakened sense of myself and what surrounds me. A stu-dent of aikido is challenged throughout their training tobuild an enhanced sense of awareness, and since I began Ihave found a newly awakened consciousness to the worldthat I never knew was missing. It is hard to explain whatI mean, but try to imagine a fine-tuning and amplificationof your basic senses. As I walk down the street my earssearch for every little noise: the distant jackhammer on thesidewalk, the crunch of a rubber sole on the pavement, theslamming of a car door. My eyes absorb my surroundings,and I perceive the minute movements of the wind blowing

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    15/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    movement once or twice, you can counter any technwe do. On the street, when you make that initial movshould be explosive and unexpected to get the startletor. Thats the moment of transition I call the wow facThe suspects center is high and unbalanced, which mait easy to take them to the ground and into a control hWe cant mirror this in the dojo. We dont get the big tle factor in training. Thats why we must have cooperabetween uke and nage.

    Have you come across instances where you or one of ystudents has used aikido successfully in the real world

    Absolutely. I havepinned many suspectsin an arrest situation.I frequently get storiesfrom officers about us-ing an escort hold, orusing pins when com-ing on a scene andinto a fight. Probablythe most frequent sto-ries are about the useof arm and leg pins. A

    lot of the pins we do onarms and wrists can beused on feet and legsas well. It makes goodtactical sense, if youunderstand how the en-ergy works. The secondofficer on the scene cancome in and pin thefeet and legs, insteadof playing tug-of-war(continued)

    15

    Interview of Price SenseiTechnical Committee Member, Godan,Dojo Cho, Gishinkan, Kure Beach, NCInterviewed by Alison Lincoln

    Price Sensei, when did you start aikido?

    I started aikido in January of 1986. Before that, I begantraining in 1967 in a style of striking art called Seishinkaikarate. The training consisted of an hour of karate and anhour of jujitsu. I really enjoyed the jujitsu part of the art.I found a home when I began aikido since its foundationcomes from jujitsu.

    What attracted you most, as a kyu rank, to aikido?

    With the striking arts, I found I didnt heal as well as I usedto. I needed to do something a little more sensible. I thoughtaikido was perfect for long-term training, practical use, andfor law enforcement training.

    How do you merge the two, law enforcement and aikido?

    A law enforcement officer carries a lot of extra weight inthe form of equipment and gear. Imagine doing your favor-ite technique with fifteen to twenty pounds of gear aroundyour waist. This means that instead of doing some of theflowing, circular dojo techniques, the street techniques be-come more linear. To get the startle factor, technique also

    becomes very explosive and to the point. You go directly tothe pin and hopefully you dont have to do anything else toget the subject into a controlled position.

    Many officers have training in different martial arts. Whatwould you say is the benefit of aikido to a police officer?

    Striking techniques usually dont end conflict and can esca-late it. Aikido allows the officer to control a situation with-out injury to the suspect or the officer. It does not play wellin court when a suspect comes in with a facial injury, bruiseor laceration. Aikido technique is a lower level of force

    on the Use of Force Continuum, a standard used in mostcourt proceedings. It falls in the category we term physi-cal, light, empty hands. Aikido technique is also effectiveregardless of physical size or gender.

    To someone viewing aikido for the first time, it sometimesseems cooperative and choreographed. What would you sayis the practical aspect of this?

    In the dojo, there is cooperation between uke and nage. Ai-kidoka know whats going to happen next. We practice onemovement over and over again. Once youve seen the

    Striking techniques usually dend conflict and can esca

    it. Aikido allows the office

    control a situation withou

    jury to the suspect or the of

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    16/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    (continuation)with the suspect and the other police officer. The suspectis not expecting it and youre able to watch each othersback. Youre taking the suspect into custody by dividingand conquering.

    Because of officers us-ing aikido techniquesuccessfully on thestreet, I have beenasked to develop anadvanced class for of-ficers who have beenthrough my previous

    two blocks through the state community college system.

    How would you say the key principle, Relax Completely,helps execute effective technique in the real world?

    Police work can be very scary! There is a saying, Lawenforcement is 90% boredom and 10% panic. You drivearound the same locations, night after night, but all of asudden it goes from boredom to a sense of chaos withoutwarning. Relax Completely is one of the four basic prin-ciples of aikido and one of the most difficult to teach. Ittakes street experience and practice. I never really under-stood what proper breathing and relaxing completely wasuntil I went to my first 10-33 emergency. That means offi-cers are down, and the scene is complete chaos. You have

    got to learn how to be calm. If youre not calm and can

    tcontrol yourself, how can you control a chaotic situation?

    For me, to approachany situation calmly islike showing a little bitof the sword. Youreshowing that you havethe sword, but youdont necessarily haveto use it to defend your-self. That sense of calm-ness makes people ask

    themselves, Whats

    going on here, why isthe officer so calm? This is very hard to teach, especiallyto a new, young officer.

    Can you tell me your first impressions of Toyoda Sensei?

    Toyoda Sensei was larger than life. He had a wonderfulsense of humor. Thats my fondest memory. He was a funnyguy! We were very close. I traveled with him extensively,all over the Unites States, and I went to Japan with him. Hehad an open nature. He attracted people like a magnet.

    I think that openness has carried overto the AWA. We welcome people in.During seminars, Im always happy to see people fromer organizations training with us. Its nice that people wto come experience our open-door policy. Toyoda Se

    never turned anyone down to come and train from anyHe had a sense of openness.

    What is your past experience with Sato Sensei?

    I never knew him well, personally, before joining the AI would train with him when traveling to Chicago for snars. I knew him as an absolutely great technician. WToyoda Sensei passed away and I found out that the onization was going to be under the direction of Sato sei, I told my dojo, Were in good hands. I still thinkare in good hands. There is not a more important decToyoda Sensei would have made than the legacy oorganization.

    About your dojowhen did you start Kure Beach Aikido

    In July, Kure Beach Aikido celebrated its 13th anniverwith a beach party! We originally started off training inlocal town hall. Classes were for anyone from the genpublic that wanted to train. I had a few police officers, afew lifeguards as students. When we started pulling thepets off the floors, the town administration said, You

    need tofind somewhere else to train! The town donspace at the Kure Beach Community Center, a conve

    fire and police station. We rented some worn-out matswe could purchase our own. Thats how we started!

    Since then, we have opened two additional locations.moved our UNC-W program into a martial arts facilitwe can invite the general public to train with us. (contin

    16

    On the street, when you make

    that initial move, it should

    be explosive and unexpect-

    ed to get the startle factor.

    For me, to approach any situ-

    ation calmly is like showing a

    little bit of the sword. Youre

    showing that you have the

    sword, but you dont necessarily

    have to use it to defend yourself.

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    17/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    (continuation)The other program is at Porters Neck fire station. Chad

    Lanier and John Lothes are in charge of these two satelliteprograms.

    You have great, friendly students. What about your dojo ismost attractive?

    I like to think its our sense of openness. Teaching is ashared experience. We learn from one another. One thingI emphasize in my dojo is that I want every student to bea teacher. I start them on that path from white belt on. Bythe time theyre a blue belt, I want them doing intro lessonsfor new people coming in. To me, a blue belt understands

    the new student coming in. Sometimes they can do that onelittle thing that can turnthe light bulb on forthe new student. Someof us old-timers takethings for granted.

    One of my pet-peevesin martial arts is what

    I call, black belt arrogance. I dont like it! I want myblack belts to share what they have to offer in an open andfriendly manner.

    17

    In order for students to grow, theymust help someone else to grow. Thatspretty much the philosophy we have atKure Beach Aikido/Gishinkan Dojo.

    What do you look to contribute to the AWA, as a membe

    the Technical Committee?

    I support Sato Sensei in his effort to provide extenquality training. Weve got a lot of young talent hewant to help others learn and develop their skills. Lafter Sato Sensei andI are gone, I look forthe AWA to be a viableorganization. We havesome terrific, young tal-ent here. I consider youpart of that young tal-ent, Alison!

    I also want to growthe Aikido Tactical LawEnforcement Programthrough the AWA. I am starting to train trainers. We have people within our organization that can takeprogram and go into other parts on the United Stateteach it. Thats exciting for me because Im not gettingyounger and would like to pass some of this along.

    Nidan Essay: Aikido: History and Futureby Ben Zarit, NidanKiku Matsu, Chicago, IL

    Aikido is a relatively new art. As such, its origin and inpaths of development are well known and easy to trAikido was created gradually, over many years, by Mhei Ueshiba (18831969). Ueshiba first began to useterm in 1942, but had been training and developingmartial art for years before then. It was a blend of his physical, martial training and his spiritual beliefs. M

    hei Ueshiba had primarily studied Daito-ryu aiki-jujbut also studied Tenjin Shinyo-ryu and judo. He alsotensively studied kenjutsu, the art of traditional Japaswordsmanship. His spiritual beliefs primarily came fOmotokyo, a neo-shinto movement, which helped dethe distinctive character of aikido.

    Morihei Ueshiba developed aikido continuously throout his life. Initially, his aikido was more linear, but wbecome more circular and flowing as he grew older. Twas also a movement away from atemi and striking, wwere characteristics of his earlier aikido. (continued)

    One thing I emphasize in my

    dojo is that I want every student

    to be a teacher. I start them on

    that path from white belt on.

    Its nice that people wan

    come experience our o

    door policy. Toyoda Se

    never turned anyone dowcome and train from any

    He had a sense of open

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    18/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    (continuation)Kokyunage throws became more prominent over the morejujutsu derived joint-locking techniques.

    Mainline aikido continued first through Morihei Ueshibasson, Kisshomura Ueshiba (19211999), and then to his

    grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba (1951present). Many ofMorihei Ueshibas students branched out on their own.Morihei Ueshibas aikido changed enough over the courseof his life that his students are sometimes divided into fourgenerations: The first, pre-war generation (c.1921c.1935);the second, war generation (c.1936c.1945); the third,post-war generation (c.1945c.1955); and the fourth andlast generation (c.19561969). His students were shaped,not only by their own life experiences and the other martialarts they trained in, but also when they trained with Mori-hei Ueshiba.

    Four of Morihei Ueshibas prominent students were TomikiKenji, who founded Tomiki-ryu aikido; Shioda Goza, whofounded Yoshinkan Aikido; Minoru Mochizuki, who found-ed Yoseikan Aikido and Tohei Koichi, who founded Ki noKenkyukai.

    Tomiki Kenji (19001979) was originally a judo student,who studied with Morihei Ueshiba in the 1920s beforeestablishing his own schools in Manchuria, China in the1930s. He was a prisoner of the Russians after World WarII while in China. His style was a synthesis between judo

    and aikido. He employed a mixture of kata and randorito both support and develop the other. There was an em-phasis on perfecting a limited number of techniques, ratherthan learning a large number of techniques. The one majordifference between Tomiki-ryu aikido and the rest of aikido,is that Tomiki-ryu is the only style of aikido that has officialcompetitions.

    Shioda Goza (19151994) founded Yoshinkan Aikido in1955. Like Tomiki Kenji, he was a student before studyingaikido. Like many of his contemporaries, he served in the

    Japanese army during World War II, and was stationed

    in China. Shioda Goza emphasized correct form, ratherthan the more flowing nature of Morihei Ueshibas lateraikido. Yoshinkan Aikido also has had a stronger focus onself-defense, given Shioda Gozas time spent teaching lawenforcement officers and army units.

    Minoru Mochizuki (19072003) studied a large numberof other martial arts, including judo, karate, Tensin ShodenKatori Shinto-ryu, jujitsu, kobudo, iaido, kendo, jojutsu andkempo before founding Yoseikan Aikido in 1931. His stylewas influenced by his diverse background. His aikido in-cluded more judo techniques, ground fighting and karate

    18

    kata than other branches. His style also has an emphon fundamentals and a logical structure that came fromstudy of judo.

    Like many of the other students of Morihei Ueshiba, KTohei (1920present), founder of the Ki no KenkyukaSociety), studied judo and served in the Japanese aduring World War II. However, he suffered from heproblems, being both sickly as a child and (continued

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    19/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    (continuation)developing a case of pleurisy just before his college years.He had to supplement his physical training with Zen medi-tation and misogi exercises. This influenced the aikido stylehe founded in 1971. It contained more of a focus on ki, us-ing practical exercise and physical training to improve an

    individuals ki.

    This list of students of Morihei Ueshiba is by no meansinclusive, but is merely meant to illustrate the divergenceof styles from the single source of aikido. The number ofinstructors who trained with Morihei Ueshiba is quite ex-tensive; in turn, many of them have had students go on tobecome instructors in their own right (who have studentsgo on to become instructors, and so on). As time passes,new instructors become more removed from the origins ofaikido. The question, then, is not only how to keep studentsaikido development strong, but how to, if possible, keep aunified idea of aikido.

    One possible solution to the second part of this questionis for aikido to remain static, to pick a moment in time andpreserve Morihei Ueshibas aikido from that time. However,this answer seems like it would, instead of allowing aikidoto grow and evolve, hinder its development, and lead to asterile art, more focused on preserving tradition. Too muchadherence to tradition would hurt a practitioners ability todeal with unexpected situations and flow with an attack,which seems to be the opposite of aikidos philosophy.

    However, not having a strong knowledge of aikidos tradi-tions is like having a house without a solid foundation. Con-centrating on the aesthetics of the house, without worryingabout the underlying structure will ultimately result in anattractive, but unstable and unreliable structure. The sameis true with aikido. Without the basics and tradition to buildupon, any new techniques and ideas may be unconnectedto aikido and lack effectiveness.

    Perhaps the key, then, is to remain true to Morihei Ueshibasphilosophies by understanding where aikido comes from,

    but also strive constantly to improve ones own aikido. Un-

    derstanding the core and the foundations of aikido moreeasily allows someone to put their own stamp on aikidoand incorporate what theyve learned outside their aikidopractice into their study. By sharing aikido, as well as othermartial arts, with other practitioners, a persons own aikidocan be improved. This sharing of ideas, and incorporatingthem into training, can only lead to a greater development,for both aikido and for the individual.

    19

    Aikido to Jiu-jitsuby Nakagawa Sensei,Technical Committee Member, Yondan,Dojo Cho, Aikido of Rossmoor, CA

    I believe in the Beginners Mind conceptto forevea student. As part of my education, I like to study thinhave never done before, to simply be a student. By dthis, one learns a new skill, becomes more empathetic tochallenges of new students, and becomes very humble

    About four years ago, when I turned fifty-four, my doencouraged me to take up brisk walking for my heSince I never do anything half-way, I began the studBrazilian jiu-jitsu under the instruction of Master CaGracie, Jr. and Professor Marcio Feitosa. What I fowas a safe environment with a strenuous workout, olaid with the study of jiu-jitsu techniques. I have lost twefive pounds, no longer need cholesterol and blood sure medications, and have increased my endurance strength.

    According to my research, aikido and judos origins wfrom Pre-World War II jiu-jitsu. People often ask me if ply aikido techniques when I train in jiu-jitsu. My answeNo. I want to be a good jiu-jitsu student and absorb wthe professor is teaching, trying not to incorporate preceived structure it into. Rememberbeginners mind!

    What I do see is how jiu-jitsu can be applied to aikThis is what began my journey, with the help of ProfeFeitosa, to reunite aikido to the jiu-jitsu of old, in the foran instructional DVD. I hope you enjoy our efforts.

    DVD is available athttp://www.budovid-eos.com/shop/cus-t o m e r / p r o d u c t .php?productid=28634&cat=&page=1

    \t _blank http://www.budovideos.c o m / s h o p / c u s -t o m e r / p r o d u c t .php?productid=28634&cat=&page=1.Format: DVD NTSCLanguage: EnglishPrice: $34.95Product: 13518

    Nakagawa Sensei can be reached at [email protected]

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    20/22

    NEWSLETTER September 2009 - February 2010

    20

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    21/22

    Seminar:Fort Smith, AR

    Seminar:Fort Smith, AR

    Seminar:Fort Smith, AR

    Seminar:San Juan, PR

    Seminar:San Juan, PR

    Seminar:San Juan, PR

    Seminar:Brooklyn, NY

    Seminar:Brooklyn, NY

    Seminar:Brooklyn, NY

    Seminar:Roswell,GA

    Seminar:Chicago,IL

    Seminar:Chicago,IL

    Seminar:Chicago,IL

    Seminar:Roswell, GA

    Seminar:Roswell,GA

    Seminar:Roswell,GA

    Seminar:Spokane, WA

    Seminar:Spokane, WA

    Seminar:Norwalk,CT

    Seminar:Norwalk,CT

    OCTOBER1 2 3

    4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    11 12 13 14 15 16 17

    18 19 20 21 22 23 24

    25 26 27 28 29 30 31

    SEPTEMBER JANUARY1 2

    3 4 5 6 7 8 9

    10 11 12 13 14 15 16

    17 18 19 20 21 22 23

    24 25 26 27 28 29 30

    31

    FEBRUARY

    NOVEMBER1 2 3 4 5 6 7

    8 9 10 11 12 13 14

    15 16 17 18 19 20 21

    22 23 24 25 26 27 28

    29 30

    DECEMBER1 2 3 4 5

    6 7 8 9 10 11 12

    13 14 15 16 17 18 19

    20 21 22 23 24 25 26

    27 28 29 30 31

    1 2 3 4 5

    6 7 8 9 10 11 12

    13 14 15 16 17 18 19

    20 21 22 23 24 25 26

    27 28 29 30

    Seminar:Norwalk,CT

    Seminar:Chicago,IL

    Seminar:Chicago,IL

    Seminar:Chicago,IL

    1 2 3 4 5 6

    7 8 9 10 11 12 13

    14 15 16 17 18 19 20

    21 22 23 24 25 26 27

    28

    Seminar:Spokane, WA

    Seminar:Kentwood,MI

    Seminar:Kentwood,MI

    Seminar:Bulgaria

    Seminar:Bulgaria

    Seminar:Bulgaria

    Seminar:Chicago,IL

    Be grateful even for

    hardship, setbacks, and bad people.

    Dealing with such obstacles is an

    essential part of training in

    the Art of Peace.

    - Morihei Ueshiba SenseiFounder of Aikido

  • 7/27/2019 AWA Newsletter Fall09

    22/22

    Mail To:

    P l a c e

    S t a m p

    H e r e

    The Art of Peace begins with you.Work on yourself and your appoint-

    ed task in the Art of Peace. Every-

    one has a spirit that can be refined, a

    body that can be trained in some man-

    ner, a suitable path to follow. You are

    here for no other purpose than to re-

    alize your inner divinity and mani-

    fest your innate enlightenment. Fos-

    ter peace in your own life and then

    apply the Art to all that you encounter.

    M ih i U hib S i