第５０回の全日本合気道演武大会
It was my second time riding the Shinkansen, the “bullet
train,” so I was very excited. Sadly I slept through riding by Fuji-san. On the other hand I was looking forward to a
weekend filled with Aikido.
The demonstration, as always, was very interesting. It was
enlightening to see a variety of styles and approaches to Aikido, both to see
which ones were impressive and which didn’t suit my personal view of Aikido.
It was also nice to see Nanae-san again, who still didn’t
reply to my New Year’s email I sent her in January (I'm still waiting).
Of course Endo-sensei and the other Shihan were very impressive
in demonstrating their own styles, but it was also fun to see familiar faces like
Sobue-sensei and Sebastien, as well as Fujii-sensei. Andrew, Tanaka-san,
Saeki-san and I engaged in lively conversation about what we believe Aikido is
about in light of the All Japan Aikido Demonstration and Andrew and I received
many insights into the nuances of martial arts from our sempai.
Ultimately, the 50th All Japan Aikido
Demonstration marks the last one I will be attending in my high school time in
Japan. I thought I would be a lot more emotional, but I was rather content; the
Zen Nihon proved a fitting close to my time in Japan and I hope a suitable conclusion
to my service in the Seibukan Aikido Dojo.
一緒に行った人、ありがとうございました。これからもずっと合気道でがんばります。
Whenever, I read or hear about what is going on at Aikido Suenaka-ha Bloomington, my chest swells with pride sort of like a dad when his tgenaee son grows up to be and do something great. I know, a little corny but hey the truth is the light and the light must shine so everybody be mellow. When Sensei Paul was studying Aikido in Ashland, Va. he had to be listening to me go on and on and on about the purpose of a dojo. I would always ask the question, who would care if the dojo was no longer around? Of course the students would care about the absence of the dojo but the community should care that the dojo is no longer around. I believe that a dojo is not living up to it’s full potential if it is not in service to the community. A healthy community deminishes the need for self defense. You guys are amazing in the fact that you find value in your fellow Aikidoka, what you do on the mat as well as off the mat and your community. So folks you keep doing what you are doing and watch your efforts and Aiki spirit become contagious.