54th Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration

This year's All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido demonstration was held on Saturday October 31st, at the Komazawa Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. It didn't seem as though there were as many spectators/participants as the years past, however there were many VIP's - Hatoyama Miyuki, wife of the current Japanese Prime Minister, Hatoyama Yukio, along with her entourage of security watched a few of the Honbu Shihan embu's. Before her departure she gave her thanks and feelings about Aikido and Japanese budo.


The Cambodia Ambassador also was present, and was lucky enough to get a taste of Shioda Kancho's nikajo.


9 time gold medalist and Olympic wrestler, Yoshida Saori, along with her coach, gave an entertaining 15 minute demonstration.


106 members from Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu's various clubs represented in different embu's such as - beginner, kids, family, instructor, group etc. I am proud to say, Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu's Maihama Dokokai received an award for an outstanding performance in the "group event".



Maihama enbu practice



Maihama Dokokai along with Irifune Dokokai members collaborated for a 2 minute demonstration of jo kaeshi waza, kata mochi/shomen uchi kihon waza, and jiyu-waza. Being a joint demo between 2 of my clubs, we actually only had 1 real practice the night before... Nevertheless, Good job to everyone, and I look forward to trying to make next year's enbu even better.

Ando Shihan's Demo



This year's demo consisted of a few new ideas, 1 of which was having Ando Shihan and Chino Shihan each teach 20 minute classes where the spectators could participate. Ando Sensei's class was very well attended. Sensei taught 3 or 4 fun self defence techniques. Shihonage from a punch, suwariwaza koshinage from chest grab and punch, and a couple variations of ushiro ryote mochi.


A first for me was getting to see Jaques Payet Sensei live in action. Smooth, flowing and dynamic aikido with the help of uke, Lawrence Mar. The end of this month Ando Sensei, along with 12 or so Ryu members will be heading to Kyoto for a weekend of training and sightseeing hosted by Payet Sensei. And if that isn't enough, next February we will be bringing Payet Sensei back here for our annual kids competition and adults joint seminar.


After 6 hours of aikido, karate, wrestling, speeches, music, awards, dancing and so on everyone went down to the cafeteria for a free party. There wasn't much food, but the beer made up for it. Keeping with tradition, one party wasn't enough and over 30 Ryu members stopped near the station for a bit more rest and relaxation.

Jim Dawes

HIS #26

Thursday, October 29th(Ando Sensei's Birthday!!) 10 visitors from Kiev, Ukraine joined us for a half day HIS Experience Japan Aikido Tour. 9 women and 1 man, all publishers, and all in Japan for a short, but very busy 3 day vacation.



Today's class consisted of a bit less training and more explanation and demonstration of Yoshinkan Aikido. Following the lesson, the group had a Tokyo Tour planned, so we finished early with certificates and a few pictures.


We wish them a safe trip home, and hope to see them again next October when Ando Sensei goes to Ukraine. Thanks to Yoko-san(English translator) and Sato-san(Russian translator) for helping throughout the morning.


Jim Dawes

Baby!

Congratulations to Stefan Bill and his wife, Verena. Their son, Simon Bill, was born on Sunday the 11th of October. He was 48 cm and weighed 2775 kg. And he's absolutely gorgeous!





Once again, congratulations to the Bill family from all of us at Ryu Dojo!

HIS Part 25

Tuesday October 13th, we had 2 visitors from the HIS Experience Japan Tour. David Taylor, a social worker from Auckland, New Zealand and Steven Paterson, a huge soccer fan from Scotland.


Both David and Steven are currently training in martial arts. David is a karate teacher with almost 20 years of experience and Stephen practices a combination of arts back in Scotland.


During David's short trip to Japan his mother asked him to get his fathers certificate (who is a 6th dan in Karate) framed. Ando Sensei knew his fathers Japanese sensei.


It was nice meeting and training with people from a different martial art background. We hope they enjoyed their half day aikido course and wish them a safe trip back home.

Jim Dawes

Yamanashi Demonstration

Sunday,October 11th marked the 22nd Yamanashi Prefecture Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration. This year 10 members of the 7th Annual Tokubetsu Course accompanied Ando Sensei and Hotta Sensei. Here are a few pics.






Besides a few traffic/commuting problems everything went fairly smooth so I hear. Otsukare sama desu to the Tokubetsu Course, Mori-san from Sakurakai, and especially Hotta Sensei :) Maybe next year It will be my turn to go, and therefore have a bit more to write. Till then...

Jim Dawes

Ryu Dojo 10th Anniversary Video

Part 1:



Part 2: