Ryu Moya

little Fish

2012-01-23T21:06:00.001+09:00

Congratulations to James Fish and his wife on the birth of their healthy little boy - Tonnadon William Fish. Born January 4th, in the middle of a -35 degree Alaskan Winter. A future strong addition to the Fairbanks Shoryukan Dojo .

It's been a couple years, and now with the new addition to the family, probably a couple more before we see James here again in Japan. But Jim has always kept in touch and continues to try and get things rolling for Yoshinkan in Alaska. Good luck with both the family and dojo. Hope to see you all soon!

Jim Dawes

Introducing Kouhei Ando

2012-01-07T13:35:00.000+09:00

Ando Sensei and I are absolutely delighted to announce the birth of our second child, Kouhei Ando. Kouhei was due to arrive on the 31st of December last year. Apparently the little guy didn't want to wait that long and he was born unexpectedly early on the 16th of December. He was so eager to see the world, in fact, that we almost didn't make it to the hospital on time and he was almost born in the taxi!

The characters in Kouhei's name are　光平　and they mean "bright" or "shining" and "peace".

If you read the previous post, you will see that Kouhei was born right before the busiest weekend at the end of the Ryu year with Ando Sensei being away on Saturday at the Edogawa shibu demonstration and busy with tests and parties on Sunday. A big, big thank you to Miyuki Otahara and Chieko Morita who stepped in to help look after Kouhei's big brother and everybody else for their support while I was in the hospital. Also, thank you to everybody from all around the world who sent messages of congratulations!

2012 is the year of the dragon in the Chinese calendar and we hope this year is a wonderful one for everybody!

Ando Sensei and Stephanie.

the end of 2011

2011-12-29T22:22:00.000+09:00

Before I forget, want to finish up the year end blogs...

Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu held it's Winter tests the end of December. However, Saturday Ando Shihan attended the Edogawa Yoshinkan 30th Anniversary demonstration (video below) and left Mitsuhashi Sensei and myself in charge of the tests (only up to 1st kyu).

Sunday the Chuo Budokan was packed, this year there were many senior tests - 4 kids Shodan, 1 kids Sandan, about 10 adult Shodan, 5 or 6 Nidan and about 4 or 5 Sandan. Congratulations to all who tested and passed. In general the tests were much better than the previous Summer tests.

A few hours after the tests finished everyone came back to Ryu Dojo for the end of the year party. This time the set up was slightly different - more of a buffet kinda style - plus some homemade Oden, thanks to Otahara-san and Morita-san. See everyone again early next year at the Shinnenkai!

Thursday the 22nd was our last kenshu class of the year - meaning an hour of kihon dosa, leaving everyone sore for the following days O-soji (big cleaning). Thanks to all the people who came and helped clean the dojo, we finished in record time this year.

Now we're all on vacation - I'm back in Canada, Katagiri Sensei is back in Nara, Ando Sensei and Stephanie Sensei are enjoying the holidays with Stephs parents, AND new addition to the family, Kohei (post/pics to come soon...). From all of us here at Ryu - Wishing you a happy holiday and healthy and prosperous new year. Next post in 2012!

Jim Dawes

Ando Sensei in Ekaterinburg, Russia

2011-12-02T13:37:00.000+09:00

The below review of Ando Shihan's recent seminar in Ekaterinburg, Russia. was written by Anastasia Kozhemyaka, wife of Mikhail Poleshko (Ryuwakan Dojo). Congratulations to both Mikhail and Anastasia on passing their gradings during Sensei's visit.

Konnichiwa! This year Shinken dojo, Ekaterinburg, Russia, got an opportunity to host three seminars. It was a great time with Jim Dawes Sensei (February), 4 dan Yoshinkan aikido; Kancho Yasuhisa Shioda (April); and Shihan Ando Tsuneo Sensei (November), 8 dan Yoshinkan aikido. It was the first visit of Ando Shihan to the Ural region and the second visit of a Sensei from the Ryu dojo. The weather was cold, it was a real winter in November! But we all tried to create a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The schedule was so busy! On the very first day Ando Shihan visited two schools, where he met with pupils, who are interested in Japanese culture and language. Kids from 7 to 14 years old had an opportunity to try some Yoshinkan aikido easy waza with Sensei and saw short demonstrations with Matsudo-san. During the demonstration, the example with the chair was perfect, and helped everybody better understand principles of aikido!

Next day there were two tests – shodan for Mikhail Poleshko and sankyu for Anastasia Kozhemyaka. It was a big responsibility to pass tests in front of Ando Sensei, but we tried to do our best. At the dinner Mikhail asked Sensei to rename our dojo. After long discussions he gave the name Ryuwakan for Ural Ryu organisation. We promise to keep this name with honor and respect! And we promise to follow the path of harmony and the golden mean in all our affairs!

Friday evening there was another meeting, this time in the public library with Japanese culture students. Unfortunately, there was only about 12-14 people because of big traffic jams that day. But all students who could arrive, really enjoyed interesting stories about O-Sensei Ueshiba and about Gozo Shioda Sensei. After video demonstrations every student got to try some simple waza and got to feel in their own body being touched by Sensei. All of the people have tried aikido for the first time!

And after the meeting, Seminar trainings started. Ando Sensei is a great teacher, his explaining manner made all aikidokas encouraged and trainings become fun!

There were several guests from the Real aikido organization and from the Aiki-kai, and after trainings with Ando Sensei they wish to continue practice Yoshinkan with Japanese Masters at Ryuwakan dojo.

Master classes for adults were focused on better understanding the kihon dosa and kihon waza. Most of the students founded new ideas in well known waza. That’s great! And kids trainings took place in the same manner. Children were encouraged by the energy of Ando Sensei and Matsudo-san, and in the dojo was the atmosphere of fun and friendship.

During the event there were about 35 adults and more than 45 children from different aikido organizations and from such cities as Ekaterinburg, Ozersk, Naberezhniye Chelny and Moscow. 23 adults and 23 kids students have passed theirs test in front of Ando Sensei.

The Sayonara party took place in a kind and friendly atmosphere, many students wanted to prepare personal gifts for Sensei. One of the interesting presents was a hand-shot and hand-made beaver skin from Zaitsev Konstantin. He presented it to Sensei and wishing really soft and warm seiza during long Japanese winter =)

And next day, with Zaitsev’s help, Sensei and Matsudo-san could see Ekaterinburg from the 50th stage of new office building “Vysotsky”. We suppose, that Sensei would like to see the compact and modern city from the birds eye!

Five days gone away so fast, and it was time to say goodbye… We believe and hope that Ando Sensei will someday return back to Ekaterinburg and our dojo would be happy to have him as a guest again next time!!!

Domo arigato gozaimasu!!!!

Anastasia Kozhemyaka
Ekaterinburg, Russia

The Spirit of the Void in Aikido

2011-11-26T15:23:00.001+09:00

Here is a clip from Ando Sensei's new double disc DVD set, published by BAB Japan.

The DVD will be released in the 30th of November. If you are in Japan and would like a copy you can order it from Rakuten (unfortunately, the disc is still only available in Japanese):
Disc 1
Disc 2

For orders outside Japan, e-mail us with any queries.

Demo Videos

2011-11-21T13:21:00.004+09:00

Here are some videos of a few of my clubs performing at this years All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido demonstration. First is my Wednesday Kameari Class. Kameari is actually separated in to 3 different classes (3~6 year olds, Elementary 1~4th grade, and Elementary 4th to adults); due to this, we never really got to practice all together. However, they did a pretty good job I think. Kameari currently has 35 members, so I am hoping more, if not all, the students will attend our big Urayasu demo in May. Check out the Kameari Aikido Blog Here

Next, my Tuesday Irifune class (above the red mats) and my Sunday Nishi Kasai club (below the red mats).

Unfortunately, my two clubs got scheduled at the same time, so I wasn't able to participate with the Irifune club. Both did a great job. Irifune practiced a lot and had people from complete beginner to 3dan do a variety of both kihon and advanced, throwing and jiyu waza techniques. Nishi Kasai kids and adults did an enbu together. Both standing and sitting techniques along with some simple jiyu-waza. Irifune Aikido Blog and Nishi Kasai Homepage

Finally my Saturday Noda club. All the members of Noda are above 2nd kyu and decided to do shodan techniques, jiyu-waza and even some self-defence. Fitting quite a lot in just a short 3 minute demonstration. Here is the link to the Noda Aikido Blog

Jim Dawes

Fukiage/Saitama Gasshku

2011-11-16T15:29:00.000+09:00

Twice a year, the Fukiage and Saitama clubs host a joint seminar with Ando Sensei and this year the autumn seminar was held over Saturday and Sunday the 12th and 13th of November in Musashi Ranzan in Saitama Prefecture. This year, the gasshku was also attended by Ueno Sensei and some of his students from Saitama Yoshinkan.

Kuriyama Sensei teaches the Konosu and Fukaya clubs, also in Saitama Prefecture, and on the Saturday night there was a party to celebrate his recent marriage to his fiancee. Congratulations to them both and we wish them all the best for their future together!

A couple of years ago, Kuriyama Sensei quit his job as a salaryman and moved to Saitama to farm organic vegetables. After a hard day's training on Saturday and a hard night's drinking, everybody woke up early on Sunday to go and pick veggies on his farm! Taihei and I couldn't spend the whole weekend in Saitama but on Sunday morning we took the train out to Musashi Ranzan to meet Ando Sensei and go get our feet dirty! Unfortunately, because of the long train ride, we didn't make it in time for the vegetable picking but we did go for a short hike up a mountain and get to splash around in a very pretty river. We also got to eat some of the fresh vegetables along with some of Kuriyama Sensei's delicious organic rice that he harvested for the first time this year.

I haven't been out to Saitama, where I used to teach, for over two years now so it was great to see some people I haven't seen for a long time. It was also nice to see that a lot of students I used to teach when they were in elementary school are still training now they're in high school or junior high.

Thanks again to everybody from the Fukiage and Saitama clubs for their hard work in hosting the seminar and to Kuriyama Sensei for letting us pick and eat all his vegetables. Hope to see everybody again soon.

Stephanie.

56th All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration

2011-11-03T12:25:00.004+09:00

On Saturday, October 29th, Ando Sensei, the uchi deshi and 112 Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu members participated in this years All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido demonstration held at Komazawa Oympic Stadium in Tokyo. This years demo was a charity event to help the families affected by the big mid March earthquake and Tsunami. To keep costs down, things were kept simple - no big lights, bands or live shows - and to be honest, I kinda liked it that way.

Above - Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu's 9th Tokubetsu Course members doing kihon dosa to kanren wa za. Now accepting applications for the 10th annual course. Check the website for more details.

All the Yoshinkan top Instructors were there - Shioda Kancho, Takeno (Yamanashi Yoshinkan), Chino (Hayabusa), Sonoda, Payet (unfortunately didn't do a demonstration)... Here is Ando Shuseki Shihans enbu.

Above - Members from Ryu Dojos early morning 6am class. This year they did a packed 3 minute demo filled with ken, jo, tanto, jiyu-waza and futari-dori. Otsukare sama desu to my Nishi Kasai, Noda, Irifune, and Kameari clubs who all trained hard for and did a good job on their enbus.

This year there were competitions for kids 3 years and up to adults 4th kyu. A big congratulations to Urayasu Dokokai's Sato Tomoko, who placed 2nd in the women's white belt competition.

As always the day finished off with not only one, but two (maybe even three or four) parties. Ryu members, along with special guests - Chino Shihan and Oyamada Shihan spent a couple hours at Watamin restaurant celebrating both a great demo day as well as Ando Shihans 55th birthday! I'm looking forward to and hoping to see everyone again next May at the Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu demo here in Urayasu. If you would like to participate, please contact us. Till then...

Jim Dawes

Urayasu Family and Friends Day

2011-11-02T13:20:00.000+09:00

For the last few weeks I've been handing out flyers and asking all the students to bring their friends and family members to come join us for the regular Sunday morning Urayasu club training. For those of you who are not familiar with the Sunday class, we have kindergarten kids, elementary kids, junior high and high school kids, as well as adults, although separated into groups, all still training at the same time in the big Chuo Budokan dojo. This class is then followed by the regular general adults class. It's not unusual to have over 100 students in the place at once.

At first there didn't seem to be much of a response to the "Family and Friends Day", nobody handed in their applications, and we, the staff, were assuming hardly anybody, if anyone would even show up. About ten minutes before class, one junior high school student... then 3 others... then some mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends - totalling over 20 people.

The hour flew by, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. All these guests have acquaintances currently studying aikido, but for the most of them it was their first time to actually see and/or experience it first hand. It was also nice to get to meet some of the parents and family members of the students we are with every weekend. Hopefully we can continue to have events like this, and strengthen the dojo atmosphere with both new members and a new energy.

Jim Dawes

Aikido and Koudan Collaboration

2011-10-26T12:38:00.000+09:00

Last Friday night I accompanied Ando Sensei to Tokyo's Oedo Ryogoku Theatre. Ando Sensei was invited by Momokawa Hoshinosuke to do an Aikido enbu between Koudan performances. Koudan (講談) is an old style of traditional Japanese story telling. Momokawa-san's stories were about Ueshiba Sensei and Gozo Shioda Sensei, hence the aikido demo collaboration.

About 35 or so people squeezed into the small and simple theatre. The show started at 6:30pm, first with an introduction from the theatre's boss, a very polite, but strong lady. Then followed by a newbie comedian (the speaking style was so fast I could barely understand a word). Next up was Mr. Momokawa, then another story by the Boss lady. Each performance was about 20 - 30mins.

There was a short intermission and Ando Sensei and I went behind the stage to get ready. A hard tiled floor and only about 2 x 4 meter area to work with. I was getting ready for the worst, thinking that we too would have to demonstrate for over 20mins. Luckily and surprisingly the enbu was short, then followed by a kind of talk show style interview and questions from the audience.

All in all a good time. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Thanks again to The Oedo Ryogoku Theatre, Momokawa-san, the Aikido Ryu members, and all the other guests. Hopefully this wont be the last in Aikido/Koudan collaborations.

Jim Dawes

Spirit of the Void Sample

2011-10-15T09:08:00.000+09:00

Veteran visitor from Munich

2011-10-05T12:29:00.001+09:00

Once again Watanabe Akinori Sensei, from Germany's Aikido Yoshinkan Erding Dojo came to stay and train here at Ryu Dojo. Watanabe-san has been coming to Ryu Dojo every year for over ten years now. Originally from Miyazaki, Japan, Watanabe-san always visits his hometown, as well as his wife's hometown of Oita before or after his Ryu Dojo gasshuku.

This time Watanabe-san only spent ten days with us. Last time he was here in November, it was 2 or 3 weeks. Being his first time back since the March earthquake and tsunami, Watanabe-san was surprised to see everything moving along as usual. We wish him continued progress with his Munich dojo and look forward to seeing him back here soon.

Jim Dawes

Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu at the 24th Annual Yamanashi Aikido Demonstration

2011-09-25T09:09:00.000+09:00

Student Gasshuku

2011-09-02T15:50:00.000+09:00

Last weekend Nakajima Shunichiro from my Wednesday night Kameari Aikido class, came to Ryu Dojo in Urayasu for 3 full days of training. This was during Ryu Dojo's first Students Gasshuku (Junior high, High school, and University students).

Kameari Aikido Club has over 35 students, but Shunichiro, who is the first and most senior adult member, is now preparing for his brown belt test. Usually he practices with elementary and junior high students, so it was a great experience for him to get a lot of good hard training in with other older students.

Shunichiro trained 11 classes in just 3 days - Ryu Dojo, Chuo Budokan, Maihama Dokokai and Nishi Kasai Dokokai. Between the trainings he helped with kids classes, cleaning and preparations at the dojo.

Saturday night, I along with my wife, daughter, Otahara Sensei and a couple other Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu Instructors took Shunichiro to the annual Urayasu City fireworks. It was nice to hang out and talk outside the usual dojo atmosphere. We hope to see Shunichiro back at Ryu Dojo for another gasshuku in the late Fall or Winter.

Jim Dawes

Yamanashi Aikido Demonstration - Tokubetsu Course training.

2011-08-25T10:45:00.000+09:00

Click on the links below to watch Tokubetsu Course students training for the Yamanashi Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration, which will be held on Sunday the 28th of August.

Kihon waza.
Jiyuwaza.

Shochu geiko, Summer Party and more

2011-08-09T16:02:00.026+09:00

From Monday August 1st to Sunday the 7th Ryu Dojo held its 13th annual week long early morning training. A different teacher each day taught about 8 techniques. This year an average of about 25 people showed up, including 4 or 5 children, even a kindergarten boy.

Congratulations to the Kaikinsha (didn't miss a class) -

Yoshida, Shinohara, Bito, Tokoi, Ogawa, Yamashita, Tsunagawa, Kasai, Nakada, Sazaki, Endo, Ogushi, Otahara, Konishi, Yanagisawa, Kobayashi, Otsuka, Takahashi, Nakamura.

and the Seikinsha (missed a class or two) -

Morita, Ideshita, Nakamori, Kazuto, Daiki

Following a long hard week of hot and sweaty training, Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu had its Summer Party here in the dojo. This year we had a slight fruity festival theme going on.

Otahara-san made about ten different jugs of mixed fruit liquor and Morita-san cut up a bunch of melon to go a long with the usual sushi, beer, sake and so on.

This party was also a kind of Sayonara Party for Mikhail Poleshko who had been staying at the Ryu House for the past couple of weeks. This was Mikhails second visit to Ryu Dojo.

Mikhail can hardly speak a word of English but because of his cool, laid back, easy going charisma, Mikhail got along well with everyone.

Unfortunately his knee had swollen up from all the training and kept him out of a few classes, but he sucked it up and successfully tested and passed his 1st kyu test. Congratulations!

Late November Ando Shihan will be going to Mikhail's Shinken Dojo in Ekaterinburg, Russia. Look for posts and pics to come...

Jim Dawes

From our Ginryukan friends...

2011-08-09T15:42:00.001+09:00

The post below was written by Fernando Martinez Sensei from the Ginryukan Dojo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fernando, his wife Jimena, and students, Gabrielle and Santiago spent two weeks here in mid May.

Durante el mes de Mayo, quien suscribe, Fernando MARTINEZ, tuve la inmensa alegría de visitar Japón y especialmente, la dicha de estar una vez más cerca de mi Maestro, el Shihan Tsuneo ANDO. Me acompañaron en esta oportunidad, mi esposa Jimena AMEIJEIRAS y dos de mis estudiantes del Gin Ryu Kan: Gabriel PERINI y Santiago VIZAN.

Tras una breve pero emotiva peregrinación por los principales Templos de Tokyo, Kyoto y Nara, nos internamos en la dura vida de la Ryu Ha de Urayasu, para dedicar todo el día a la práctica del Aikido.

Allí El día comienza levantándose muy temprano, a las 4 am (para estar cambiado y listo saludando al Sensei a las 5 am) y culmina a las 10 pm cuando se deben apagar las luces de la casa del Ryu.

A lo largo de las agotadoras jornadas, las clases se intercalan con la limpieza del Dojo y de la casa, el lavado de los equipos de práctica, el desayuno y almuerzo con el Maestro y el resto de los uchi deshi, etc.

La presencia y las enseñanzas recibidas de ANDO Shihan y los Uchi deshi, HOTTA Sensei, MITSUHASHI Sensei, Jim DAWES Sensei, KATAGIRI Sensei y STEPHANIE Sensei, esposa y alumna del Maestro, son de un valor inconmensurable.

La calidez y la permanente ayuda de todos los alumnos de los diferentes Dojos (Ryu Dojo, Chuo Budokan Dojo, Maihama Dojo) nos ha llenado de emoción y agradecimiento. Es una gran experiencia poder compartir la práctica con personas tan amables, educadas, serviciales y atentas, que trabajan con esmero y sinceridad.

Durante las prácticas, hemos tenido el honor de rendir examenes de grado, con la exigencia y las correcciones de ANDO Shihan.

Jamás olvidaré el gran honor que nos regaló ANDO Shihan, permitiéndonos acompañarlo a los míticos Templos de KATORI y KASHIMA (protectores del Budo) para consagrar allí, como todo los años, al Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu en una íntima ceremonia con los Sacerdotes Shinto. Una de las experiencias más profundas, hermosas y conmovedoras que he recibido en toda mi vida.

No podemos dejar de agradecer profundamente al Maestro y todos los estudiantes del Ryu, la divertida fiesta en la que hemos compartido tan hermosos momentos de conversación, música, recuerdos y alegría.

Asimismo, quiero agradecer profundamente a MITSUHASHI Sensei, quien nos llevó a visitar a una persona que nos enseñó a cocinar los riquísimos fideos Soba, y luego al taller de un Gran Maestro de cerámica tradicional, donde pudimos trabajar y aprender un poco acerca de ese bello arte.

De igual manera, hemos tenido el honor de poder practicar en el Dojo de Maihama, en la clase dirigida por OMURA Yoko Sensei y su esposo Mike REEVES Sensei y lo hemos disfrutado mucho.

Muchas gracias por todo el cariño y las enseñanzas brindadas. Las llevaré en el corazón por siempre.

Jamás podremos olvidarlo.

Sinceramente

Fernando MARTINEZ

Aiki baby

2011-07-29T15:45:00.002+09:00

Congratulations to Ryoichiro Higga and his wife, Shino, on the birth of their second child. Ryosei Higga was born on the 18th of July weighing 2670g. Here is the cute little guy with his older sister:

Many of you will already know Higga Sensei but for those of you who don't, he was Ando Sensei's first uchi deshi. In 2006 he returned to his hometown in Okinawa to start Okinawa Ryu.

Congratulations again to the Higga family and we wish little Ryosei a life of health and happiness!

Stephanie.

9th Annual Kids Summer Camp

2011-07-28T11:48:00.000+09:00

Last weekend was Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu's 9th Annual kids summer camp. This year we spent the night at Ura la Meru Youth Center here in Urayasu City. This building is located near the bay and is in the area most affected by the weak soil and broken water mains due to March 11th's earthquake. Urayasu City's construction crew used this center as their base while repairing all the damages in the area. Luckily weeks before our gasshuku, the repairs were completed and theYouth Center free to use.

65 kids and 7 adult members joined the two days of aikido and various other events. The first day of training we focused on kihon dosa, kihon waza and jiyu waza. The second day was buki waza. 31 no jo, kumi ken and a few other things.

Sunday night we had a BBQ party. The kids loved it, but the staff did not. Only 3 grills and a limited amount of time to grill endless amounts of meat.

The following morning, we were all up early after a sleepless night of chasing kids through the halls trying to get them to sleep. We carried 3 big watermelons and a heavy bokken down to the park near the sea. After warming up with morning exercises some of the kids took turns trying to smash the melons blindfolded.

After Mondays Japanese style breakfast, the children cleaned up their rooms, packed up their stuff and headed to the gym for another two hours of training. The kids were surprisingly genki even though they had hardly slept.

Before all the parents arrived to pick up their worn out kids, everyone sat down with their new friends, relaxed and wrote down their memorable gasshuku moments. I still haven't had time to go through all the comments, but it seems as if everyone had a great time.

Thanks to all the staff - Tsuchiya Kaicho, Ishikawa Kaicho, Otahara Sensei, Kuriyama Sensei, Morita-san, and Sato-san. It was a long, tiring, stressful weekend - big groups of noisy, energetic kids, turning into nocturnal meat eating animals could only be handled for short periods of a time. Two days was definitely enough. Now one year to rest before next years event.

Jim Dawes

More wedding bells!

2011-06-17T16:22:00.000+09:00

Congratulations to Mark Sanders and his wife Mika who got married in Asagaya, Tokyo June 3rd.
We met Mark for the first time last year when he came along with Stephen Ohlman Sensei and Daryl from the Hiryukan Dojo in Canada. During that trip he met his new wife, Mika...

Just before his wedding Mark managed to squeeze in a couple days of training here at Ryu Dojo. Then following the wedding ceremony, they went to Okinawa for a few days, then back to Mika's mothers house in Ibaraki prefecture. Now he is back in Canada, but I'm sure we will be seeing alot more of him from now on.

Jim Dawes

Just in case...

2011-06-07T10:41:00.000+09:00

...you needed a few more reasons to do aikido:

Aikido - the martial art that teaches you how not fight.

New DVD's coming soon!

2011-06-02T11:15:00.002+09:00

Last Monday we made 3 new videos - Gokui Series #4, Shoukyu (3rd-1st kyu), and Suwari Waza DVD, as well as took a bunch of pictures for some posters. It was a long day - got to the dojo at 8am, cleaned, set-up, then other than a short 30 minute lunch break, non-stop shooting until 5:30pm.

Making new DVDs has been a yearly thing here at Ryu Dojo, but this was the first time without Hotta Sensei. One less uchideshi meant more takes for the rest of us, but keep an eye out for Otahara-san's debut appearance during the end of the Shoukyu DVD and as my uke all throughout the Suwari Waza Video - Great job!

Thanks to Aoi-san, and the Segue staff, also Ali Ghanchi for his moral support:). The 3 new DVD's should be ready in the next few weeks.

Jim Dawes

Shida Kichinosuke said, "At first it is an oppressive thing to run until one is breathless. But is an extraordinarily good feeling when one is standing around after the running. More than that, it is even better to sit down. More than that, it is even better to lie down. And more than that, to put down a pillow and sleep soundly is even better. A man's whole life should be like this. To exert oneself to a great extent when one is young and then to sleep when he is old or at the point of death is the way it should be. But to first sleep and then exert oneself...to exert oneself to the end, and to end one's whole life in toil is regrettable."

HAGAKURE("In the Shadow of Leaves")

9th Annual Tokubetsu Course

2011-05-24T11:44:00.001+09:00

The 9th Annual Tokubetsu Course started on the 6th of May. This year, the course has 12 members and will run until March 2012.

Good luck to all the members. Hope you have a year of great training!

If you are interested in applying for the 10th Annual Tokubetsu Course which starts in May 2012 then you can find more information here or click here for more information on the more intensive Tokubetsu Kenshu Course.

Katori and Kashima 2011

2011-05-18T13:05:00.000+09:00

Due to damage caused by the big March 11th earthquake our annual trip to Katori and Kashima was postponed. Since even back when Ando Sensei was uchideshi at Honbu dojo its been a tradition to go pray for the protection and well being of the dojo and its members each and every end of March.

It was unfortunate to see a lot of damage first at Katori, where over half of the big rock lanterns which line the path leading to the temple had fallen over. Then at Kashima where the huge gate at the entrance had either been removed or completely fallen down.

This year 4 visitors from Ginryukan Dojo, Argentina accompanied us. Fernando Martinez Sensei, his wife Jimena, and his students, Gabrielle and Santiago.

It's been 4 years since Fernando and his wife last visited us here at Ryu Dojo. It's been great seeing them again. They have always been so warm and generous. We hope they had a good time with us and enjoy the rest of their time here in Japan.

Jim Dawes

Ando Sensei's Visit to Moscow

2011-05-07T12:03:00.000+09:00

Click here to see pictures from Ando Sensei's visit to the Kiryukan Dojo in Moscow at the end of April.

You can also click here to see a Russian news report of Ando Sensei's class.

Wedding Bells

2011-04-25T11:46:00.004+09:00

Congratulations to long time Ryu Dojo visitor Ali Ghanchi and his lovely wife, who got married mid February. The French style wedding and Algerian style reception were held in Paris March 12th. We are looking forward to seeing the married man on his next gasshuku here in June.

Another long time visitor, Angus Hill, got happily married to Osaka's Ueda Masayo the first Saturday of April. Congratulations to them both. In December Gus will be back for the Japanese reception with Masayo's family; if possible, he is thinking of trying to come by for a day of training... good luck!

Again, a big congratulations to both the Ghanchis and Hills, we wish them a happy and healthy life together. And a note to any other single people thinking of coming to Japan: Do you see a pattern here with guests to Ryu Dojo??

Jim Dawes

Hotta Sensei's Farewell.

2011-03-31T23:52:00.005+09:00

Wednesday the 31st of March was Hotta Sensei's last full day as uchi deshi so on Thursday the 31st we gave him a small farewell party at a Japanese restaurant near Ryu Dojo. Hotta Sensei will be independent as of April. He will continue to teach many of the classes he already teaches as well taking over the clubs in Saitama Prefecture. These clubs will be brought under Hotta Sensei's new organisation which he has named Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu Takehaya.

Ando Sensei presents Hotta Sensei with a small statue of Ninomiya Sontoku.

Mitsuhashi Sensei presents Hotta Sensei with a gift from the uchi deshi.

Banzai!

Hotta Sensei spent about 12 years as uchi deshi at Ryu Dojo and many many students will remember him for his kind and patient teaching. All of us will miss seeing Hotta Sensei on a day-to-day basis at Ryu Dojo but we're looking forward to meeting him again at various Ryu and Yoshinkan functions and demonstrations. We wish him the very best of luck with Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu Takehaya! Ganbatte Hotta Sensei!

Tokubetsu Course

2011-03-31T23:50:00.005+09:00

The 8th Annual Tokubetsu Course had their final class last Wednesday here at Ryu Dojo. 11 months of Yoshinkan basics through to advanced techniques, self defence, weapons, and teaching methods. This year all black belts and a few course veterans made for a more in depth than usual course. Ando Sensei broke down all the techniques in to more detail and explained not only the steps but also the meaning and purpose to all the movements.

Congratulations to Otahara Miyuki, Nikaido Mari, Tsurubuchi Shinichi, Morita Chieko, Kugisaki Reiko, Yoshida Hiroko and Kamioka Masahiro for completing this years Tokubetsu Course. Applications for the 9th Annual Tokubetsu Course are now being accepted. The next course will begin Friday May 6th.

Jim Dawes

More fundraising efforts

2011-03-30T14:34:00.001+09:00

The Sendokan Dojo is also running fund-raising efforts to help the victims of the Tohoku Pacific Ocean earthquake. Please click here for more information.

My last class in Fukiage

2011-03-30T13:18:00.005+09:00

Last Saturday was my final time teaching at Fukiage Dokokai. As some of you may have already heard, from this April Hotta Sensei will become independent and put in charge of the Saitama prefecture Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu clubs. I've been teaching at the Fukiage, and Saitama clubs for the past 4 years. It's been a great experience. I've met many students, past and present, made lots of friends, been part of seminars, Christmas parties, kagami biraki, and other events. I want to thank everyone for making me feel like part of the Saitama Prefecture aikido family.

I'm going to miss seeing everyone every weekend, but am also excited to see their growth through this next stage. I hope everyone continues their training with the same enthusiasm and spirit and I look forward to meeting again in Urayasu. Thanks again to all the students, families and instructors.

Jim Dawes

Congratulations!

2011-03-25T14:18:00.004+09:00

This beautiful little girl is Rina Chelsea Dawes. She was born on Saturday, March the 12th. That's right - the day after the biggest recorded earthquake hit Japan.

Miyuki went into labour and was admitted to hospital on the morning of the 11th but delivery had to be delayed as the doctors were afraid something might go wrong if there was another earthquake or if there were power cuts or other problems due to earthquake damage. Rina was finally born at 13:07 the following day, proving that even in the darkest of times a little light always shines! Rina weighed 2640 grams and was 49 cm at birth.

Congratulations to the proud parents, Jim and Miyuki, and their families. And after such a dramatic entrance, we wish little Rina nothing but joy and happiness for her future.

Nadeshikokai

2011-03-25T14:01:00.003+09:00

Nadeshikokai is a little girls' aikido class that I teach at Ryu Dojo on Saturday mornings with the help of Otahara Sensei. Nadeshikokai was featured in the "Kira-kira Kids" section of the April edition of Style Asahi, a monthly magazine that comes with the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. "kira-kira" in Japanese means 'sparkly' or 'bright' and the "Kira-kira Kids" section features kids who are involved in sports; music or other activities aimed at youth development. The girls in Nadeshikokai are always a lively bunch but they train hard - girls from this class took first place in both divisions at the Junior Aikido Demonstration held in February. I hope lots of other kids see the feature in the magazine and come see how much fun aikido can be! (Boys welcome too.)

Stephanie.

21st Annual Urayasu City Aikido Demonstration

2011-03-23T14:06:00.003+09:00

The Urayasu City Aikido Association has decided to cancel the 21st Annual Urayasu City Aikido Demonstration, scheduled for May, out of respect for the victims of the Tohoku-Pacific Earthquake.

Japanese Aid Seminar

2011-03-23T10:35:00.003+09:00

Things in Urayasu are slowly getting back to normal. The water supply has been restored and the shops are slowly re-stocking. We are still unable to use many of usual training locations due to earthquake damage but training at Ryu Dojo continues. The situation at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is still serious but is stabilising. However, the situation in the regions hit hardest by the earthquake and tsunami is still critical. As of this morning the official death toll stands at 9,099 people with 18,456 still unaccounted for. Tens of thousands more are left homeless. The Japanese people are facing such hardship with great dignity and stoicism and demonstrating to us all the kind of spirit I think we aspire to in our training. Please get out and on the mats and support the following fund-raising events:

On the 10th of April Goryukan Stafford Dojo is holding a seminar to raise funds for relief efforts. You can get more information about the event here or contact them directly.

The Reishinkan Dojo in Toronto is also conducting fund-raising efforts. You can support them online by donating via the Red Cross here or you can contact them for more information about the event.

Earthquake

2011-03-14T21:58:00.006+09:00

Many of you are already aware of the massive earthquake that hit Japan on Friday the 11th of March. I'm sure many of you have been unable to tear yourselves away from the footage of the unbelievable devastation in the areas hardest hit by the earthquake and the tsunami that followed.

In Urayasu, we have been incredibly lucky. Despite a bad shaking; we escaped without any serious damage. We are still waiting for water to be restored in some parts of the city but we have gas and electricity and only a few minor shortages of food and gasoline. These should be sorted out within the next few days. Happily, we have also had no reports yet of any Ryu students or any of their families being killed or injured.

On Saturday and Sunday morning Ando Sensei; the uchi deshi and Ryu students shoveled all the sludge that had washed up around the dojo and on Monday morning, clean-up crews had arrived to remove the piles of mud.

Digging the dojo out of the mud.

Taking a break from shovelling earthquake sludge.

Clean-up crews arrive to remove the mud.

We have been touched and overwhelmed by the messages of support and offers of help that we have received from all around the world. I'm busy trying to reply to all of them personally but there are people who are in much more urgent need at this point. Please click on this link for more information if you would like to donate. (In the face of the human loss it might seem trivial but survivors who can reunite with their pets have a better chance of recovering from the tragedy. Here is more information on how you can donate to help pet rescue.)

I am positive that good things will come out of the devastation and that Japan will overcome the challenges that face the country. Please keep Japan in your thought and prayers.

Stephanie.

February Visitor - Philippe

2011-02-23T09:30:00.005+09:00

Congratulations to Philippe Dolivo who tested and passed his Nidan test here in Urayasu last Saturday. Philippe, who after completing the Senshusei course a couple years back, returned to Switzerland and started his own dojo - Dolivo Juku. After training on his own, Philippe had lots of questions about his training and hence his recent 3 week gasshuku here at Ryu Dojo.

4 classes a day, 6 days a week, seminars, kids tournaments, parties and a lot of questions... Philippe definitely made the most of his time here. We wish him the best of luck back home and hope to see him again soon.

Jim Dawes

Junior Taikai

2011-02-17T13:08:00.012+09:00

Last Sunday we held our 7th annual kids aikido tournament. This was the biggest turnout as of yet. Including students from visiting dojos such as Oji Dojo, Saitama Yoshinkan and Shizuoka Dojo almost 170 kids ranging from Elementary school 2nd grade up to 6th participated in this years event.

Due to the large amount of students, we had to first divide everyone up up into juniors (orange belt and below) and seniors (brown belt and up). Then into 4 different areas where the competitions would take place.

The junior groups did 2 rounds of kihon dosa renzoku, then another 2 rounds of kihon waza, the 4 juniors who made it through the first 4 rounds were then sent to the finals (more kihon waza)

Seniors started of with kihon dosa renzoku, but after one round went right into more advanced techniques. Semi-finals and finals consisted of shomen uchi and shomen tsuki jiyu-waza

Maybe due to the amount of people and unfamiliar faces, or maybe just the fact that each section had five judges watching the students every move... but it seemed as though everyone tried extra hard this year. A lot of my students who are usually joking and playing around put on their serious faces and were going for it 100%. Great job to everyone who came and took part and a big congratulations to all the winners!

This year the kids nearly doubled, therefore the staff must've as well. Over 50 adults helped (judges, MC's, reception, set-up an so on). Thanks to all of them, plus some new ideas for calculating scores/results this years taikai ran quite smooth. Next year we are hoping for 250 - 300 kids!

Jim Dawes

Ekaterinburg, Russia

2011-02-11T16:01:00.008+09:00

Ekaterinburg is Russia's 3rd largest city. It's located in central Russia on the eastern side of the Ural Mountains. I felt it was very similar to Moscow, but with more of a friendly atmosphere (maybe due to the recent bombings...) Also a few kms away is another very interesting, but mysterious city, Ozersk (closed to the public since the cold war due to it being the source of Soviet plutonium)

The first week of February I was in Ekaterinburg to teach a 3 day seminar at Mikhail Poleshko's SHINKEN Dojo. Although most of the students are relatively new to Yoshinkan, almost all of them have an extensive martial arts background. It was also great training for me to work with such a variety of interesting people (some of the biggest, most flexible, and most talkative...)

There were over 60 kids (35 of which tested) during the Saturday and Sunday clinics. The energy and enthusiasm was awesome. There were all different ages and levels, but everyone was surprisingly really good at ukemi and had decent basic movements. For the kids we managed to do a few simple techniques and then had some fun with games and various exercises.

The adults had an intensive schedule of 9 classes prior to their final Sunday evening tests. We went through all the Yoshinkan basics - kamae, seiza-ho, shikko-ho, ukemi, kihon dosa (with and without partner), basic techniques and a few more advanced waza and self defence techniques.

Congratulations to all the kids and adults (over 60 in total) who tested and passed Yoshinkan ranks from 9th kyu to 2nd kyu. Thanks to Mikhail and Anastasia for taking such great care of me throughout the week, and thanks to all the students and their families for coming and supporting this seminar. Shinken Dojo has a busy year ahead of them - visits from Kancho in April and Ando Sensei in November. Good luck with 2011 and hopefully I can come see everyone again next year.

Jim Dawes

12th Annual Winter Training

2011-02-08T16:24:00.006+09:00

The 12th Annual Winter Training was held, as it is every year, from the 1st to the 7th of February (and Hotta Sensei's birthday, as it is every year, was on the 1st of February. Happy birthday Hotta Sensei!) This year wasn't so cold as usual or maybe I just thought that because I was snuggled upstairs with the heater on watching out of the window as everyone arrived for the 6 am training. Anyway, congratulations to the 21 people who made it to the 6 am training 6 or 7 out of the 7 days! These people received a certificate and a small gift, as they do every year. Ryu Dojo has a lot of very dedicated students who have no trouble getting up at 4:30 or 5:00 am 7 days in a row so these people have built up a collection of certificates from the winter and the summer Training. This is a waste of paper. So in an attempt to become more eco-friendly Ando Sensei has decided to change the system slightly. From now on, once you have collected 10 certificates of full attendance to the winter and summer training, please bring them to Ryu Dojo. We will recycle them and in return, give you one of the beautiful Ryu bags pictured below. Your next chance to start building your certificate collection is in the summer when the 13th Annual Summer Training is held from the 1st-7th of August.

Special congratulations go out to Phillipe Dolivo from Yoshinkan Aikido Suisse who is staying at Ryu House for a few weeks and who made it to the 6 am training despite a cancelled flight! We hope he enjoys his stay.

Stephanie

Free Downloadable Calendar

2011-01-21T22:08:00.001+09:00

Click here to download a free Ryu calendar!

Kagami Biraki 2011

2011-01-19T12:32:00.011+09:00

Here are some pics from this years Kagami Biraki (breaking of the mirror). No mirrors were actually broken, just some hard mochi (rice cakes).

Like last year, prior to the demonstration, there was a 45 minute special class. This time Hotta Sensei was the main teacher. About 50 people trained a variety of katate mochi waza.

Quite a few important people came out to support the Urayasu Aikido Federation event, including the Urayasu City Mayor, Matsuzaki-shicho.

Nakajima shihan and the Urayasu Aiki-kai members gave a great demo of both empty hand and weapon techniques / katas.

Katagiri Sensei and 20 kindergarten kids did their best in front of all their friends ,family and seniors.

The 8th Annual Tokubetsu Course did Kihon dosa to kanren waza. Note: now accepting applications for the 9th Course as well as the 1st full-time intensive TOKUBETSU KENSHU COURSE. Check the homepage for more details.

Ando Shihan finished the demonstration off by smashing all us uchideshi around to the laughter and applause of all the little kiddies.

Following the short but action packed 40 minute demo. All 240 plus people sat down to enjoy some oshiruko (sweet bean and mochi soup). Thanks again to all the Moms who helped cook, the Meikai University students, Tokubetsu Course and regular members who helped set up, then clean, and thanks to everyone who just came out to watch. It was a great start to 2011.

Jim Dawes

A post from Australia's Gus Hill

2011-01-18T13:24:00.002+09:00

In November I had my second Gasshuku at Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu with Ando Sensei. It had only been a few months between visits but was excited about returning and training at Ryu dojo. It was good to catch up with all the Uchi Deshi and all the students who I met last time and.

During this trip I once again had the opportunity to feel Ando Sensei's technique and also had the privilege of partnering Ando Sensei for Hiriki no yosei. Also during this trip I was able to meet a number of other Yoshinkan Aikido practitioners from around the world. This was due to the 55th Annual Yoshinkan Aikido Embu and everyone coming to be part of this event. During my stay at Ryu apartment I stayed with Mikhail from Russia. Mikhail spoke no English and I spoke no Russian so it was interesting and also fun communicating with Mikhail. This included trying to navigate through the Tokyo train system from the Tokyo Olympic park and back to Urayasu. We managed to get back and have remained in contact after we both left Japan.

The training again was the highlight of my trip. Getting some finer points on the technique always helps. I am really looking forward to the next trip to Ando Sensei's dojo and doing more training.

Gus Hill

Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu MVP

2011-01-13T14:43:00.004+09:00

Congratulations to Murakawa Masahiro Sensei and Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu OSAKA for being the 2010 MVP.

Ryu Osaka has been around for a long time and the members are increasing year by year. Murakawa Sensei and his students often make the long trip to Urayasu for various events and parties, including this years Shinnenkai.

Prior to the party there was a special seminar held for all Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu branch leaders. Check out Nishi Sensei's face.

Jim Dawes

O-Soji

2010-12-31T17:22:00.003+09:00

The last BIG-CLEANING "O-Soji" took about 7 hours and 15 people. But now Ryu Dojo, Ryu House, the car and bike all look great and are ready to be put back to use starting January 5th.

Thanks to everyone for helping out, not only during O-soji, but all throughout 2010. Hope you are all enjoying the holidays and we look forward to seeing you soon."Yoi Otoshio!"

Jim Dawes

Kameari Christmas Keiko and Party

2010-12-27T22:26:00.008+09:00

Every Wednesday for the last 4 years I've been teaching at the Kameari Community Arena Culture Center. In the last two years the students have quadrupled and I had to go from 2 to 3 classes (3-6 year olds, 7-11 year olds, and 12 year olds to adults).

The last class of the year we decided to do a joint koushukai. An hour and a half of ukemi, kihon dosa, kihon waza and even some goshin waza. It was fun, but challenging to have all 3 classes train together. A lot the of older and younger siblings got to practice together for the first time.

Following the class we had our first ever Christmas party. Thanks to all the moms for preparing the gifts, snacks and games. Aikido games, winning aikido goods, drawing relay, snacks and drinks, Santa Clause and singing Christmas songs for more prizes.

We finished the party off with a Kameari Aikido Club 2010 summary video courtesy of Otahara Sensei (who assists me every Wednesday). The kids left happy, with lots of gifts, prizes, full stomachs and the next two weeks to relax and get ready for the new year.

Congratulations to all the students who passed their winter tests and good job to everyone on making last year a full and successful year at Kameari. Lets keep up the hard work and training and make 2011 even better. Happy New Year!

Jim Dawes

2010 Winter tests and party

2010-12-27T22:20:00.010+09:00

The end of the year has come and it's time to catch up on a few blogs. It's been a busy December here at Ryu. Brown belt and up tests were held Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th at the Urayasu Chuo Budokan.

Above Tazawa-san and Kamioka-san "ushiro ryo-kata mochi ikkajo osae ichi" during the final test (3dan)

Congratulations to all who tested and passed this years Winter shinsa. A weekend full of more than 5 hours worth of gradings definitely deserves a good party to finish things off.

Tsuchiya Kaicho from my Tuesday Irifune Aikido club recapping his winning moments of the silver medal at this years All Japan/world demonstration. Note the Ni ban (#2) bandana.

Thanks to the Meikai University students for plate after plate of yakisoba(Japanese fried noodles)

Over 75 people squeezed into Ryu Dojo for the last big dojo party of 2010. It was nice to have a few new faces, along with the regulars share some time off the mats.

For about the last 2 years I've been teaching at the Tuesday Maihama Sakurakai Club, but from last September I also became the Chuo Budokan Sakurakai supervising uchideshi as well. This class has been taught by Mitsuhashi Sensei for over 5 years, then passed on to me. Being a rather large class with a long history I was quite nervous about the responsibility.Its only been a few months but everyone has made me feel welcome and I look forward to the new year.

The above pictures were taken Tuesday the 21st during the annual Sakurakai joint end of the year party. Sakurakai, Maihama Sakurakai, Nishi Kasai Sakurakai, and Kisarazu Sakurakai members tested prior to this party. Congrats to all, Ando Sensei mentioned that everyone has noticeably improved since the summers tests.

Jim Dawes

Weapons in the Park

2010-12-02T13:26:00.006+09:00

Wednesday Dec.1st, Darren Friend Sensei and 4 of his students from Aikido Yoshinkai NSW Sydney, Australia spent the day here at Ryu Dojo. The morning class was held in the nearby park. Ando Sensei taught kumi-jo, kumi-ken and 31 no jo.

Although not nearly as warm as Australia is now, however, the weather was great by Japan's December standards. After an hour and a half of buki training, everybody went back to Ryu House for lunch, tea and a little rest.

The 2pm kenshu class was held as usual at Ryu Dojo. Unfortunately I had to go teach my Kameari Kids class and didn't get to train. But it was still nice getting to see everyone here in Urayasu. We have had a few Australian gasshuku visitors (Gus, Tom, Harry...), but this was the first time I seen Darren Sensei since he left the Honbu Dojo more than 5 years ago. Speaking of Darren Sensei... A big congratulations to his recent promotion to 6th dan!

Jim Dawes

5 Dan test

2010-12-02T13:19:00.005+09:00

Congratulations to Rustam Karimov Sensei from Saint Petersburg, Russia's Sutemi Dojo. Last week he tested and passed his 5th dan test here in Urayasu. Rustam Sensei was here at Ryu Dojo for his third consecutive year. This time he was accompanied by 4 students, 3 of them Japan first-timers.

Otsukare sama deshita to Rustam Sensei and his ukes Alexey, Irina and Pavel. We hope they had a good time in Japan and hope the traditional yearly visits continue. If we don't see them here next year, we will see them in 2012 when Ando Sensei goes back to Saint Petersburg.

The above pic was taken the Friday night before Rustam Sensei's test. After a long busy day sightseeing in Nikko, Gregory and Monika from Poland, a long with 7 of their students also joined us for dinner and a few drinks. The group from Poland was flying back home early Saturday, so unfortunately we didn't get to see them too much this visit to Japan, but hopefully next year they will be back.

Jim Dawes

Links to the Demo pics

2010-11-25T12:20:00.003+09:00

Click here, here and here to see pictures from the 55th All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration held on Saturday the 20th of November at Komazawa Olympic Park in Tokyo.

55th Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration

2010-11-23T18:46:00.011+09:00

The 55th All Japan / World Yoshinkan Aikido demonstration has come and gone... Over 70 International participants from all over the globe came together to support Yoshinkan Aikido and Honbu Dojo during this years event. Canada, Ukraine, Russia, America, Poland, Australia, The Philippines and England all took part in not only the Saturdays demo but in weeks worth of trainings all throughout Japan at various Yoshinkan dojos.

Overall the demo was like any other year. But for me it was nice to see a lot of people I usually only get to see at oversea seminars or chat with online. The camaraderie between different groups as well with the Japanese was harmony at its best. Yoshinkan felt a lot more like a family then it has for the past few years.

This year Honbu did try something new by adding a basic movement and basic technique competition. Kids from 3 years old all the way up to seniors were split into differend categories and took turns out on the mats showing their best to a group of 4 shihan judges. Congratulations to all the Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu members who placed in the competitions:

Elementary Grade 2 to 4 - 2nd Place - Yajima Hitomi - Goi Club
Elementary Grade 4 to 6 - 3rd Place - Shimizu Yuki - Ryu Dojo
Brown belts - 1st Place - Yoshioka Yukitake - Chukosei Course
Black belts - 2nd Place - Tsuchiya Masaji - Irifune Dokokai
General Demonstrations - Ryu Tokubetsu Course

As always, following the first Honbu hosted party, Ryu dojo members had its second party. Only about half of the 75 people present were Japanese. It was great to have everyone crammed together in a little room, all there for a common interest - Aikido (...and beer!).

The Sunday following the demo there were two big seminars, one held at Honbu Dojo and the other in Koganei City. Unfortunately I had to stay in Urayasu and teach the regular classes, but I heard the training was great and the karaoke party afterwards even better.

For more pics, check the post above.

Jim Dawes

International day in Urayasu

2010-11-23T18:43:00.005+09:00

Last Friday (day before the big demo) 29 visitors from 6 different dojos and 5 different countries all came together in Urayasu for some training with Ando Shihan. Kevin Blok Sensei and students from Canada's Chudokai organization, Alan Shumak Sensei and 3 others from Canada's Shunpukan Dojo, Steven Miranda and a few from California's Seikeikan Dojo, Jay Savery Sensei and some students from Goryukan Dojo in Stafford, England (Ben's dojo), Gus Hill from Australia, and Mikhail from Shinken Dojo in Ekaterinburg, Russia (last two people are staying here with us for a couple weeks - Gasshuku).

Everyone trained together with Ryu's Tokubetsu Course from 9:30 to 11am, then went back to Ryu Dojo for a big bento lunch party. We went around the table and everyone introduced themselves. It was nice to put some faces to all the people I've been in contact though email and chat etc.

Following lunch and a short break, we went back to the Chuo Budokan and had our Kenshu class. Ando Sensei focused on shoulder grasp waza. There were a few less people and therefore everyone got a chance to get a good feel of Ando Shihan's technique. It was great training with a bunch of people from different backgrounds and different aikido perspectives. The class finished with a few people giving short rehearsal demonstrations in preparation for the following days big enbu. More to come on that soon...

Jim Dawes

Congratulations Ben!

2010-11-17T12:52:00.004+09:00

Ben West from Stafford, England's Goryukan Dojo spent 7 weeks here at Ryu Dojo. From the end of September to the middle of November, Ben trained everyday along side the uchideshi and regular students. Not only is Ben a good uke(everyone was surprised he is only a white belt), but he is also an easy going good guy. He got along well with everyone on and off the mats(quite a few parties, and even a visit to Disney land!).

Last Friday Ben tested and passed his 4th kyu test here at Ryu Dojo in front of Ando Sensei. Although if he doesn't read this blog, he still won't know his results until the day after tomorrow when he returns to Ryu with some of his fellow dojo mates.

Ben's final Friday Maihama class was "The most fun I've had doing aikido..." states Ben. As we've done with all the foreign visitors, we had Ben do a couples rounds of jiyu waza with all the blackbelts present. Luckily for Ben (or unluckily) an unusual amount (15) members turned up, more than half of them blackbelts. Nevertheless Ben survived and we went out for a few drinks afterwards. We wish Ben luck with his schooling and hope to see him again here or there in the near future.

Jim Dawes

Kiev Seminar

2010-11-09T23:10:00.014+09:00

November 4th through the 8th Ando Shihan and I were in Kiev, Ukraine for a 3 day seminar. This seminar was hosted by 3 dojos: OSMAS Dojo(Oleksandr Sensei), Fudokan Dojo(Rost Sensei), and Misogi Dojo(Valery Sensei). This was my second time to Ukraine, but my first time to Kiev. Compared to L'viv, Kiev seemed to be a bit more modern and a vastly expanding city. There were literally dozens of high-rise buildings under construction.

Kids training began on the Saturday morning. About 50 kids from 4 to 10 years old practiced kihon dosa, kihon waza, ukemi and finished with hajime geiko.

After their last class Sunday. They all received a signed certificate from Ando Sensei, along with some Japanese candy.

As for adults, there was no candy, but instead a lot of hard training - A couple hour and a half goshin waza classes, another jiyu waza class, kihon class, MASTER class, and finishing with hajime geiko.

Needless to say everyone's energy and stamina was quite impressive. The majority of the students were fairly new, but with that amount of enthusiasm and desire Kiev has a bright future.

Thanks to all the visitors who had to travel to join the training: Nikolai Sensei from Moscow's Seieikan Dojo, Vadim Sensei from L'viv, Roman from Lugansk and everyone else. It was good to see everyone again. And a special thanks to Kumakura-san, who once again translated throughout the 5 days.

The Sunday night we went to one of Oleksandr Sensei's dojos and had a small sayonara party. Ando Sensei commented on what a great family like atmosphere. Everyone was extremely warm and friendly and we look forward to coming to Kiev again.

Jim Dawes

Kisarazu Sakurakai Demonstration

2010-10-29T13:05:00.006+09:00

Last Saturday Kisarazu Sakurakai held a demonstration to celebrate their 10th year anniversary. About 110 people from various Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu clubs participated in the enbu. Below are a few pics from the event.

Kisarazau Sakurakai was originally founded by Ebata Sensei, but now taught by Oishi Hiroyuki Sensei. Classes are held every Monday from 10am - 12pm in the Sodegaura Rinkai Sports Center.

Jim Dawes

New Intensive Training Course

2010-10-14T11:35:00.002+09:00

Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu is offering a new intensive training course from May 2011. Please click here for more information.

View over Yokohama

2010-09-30T08:23:00.007+09:00

Since July, there has been a new member of staff at Ryu Dojo - Funayama san quit his job as a school-teacher to work full-time here. On Monday the 27th of last month, he and his wife invited Ando Sensei; his uchi deshi; Otahara san; Jim Sensei's wife Miyuki; Taihei and myself to their home in Yokohama for a late lunch/dinner. The Funayama's have a condominium on the 34th floor of their building with an incredible view out over Yokohama Bay towards Chiba. Interestingly, directly in front of their building is a little piece of land that is technically America - a small dock that belongs to the US Army and has since the end of WWII. There were a few military-looking boats docked there and we also saw a big cruise ship all lit up and waiting to leave as well as the smaller Yokohama Bay cruise boats making their way around the bay.

After admiring the view, it was time to enjoy a huge spread of excellent food prepared by Mrs Funayama.

Make of it what you will but a surprisingly high percentage of Ando Sensei's uchi deshi were barmen at some stage in their careers and they all crowded into the kitchen to have a go at the martini shaker and the extensive liquor cabinet.

After that it was time to head home and put sleepy babies to bed. Thanks to the Funayama's for an evening of good food, good wine and excellent company!

Stephanie

July Gasshuku

2010-09-03T13:03:00.009+09:00

Angus Hill from Darren Friend Sensei's Australian dojo was here for all of July and the first few days of August. Gus was the first person to stay at the new Ryu House. A really big guy with a big personality, all of the students got along well with him and enjoyed challenging themselves trying to make their technique effective. Gus has already booked his second gasshuku here for November, and we look forward to seeing him again soon.

My training experience with Ando Sensei.

During the month of July, I travelled to Japan and trained with Ando Sensei. It was a real privilege to be able to train on a daily bases with a master like Ando Sensei. I would look on in amazement and confusion as Ando Sensei would move me with ease. A man that is half my size but had absolutely no problems moving me.

Training was great. Having numerous black belts to train with and also higher level dan grades training along side me and with me on a daily. All students of Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu were extremely friendly and welcoming towards me which made my training enjoyable. Even with the language barrier between us, the students were more than willing to help me improve my Aikido application.

Ando Sensei and some of the students took me on a day trip to Yamanashi to watch the annual Yamanashi demonstration. Before attending the demonstration we went to Takeda Shingen shrine (the tiger of Kai). This was one place that I wanted to go a visit during my visit to Japan. Shingen is one of my favourite warlords and like his banner containing Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan.

I am looking forward to my next trip to Japan to train under Ando Sensei and his Uchi Deshi and to say hello to all the students I trained with during my stay at Ryu Dojo.

Thanks
Gus

Congratulations!

2010-09-01T11:01:00.006+09:00

Congratulations to Neville Coupland of Eiryukan Aikido in Lincoln who not only survived 5 weeks of Ryu Dojo summer gasshku heat wave, but also took and passed his 3rd dan test while here.

Everybody at Ryu Dojo was happy to see Neville again and we are looking forward to seeing him again soon here or in Lincoln!

Ryu Gasshuku - Ali Ghanchi

2010-08-25T08:59:00.012+09:00

This post is a little late, but anyway... Ali Ghanchi once again visited us here at Ryu Dojo. This time only for 3 weeks during the end of May and early June. As always Ali was a ball of energy, training every class possible and even helping around the dojo between classes. Ali was the last guest to sleep in the actual dojo during his time here. From July on, Gasshuku visitors have been staying at the new Ryu House. So yes, Ali is hardcore old school when it comes to Ryu Gasshuku's... Below is what Ali had to say about his time here.

The end of May marked the beginning of World Cup fever. Whilst everyone was getting excited about the teams and the players, I was more excited about returning to the Ryu dojo. A place where the problems of everyday life are put to one side, to work on the Aikido principles of Shin, Gi, Tai (mind, technique and body). Unfortunately due to work commitments, I arrived shortly after the Annual Urayasu Embu had just finished. With the next shinza being far away over the next horizon and as there were no major videos or Seminars planned during my stay. It was business as usual, just normal everyday training - Great! I thought and I was not mistaken or disappointed. Training is what you make of it and the quiet period was just the ideal environment to work on Kihon. I soon got back into the rhythm and groove of training. Up at 5am, train, eat, train, sleep (a little nap at noon does wonders!) train some more and so forth.

I was happy to meet old friends and Sempai’s who were as always very convivial and really great to train with. What amazed me the most was the progress that Ando Sensei’s students had made since the last time I had trained. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to not only watch Ando Sensei’s extra-ordinary skill live but also very grateful to receive direct instruction from the master. During my stay, I scrutinised Ando Sensei intensely and every movement he made I examined under a microscope to pierce through the secrets of the "magic". Although Ando Sensei is sometimes just too fast and no matter how many times he repeated a technique I could not work it out! Thankfully Ando Sensei’s Uchi deshi were on hand to help and guide me. Through their efforts, I managed to get a few moments of clarity. Eureka! An epiphany of a millisecond of illumination where “bing!” something clicks and I felt a sudden difference but trying to do it every time - in waza,in jiyu-waza,in kihon,in suwari wazi that's the hard part! It’s a bit like when you've has a bit to much to drink and you try to walk. You know what you have to do, your brain says walk in a straight line however your body just doesn't respond and does its own thing. The solution is simple – more training!

As always just when I started to feel ‘the feeling’ my gashaku came to an end! On the last day of training Jim Sensei sprang a little farewell surprise- towards the end of the class he called me up and then said be shite for jiyu waza. No problems I thought. However what he meant was for all the students present- starting with shomen uchi and working through the whole of the Yudan jiyu-waza syllabus; my eyes almost popped out of my head. Shomen uchi jiyu-waza, yokomen uchi jiyu-waza, katate mochi jiyu-waza, kata mochi jiyu-waza, royte mochi jiyu-waza, uchiro ryote mochi jiyu-waza, - so far so good but then it was my turn to be Uke!!!! I went through the whole syllabus again and after being thrown a few times, shortly became a quivering sweaty mess. Just when I thought my lungs were going to collapse came the finale. I was Shite again this time for futari dori jiyu-waza (2 ukes), then sandori (3 ukes), yondori (4ukes) , and the list ended up getting longer and longer with me eventually having all 6 ukes to throw and not get killed. Unfortunately I'm a very very very long way away from being as skilled as Ando Sensei and the events got the better of me. I died a noble death which merited a very large Oolong chai at the traditional end of Gasshuku kampai.

Thanking Ando Sensei, the Ryu dojo Uchi deshi and students for their hospitality and making my Gasshuku a memorable one. I learnt loads and look forwards to seeing you next time.

Osu domo arigato gozaimashita.

Ali Ghanchi

2nd time visitor - Eddy Khan

2010-08-25T08:56:00.011+09:00

Edward "Eddy" Khan just left Urayasu last Saturday after 4 weeks of hot and humid, hard training. Eddy seems to always come during the sweatiest season. Although the Summer training is the toughest, July and August do have a lot of good events: Kids Gasshuku, Summer tests, Last kenshu class, Shochu geiko, Summer party, Fireworks and a weeks worth of relaxation during the Obon holidays. Eddy has taken advantage of it all during his last two years of consecutive gasshuku's and made the best of his time here. We hope to see him again next year.

Why do I get hungrier every time I visit Urayasu?

The answer is simple; a lovely dojo, friendly and helpful uchi-deshi, fantastic people who love training in aikido and the saving the best till last....a truly great teacher. If you’re thinking about taking the trip to the Ryu dojo, I truly recommend coming here. The experience of hard training with motivated aikidoka’s and the first hand knowledge from learning from a master are second to none. One word of advice, try to avoid the Summer season!!!

This is my second visit, and I know I will taking back lots of things to work on. Besides the difficulties in understanding what is being said, Ando sensei demonstrates on his uke’s and even applies it on you to feel what he is trying to pass on. Experiencing breakfast and lunch with Ando Sensei and how he interacts with various members is truly remarkable as he always has a warm smile and makes people feel welcomed to approach him to either talk about aikido or his opinions on certain matters.

Jim Sensei, Mitsuhashi Sensei, Hotta Sensei, Katagiri Sensei thank you for training with me and also teaching me! I wish Jim the best for his new baby! Otahara San....I will get you back later. The Kataoka family, it’s truly remarkable how people can be so kind and generous. Thank you for making my stay here better than I could have imagined. Stephanie Sensei thank you for being so nice to us and Taihei...I expect a bigger giggle next year! From the morning class; Kubo San, Oguchi San, Asada San, Kasai San and Tokoi San...I loved seeing you most mornings even though I looked like a zombie from waking up early. And from other classes Morita San, Kaoru and Toru San, Takeda Sensei and everyone else....thanks for the hard training and hopefully I will see you next year!! A special thanks to Ando Sensei. I have no words to describe how thankful I am to him.

....Oh yes I almost forgot, the answer to my question. Because I love aikido and being around those who love it too!

Edward Khan

Catching up...

2010-08-13T23:33:00.005+09:00

Here at Ryu we are all on summer vacation until next Wednesday. One whole week with nothing to do but relax. Given the free time thought I'd put up a couple late posts. Below is Ando Sensei's enbu at the Yamanashi Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration held a few weeks back.

And as always, on the last Sunday before summer vacation Ryu Dojo holds its summer party. This time about 60 people joined us for sushi, beer, and hand-made crushed ice sundaes.

Officially vacation began following Tuesdays trainings. Unfortunately no pics, but once again the last Kenshu was a gruelling hour of the 6 kihon dosa. Sliding on pools of your own sweat while your shoulders are throbbing and legs shaking to a painfully rythmic "ichi...ni...ichi...ni."

Jim Dawes

Summer Training

2010-08-12T09:23:00.003+09:00

The first 7 days of August Ryu Dojo hosted its 12th annual early morning summer training. I always prefer the summer training over the winter due to it being comfortably cool at 6am opposed to the frosty tatami of February.

This year we had atleast 30 adults and 5 or 6 kids cram into Ryu Dojo each and every day. Including gasshuku visitors Gus, Eddy and Neville who are here with us for the month. Ryu was definitely packed with people, but also with enthusiasm and energy. "Otsukare sama deshita" to everyone, and we look forward to seeing you again during kan-geiko.

Jim Dawes

Fireworks!

2010-08-02T13:34:00.009+09:00

Summer nights in Japan are all about fireworks festivals and watermelons and so on Saturday, members from Ryu Dojo walked down to Tokyo Bay to enjoy a cool breeze coming off the ocean; some cold beer and the Urayasu City fireworks festival. The party also included visitors to Ryu Dojo this month - Gus Hill (from Australia); Neville Coupland and Eddie Khan (from England) and Nicholas Denny (also from England but living and working in Moscow). Nicholas' stay was very short and he's gone home already but hopefully we'll see him back sometime soon!

Taihei checks out the fireworks from a safe spot.

Kataoka san's beautiful yukata.

Otahara san; Morita san and Kaoru san (downing a well-earned beer).

Bonus cute baby pic.

No pictures of the actual fireworks but Eddie took a great video on his iPhone so hopefully he'll send that to us soon and we can upload it...

Everybody went home for an early night though because one week of summer training started at 6am on Sunday morning!

A big thank you to Kaoru and Toru Nagahata who organised all the food and drinks and who went down to the Bay at 3 pm to book us a great spot close to the fireworks.

*EDIT* Neville wasn't actually at the fireworks - he had friends to catch up with - but he is staying at the dojo.

Shojin Aikido’s First Year Anniversary

2010-07-26T10:18:00.005+09:00

Ando Shihan visited Shojin Aikido’s first year anniversary demonstration last Monday 19 July in Meguro.

Shojin Aikido’s dojo is headed by former Honbu dojo uchideshi and Shihan-Dai Malik Thahid Sensei. Malik Sensei acted as Ando Shihan’s deshi while he taught at Honbu Dojo for last few years.

Over 60 guests attended with 20 students participating. The demonstration highlighted all aspects of Aikido from the basics up to self defence techniques.

Ando Shihan captured the audience with a detailed explanation of Aikido and a breathtaking demonstration of Aikido principles.

Overall it was a great success with guests and students all enjoying their interest in and love for Aikido.

Shojin Aikido is located in Shinagawa and Meguro areas of Tokyo. Aikido lessons are mainly taught in English. They have beginner, regular, kids and self defence classes available. For more information about Shojin Aikido, please visit: www.shojinaikido.com

Eel-eating day at Ryu Dojo

2010-07-21T13:40:00.003+09:00

Somebody flicked the summer switch - it's getting really hot and steamy in Japan. In order to help us survive the heat all the staff and gasshku guests at Ryu Dojo sat down to a delicious meal of eel on rice for lunch:

Gochisoo sama deshta!

We're also doing some maintenance work on the dojo so all the windows have been covered over and sealed with plastic. Good luck training in that everybody!

Congratulations!

2010-07-20T18:38:00.005+09:00

On Saturday the 17th of July, two of Ryu Dojo's finest showed everybody how it should be done! Congratulations to Mitsuhashi Sensei and Jim Sensei for passing 5 dan and 4 dan respectively!

And of course, congratulations to all the kids and adults who passed this summer's tests. To those who didn't, keep training hard and give it another shot in December.

For results of July's tests, please check http://aikidoryu.or.jp/shinsa.html

Zzzzzz...

2010-07-08T20:02:00.005+09:00

What a boring month June was! We had almost nothing to blog about! We're still here though - if anybody's still reading. There's lots coming up: lots of visitors to Ryu Dojo in July and August (who'll be staying in the new Ryu House - more info on that coming soon too); fireworks; tests; the kids summer training camp; the Yamanashi Aikido Demonstration; new DVDs and more! So stay tuned...

St. Petersburg seminar

2010-06-14T11:26:00.008+09:00

During the first week of June, Ando Shihan and Katagiri Sensei went to St. Petersburg, Russia for 4 days of training. The host dojo was once again Rustam Karimov's Sutemi Dojo. Here are a few pics...

Thanks to all the people who attended the seminar, especially Nikolai Zherdev and his students from Seiryukan in Moscow, Kumakura-san for helping with interpreting as usual, and of course Rustam Sensei and all his students for the hospitality.

Jim Dawes

Malaysian Visitors

2010-05-28T15:55:00.002+09:00

Today we had some special guests to Ryu Dojo's kenshu class, Sonny Loke Sensei and 7 students from Yoshinkan Aikido Malaysia. Other than Sonny Sensei and his daughter, Yin Hoei, the other 6 people were here in Japan for their first time. They started off their 2 weeks by participating in our Urayasu City 20th Aikido Demonstration. From there, they have been to Kyoto, Yamanashi, and sightseeing throughout Tokyo.

Today was their final aikido class before 2 more days of rest and relaxation, then the 7 hour flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Although just a short time, it was nice getting to meet and train with everyone. We wish them a safe trip home and hope to see them again here or there.

Jim Dawes

20th Urayasu City Aikido Demo

2010-05-21T13:06:00.012+09:00

Here are some pics of the Urayasu City 20th Annual Aikido Demonstration. This year about 900 people attended. Including international visitors from Hiryukan Dojo, Canada, Yoshinkan Aikido Malaysia, and London, England. This years actual demonstration was a bit shorter than previous years (only 3 hours) because...

... following the demonstration and awards ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to choose and train with 2 of the featured 7 instructors. From the Yoshinkan, there were, Chino Shihan, Payet Shihan, Oyamada Shihan, and Sonoda Shihan. From Aiki-kai there were Nakajima Shihan, Yoshikawa Shihan and Todoroki Shihan. 400 people took part in the koushukai.

Being the 20th anniversary, a big party was held at the nearby Sun Route Plaza Hotel. 270 guests, awards, speeches, a relay narrated video, way too much food and lots to drink, even a couple short aikido enbu's (resulting in Mitsuhashi Sensei getting his suit jacket ripped...). And yes, after this party... another party.

Thanks to all the Ryu members and Aiki-kai members who helped in all the preparations for both the demonstration, koushukai and party. Everything ran relatively smooth for having so much packed in to one day. And finally, Congratulations to the Urayasu City Aikido Federation for this 20 year landmark.

Jim Dawes

April 29th, 2010

2010-05-10T12:53:00.010+09:00

Although April 29th is a national holiday, "Showa Day", it was by no means a day off here in Urayasu. The morning started off with Ando Sensei teaching a special 2 hour class introducing this years new test syllabus.

Shokyu
-shomen uchi nikajo osae 2
-suwari waza katate mochi sokumen iriminage 1
-yokomen uchi kotegaeshi 1

Shodan
-katate aya mochi nikajo osae 2
-suwari waza shomen uchi shomen irimingae 1
-ushiro waza katate eri mochi ikkajo osae 2

Yudan
-suwari waza ryote mochi kokyuho 2
-ushiro waza ryokata mochi ikkajo osae 1

Following the class everyone went over to Ryu Dojo for the annual Chiba aikido federation meeting. Last years events and the upcoming plans for 2010 were all discussed over a light lunch.

Around 2:30pm the meeting was finished and then everyone got all cleaned up, put on their suits and made their way to the Tokyo Bay Sheraton Hotel in Maihama. I was already there waiting... Why? Because this day was also my Wedding day!

I want to again thank everyone for coming, especially on such a busy day. Other than the annoyingly strong wind Miyuki and I couldn't of asked for anything else. The weather was great, the chapel beautiful, the food was delicious (well, the little I did get to eat), all my family from Canada and my close friends and co-workers.

A big thank you to Otahara-san, Francis, and Yamazaki-san for all their help at the reception and to the Nagahata's and Kamioka-san for all the preparation and fun during the 2nd party.

Showa day is actually to honor the birthday of the late Emperor Hirohito, and for the Japanese to reflect on the turbulent times Japan had internationally during Hirohito's reign and to look forward to a bright, harmonious and loving future. So for me, a foreigner, being able to come, live and work in Japan, meet a bunch of great people, and now start a new life and family with a wonderful woman... April 29th is and will always be a perfect day!

Jim Dawes

Japanese Baby Culture Parts 1,2 and 3

2010-04-19T13:18:00.009+09:00

Part 1:
On January the 18th, Ando Sensei and I took Taihei to Seiryu Shrine in Urayasu for omiyamairi. This is a baby's first shrine visit to give thanks for a successful delivery and a healthy baby. The baby is draped in a special ceremonial kimono and has a big bunch of bells shaken over his head. After the ceremony, we drank a little sake from round lacquer saucers - Taihei had his dabbed on his cheek.

The priest also presented us with several gifts including lucky charms and a special set of lacquered dishes with lucky fish on them to be used in...

Part 2:

The ceremony performed when a baby turns 100 days old and can officially eat solid food. I made special "happy rice" with red beans and "lucky fish" (tai or bream which is eaten on happy occasions because it sounds similar to omedetai or 'congratulations'). We 'fed' Taihei a little on his special chopsticks and he had a good look at it.

Part 3:

Today we bought and hung out koinobori in preparation for Tango no Sekku - or Children's Day - on May 5th.

Stephanie.

Kameari / Nishi Arai Aikido Day!

2010-04-13T12:55:00.007+09:00

Last Saturday, April 10th, Kameari Community Arena and Nishi Arai Shidax Aikido clubs held a joint training / demonstration and friends and family trial lesson. Although Ayase's Tokyo Budokan was a bit of a pain in the @$% to rent, the big budojo and change of atmosphere made for a fun day. Kameari's usual classes are broken up into 3 separate times depending on age, so it was nice to have everyone training together at the same time.

27 students and 4 teachers participated in the demonstration and about 50 people came to watch. Students from kindergarten to high school showed basic movements, basic techniques, buki waza, jiyu waza, goshin waza and even futari dori. At the end the instructors gave various short demos as well.

From 12pm to 12:45, friends, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and even grandmothers and grandfathers joined in for the taiken class. After warm-ups everyone was broken into 2 groups (adults and children), and spent some time on kihon dosa, and kihon waza. All the regular members did their best to help teach their friends and family a little about Yoshinkan Aikido.

Thanks to Tsurubuchi Sensei, Otahara Sensei and Sato-san for helping throughout the day. Also thank you to all the members and families who took the time out of their weekend to come and join us. I'm looking forward to next years event and hopefully the addition of a few more nearby dojos.

Jim Dawes

New Book!

2010-04-08T11:27:00.004+09:00

Ando Sensei's new book - Aikido no Kai - is coming out next month. Here's a sneak peek at the cover!

8th Annual Tokubetsu Course

2010-04-04T22:06:00.001+09:00

Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu is now accepting applications for the 8th Annual Tokubetsu Course. The course will run from Friday the 7th of May 2010 until Wednesday the 30th of March 2011. The deadline for applications is the 20th of April 2010. For more information and to download an application form, please visit our home page.

Last day of Tokubetsu Course

2010-04-02T13:22:00.005+09:00

On the 31st day of the 3rd month at 5mins after 11am, 11 out of 13 of the 7th Annual Tokubetsu Course members lined up to take this picture with their certificates of completion.

Completely irrelevant but if you add up all those above numbers you can find out the exact year when Ando Shihan joined the Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo as uchideshi.

Jim Dawes

HIS #27

2010-04-02T13:09:00.004+09:00

Until now Ryu Dojo has only had HIS visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But last Wednesday 4 guests from Los Angeles, California came and spent the afternoon experiencing aikido.

3 out of the 4 have been training karate and said that back home aikido has a bit of a mystical aura so they wanted to get to feel some of the techniques first hand. Although I wasn't present during this class, Hotta Sensei assures me they felt his nikajo!

Jim Dawes

Katori - Kashima visit 2010

2010-03-31T09:29:00.007+09:00

Monday March 29th (the last Monday in March) marked the day for our annual Katori and Kashima shrine visit. Katori shrine is only about an hour long drive from Urayasu in Ibaraki Prefecture, then about another 30 mins to Kashima. Both these shrines have a long history when it comes to Japanese budo (see previous blogs).

This year we had 2 first-timers, Gert from Germany, and little Taihei. I thought for sure Taihei would start crying during the blessing ceremonies done by the shinto priests. But the loud taiko, chanting, and being bowed over in the cold didn't phase him at all. Gert was well behaved as well...

Jim Dawes

And I would like to add that Taihei didn't even cry when Hotta Sensei held him...

Brave little boy!

Stephanie.

Ando Sensei in Toronto

2010-03-10T09:34:00.007+09:00

Here are some pictures from Ando Sensei's recent trip to Toronto to help celebrate Kimeda Sensei's 50 years in aikido. That's longer than I've been alive! Amazing! And something to aspire to. Congratulations to Kimeda Sensei.

With Kimeda Sensei in the local izakaya.

With Charmaine Johnston and Michaelangelo.

How to do kamae on a horse.

Thanks to Chris Johnston for sending the pictures and to him and his wife for taking Ando Sensei horse-riding. More pictures to follow...

Stephanie

... And here they are!

Thanks to Daryl and Mike Kimeda for getting these pictures to me. It's nice to see some familiar faces.

Once again, congratulations to Kimeda Sensei and thanks to everybody who came out to Ando Shihan's seminar. Hopefully everyone saved some energy since there's still a big year of events ahead for Aikido Yoshinkai Canada.

Jim Dawes

6th Annual Junior Aikido Taikai

2010-02-12T16:25:00.015+09:00

Saitama Prefecture's Noda City was the host of this years Junior Taikai. Exactly 100 students from elementary school's grade 3 to 6 participated in the competition.

This year there were 2 categories, 1 for brown belt and up, and the other for orange belt and below. Both groups started weeding people out with 2 rounds of kihon dosa renzoku. If they made it through to the semi-finals, the upper level kids did shomen uchi jiyu-waza, and the lower group a set of 3 yellow belt level techniques. The finals had 4 kids (in teams of 2) compete by doing either shomen tsuki jiyu-waza or for the lower class, 3 orange belt level techniques.

Congratulations to the finalists, but a great job by all. Everyone tried super hard, not only in the competition, but by enduring 2 hours of seiza in the freezing cold, February weather (no heat inside the sports center).

By 3:20 all the kids had left for home, certificates in hand (this year, all participants received one) and ready to start preparing for their upcoming spring tests.

From 3:25 the 3rd annual special training began. 70 people were split into 2 groups, Ando Sensei taught some ken and jo kata, while Kyoto's Payet Sensei taught a nice variety of cross-wrist grasp techniques. After 50 minutes, the groups moved to opposite sides of the dojo and spent some time training with the other Shihan.

Noda City is a small rural city, not even a convenience store near the station (which is rare in Japan). But still everyone got together in the local sushi bar for some food and drinks.

Payet Sensei still had to get back to Kyoto, so the party ended a bit earlier than usual. Being that the following day we all had work, and add to that the almost 2 hour long ride back to Urayasu, the time worked out fine.

Jim Dawes

Kangeiko has Begun

2010-02-01T18:24:00.003+09:00

Today was the first day of the 11th Annual Winter training. 7 consecutive days of early morning, freezing cold review of basic techniques. Today Ando Shihan taught 8 different ikkajo techniques during this 1 hour class.

Well time to sleep. Next Blog will be some time after February 7th. Goodnight!

Jim Dawes

Honbu Dojo Kagami Biraki

2010-01-24T18:55:00.007+09:00

Today I accompanied Ando Sensei to the first Kagami Biraki at the new Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo in Takadanobaba, Tokyo. I've been hearing how small the new dojo is, and today I got to see for myself. Compared to Ryu Dojo the main area is just a bit bigger; but squeeze in 2 rows of chairs, 20 VIPs and about 30 spectators, you are left with only about 30 tatami. There were also about 20-30 more people who watched via television/camera in the connecting smaller dojo.

All of the demonstrations were good, but for me it was refreshing to see the International Senshusei and foreign staff. Their spirit and enthusiasm reminded me exactly why I travelled across the world to delve deeper into this great art of Yoshinkan Aikido.

Like last year, unfortunately I missed out again on the party. But hard to complain, I was able to take part in both the first and last Kagami Biraki of the new and old Honbu Dojo. As well as see some old friends and teachers. I look forward to seeing everyone again this May at the 20th Urayasu Aikido Demonstration.

Jim Dawes

Kagami Biraki

2010-01-18T21:18:00.023+09:00

This year I was in charge of organizing and MC-ing the Kagami Biraki demonstration and Oshirukokai party. Although this was my 4th time attending/helping, I wasn't aware of how much preparation is involved in such a short (3 hour) event. All in all everything went fairly smooth and the attendees enjoyed the training, demos and sweet bean mochi soup.

Until now, the Sunday regular members have missed out on their training due to the kagami biraki...So this year we decided to add a special class. Mitsuhashi Sensei taught 60 minutes of basic and advanced techniques rooted around ikkajo. Over 60 people participated.

After the special training "koushukai", we began the Enbu. First everyone did kihon dosa renzoku. Then a very cute demonstration by the 3-6 year olds. Following them, I taught a basic technique, and adults and children were paired up to practice at their own pace.

Next, kids brown belt and up did some jiyu-waza. The space was limited, but they did great! It looks like everyone has already begun practicing for the upcoming Junior Tournament. Next, adult kakari geiko, instructor jiyu-waza, the 7th annual Tokubetsu Course, and Yoshinkan finishing with Ando Shihan.

After a short but powerful demonstration by Aiki-kai's Nakajima Shihan, it was time for the Oshirukokai. Thanks to the 16 helpers who spent the morning mixing and making mochi. And no thanks to the brand new mochi machine we bought which came without a few important parts and therefore unusable. Luckily we had 2 others.

P.S. Can you spot James Fish? Alaska's Shoryukan Dojo's James Fish visited us for 3 days over the weekend. This was Jim's 3rd visit to Ryu. Although this time was shorter than usual, he did still manage to get a lot of training in. It was nice to see him again, and to meet his wife, Nina. Hopefully we see them again next year.

Jim Dawes

Early January Gasshuku visitors.

2010-01-18T21:16:00.003+09:00

From left to right: Nikolai Zherdev from Moscow's Seieikan Dojo, Alex Bischof from Germany, Nicholas Denny, originally from the UK, but now living and working in Moscow, and myself.

Everyone arrived the first week back after the winter holidays. Training 3 to 4 classes a day has been wearing down bodies mentally and physically, but for the most part everyone persevered.

Thanks to Nicholas for treating us all to a great dinner on the 22nd floor of the Brighton Hotel here in Shin-Urayasu. Hope to see everyone again here or there.

Jim Dawes

1st party of the year!

2010-01-15T15:50:00.009+09:00

Monday January 11th, Ryu Dojo hosted its first party of the year "shinnenkai". For the most part the party was just like any other, lots of food, drinking and socializing. But every year during the shinnenkai we give a brief rundown of this years upcoming events etc. As well as a small discussion time where the regular members get to give their input on things we here at Ryu could improve.

In the first picture, Nishi-san receives the first ever MVP award for most upcoming dojo. Sakura Dokokai, with the help of Hotta Sensei has been rapidly growing into a fun and friendly great place to train, with now more than 30 regular students. Congratulations and the best of luck to continued success!

Jim Dawes

Just in time for the new year!

2009-12-26T10:36:00.003+09:00

Click here to view the new yearly and monthly Ryu Dojo calendars and send us an e-mail if you would like to order one.

Birth Announcement

2009-12-22T17:07:00.004+09:00

We are very proud and happy to announce the birth of our son, Taihei Ando. Taihei was born a few days earlier than expected at 5:43 am on Monday the 14th of December at the Oshio Clinic in Urayasu. The Japanese characters for Taihei are "太平" and his name means "great peace".

We are touched and grateful for all the kind wishes we have received from everybody all around the world and we would like to wish everyone a festive season as blessed and joyful as ours.

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2010!

Tsuneo and Stephanie Ando.

Holiday Season

2009-12-22T13:26:00.006+09:00

Last Saturday, Fukiage Dokokai hosted their annual Christmas party. It's now been 6 Christmas's that I've been away from home, so it was nice to have the family atmosphere with home cooked food and snacks, drinks, special Santa Clause guest appearance, bingo, gifts...

Thanks to the Inoue family and all the Fukiage members for 2009 and I look forward to 2010. Congratulations to all who tested and passed their winter tests.

Jim Dawes

December Visitors

2009-12-09T13:40:00.004+09:00

The end of 2009 has been packed with visitors. From the middle of November to half way through December 2nd time visitor Joost (from Holland) had been training along with us 4 classes a day. Joost first visited us last year, and I could definetly see a difference in his technique since the previous visit. Joost is a quiet, humble and easy going guy. We hope to one day visit him at his home dojo in Amsterdam.

Along with Joost, another 2nd time guest, Francoise Niglaut arrived late in November and departed December 9th. Unfortunately for Francoise, an injury on her 5th day put her out of training. But she did turn up almost every class to watch and try and absorb as much as possible.

Thanks to both of them for coming and staying with us. We hope they enjoyed their time here at Ryu Dojo and during the Kyoto Gasshuku. Happy Holidays and we look forward to our next meeting.

Jim Dawes

Online live training

2009-11-27T13:18:00.013+09:00

About 2 and a half years ago Fernando Martinez(4th dan in Aiki-kai), contacted Ryu Dojo about coming to Japan and studying Yoshinkan direct with Ando Sensei. Fernando had seen videos of Gozo Shioda Sensei on YouTube and instantly became intrigued with the Yoshinkan Style. In 2007 Fernando and his wife, Jimena made the long and expensive flight to Japan. Fernando trained hard, and after a few weeks he returned to Argentina to try and spread what he had learned.

Early October of this year Ando Shihan went to Fernando Sensei's newly named "Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu Ginrukan Dojo". During Ando Sensei's time in Argentina Fernando expressed his interest in continuing constant Yoshinkan training and the need for instruction and feedback, but the problem being, Argentina is on the other side of the world.

Well after a few weeks of trial and error - 12 hours of time difference, language misunderstandings, weak signals, bad mics and cameras... I am happy to say, yesterday marked the first successful live Skype training session. Kihon dosa, shomen uchi ikkajo osae 1, katate mochi shihonage 1 and 2 .

Although there are still definitely some bugs to be worked out, I think it's a great step in keeping stronger connections with fellow aikidoka who don't have the luxury of nearby instructors. For people who can't afford the time/money to fly to Japan and/or just wish to be linked with Ryu directly, please contact me for more information. jim@aikidoryu.or.jp

Jim Dawes

Totally Random

2009-11-23T09:04:00.002+09:00

Click here to see a lovely digital photo album made by Katagiri, including some pictures of the All Japan demonstration last month and of the recent visitors from St Petersburg.

November Visitors

2009-11-20T13:16:00.010+09:00

We are only half way through November and already this month has seen quite a few visitors to Ryu Dojo. Rustam Karimov Sensei from the Sutemi Dojo in Saint Petersburg, Russia, along with 4 of his students are in Japan for 2 weeks and came by to train with us for a few days. Rustam Sensei has been to Japan 4 times, but this time is special because he got to travel along with first timers, Ilya, Maxim, Anton, and Alexey.

I met Rustam Sensei for the first time last year when he alone came to Urayasu. Then again last March in Moscow, Rustam Sensei and a few of his students attended Ando Sensei's seminar. I also have communicated with Alexey a number of times through email... But it was especially nice to see everyone here in Japan. Unfortunately they only had 3 days here at Ryu, but everyone trained hard 3 or 4 times/day, and then enjoyed some relax time in the evenings. We look forward to seeing them all again next June when Ando Sensei visits Saint Petersburg for his 4th time.

Watanabe Akinori is no newbie to Ryu Dojo. He has been making regular trips since 2000. Making this year his 10th gasshuku at Ryu Dojo. Watanabe-san has stayed for 3 weeks and up every time, training 2/3 classes a day. Not only does he have some strong aikido, he's also a real down to earth friendly guy ( who can speak Japanese, German, and English).

During last years visit Watanbe-san tested and passed his 4dan test. In 10 years of Ryu Dojo visits, that was his first and only time to test in Japan. Watanabe-san is a current student of Munich, Germany's Nagano Hiromichi Sensei.

Jim Dawes

54th Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration

2009-11-04T10:56:00.029+09:00

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

2009-10-30T13:09:00.005+09:00

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!

2009-10-16T14:21:00.004+09:00

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

2009-10-14T13:06:00.006+09:00

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

2009-10-14T12:46:00.012+09:00

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

2009-10-03T14:30:00.001+09:00

Part 1:

Part 2:

Ryu Dojo 10th Anniversary Party

2009-10-01T09:26:00.012+09:00

After all the training on Saturday and Sunday, just under 100 people came over to celebrate 10 years of Ryu Dojo - helped along by a big barrel of sake sent to Ando Sensei by Takatomi san. Takatomi san introduced Ando Sensei to the company who built Ryu Dojo and was a big help in all aspects of the construction of the dojo.

Reception staff.

Ando Sensei and Umeda Kaycho crack open the sake.

Kampai!

Hotta Sensei dishes out the sake.

Apart from the barrel of sake, the party featured speeches from people who have been doing aikido for ten years or more. It was very interesting to hear their memories from the time before there was a Ryu Dojo and from the building of the dojo. Funayama san - a student from Yokohama - presented the dojo with an amazing picture of a dragon. This picture was drawn with a brush and ink, using one long brushstroke - never lifting the brush from the page!

Amiru gave an always energetic performance featuring some well-known Japanese songs as well as songs from his own CD.

The climax of the party was a video put together by Otahara san featuring photos and video clips of the last ten years of Ryu Dojo (video coming soon...) I won't tell you how many people or how long it took to figure out how to work the screen projector but it nearly gave Mitsuhashi Sensei a heart attack.

THANK YOU: to Otsuka san, his assistant and Ichiki san who worked from 8am until 6pm the previous Monday re-wallpapering the inside of the dojo for absolutely free (we bought them lunch); to everybody who helped out at the party setting up and at the reception; to Otahara san for working late into the night on the video; to everybody who attended the party and helped finish off the barrel; to everybody who sent e-mails and congratulations; and to all the special people who couldn't be there on Sunday but who have come and gone through Ryu Dojo over the years making it the place it is! Here's to the next ten years!

Ryu Dojo's 10th Anniversary Koshukai

2009-09-25T13:20:00.008+09:00

To celebrate Ryu Dojo's 10th year anniversary the weekend of Sept 19th and 20th was filled with a variety of events. Saturday early afternoon we had 5 people successfully test for their yoshinkan aikido instructors licence. This was followed by a special black belt only class taught by Ando shihan.

On the Sunday, after Urayasu dokkokai's regular kids and general classes, Ando shihan and Honbu Dojo's Chino shihan hosted a special 2 hour joint seminar. Over 120 people attended.

The attendees were divided up into 2 groups. Ando sensei focused on striking techniques such as front strike kotegaeshi, ikkajo, hijishime and so on.
Chino sensei's group worked on connecting and moving your partner when grabbed in katate or ryote.

This was the second time in the past year where Ando shihan and Chino shihan co-hosted a seminar. Both teachers similar style and size made for an as close as possible glance as to what us young people will ever get to the late Gozo Shioda sensei.

Following the seminar everyone walked over to Ryu Dojo for the official 10 Year Anniversary Party. More to come...

Jim Dawes