On the 19th of October 2009, we started what was going to be a phenomenal experience! Not only did we get to visit Malaysia (which is absolutely fantastic) we got to train with some of the most gifted Sensei in Yoshinkan Aikido in the world.
The 3rd Aikido Shudokan international Gasshuku started on the 21st of October and finished on the 25th of October. This large international aikido get-together featured Joe Thambu Shihan (7th Dan) and Sensei Jon Marshall (5th Dan). Aikido students from all over the world flew to Malaysia to train and partake in an amazing atmosphere created by all.
Needless to say that the level of training was demanding but still extremely enjoyable (even in that humidity!). In addition to being instructed by Sensei Joe Thambu and Sensei Jon Marshall, we also received instruction from Sensei Paul Chapman, Sensei Micheal Pabiasz and Sensei Mark Hadiarja. On the 22nd of Oct we had the privilege of watching the grading of some of Sensei Ramlan’s students. Well done to all who graded!!
On the Friday, the training finished early and some of us decided to take advantage of the night life in Malaysia. We visited the Central Market and Chinatown. We even managed to barter and get some pretty good bargains!!
Saturday brought a whole day of training. We worked on our ukemi and had some more focussed training sessions on various aspects of aikido. In the evening, after a hard days training was the 3rd Aikido Shudokan International Demonstration. Although I have seen many demonstrations over the internet, nothing can prepare you for the sheer jaw dropping feats you will witness in a live aikido demonstration. I could not believe my eyes; I was thoroughly impressed by the level of skills from all who participated in the 3rd Aikido Shudokan International Demonstration. I went home buzzing that evening!
Sunday, the final day of training; at this point I felt exhausted but still raring to train and see what is in store for us. Once again, all of the Sensei have surpassed my expectations with their level of knowledge and skill in the art of Aikido.
Five o’clock hits – we have made it, and are absolutely grateful to all of the instructors that have taken time out of their lives to come and instruct us on a shared passion.
Obviously, a seminar would not be complete without a farewell dinner! Sunday night was dedicated to exactly that. We got to see a Silat demonstration, some traditional Malay dancing and experienced the delightful hospitability of Sensei Ramlan and his students. The food was great, the entertainment was fantastic and the company was priceless.
I have enjoyed every minutes of my time in Malaysia and I would not think twice about repeating this amazing experience!
Added: October 27th, 2009 | By:Shoshinkan | Topic:shoshinkan
At the foot of every page we have recently added a sign up box for what is our brand new newsletter.
With workshops and seminars already planned for 2010 the idea will be to send a mail out, no more than once a month to keep subscribers up to date with worthwhile news and events organised for the coming months.
Everyone is welcome to sign up not just members of Aikido Shoshinkan and not just practitioners of Aikido as we will be advertising beginners courses and also one off sessions such as self defence classes you might want to try.
You can sign up by just entering your email address in the sign up box and replying to the confirmation email.
Added: October 23rd, 2009 | By:Andy Hobday | Topic:seminar
Over the ANZAC Day Long Weekend in April 2010, Chida Tsutomu Shihan will be visiting Melbourne Australia for the first time in over 12 years as a guest of Aikido Shudokan. Chida Shihan was a top uchi-deshi of the Founder of Yoshinkan Aikido and can claim the longest career at Yoshinkan headquarters.
All the details can be found in our seminar section, for those who need reminding here is Chida Shihan in action.
The Miranda Sensei seminar was thoroughly enjoyable, and all the students who attended were great to train with. On entering the dojo, my first reaction was “erm… where area the mats?” The floor seemed to consist of nothing but a canvas sheet, which I winced at when thinking about doing flip-falls.
We started with a fairly energetic warm-up followed by kihon dosa (a little easier on the canvas surface). Miranda Sensei then showed us variations of techniques (for example, katate mochi nikajjo-hijishime). Throughout the seminar he focussed on the importance of kihon dosa in techniques – highlighted by the fact that many of us could attempt techniques we had never tried before by using the appropriate combination of kihon dosa.
Miranda Sensei also explained the importance of shitei’s centreline and attacking uke along a line where they weak. He demonstrated this by telling stories of his experiences and then using an uke to give a visual aid. One of the interesting aspects of the seminar was how to turn a ni technique into an ichi technique, usually by using tai no henko.
The Goryukan Stafford students made attending the seminar enjoyable with their friendly attitude towards us Nottingham folk. I thank them for their warm hospitality (which extended to making cups of coffee for us before the seminar started).
Junior all levels grading held on the 10th October 2009, congratulations to all those who tested all students showed tremendous focus and true Yoshinkan spirit - Osu.
8th Kyu
Dylan Dewshi
James Evans-Grainger
Aden Glover-Newson
Harley Glover-Newson
Lucas Lowenthal-Stewart
7th Kyu
Charlie Abbey
Emily Armstrong
Scott Barnfield
Harry Holmes
Shandon Kellam
George Polkinghorne
Tom Polkinghorne
Agata Wyrozebski
