Payet Shihan Seminar – Nov 2009
Added: January 19th, 2010 | By: Shoshinkan | Topic: seminarIt was in November last year that we went to the Jacques Payet Shihan seminar in High Wycombe. It has been a while since Sensei Andy asked me to write an article about it, so my apologies to Sensei for the delay, but at least it’s given me the opportunity to fully reflect on the seminar.
I started thinking about this article by reading through some of the feedback from others who trained on the day.
“The one thing that struck me was the very strong themes running through all of the comments. It would appear that everybody who attended is in awe of Sensei Payet’s ability to effortlessly dominate and control his uke. That’s not to dismiss them lightly either.
There were some sizeable guys called up to uke. I seem to remember all of them shaking with effort and turning so red in the face they looked fit to burst. But at the same time showing an expression of utter amazement and surprise as they were clearly giving everything they had, yet still were being controlled with the greatest of ease.
Seeing feats like this, its possible to understand why some people claim that aikido is staged or faked. However, all the uke were more than willing to tell you that simply was not the case.”
“The whole seminar focused on a single theme; the ‘secret’ to Sensei Payet’s apparent superhuman strength! In reality this was just a demonstration of perfect balance. Nothing secret, nothing cunning, just the application of good, basic principles. I think it says a lot about Sensei Payet as a teacher and the breadth of knowledge he has of aikido, for him to be able to conduct an entire days seminar centred entirely around one concept.”
In Aikido, we very quickly come to learn that the techniques that we practice are not necessarily practical. But we all eventually understand that we’re learning concepts, even if at the time we don’t completely comprehend the concept that we’re learning. I think its fair to say that in the past my understanding and appreciation of this has been on a rather micro scale. However seeing Sensei Payet demonstrating balance and kamae at the seminar has given me a macro appreciation of the difference between techniques and concepts. Its certainly helped me to realise that the ultimate goal as an aikidoka is to not need techniques. The cruel irony of the situation is that there is no way to reach this point without a thorough understanding of the concepts that only come from a thorough understanding of the techniques. I think this is very similar to something I’ve heard Joe Thambu Shihan say before about “learn the technique, master the technique, forget the technique”.“I thought I had a good understanding of the key elements within kamae and was doing quite well at putting those into practice. However, in simple physical terms it would seem that when I think I’ve got my hips squared off, actually I haven’t and they need to come round further. Having had time to let that seminar sink in, I think what I’ve learned from Sensei Payet runs far deeper than that.”
On the Tuesday after the seminar, I was fortunate enough to be invited down to London to train under Sensei Payet in a small class environment. I’ve now been on the receiving end of Sensei Payet’s technique and although it feels counter-intuitive, I can’t argue with what I’ve experienced first hand. I found myself pushing as hard as I could against Sensei Payet’s kamae but felt absolutely no resistance. But despite my effort and the lack of resistance I was unable to affect his posture.
We spent the evening trying to put these ideas into practice just as we had in the seminar on the Saturday. There were brief fleeting moments when it felt like I was just starting to get the tiniest hint of these concepts to work. I think given the difference in experience between myself and Sensei Payet, this is perhaps the most I could hope for. I imagine over time that such insights of what is possible will become more frequent, more consistent and more controllable. However it is only possible to aim for such things after seeing that they are achievable.
I know Sensei Payet has been studying aikido for a very long time, I don’t suspect that I’ll ever be able to get to his level but then aikido is not about the destination, it is about the journey. What Sensei Payet has given me is a compass bearing to be able to follow. While I might never travel that far, I find it very reassuring to be able to see the destination and at least know that my journey’s heading in the right direction.
Steve Edwards
Mustard Sensei Seminar 07.11.09
Added: November 24th, 2009 | By: Shoshinkan | Topic: seminar The word “Magic” aptly describes what Sensei Mustard demonstrated over the two day seminar. It is amazing to see what one can achieve if they dedicate themselves to Aikido. The seminar venue was the Dartford Judo Center, a new Dojo built for training the cream of our Judo crop ready for the 2012 Olympic judo championships. Upon entering the Dojo, there is a sense of shock as the training area looks like it is covered in 1.5cm thin mats, which do not look comfortable to flip-fall on… however on closer inspection, the mats are sunk into the floor and sprung, much like the High Wycombe judo center. Everyone gets something different out of seminars; if training with people from different Dojo or different Aikido styles is your thing, then the Sensei Mustard seminar would have been just the seminar for you. At least 6 different Aikido clubs, covering 4 different styles attended (Yoshinkan, Aikiki, Shudokan, Tomiki). Robert Mustard Sensei was brilliant, in a class of his own. On the first day we opened the class with kihondosa. He pointed out that in aikido it is important that one assumes the proper attitude, physically, mentally and spiritually which starts from kamae. He also mentioned that the only way to learn is by actual experience through daily practice. We covered numerous techniques over the two days and sensei Mustard was careful to demonstrate each techniques before each students performed the techniques. Aikido is not about using strength and Sensei Mustard has proved that through demonstration of some of his aikido techniques. Sensei Mustard stressed how important it is not to rely on your arm strength but to move your whole body and everything needs to be on the centre line. If you have been to a Sensei Mustard seminar before you may have seen him withstand up to 10 Uke pushing him while he is in Kamae, or being able to walk forward whilst up to 10 Uke pull him from his belt. This is always impressive to witness, however, whilst demonstrating the concepts of Iriminage, he achieved an even more impressive demonstration… 5 Uke lined up, front to back and lightly pushed each other, Sensei Mustard then used Iriminage to send his energy through the first Uke, through the line, to the last Uke, who was then projected backwards and ended up on the floor. Attending a Sensei Mustard seminar is definitely worth it, even if it is just to be entertained by his demonstrations… not to mention that he is probably one of the nicest and friendliest Aikidoka out there. Steve James & Davie ElliottTest, Seminar and Party
Added: November 19th, 2009 | By: Shoshinkan | Topic: seminar, shoshinkan On the 19th December we will be holding our annual end of year test, seminar and party; for all Aikido Shoshinkan students this is not to be missed! Venue Long Eaton Judo Club, Kirkfields, Off Cross Street, Long Eaton Nottingham NG10 1HD www.longeatonjudoclub.co.uk Test: 09:00 – 12:00 Please register for the test with Andy Hobday Sensei Seminar: 13:00 – 16:00 Price: £5 Party: Via Fossa (Balcony) 44 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH Tickets on Sale now: £10 per person (guests welcome) Bouncers at doors, show your entry ticket otherwise you won’t be allowed in. 20:00 – Doors open: food, music, drinks 21:00 – Award Ceremony by Andy Hobday Sensei 23:00 – Draw (keep your entry ticket to win a prize!) 01:00 – Last order Even if you are unable to attend the test or the seminar please come along to the party. Please register and pay for the seminar and the party to: Genevieve Nadeau: genevieve.nadeau@perceptive.com Delphine Loliero: delphineloliero@hotmail.co.ukThe 3rd Aikido Shudokan International Gasshuku Malaysia
Added: October 30th, 2009 | By: Shoshinkan | Topic: seminarOn 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!
Genevieve Nadeau