Having started aikido a little over a month ago, I was somewhat tentative about attending my first seminar, but who could turn down an opportunity to learn from 2 of the highest ranking Shihan in the US (President and VP of the USAF)? There’s no way I could possibly remember half of everything that was taught, but I distinctly remember 3:
* Go SLOW and get it right.
* Go LOW when leading (blend>extend) uke in certain techniques.
* Keep your center LOW and focused in the waist AND thighs — balance.
Both Yamada Sensei and Demko Sensei were big on breathing exercises. They both had extensive warm-ups involving breathing. Demko Sensei also took some significant time explaining why.
Finally, I was able to experience something that (I was told) is relatively rare — a chance to converse, albeit briefly, with Yamada Sensei! I introduced myself to him, telling him where I was from and he asked me who my instructors are. When I responded with Main Sensei and Weiner Sensei, he responded with a genuine smile and said, “yes, very good” acknowledging his familiarity with the great teaching we get at Aikido of Charlotte! I went on to express my gratitude for what he has done for the art of Aikido in the US. Sensing he was checking out on interest, I moved on!
Suffice to say, I’ve been bitten by the seminar bug. Meanwhile, let’s all keep training hard together in our world-class dojo here in Charlotte!
…Tom-san
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