SoCal Jodo

Had a great time at the PNKF Jodo seminar and exam in Seattle last weekend! Thanks to Hoshu Dojo for inviting me! Congratulations to everyone who passed their exams!

Some pics from yesterday's class - Ritsuko and Glenn going at it.

I was reminded of my first Aikido teacher, Kanai Sensei, as we were discussing the idea of “stealing with your eyes” after class the other night. I first heard this expression almost 30 years ago when I was a student at New England Aikikai. Plenty of people of have written about this idea, but Kanai Sensei’s teachings embodied it. I remember his clear demonstrations of techniques with hardly a word of explanation – you really had to watch closely and figure out for yourself how he made the techniques work. The other night we talked not only about the active role of the student in the process of learning, but also the importance of developing the ability to see clearly, a foundational skill for any martial artist.

Kanai Sensei is perhaps better known for his deep exploration of the technical basis of Aikido, much of which applies to practically every martial art, including Jodo, as you can see for yourself in his “Technical Aikido” here:

Kanai Sensei — New England Aikikai Chief Instructor of New England Aikikai from 1966-2004, Mitsunari Kanai Shihan was one of the last uchi deshi (live-in apprentice) of the founder of Aikido, Professor Morihei Ueshiba, or O-Sensei, with whom he studied intensively for over ten years.  An 8th degree black belt in Aikido, Kanai Sense...

Here are some photos from Thierry's recent visit. Everyone had a great time. I was particularly happy since I was not able to attend this year's summer seminar in Briançon. It was like bringing a little bit of Briançon to SoCal!

Looking forward to Thierry's next visit!

We celebrated Bob's 70th birthday after class with a "Kampai!" Happy Birthday Bob! That is quite an accomplishment - 70 years and still going strong!

Menjo arrived for Conrad, Ritsuko, and Bijan after passing their exams in Grand Rapids. After class we celebrated with dinner and "Kampai!" and Bob's delicious carrot cake!

Thanks again to Michigan Koryu Kenkyukai - West for hosting a great seminar and exam!

Friday was pretty much a perfect evening: keiko followed by a delicious dinner of Okinawan food at Habuya FAN PAGE!

Here are some more photos of us at the Grand Rapids seminar. Great opportunity to train with people from across the country!

Celebration dinner for everyone who passed their exams at one of our favorite restaurants, OkiDoki Izakaya

Congratulations Everyone!!!

Congratulations to everyone who passed their exams at last weekend's seminar in Grand Rapids! All of those who tested from BUTOKUDEN Kendo Dojo of Irvine passed their exams! Well done Conrad, Ritsuko, and Bijan!