Aikido Federations Join Together for a Historic
Seminar in Ottawa, Canada
by Peter Bussell
Ryurei
Aikido, and independent Aikido dojo in Ottawa, Canada, hosted a unique and
most successful seminar the weekend of August 14th and 15th, 1999,
titled Harmony for All.
Koichi Kashiwaya, 8th Dan and Chief
Instructor
of Ki Society, USA.
This seminar was distinct, in that there were two senior instructors
from different Aikido affiliations teaching at the same seminar. Koichi Kashiwaya
Sensei, Hachidan, Chief Instructor USA Ki Society and Larry Bieri Sensei, Rokudan, Aikikai
Shidoin were the guest instructors for 55 participants representing 16 different dojos
from four affiliations located in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New York, Ohio, New
Jersey, Virginia and Washington.
Larry Bieri 6th Dan, Rokudan, Aikikai Shidoin
The participants included 22 Yudansha, who
enjoyed a totally different seminar to what most are accustomed. Both instructors
participated as regular aikidoka during the other’s classes. The attending were
introduced to philosophical ideas about aikido, the historical significance and purpose
behind much of aikido‘s protocols and other cultural necessities. in addition,
instruction on the correct folding of a Hakama allowing for the quick release of the ties
so one can put it on in about 30 seconds. Very interesting, although if I were being
attacked I think I could do without the Hakama.
There were surprised and interested looks on those
faces of people from such diverse dojos as the Yoshinkai and the Ki Society realizing that
they were in fact doing the same thing with almost the same points being emphasised.
This seminar was described by many as one of, if not
the best they have ever attended. It certainly was unique. Ground breaking in concept and
execution and should be repeated.
Ryurei Aikido, was extremely proud of its membership
who managed to put on such a memorable event. The calibre of instruction was as good as it
gets and all had a tremendously good weekend.
Submitted by:
Peter Bussell,
Ryurei Aikido. Ottawa, Canada
Permission to display all photos from Ryurei
Aikido, given by Peter Bussell.
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