Aikido

Interview with Sean Hannon of Castle Rock AIKIDO

1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

Founded in 2007 by Dr. Sean Hannon, Castle Rock AIKIDO has a very unique origin. Unlike almost all other martial arts schools, our school was founded by a white belt! That is, Sean had trained Japanese Aikido at numerous dojos around the US throughout his 20s, but due to a number of moves and career changes, he was unable to make much progress attaining rank.

Then in 2006, Sean injured his spine so severely that he was unable to walk, sit, or stand without extreme pain for over one year. Since drugs and surgery were not an option for him, Sean had to heal exclusively through natural means. During his recovery, he made a promise to himself that when he did heal his spine he would open an Aikido dojo, thus returning to one of the activities that gave him the most joy when he was younger.

There was only one big problem with this plan: Sean was not a black belt in Aikido! But, rather than wait until he was qualified to teach, Sean solicited numerous Aikido instructors from the area and created Castle Rock AIKIDO, a traditional Japanese martial arts school exclusively for adults in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Furthermore, dojo authenticity and integrity were important for Sean. It was critical that the school always be a dojo first and a business second.  So, experienced, high quality instructors with good attitudes were a must.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

Castle Rock AIKIDO offers only two arts: Aikido and Iaido – both of which are highly complementary to one another.

Aikido is a powerful martial art developed in Japan throughout the mid 20th century by a man named Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido differs from most other martial arts in that the practitioner seeks to achieve self-defense without necessarily injuring their attacker(s). Furthermore, there are no tournaments or sport applications in Aikido. Therefore, Aikido is non-competitive.

Generally speaking, Aikido is most often practiced with a partner where one person functions as an attacker and the other person practices defensive Aikido techniques. About half of Aikido’s techniques involve joint locks which enable the partner or “attacker” to be moved to a pinning position where they can be held without injury. Other techniques involve throwing the partner. An Aikido student spends a great deal of training time learning how to fall safely. Proper falling is a fundamental component to the practice of Aikido.

The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature. Most attacks are linear. An Aikido student harmonizes with, rather than confronts the linear attack and converts the energy of that linear attack into a circular energy that, ultimately, renders the attacker or attackers helpless.

Instead of using potentially crippling kicks or punches, the Aikido student trains to apply various wristlocks, arm pins, or unbalancing throws to neutralize aggressors without injury. Aikido is a 100% defensive martial art. The so-called “attacks” taught in Aikido are merely for purposes of learning to defend against those attacks rather than for the purpose of injuring an opponent.

Spectators often describe Aikido as looking very dance-like. This quality is essential to the safe and effective practice of Aikido. Aikido’s techniques can be so devastating that if the two Aikido practitioners do not harmonize their respective movements with such a dance-like quality carefully, injury could easily occur. Students quickly discover that the strength of Aikido lay not in muscular force, but in flexibility, timing, control, and modesty.

Watching two experienced Aikido students or masters practice together can be an awesome site. An acute observer will notice a distinct, but subtle harmonizing energy forged between the two of them. This harmonizing energy, or connection, is highly sought after by Aikido practitioners and, when experienced, has the potential to transform the lives of Aikido participants. This transformation takes place not only in one’s ability to defend oneself physically, but also in every other aspect of one’s life. The uniqueness of Aikido makes it possible to experience deep levels of mental relaxation, emotional calmness, acute concentration and peak physical fitness in our daily lives. Aikido is the education and refinement of the spirit.

Iaido (pronounced ‘ee’-‘yai’-‘doh’) is the traditional Japanese art of drawing, cutting, and retracting the Japanese samurai sword or ‘katana.’ The word Iaido literally translates as “the way of mental presence and immediate reaction.” The art of Iaido is a product of Japan’s 17th and 18th century Edo-period, more commonly known by Americans as the era of the Shogun. Renowned Japanese martial artist, Nakayama Hakudo (1873-1958 ), is generally credited with coining the term Iaido and is the founder of the style of Iaido practiced in Castle Rock called Muso-Shinden-Ryu.

Iaido is a distinct, non-combative form of martial arts intended to cultivate a practitioner’s spirit. Unlike other sword arts, Iaido is generally practiced as a solo exercise or ‘tandoku keiko.’ Like Aikido, Iaido is purely a defensive martial practice.

The art of Iaido involves four stages of sword mechanics:

1. the draw (Nukitsuke);
2. the cutting action (Kiritsuke);
3. the simulated removal of blood from the blade (Chiburi); and
4. the return of the blade to its scabbard (Noto)

In the proper practice of Iaido, each of these stages must be performed in an efficient manner and smoothly blended into a single unit of performance over which an unbroken state of relaxed alertness and awareness or ‘Zanshin’ is present.

Mastery of the art of Iaido is immensely challenging because the ultimate purpose of Iaido is to acquire the ability to win over your enemy without even drawing your sword; that is, to spiritually conquer your opponent with your sword left in the sheath.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

Through physical training, Castle Rock AIKIDO imparts numerous virtues to its students based principally on the Seven Virtues of Bushido as articulated in the 1899 book Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe. These include:

1. Justice (or Rectitude) – ‘Gi’
2. Courage – ‘Yu’
3. Benevolence – ‘Jin’
4. Politeness – ‘Rei’
5. Truthfulness (or Veracity) – ‘Makoto’
6. Honor – ‘Yo’
7. Loyalty – ‘Chu’

These virtues are not taught academically in class, but viscerally through physical training. Over time students learn to internalize these virtues as they relate to themselves, for example, self-Rectitude, self-Loyalty, self-Truthfulness, and self-Honor. One cannot hide behind intellectual or philosophical artifices in a martial arts class. One’s true self is discovered, challenged, and cultivated on the mat.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

The truth is that learning martial arts is NOT important today. Learning martial arts is valuable and is something we hope many people are interested in learning, but it certainly isn’t essential. Today, most people can survive and get by in life without learning a martial art. The value in martial arts comes from the moral and spiritual training it provides a person with. Success lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of one’s character. Through the arts of Aikido and Iaido students can discover within themselves a power they never knew they had that can serve them in any and every capacity of their lives, if they so choose.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

Castle Rock AIKIDO is a very unique school in that we are a conglomerate of talented instructors who come from a fairly wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, educations, and lineages. This, initially, posed a bit of a challenge as different instructors have different styles and methods of teaching. Learning to integrate the various differences took some time. However, when we surveyed our students, we discovered that the overwhelming majority of the students found the diversity to be far more valuable than simply learning one, myopic approach. It does make the program somewhat more challenging to learn, but one doesn’t train a martial art because it’s easy. They train a martial art because it’s hard!

The only other challenge we’ve experienced is getting over the stereo-type that martial arts is just for kids. Our program is 100% adult. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in either our Aikido or Iaido program. We make absolutely no exceptions to this rule. However, quite regularly we still get phone calls from parents with a “tall” or “mature” 14-year old who wants to participate in our program. Unfortunately, we must say no to that parent because we have people driving great distances from all over Colorado coming to train with us here specifically because we are adult-exclusive.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Many Japanese martial arts came into popularity in the US shortly after World War II. A prospective student should be aware that many Japanese were profoundly affected by the devastating impact the Pacific War had on the country and, subsequently, the purpose, philosophy, and attitude behind practicing Japanese martial arts went through an evolution of sorts. Martial arts like Aikido and Iaido became must less conflict-oriented and much more about bringing harmony through the study of martial arts. They became less about killing and more about personal development and the refinement of one’s character. A famous quote by the founder of Aikido expresses this as “True victory is victory over oneself.” A prospective student looking only to become a lean, mean fighting machine may want to look outside of Japanese arts for this reason.

On a more pragmatic side of deciding what kind of school to join, it is our advice to NEVER join a martial arts school that forces you to sign a time-based contract. In our opinion, if a school is good enough they shouldn’t have to contractually force you to stay! Doesn’t that make sense?

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

Andrew Blevins Sensei has been training in Aikido for over 23 years. During these years, he has had the privilege of being an “otomo” — or traveling assistant — for high-ranking Aikido instructors teaching Aikido in countries such as Scotland, Brazil, Czech Republic, and, of course, the United States. Blevins Sensei has family from Osaka, Japan, which has contributed to his competence with the Japanese language and understanding of, and familiarity with, Japanese culture and customs.

Tip Harris Sensei has been practicing Aikido for almost a quarter century (since 1984) and has been teaching for over 15 years. Before that he studied the Japanese art of Judo. He earned both his 1st and 2nd degree black belts from Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan of Boulder, Colorado. He attends between four and five Aikido seminars each year and has also traveled throughout Japan on multiple occasions. At age 66, Harris Sensei credits decades of Aikido training for his continued agility, flexibility, strength, and power.

Mariquita Izawa Sensei began her Aikido training in 1978 at the Hombu dojo in Tokyo, Japan under the 2nd head of the art, “Doshu” Kisshomaru Ueshiba (the son of the Founder). Izawa Sensei has also trained with other prominent Aikikai Aikido instructors in Japan and the United States such as Osawa Sensei (Sr.), Ichihashi Sensei, Seki Sensei, and Mitsunari Kanai Sensei. As such, she offers a very traditional, powerful, and authentic style of Aikido.

Steven Shaw Sensei received his 2nd degree black belt in Aikido and his 3rd black belt in the Musoshinden-ryu style of Iaido (the Japanese art of sword drawing). Both ranks were earned under the late Reverend Kensho Furuya Sensei at the Aikido Center of Los Angeles.

Pat Musselman Sensei has been training Aikido since 1991 under the direction of Bill Sosa Sensei in Manhattan, Kansas. He earned his san-dan (3rd degree black belt) at the Aikido of Phoenix dojo under Fred Mastison Sensei. Patrick is a police officer in Colorado, a Certified Personal Protection Instructor, and a plank holder in the Tactical Applications Association (TAA).

Monica Iwakabe Sensei began her martial arts study in 1991 while Germany serving in the United States Army. After two years training in Shotokan Karate, she was fortunate enough to be transferred to Colorado where she began her Iaido training at Rocky Mountain Budokan with Iwakabe, Hideki Sensei in 2000. Monica is the instructor for Castle Rock’s Iaido program.

Interview with Sensei Ronald Nilo of Shuseikan

1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

The founder of Shuseikan is Sensei Ronald Nilo and his first four (4) students. The origin of Shuseikan can be traced back some time in September 1997 when Roel Santos, Ronnie Nilo, Joel Astronomia and David Reyes approached Nilo Sensei and requested for instruction in Aikido. At first Nilo Sensei had second thoughts. The idea of becoming an instructor never before came into his mind. When he started studying Aikido on March 29, 1993, his intention was only to keep physically fit and was not even interested in getting any belt. But as he came to know more about the art of Aikido and the underlying principles why O’Sensei developed it, he begun to love the art, and started adopting its principles not only during practice session but in everyday life. He finally thought it is a chance to share the wisdom of Aikido to willing and dedicated students. After getting approval from his sensei, he officially started sharing the art to his first white belts on September 13, 1997. The first dojo was a small room at Azzam compound in North Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Now, Shuseikan has several dojos not only in Jeddah but also in Riyadh, Al-Khobar, Dammam, Dubai, Uruguay, Spain and in Doha, Qatar where Sensei Nilo currently resides.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

We teach Shuseikan Aikido. SHUSEIKAN AIKIDO is an Aikido teaching system developed by Sensei Ronald Nilo based on his study of different styles and derivatives of Aikido since 1993 and his teaching experience since 1997. The techniques of Shuseikan Aikido are a conglomeration of the effective elements of Combat Aikido, Yoshinkan Aikido, Traditional Aikido, Ki Aikido, Shuyokan Ryu Aikido, Shuyokan Goshin Jutsu, Kickboxing and Arnis.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

The basic principle of Aikido is to get off the line of attack, harmonize with it, and use the power of the opponent against himself. In practice, it means blending with the movement and energy of your partner. In dealing with other people, it is the ability to control encounters for the good, changing a hostile approach to a healthy encounter or an attack into a handshake.

All members of Shuseikan are expected to practice seven (7) virtues in everyday life: courtesy, honor, benevolence, wisdom, sincerity, loyalty and piety.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

Martial arts is a good way or even the best way to develop discipline, dedication and determination – which are the key elements needed by people to succeed.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?
As the organization grew, more and more people of different nationalities and backgrounds join. The first difficulty starts with the language – when the student and the teacher do not speak the same language. The good thing is that in Aikido you do not need to talk much. You teach by showing the technique, by your body language. It is of course an advantage when you know basic Arabic and Spanish in addition to our language of Tagalog and English.
Skeptics and people from different martial arts background come to challenge the instructor and the art. You must be prepared to defend your martial art. You must show what stuff your martial art has. This is what I did, and what I will always do. And every time I do it well, the skeptics become my students.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Seek the martial art that is suitable for you. Research through reading books and through the internet. Visit some dojos in your area and observe the training. Have a feel of what is going on inside the mat. Talk to the instructor (who will eventually lead you the way). Research about the instructor – his credentials, his martial arts background and the authenticity of his art. Once decided, go for it and enroll. You will never regret getting into the exciting world of martial arts. Good luck!

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

Ronald Nilo Sensei was born on February 11, 1967 in Isabela, Philippines to Pepe Carpo Nilo and Anita Balot Nilo.

• Started training in Aikido and Kickboxing under his first sensei Nestor Suliva of the Philippine Aikido Sports Association, on March 29, 1993. Later in February 1994 Suliva Sensei formed the Philippine Arbokaido Martial Arts Club where Nilo became his No. 1 student.
• Champion, “Battle of Kickboxers”, Al-Ittihad Sports Complex, Jeddah, KSA on October 6, 1995.
• Received Shodan from Sensei Nestor Suliva on August 22, 1997.
• Started teaching Aikido and Kickboxing on September 13, 1997.
• Attended special training in Traditional Aikido under Sensei Raymundo Lotino, Kai Shin Kan Aikido from July 10, 1998 to September 29, 1998.
• Received Instructor’s Certificate from Sensei Raymundo Lotino on September 29, 1998.
• Received Nidan from Master Boy Buayan, Asian Martial Arts Federation on July 1, 1999.
• Registered as Director of Saudi Arabia Shuyokai – international branch dojo of International Shuyokan Aikido
Federation under Shodai Soke David Dye, Founder and Headmaster, on October 10, 2000.
• Received Sandan from Soke David Dye on October 12, 2001.
• Received name Shuseikan from Soke David Dye on October 25, 2004.
• Received 4th Dan from Soke David Dye on June 30, 2005.

Nilo Sensei continues his study of Aikido and has attended seminars and demonstrations conducted by Fujita Masatake Shihan of Hombu Dojo, Japan, Harry Ng Shihan of Singapore Aikikai, Mutsuko Minegeshi of Saipan Aikikai, Motohiro Fukakusa Shihan of Thailand Aikido Association, Paul Lee Shihan of Taiwan Aikikai and Takao Arisue Sensei.

Interview with Dunken Francis of the Institute of Aikido Auckland

1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

We have two dojos – one in the north of Auckland (New Zealand) and a brand new, fulltime dojo which we have built on my property in Silverdale, about 20 minutes north of Auckland City. The new dojo is built from a converted barn and we are lucky enough to now have a fulltime training facility, with 110 mats, and basic facilities for live-in students. I am the senior instructor at both dojos, and I currently hold the rank of 4th dan.

The dojo I “grew up in” in the UK was the Hut dojo in London. I started there aged 10 back in 1974 under sensei H W Foster 7th dan, who is still teaching there today at the age of 84, and is the technical director of the Institute of Aikido worldwide. Sensei Foster was one of the original students of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei back in the late 1950’s, and the Hut dojo was the birthplace of Aikido in the UK.

I emigrated with my family to New Zealand in 2005, and it has taken us a few years to built the new dojo and get an organization established. We are very lucky to have a great group of students who are really enthusiastic, and I think this shows in the atmosphere we get on the mat and is contributing to the rapid growth of our group.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

Traditional Aikido. We don’t follow a particular ’style’ per se, but due to Sensei Fosters strong links with Saito sensei we do follow the Ria-ai system of using Jo and Bokken weapons systems to improve our tai-jujtsu. I am a strong believer in looking at all the information available, including within martial arts, so if a student goes away to see another sensei, we always have a session afterwards to examine what they thought was interesting or valuable. In 2003 I published “Aikido – A beginner’s guide” and the DVD “Aikido – the first steps” to try to encourage people into our beautiful art, and we purposely kept the information as non style-specific as we could to give make it as relevant as possible to as many people as possible.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

Train for others to train yourself. We have a wide variety of ages, nationalities, shapes and sizes, so everyone has to find their own Aikido, within the constraints of the syllabus. We are very lucky to live in a country where diversity is seen as a good thing. There is a strong focus within our training upon ukemi – the ability to fall safely is a valuable life skill.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

Within the modern lifestyle, it is easy to become lazy and internally focused. Studying a martial art is a bit like having children – it makes you realize that you are not the most important person in the world and it keeps you fit as well.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

In 2005 I was diagnosed as a type I diabetic, so now I have to inject insulin 4 or 5 times a day and do regular blood tests. I try to be as vigilant as I can as this condition can make you very ill if not managed properly, but there is no doubt that my fitness level has dropped a bit since, and I have to be careful when training that my sugar levels don’t drop too low. In 2008 I dislocated my left shoulder and damaged the AC joint, and this has also been a slow healer. I think the reality is that when you get past 40, the body does start to fall apart a bit, so you just have to look after yourself a bit more carefully. As far as teaching is concerned, the biggest challenge for me is my kids’ classes. We take children from the age of 8, and sometime keeping their focus and concentration is a real battle. Over the years I have gradually developed a set of exercise and games all based upon Aikido movement and technique, and by delivering these in short segments mixed in with ‘proper’ aikido syllabus work and keeping the class moving we seem to have built a very successful youth group.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

• Make sure your family and friends realize that training nights are sacred. None of my friends would even consider asking me out on a training night. If you miss one class, it’s easy to slip, and hard to get back into the routine.

• Don’t be bullied. If you are at a school where the instructor or senior students expect you to bow and scrape and treat you like inferiors, leave! There are many good dojos in every city in the world, so visit a few before you pick one.

• Train to your comfortable limit. If you don’t push yourself you’ll never make progress, but we are not living in Feudal Japan so be sensible – you have to go to work tomorrow!

• Keep an open mind. I have added a lot to my understanding of Aikido from training with Jujitsu people, Eagle claw Kung Fu people, Tai Chi people, even Yoga.

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

Dunken Francis 4th dan (Born 1964)
Sensei Francis trained under H.W. Foster sensei since beginning his Aikido career as a child in 1974, and for a several years was also a student of Ron Russell sensei.

Training at The Hut dojo instilled a commitment to the principles of Riai – “Blending of Truths”, and subsequently he is a strong advocate for the regular practice of Aiki-jo and Aiki-ken.

In 2005 he moved to Auckland with his wife and daughter, and in 2007 set up the Institute of Aikido dojo in Okura, with plans for a new, full-time dojo in Silverdale later this year.

Mainly focusing upon teaching beginners and bringing newcomers into the art, and to help newcomers clarify the myriad of techniques and technical terms used, “Aikido – A Beginner’s Guide” was published in July 2003 (see www.aikido4beginners.co.uk .)

Interview with Matjaž Dobravec of Shodokan dojo

1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

The founder of the Shodokan dojo is sensei Matjaž Dobravec who has trained aikido since 1993. In 1999 the dojo joined Aikido Association International, then headed by shihan Fumio Toyoda. The dojo has grown steadily since then. We are currently one of the largest aikido dojos in Slovenia, with regular practice taking place in five towns, including the capital Ljubljana.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

We teach aikido in the style of aikikai, as taught by shihan Fumio Toyoda. Occasionally we cooperate with schools of martial art to broaden our horizons. For example, we have had karate and grappling lessons. Lately some of the senior dojo members have started practicing iado.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

We follow the teachings and philosophy of O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido. Perhaps the most important principle taught by the founder was that one should resolve conflicts by seeking harmony (‘ai’ in aikido) with the opponent, rather than resorting to aggression.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

In our experience, training martial arts has many practical benefits, such as staying fit and being able to defend oneself. On a deeper level, vigorous training unifies body and spirit. In other words, it makes a person whole.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

For many years our main logistical problem was lack of permanent training place. Lately, things have been much better as we opened dojos in several towns so that we are not dependent on a single place of training anymore.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Serious training of a martial art requires long-term personal commitment and devotion. Only after many years of training can one begin to look beyond particular techniques and gain true understanding of the basic martial principles. A beginner should therefore not be discouraged by initial confusion or apparent slow progress. On the contrary, one should expect to progress slowly and to keep discovering new insights in old lessons that one has heard a thousand times.

7. Can you please give a short biography of your dojo’s instructor(s)?

The chief instructor and the club president is sensei Matjaž Dobravec, who currently holds the yondan degree (4th dan). He started practicing aikido in 1993, and has taught aikido since 1997. He received his yudansha degree in 1999 from Shihan Fumio Toyoda. In 2000 he was invited as an uchideshi to Toyoda’s dojo in Chicago.

There he received instructor training and learned the teaching methodology of Shihan Fumio Toyoda. In 2002 he successfully tested for nidan. He received his sandan degree in 2005, and the yondan degree in the spring of 2009.

In October 2008 sensei Matjaž Dobravec received a special recognition for his devotion to and promotion of the Japanese culture and martial arts from his Excellency Mr. Maruyama, the Japanese ambassador to Slovenia.

Interview with Matthew Lynch of Mashuu Dojo

1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

Matthew Lynch founded Mashuu Dojo in 2003, as the only licensed branch of the International Shinkendo Federation in the San Fernando Valley. Sensei Lynch is a direct student of the Headmaster and Founder, Toshishiro Obata, and has been studying from him for over ten years. Obata Sensei encouraged him to open his own school to help spread Shinkendo.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

Our dojo is a licensed branch of the International Shinkendo Federation, founded by Toshishiro Obata. Obata Sensei founded Shinkendo to create a way to teach all facets of proven, legitimate Japanese Swordsmanship under one roof. Up until that time, schools in Japan only taught one or maybe two facets of sword (drawing exercises only, or sparring but no target-cutting… etc). Obata Sensei had studied from many of the major schools in Japan, then left for America to consolidate his knowledge into one comprehensive school which could teach everything.

We also teach Aikibujutsu, more commonly referred to as Aikido, based on the concepts that Obata Sensei has learned, both at the legendary Yoshinkan headquarters in Japan, and in his own studies.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

There is a rich and full philosophy contained in Shinkendo, but in a nutshell, we strive to apply the strategies of swordsmanship to everyday issues. Learning to be patient, balanced, to have no preconceptions, and do only what makes sense when facing any problem, great or small. All combat training comes down to distance and timing, and that certainly applies to most challenges in life.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

I do not think it is important for all people to learn martial arts. One can find deep meaning, enrichment and fulfillment in anything that is studied deeply. If you find yourself drawn to martial arts, you should pursue that sincerely and earnestly, but that is true about whatever moves you, be it martial arts, extreme sports, knitting or flower arrangement.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

The greatest challenge that I have faced as a teacher is learning patience. When I opened my dojo I very much wanted to teach my first students absolutely everything on the very first day! Enthusiasm is of course a great thing in an instructor, but without the patience to pace your teaching it is very easy to overwhelm a new student and give him too much too soon. To this day, I continue to apologize to my first students for how tough they had it those first months! Thankfully they stayed with me, and now I am much more patient and able to build a strong foundation with my newer students.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Find a teacher who will meet your personal needs. Really, the art itself is far less important than the instructor who is teaching it. We always joke that studying from an excellent teacher in the school of ‘Climb-Tree-Throw-Rock’ is far better than learning ‘the best martial arts in the world’ from an inferior teacher. Be patient. WATCH a class and observe how the instructor interacts with the students. Judge the character and quality of his students. That is ultimately the best way to judge a teacher: by his students. Then and only then should you decide if that school is right for you.

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?

Mashuu Dojo’s head instructor is Matthew Lynch, a Senior Student and Instructor at the Shinkendo World Headquarters in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. He has been studying Japanese Swordsmanship under Headmaster Obata for many years and holds high ranks in Shinkendo and Toyama Ryu styles of swordsmanship. Obata Kaiso often refers to Matthew’s technique as being very honest and pure, because Matthew practices only Shinkendo, and no other martial art. Thus, he has no bad habits to ‘unlearn’ and no other influences to taint his training. It is this pure and uncompromised training that he presents to his students at Mashuu Dojo.

Sensei Ben Maloney teaches the Aikido classes, with the assistance of Sensei James Sarrett. Long time students of Matthew Sensei, they agreed to study Aikibujutsu at the source in Little Tokyo. They were granted teaching license by Master Obata Toshishiro directly, and now Mashuu Dojo is proud to offer this practical and historically accurate version of Aikido.

Interview with Aviv Goldsmith Sensei of Aikido in Fredericksburg

1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?
Aikido in Fredericksburg was organized as an outgrowth of the Fredericksburg Aikido Club, which was founded by Dwight Petersen Sensei (now 3rd dan) in 1993. The Club has a great history including unwavering support for Aikido training from a dedicated core group of students in a variety of locations (including Dwight’s garage) with support from Senseis from a variety of Aikido organizations.

When I arrived in Fredericksburg in 2001, there were four core students in the club. The Club was subleasing from a jujitsu club that had subleased from a karate school. As the class grew we began to look around for alternative space and the moving decision was accelerated by an eviction of the jujitsu club! We trained for a while at a gymnastics school until we leased our own 48-mat space in 2002 where we now have 14 classes per week. Aikido in Fredericksburg was organized in 2004 as a non-profit educational corporation.

We are now in the process of finalizing the construction of our own dojo building on a twenty-acre parcel of land. Many have commented that the “feel” of the land is similar to the feel at the Iwama Dojo in Japan. The plants in the landscape and garden are indeed similar. The new dojo will have at least twice daily classes, a traditional uchideshi program, and be able to host large seminars on a 102-mat training area. The program there will be modeled after the program that existed at the Iwama Dojo while Saito Morihiro Shihan was still alive.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

We teach and practice Aikido. We make the dojo facility available to other traditional martial arts groups and have hosted Batto Do and Judo groups regularly.

Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba whom Aikidoists call O’Sensei. O’Sensei developed Aikido in the 1940’s in Iwama, Japan. We teach what is generally called “Iwama-Style Aikido”. It is the result of Saito Shihan’s 23 years of personal study with O’Sensei at the Iwama Dojo.
Saito Shihan was very good at organizing and presenting O’Sensei’s waza. Saito Shihan focused on teaching, not just demonstrating. Many of his students have adopted this teaching style, which I found to be effective for learning. I am a slow physical learner and the precise technique and teaching methods definitely helped me learn Aikido basics.

Iwama-style Aikido includes the riai – combined logical practice of taijutsu and bukiwaza (aiki weapons). Saito Shihan learned aiki-ken and aiki-jo directly from O’Sensei and preserved these teachings. Some of the practices came directly from O’Sensei such as the 31 jo kata and the 5 kumitachi; others came from Saito Shihan’s distillation of O’Sensei’s instruction. Since not all Aikido schools practice bukiwaza, we are fortunate to have direct transmittal of this information.

As was taught by O’Sensei, Iwama-style practice actively uses kiai and atemi as tools in the waza. Iwama-style Aikido starts with a study of kihonwaza (static technique) – this can teach you how to move around your partners’ strength. Kinonagare (flowing movement) technique is introduced after the kihonwaza. The training is technique oriented – things like “feeling” and “ki development” are personal outgrowths of practice, not focal points. Ultimately, the goal is to develop takemusu aiki – the spontaneous expression of creative energy.

Our dojo is a member of the Takemusu Aikido Association (www.takemusu.org) which was founded with Saito Sensei’s blessing as an international association affiliated with Aikikai Hombu Dojo. The Takemusu Aikido Association is dedicated to the development and dissemination of Aikido based on the highest ideals of the Founder. The Association does this by continuing and promoting the Founder’s traditional teaching and training methods as passed on by Saito Shihan.

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

We endeavor to teach “client-centered” Aikido. This is different from the Japanese model and so far seems to work well for westerners. Client-centered Aikido can be summarized by something that Bill Witt Shihan once said to me; “Don’t teach what you know, teach what the students need to learn”. We are thrilled that our students take time out of their busy lives to train with us each week – we work to make the training, testing, learning engaging and more accessible to them. Although we focus our practice primarily on technique, the principles of Aikido readily transfer to improving our everyday lives. We work on practicing in a cooperative manner in the dojo and raising each other’s levels of proficiency.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

The tradition, the personal challenge, and the aiki-vision of everyone as your partner are powerful teachers. Immersion in this process ends up transforming lives for the better. One of the things that keep me engaged in Aikido is that people leave the dojo as better people than when they entered. I am always fascinated by the myriads of personal growth success stories from Aikidoists. Iwama-style Aikido is really focused on technique, yet it produces many of the psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits as other self-improvement methods. We focus on basics like hanmi, awase, and kokyu development – we don’t spend a lot of time talking about philosophy or psychology.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

I did not set out to be an instructor. In 1989, my teacher who lived 50 miles away from the dojo, asked me to cover one of the weekly classes since I was one of the senior students in the dojo. In 1993, he moved to Germany and since I was THE senior student at the time, I became Dojo Cho. Through practice and reflection, my teaching has improved. I now am in several networks of teachers and we share resources to improve all of our schools. When we moved to Virginia I started teaching children and so I organized the first ever conference on How to Teach Aikido to Children so I could pick the brains of some of the best in the field. This event is now a regular and popular seminar. At our new dojo we plan to host at least one professional development seminar each year for Senseis. The principles should be beneficial for those from other traditional martial arts as well.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Find a dojo where you can train regularly with an instructor that you can relate to. If the instructor has a strong lineage, all the better. Don’t dabble in too many arts until you have proficiency in one. If you find a system that works for you, spend time at seminars and eventually as a live-in student in an affiliated school. Immersion fosters focus and enhances our paths towards mastery.

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?

I, Aviv Goldsmith Sensei, am the Chief Instructor of the Aikido in Fredericksburg, a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational corporation. I was introduced to Aikido training in the mid 1970s at the New York Aikikai and in 1986 became a student of Wolfgang Baumgartner in Reno, Nevada. I became Chief Instructor of the Reno Aikido Co-Op dojo in 1992 when Baumgartner Sensei left Nevada to return to his native Germany. I continued to teach and train in Reno until early 2002 when I was recruited to move to Spotsylvania, Virginia at the invitation of the Fredericksburg Aikido Club.

Since 1987, I have trained annually with Morihiro Saito Shihan (9th dan) and his son/successor Saito Hitohiro Sensei, including five visits as a live-in student at the Iwama dojo in Japan, where Aikido was developed. I currently hold the rank of “Godan” (5th degree blackbelt) awarded by Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, and is a certified second level instructor of the Iwama Aiki-weapons system. I also serve on the Board of Directors of the Takemusu Aikido Association and Aiki-Extensions, Inc. Under my direction, Aikido in Fredericksburg is developing a world-class rural training center on 20 acres in Spotsylvania that will be a resource for the local and martial arts community.