August 2011

Seidokan Aikido Communicator

As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Seidokan , I thought it would be nice to first review the past, present and future. The following information was found in the Seidokan Instructors manual.

Seidokan Aikido
Sensei Roderick T, Kobayashi (6th Dan in Aikikai Aikido and Shinshin Toitsu Aikido) founded Seidokan Aikido in March of 1981, after resigning from the Ki No Kenkyukai. Seidokan is a system of Aikido which, in accordance with the founders teaching, balances the study of the defensive arts with the study of the principles. Among Seidokans objectives are the study and analysis of the founders doka (dojo poems or sayings). At Seidokan, we are dedicated to relating these sayings to the practice of Aikido technique and to applying the principles to our daily lives. At a Seidokan dojo, instructors grow along with their students. As students learn the basics from their instructors, the instructors deepen their own understanding of Aikido. Thus through earnest, realistic, and sincere training instructors and students can realize the true meaning of Aikido together. Although currently independent of Japan, Seidokan was recognized by Master Kisshomaru Ueshiba (the late Doshu and chairman of the Aikikai in Tokyo, Japan).

Seidokan Past: Kancho Roderick T. Kobayashi Seidokan Aikido Founder

Inside this issue: Past, Present, and Future 1-7

Organizational, Structure Camp Insights New Beginnings Interview Promotions Upcoming Events and Tape Orders

8-9 10-29 30-31 32-34 35 36-37

Roderick T. Kobayashi was born in Hawaii and raised in Japan by his grandfather who was a Buddhist priest. Kobayashi Sensei was 5 years old when he was sent to Japan. This was prior to World War II. His interest in learning the history and philosophy of budo (Japanese martial arts) may have been started because of this. Imagine being an American born Japanese child in Japan before and after WWII. Sensei faced bullies and street gangs as a child in Japan. Upon his return to Hawaii at the age of fourteen, he was held back in high school because of language problems. He joined the Army, after graduation, where he became a helicopter mechanic.

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He was first introduced to Aikido by his father who had great a influence in inviting Master Koichi Tohei, then Chief Instructor of Aikido at the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan, to Honolulu in 1953. However, his formal training in Aikido did not start until 1957, after his 3 years of military service. His first teachers at the Hawaii Aikikai were masters: Yukiso Yamamoto, Kazuto Sugimoto, and Isao Takahashi. These masters were the first students of Tohei Shihan, the foremost authority on Aikido and Ki in the United States. Each of these masters was unique in his own way, and had a great influence in Kobayashi's understanding of Aikido and Ki. Kobayashi's training with Master Tohei began in 1961. He trained under Tohei Sensei whenever possible in Japan, Hawaii and the continental U.S. He received his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1962, Nidan (2nd degree) in 1965, and Sandan (3rd degree) in 1966. After becoming a full time professional Aikido instructor in the fall of 1968, he was promoted to the rank of Yondan (4th degree). He was also appointed as one of only two non-Japanese nationals to receive the rating of Hombu Shidoin, instructor of Aikido for the Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan. He assumed the responsibilities of the President and Chief Instructor of the Western States Aikido Federation until 1974. He was promoted to the rank of Godan (5th dan) in January, 1972. In September 1973 Kobayashi was promoted to Rokudan (6th degree), or master teacher. As Master Tohei organized the Ki-no-Kenkyukai (Ki Society International) in 1971, Kobayashi was one of the most outspoken supporters of the Ki training program and the applications of the Ki principles in Aikido and daily life. In January, 1973 he was appointed as Koshi (full lecturer) of the Ki-no-Kenkyukai and received the certificate of Okuden (certification of completion of the innermost training in Ki). In May, 1974, when Master Tohei founded his own system of Aikido, Shishin Toitsu Aikido, Rod Kobayashi began assuming the responsibilities of both the Chief Lectureship of Ki Development and the Chief Instructor of Shinshin Toitsu Aikido of the Ki Society Western USA. Kobayashi began lecturing for the Physical Education department of the California State University, Fullerton in 1972. His goal was to establish a program at the University, which would develop and certify well-trained instructors of Aikido and Ki. Kobayashi strongly believed that Aikido instructors in the United States should be trained in the United States. To that end he founded the Aikido Institute of America in 1970. The teaching methods at the Aikido Institute of America were designed for developing instructors. The instructors who are trained at the Institute are fully qualified to instruct the principles and the techniques of Aikido. Furthermore, the Institute emphasizes the application of the Aikido principles in daily life. In March, 1981 Rod Kobayashi resigned from the Ki Society International and branched out to establish his own system of Aikido: Seidokan Aikido. Seidokan Aikido emphasizes the balanced practice of principle and techniques. The purpose of the system is to further develop Aikido so that it is better suited for the modern way of life.

Volume 1, Issue 4

Seidokan Aikido

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The first Doshu (Leader of the Way) (O Senseis son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba) accepted Seidokan Aikido as a legitimate system of Aikido. He and Kobayashi Sensei agreed that they shared the same goals and accepted the same fundamental principles of Aikido. In February, 1989, Rod Kobayashi and his associates organized the Seidokan Institute, Inc., a nonprofit California corporation to share the principles of Seidokan Aikido to those who wish to learn them

Seidokan Present: Kanshu Minoru Kobayashi (regretfully edited for brevity)

Volume 1, Issue 4

Personal Background Mrs. Minoru Kobayashi was born to a kyu ka (old family), in a small village, on the island of Sado, which is located in the Sea of Japan. Due to her father's work as a school principal, she and her siblings would change schools every few years. However, she ended up graduating from the high school located on Sado Island. She then moved to Tokyo to attend college, Showa Women's University, and continued to live there after graduating with her Bachelors in Nutrition and a Certificate in Teaching and Administration (principal level) at the Middle School and High School level. Mrs. Kobayashis first job was working as an Executive Secretary to the head of the Engineering Department for Fujimori Kogyo Co,. Ltd., for 2 years. Due to the long distance it required her to travel on a daily basis, she chose to leave this company to work in the Accounting/Human Resource Department and also the Sales Department at another company closer to her home, Kanko Kogyo Co., Ltd. She was employed as a direct assistant to the Heads of these two departments for about 10 years. During this time, she also worked directly under the company President. Back in the 1960's, most women in Japan were relegated to subservient roles with little authority, so it was virtually unheard of for her to hold such positions and work with upper management. She took advantage of these opportunities and gained a great deal of experience from working at these two companies, which in turn helped her greatly in her future. Meeting Tohei Sensei and the formation of Ki no Kenkyukai With the passing of Aikido founder, Morihei Ueshiba, Tohei Sensei decided to resign from the Aikikai Hombu and create his own path. He, along with five of his Yudansha began searching for office space. (This is where her boss and the company President of Mrs. Kobayashis second job, Kanko Kogyo Co., Ltd, came into the picture.) Her boss belonged to a professional's group and this group decided to support Tohei Sensei. Her boss temporarily lent out the second floor of his warehouse to Tohei Sensei to set up his office, this lead to an open house for the office employees. Regular classes were then held at the Tokyo Olympic Center Gym. Due to her boss' connection with Tohei Sensei, she had the chance to personally meet and practice under him. Mrs. Kobayashi and nine other individuals from her company were sent to practice with Tohei Sensei. After about two years she was the only one left from Kanko Kogyo that continued to practice. With the completion of his office in Tokyo and the summer months approaching, Tohei Sensei made plans to continue his yearly seminars in Hawaii. The students, Mrs. Kobayashi included, formed a support group and wanted to send with him a gift of some type. In order to indicate whom the gift was from, they came up with the name Ki no Kenkyukai or the Ki Society.

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Taking Class with Tohei Sensei During her practice with Tohei Sensei, he concentrated on teaching Ki Development since he had made an agreement with the Aikikai not to teach any Aikido waza (techniques). Therefore, they learned such Principles like the correct way to extend Ki, the correct way to lead the other person's Ki as well as the correct way to use Ki. While his Aikido Yudansha deshi (students) automatically received the Koshi (lecturer) certificate, Mrs. Kobayashi, along with the others, were required to take an examination. She received the Assistant Koshi certificate from Tohei Sensei. Meeting Sensei and the Decision to go to America The Ki Society (Ki-No-Kenkyu Kai) formalized a system of rank, namely, Koshi and Assistant Koshi. Kobayashi Sensei had earned the rank as Koshi (Lecturer) under Tohei Sensei, while during that same period; Mrs. Kobayashi had become Assistant Koshi in Japan. With this new ranking system, the importance of Ki-Development became more widely accepted within Japan as well as abroad. As the need to define the relationship between Ki-Development and Aikido techniques became paramount, Shinshin Toitsu Aikido and the School of Ki-Atsu were both established and continued to grow. Mrs. Kobayashi continued her training during this period One day, invited by her boss, Mr. Takashima, she attended a New Years Party where she met Kobayashi Sensei for the first time. Sensei had been visiting Japan to attend Aikido training. Mr. Takashima had previously attended Tohei Senseis seminar in Hawaii and had already met Kobayashi Sensei and knew of his personal character. As for Mrs. Kobayashi, she had been quite engrossed in meeting the challenges of working in a distinguished employment place and practicing the principles of Aikido and Ki-Development. Although she was already past 30 years of age, she was not only still single but had no time to make any boyfriends. Mr. and Mrs. Takashima valued her position in the company, but they also felt they did not want to bind her forever. They had sincerely been on the lookout for a suitable marriage partner for her. They saw Kobayashi Sensei as a potential partner and therefore arranged a formal meeting with Sensei at a restaurant in the Prince Hotel, joined by Tohei Sensei and themselves, Mr. and Mrs. Takashima. At that time, the notion of living abroad was not exactly an attractive choice for many Japanese people. She needed some time to contemplate the decision implied by the proposition to join Sensei as a life partner. Finally, encouraged by her mothers words: There will come a time soon, when we must begin to look out into the world, she was able to make the decision. The day of her departure from Japan, feeling this may be the farewell of a lifetime, her mother stayed late into the night (10 pm) until the plane took flight. The way her mother lived her life had a major influence in Mrs. Kobayashis life. (Mrs. Kobayashis mother left this world at the age of 94 in June of 2001.) It was September of 1973 when she set off to America, ending her memorable and well-respected 12 1/2 year career in two companies. Mrs. Kobayashis Aikido Training continues in America Since there have recently been several voices of concern and uncertainty around Mrs. Kobayashis ability to be instructing as a white belt (without any rank), perhaps it will be useful to further describe and clarify the history of her training and qualifications. For Mrs. Kobayashi, immigration to America involved a significant change in living environment. However, wherever she went, she received a warm welcome by many students and by the people she met. At the time of the marriage, she made a commitment to herself: I will devote myself to this Path. This is how she began her new phase of training under Kobayashi Sensei. This may explain why she essentially did not even get the chance to fall into the all too common, so called culture shock.

Seidokan Aikido

During the first phase of her training, she accompanied Sensei wherever he went, mostly to his Daiichi Dojo (in Crenshaw area of Los Angeles) and the Torrance Aikido Club, practicing on the mat whenever possible. There are probably very few who knew of the episodes of Steven Segal in blue belt, like herself, coming to practice during this period at the dojos where Sensei was teaching. During her childrens early childhood, she observed classes off the mat. As soon as they were old enough (3 and 5 year olds), her whole family joined on the mat to practice together. There were occasionally days when the only students at the dojo were members of the Kobayashi family. The dojo moved to the Silver Lake area (the Hyperion Dojo) in 1981 and that was a significant year that also marked the formal founding of Seidokan Aikido. During the second phase of her training, mainly at the Hyperion Dojo and Nishi Aikido Club, she fondly remembers not only the experience of training with her children but also assisting Sensei on the mat during practice. In the meantime, the Dojo continued to expand. In order to cover the rent of the Dojo space, she was pressed to seek work outside the home to supplement income. Luckily, after only a brief fourmonth training period, she found a store manager position. She stayed on at this workplace for over ten years, juggling Aikido classes, work, and maintaining the household. Nevertheless, she never missed her practice and she considers this time to have been the busiest in her life. During this period, Sensei asked her many times: You are now as good as a Sandan rank; so why dont you at least consider taking a test for Shodan? However, over all the years of Sensei's continued attempts, she humbly declined this request. She insisted she was content and intent on maintaining her white belt (no-rank) position for the rest of her life. She nevertheless feels extremely proud of the extensive Ki-Development training and ranking she earned in Japan. She is also both grateful and proud to have been able to learn further the deeper fundamentals of Aikido techniques and principles, including Jo-gi and Ken-gi arts here in the United States under Sensei's instruction. These were the circumstances, the extraordinary ways in which Mrs. Kobayashi was trained in Aikido and Ki-Development and taught to observe and to learn. She has continued to observe numerous students up to this day. Only recently, since the 7th Year Memorial in 2001, having had the time to process her matters of the heart, has she been able to step back onto the mat, upon some occasions. Listening to Senseis Talks for 22 years and 9 months I fondly remember the faces of students I practiced together with on the mat. There were those who moved to Los Angeles, specifically seeking Senseis teachings; and there were those who relocated and moved on to open their own dojo. I will never forget each and every one of the students who came to meet and study with Sensei.

Volume 1, Issue 4

Lo ca l xpl oring Lo op en s our ce s of twa re opp ort uniti es .

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Although I have trained in Aikido extensively, perhaps the reasons why I have declined to test or to carry any rank may be attributed to my upbringing, from a family that upheld the ancient Japanese traditions of strict discipline and customs. I chose to consider the traditional Japanese way of thinking when it comes to the appropriate place or position for women in society or in a marriage. Even though we were husband and wife, in terms of Aikido, Sensei and I were always teacher and student. I believed my joy and mission to be to always maintain one step behind Sensei and to commit to being his good conversation partner. Sensei took on the challenge to train and foster instructors in America and decided he would not be able to accomplish this goal if he only taught part time. He abandoned his previous career as electrical engineer and chose Aikido as his professional path. It was at this time, as he started off in a new direction with a "blank slate", that he chose me as his life partner. From that point on, he fully devoted his life to researching and developing the path and spreading the Aikido movement. Whenever he came up with a new idea or an insight, no matter how late into the night, he would wake me from my sleep and start up a discussion about exams or the efficiency of techniques. He never postponed his research to the following day. Although we had limited time to spend in conversation together; whether it was during meal times or in the car on the way to and from the dojo, we exchanged what went on in each others day. We listened to each other, and shared each others thoughts for all the years we were together. Of course Sensei talked much about Aikido, but I was also never tired of listening to the episodes of Senseis early childhood upbringing in Japan. It was especially intriguing to listen to his stories describing the Battle of Kounji for example, in the days when he lived in Wakayama prefecture. I would be able to vividly imagine the scenes as if I were watching a movie. Sensei was extremely knowledgeable about Japanese history, so much so that it was almost embarrassing for me who grew up to adulthood in Japan. When he returned from his trips to visit various other Seidokan dojo, he would tirelessly share his experience about his trips for at least a week at a time. Over the years, I have always been there to listen to the stories he wanted to tell. As for myself, there are indeed many member dojo that I have not yet been able to visit. However, hearing about the dojo so extensively over the years from Sensei perhaps could explain how I am currently able to assist in most branch dojo matters as if they are an extended family? For our future, Sensei and I had been talking about certain plans: after handing down all responsibilities around Aikido instruction to the younger generation, we had an idea to travel and witness together, to research the history of Aikido and also to seek the roots of Senseis childhood in Japan. We also had plans to document these findings and we had even begun our initial preparation for these projects. So suddenly however, on June 17th, 1995, I was no longer able to hear his voice, nor sit with him to hear his stories anymoreit happened when my daughter Michiyo had just completed 2 years in college, and just 3 days prior to my son Hiromichis high school graduation. When I first met Sensei in Japan, these were his words: I cant promise to bring you happiness, but I will certainly try my best, and someone who can listen to my stories. Looking back, these words must have been his expression of a marriage proposal to me. I devoted myself to being in the role of his listener for 22 years and 9 months. Ironically, I never imagined that today, I would be the one, in reverse, to ask Sensei to be a devoted listener of my stories. To Sensei, who now lives on only in my heart The Decision For the Seidokan Aikido Family, the loss of Sensei was understandably, an enormous shock. The truth is, in empathizing with many of the students and instructors feelings, I had very little time to think about the implications this loss would have on our future, never mind time to shed any tears. If I had been able to cry out loud, to let the tears flow, what a relief it might have been.

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This is how I came to realize for the first time, the healing benefits of tears. Eventually, we had to move out of the Hyperion Dojo and we became preoccupied with searching for a new location. For 5 months, we drove around town looking at buildings that did not quite meet our requirements; for one reason or another. Finally in May of 1998, we found our present day Dojo location on Colorado Blvd. I believe it was the strong Ki and the support from numerous internal and external Seidokan Dojo members that made it possible to carry on Senseis path. With my language handicap and having always followed one step behind Sensei, there are many things I am unable to fulfill as well as Sensei had. I was fully aware that it would not be easy for me to take on the leadership role; I must admit there were times when I had my own doubts. However, had I been ignorant of Aikido and was simply devoted to being a housewife, my decision would have been much easier to make. As described previously, for most of our lives together, the many years we trained together, the two of us have been committed to researching the path of Aikido. Reflecting on the value of the months and years we had deeply engaged in our dialogues, I am reminded of Senseis motto Hyakuman Isshin (One Million One Mind). It is as if I can see his gentle smile as I hear his voice reciting this motto. Although my strength shall never amount to more than a tiny fraction of Senseis in comparison, with the support from numerous students and capable instructors Sensei had fostered over the years, I have come to make the decision to dedicate all that I can in my power to the task of overseeing the continued growth of this Formidable Tree of Seidokan, the Tree which has been given the opportunity to thrive to become so strong. In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the following members who were involved in planning, formatting and editing of this series of articles: Mr. Joe Crotty Jr., Mr. Larry Wadahara and Dr. Mark Crapo; Mariko Kage who took on the task of translation and the tremendous support of my daughter, Michiyo Kobayashi. Arigato gozaimashita. Minoru Kobayashi

Volume 1, Issue 4

Seidokan Future: Michiyo Kobayashi

It's hard to say when I officially started practicing aikido. I guess it depends on who you ask. I officially began practicing in the children's class when I was 5 years old. I was always told that I started aikido sooner. We're talking while my mother was still carrying me in the womb and was watching class, I would kick every time my father counted during the aiki taiso one...kick. two...kick ...three...kick". I'm currently teaching the children's classes as well as the Beginning Aikido class at the Aikido Institute of America. I became an Ikkyu at 14 years old and after going through my teenage I-have-otherthings-to-do phase, I received my Shodan at 22 years old, and currently hold the degree of Yondan. A somewhat of a repeated realization occurred over the past few years. As it's been mentioned in the past, it's not about saying "I am of this certain rank" but rather how far one has come and given the task to take on the next level of training. Much of it does come with technical practice and understanding the art form, but the realization is that more importantly, all those years of practice mean nothing if you have not tried to make the aikido principles a part of your life...to better your life. My father and mother always talked about applying aikido to your daily life to improve your physical and emotional well-being. If you cannot make this application work, its all meaningless. As I work toward the responsibilities of this new rank and everything is a work in progress, Im glad I can say that aikido has helped shape me into a more open-minded and reflective person. Thanks mom and dad! ~ Michiyo Kobayashi

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Hi Dr. Mark here. My wife, Janean Sensei, has been working very hard on an updating and heavily editing our Instructor's Manual. She spent a good deal of time in conversation with our Senior Advisor, Mrs. Kobayashi, about what she (Mrs. K) wanted cut, added or expanded, the two of them often worked very late into the night, in the week following camp. And while that document will be coming out soon, I thought I'd share a little of it with you here. (See below.) As mentioned, Mrs. Kobayashi is now in the position of Senior Advisor with Michiyo moving into the Kanshu position. I (Mark Crapo) will remain in the position of Shihan Bucho. The Senior Advisor, Kanshu and Shihan Bucho will make all rank and business decisions. Questions of these natures should be addressed to all three people in their respective positions. In support positions, we have 3 Shido-Bucho or Technical Directors, if you will. We have made a couple changes to these positions to better fit personalities and strengths. * Larry Wadahara Shihan is in charge of empty-hand arts (a change from before when he was in charge of weapons) and any specific questions regarding technique may be answered by Larry. * Joe Crotty Shihan is in charge of our weapon arts, including jo-gi and ken-gi. (He used to be in charge of empty hand arts.) All questions regarding weapons should be directed to Joe. * Janean Crapo Shihan is in charge of Ki Development including Aiki-taiso and Mind/Body Coordination. Our three Shido-Bucho may be available for seminars, not only in their particular specialty, but certainly in any of the basics(and thus advanced arts) of Seidokan. Please contact them specifically if there is an interest but please copy our Kanshu and myself on such communication. Below is a representation of our organization and communication structure. Our hopes are to have more frequent communication from all outlying dojo and students. While we have no formal reporting system, it is assumed and desired to hear from chief instructors or a representative from each dojo at least once a year (more is always welcome.) Knowing what different dojo are doing in regards to seminars, special events, testing, etc, is not only a way for us to support your needs but also a way we get to know the members of Seidokan. Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions.

Volume 1, Issue 4 Seidokan Aikido

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Page 10 WHY IS AIKIDO CAMP SO MUCH FUN? By: Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA Its always hard to come off the high of an Aikido camp because its never exactly clear why they are so much fun. Is it the travel to new and unexpected places (it's highly unlikely you would go to Battle Creek unless you live in Michigan or love cornflakes)? Is it the monastic weekend escape aspect where you can focus entirely on doing only one thing (no mowing the lawn, no "honey do" lists, no shopping, no multitasking)? Is it the superior swag this year (Seidokan luggage tags for Japan next year? or firsbeetori anyone?)? Was it special this year because it was the 30th Anniversary of our style, Seidokan? Is it the great accommodations (we haven't had air-conditioned rooms and a pool and spa since the Pleasanton camp half a dozen years ago)? Is it the ice cream at Clair's Railroad Depot Restaurant? Is it the well oiled logistics of a smoothly running camp where we participants benefit from the dozens of people quietly slaving behind the curtains to make it appear effortless (like any good aikido technique)? Is it seeing students I've known over the years develop into great teachers (what has Mariko been doing secretly up in those Canadian forests?)? Is it the relaxed pace of this year's camp which over 3 days I only had two class conflicts where I wanted to attend two teachers who were teaching at the same time? Is it the older senseis, who you can always count on to both put on a great show (any one of Wedell Senseis weapon classes is worth the price of admission) and to show you that there are better ways to do and teach things you have been doing for years? Was it the "always something new" aspect of this quizzical art we practice (those who took Tony's class on how to get your partner not to do an art know what I mean)? Or was it the senior instructors who do these great lessons which you can take home and test right away on your unsuspecting students (I tried Crapo sensei's how to move six people by seemingly just waving your hands trick on my Monday night beginner's class and it worked great)? Perhaps its all of these things but probably the reason its so much fun is that it feels like a family reunion that has been going on every year for a long time (over 30 years in my case). So every year I get to revisit my Aikido friends in some new locale; they all appear a little grayer, a little wiser and a little better in their arts not to mention the new ones who all seem better than I was at their rank. What could be nicer? Nothing unless you consider that on my flight home I had an empty seat next to me so I could stretch out my sore joints. Thanks Mark, Janean and Clyde for a great camp.

Memories of My Seidokan Life ~ by Aiki Monkey

My Seidokan life began in Kalamazoo, MI at the 2008 summer camp at Western Michigan University. I had been minding my own business, in my own little world at Bed Bath and Beyond when Janean Crapo saw me and explained to me about this thing called Inattentional Awareness (http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=IGQmdoK_ZfY&feature=youtube_gdata_player ). She told me; the fact that she saw me was a sign that I should join the dojo and attend the upcoming Summer camp. Since I wasnt doing much else and, tired of being on the de/receiving end of this Intentional Blindness, I took her up on her offer for my scholarship for camp. (After all, theres not much money in sitting unsold in a box on a shelf all day.) Not having had any experience on the mat with Aikido but having tremendous amounts of experience hanging around going unnoticed in open/public situations, I did what I knew best and hung out and observed. Oh some saw me but not many. But, after the class where I was finally pointed out to everyone, boy, did I have a lot of attention hiding in different places and being shuffled around. I learned a lot from observing classes at camp and decided I would go on an Aikido Pilgrimage. I started out in California for a while before being sent back to Michigan. The following year, I got to travel and be part of camp at the University of Texas! A nice lady, Elizabeth Tillman agreed to take me on as uchi-deshi and, although I missed camp last year in California, she did think I was ready to try another camp in Michigan. Sadly, this year would be without her. L I think she sent me (on scholarship, bless her heart) without her so I could know I am ready to move on and learn in other places with other teachers as well. I miss her but I know Ill see her again. Camp this year was awesome! Although, they didnt let me have any of the anniversary cake, I was able to be right up front and watch as classes progressed. At one point, I was held for a chocolate ransom but I was not scared. I knew my aikido skills were better than last time in Battle Creek and I would be able to take care of myself if the need arose.) I now have a very cool weapons bag with a magic scroll to write about my travels. A fine lady and practitioner, Sue Deese made it for me. It will certainly come in handy for my future travels. So, there we are my aikido career in a nutshell (banana peel?) If you should ever see me wandering the streets with my weapons bag on my back, know I am looking for yet another place to learn and train. All offers are welcome! Thank you all for camp! Aiki Monkey

Steves View of 2011 Camp Seidokan Camp is always a fun experience. Its familiar and new at the same time. I always look forward to catching up with old friends and work with many people I havent seen before too. In my regular practice there is a smaller set of people to work with. At camp, my partner is different every time I pare up with someone. At camp I worked on ryote mochi with one person who was very strong and solid, then changed to a partner who had a light attack; had to hold back to keep from flinging them off the mat. Its challenging and something only available at camp. Well maybe not only at camp but much more likely than with my regular set of six partners; constantly changing but always with people that share my interest in improving our aikido. Its like that with instruction too. Every class is with someone different. Half of the classes were instructed by people I havent taken classes from before; either their first time instructing at camp or the last time they instructed at camp, I had to make the difficult choice of two classes. The other great instructors that have taught many previous camp classes I only get to see once a year. The variety is great. I went to Mario Fonda-Bonardi Senseis class on Kotegaeshi from different attacks. It was a classically taught set of techniques in increasing difficulty. The pace was quick and a lot of material was covered. I went to Janean Crapo Senseis class on holding your posture throughout your movements. There werent any aikido techniques in the sense that we put labels on them. It was all about a small but important fraction of each technique we do. This stark contrast between the two classes is an example of the variety of experience I always look forward to in the Seidokan Camp. Fonda-Bonardi Sensei showed How to do kotegaeshi form all different situations and Crapo Sensei zoomed in on one important aspect of moving through any technique; can be applied in 90 percent of classes and other things in life. I really enjoyed Mariko Kage Senseis class with positive energy and humility. Ive worked with Mariko as a partner in class many times but have never seen her with her back to the shomen before. I can imagine her students in Lillooet are highly motivated to attend class during the week. In contrast, I only ever see Barbra Rodriquez Sensei during camp and this year got to attend her centering lesson. We did kata tori ikkyo emphasizing keeping posture erect, moving from legs, after uke is bent over. We went through many ki development exercises to improve onepoint. She handled the class with the confidence that said she has done this many times before. I dont remember having the opportunity to attend a class with her in previous camps, but I had to pass up many opportunities in the past as well as this year, to attend classes with people I havent seen instruct before. Its a common camp experience of regret that one person must choose one of two great classes to attend. Steve Spargur Sensei did a class on Range of Effectiveness, one of my favorite places to explore, with an eighteen to twenty inch stick. We had to stay farther out because uke gets an advantage of extension by using the stick and nage must adjust by extending down ukes limb. The image of ki extending out the end of the stick, we had to also extend the point of contact to unbalance uke. Spargur Sensei reminded me that conditions may change but the principle of Range of Effectness guide us to adjust with them. These are some of the great experiences I had a camp. There were more but I wont try to write them all. I will try to practice some of them in the coming weeks. There is a great variety of things to experience at camp. Many ukes, instructors points of view, and between classes, people who are among the nicest on the planet, to catch up with. Each one of the camp participants takes a unique experience home with them. I hope that I helped some of my partners get a positive experience from camp and improve their understanding of Seidokan Aikido.

You saw what?!? By Brent Danninger, UT Austin Aikido Club Upon returning to Austin, it is a tradition in our dojo to spend several classes sharing what we learned at summer camp. Each of us recounts camp in their own way: Barbra Rodriquez relies on her meticulous notes; McAdam Sensei on his extensive experience; and I rely on my befuddled memory. As our review classes progressed this summer, it dawned on me that while two or three of us might have been in the same class at camp, we often saw entirely different things. And not just different styles of the same technique---often entirely different techniques! As there was a Starbucks on the premises, these discrepancies cannot simply be dismissed as a caffeine deficit on my part. I considered briefly that we each attended the same summer camp classes in alternate universes, but this idea made my head hurt. Now, however, I'm beginning to understand these discrepancies as neither right nor wrong but simply normal. I suspect that when an instructor demonstrates a technique, I can only see what my Aikido training has thus far prepared me to see. Or perhaps what I expect to see, or even want to see. What I usually want to see is what is familiar. In any case, what I don't see is what is actually there. This may also explain why new students have such a hard time finding the direction "Down." Summer camp was a flawlessly organized weekend of training and fun. Kudos and many thanks to everyone who made it all happen!

Grandma Goes to Summer Camp By Meg LaRou, Seiwa Dojo I was pushing 60 by the time I discovered Aikido and this year with my 64th birthday approaching I attended my first Summer Camp. I hold the rank of GoKyu. In previous years I had solid excuses for not going but this year it was only fear and trepidation getting in the way. My doctor had just recommended knee surgery, but that could be put off. I was afraid that Id be in so much pain after the first day that I wouldnt be able to make it to class by Saturday. So I spent some time coming up with a strategy to make it work. I got to the Hotel armed with lots of Ibuprofen and I knew there would be plenty of ice for my knee. I promised myself I would pay attention to what my body was saying and Id take time out when I needed to. As it turned out there were nice long breaks to ice my knee, sit in the hot tub, swim and stretch out my back and legs. I learned to take falls, though not all of them and practice Shodo-o-seisu to protect myself when I needed to. I never had to skip a session. The schedule was great with long enough breaks but also a varied and plentiful offering of classes to chose from. I loved learning from the many teachers who were so willing to offer suggestions and different ways of thinking or not thinking as I practiced. What a supportive community of folks I discovered! My very favorite class was Misogi on Saturday morning. I didnt understand everything that was going on. The energy was building as the chanting got faster. I thought the guy behind me was chanting an-y-thing-goes-an-y-thing-goes. Thinking back thats probably not what he was chanting! I loved feeling the energy in the room as it got stronger and stronger. I got a glimpse into the depth of this path and what it might mean as my practice continues. I count the whole experience a victory which I plan to build on as I continue my practice. I cant wait for next

14 Women attended camp this summer

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Favorite Class By Jim Brazell, Sankyu, Seiwa Dojo.

Which class was your favorite? The question came two or three times daily, fellow campers asking how I was enjoying camp. Some classes I chose because I had taken a class from an instructor before; some classes I chose because I had not taken a class from an instructor. In one case, an instructor suggested I take anothers class to build up my skills. It will really help my progress in aikido. Because I do not live near my home dojo, camp is a rare opportunity to be part of the Seidokan community. So which class was my favorite? All of them!
Volume 1, Issue 4

My thoughts from Minnesota By: Jim Crinklaw, One Circle Aikido, Minnesota

I would like to thank Dr. Mark Crapo, Janean Crapo Sensei and the members of Seiwa Dojo for organizing a fantastic summer camp for us thank you!

What did you like best?

After summer camp, and in the midst of email correspondence with Miss Michiyo Kobayashi involving a back-ordered kyu arts DVD, I mentioned to her that I had found the two summer camps Ive attended to be very humbling and inspirational. I also told her that I find Seidokan members to be universally helpful, patient and encouraging. I even told Miss Kobayashi I feel the work of Seidokan teachers is a gift of love and understanding to the world and it is wonderful that Kobayashi Senseis vision is being faithfully carried on. Plus, I also told her that her mom is sweet.

Miss Kobayashi has asked me to expand on those/my comments for our Seidokan Communicator and I am okay with that, because I believe everything I had told her is true. So even though I am by nature shy and reticent, I will try to explain why I found summer camp humbling and inspirational. I should first remind everyone that I am just a beginner and that this is only my own opinion I am sharing.

The thing I like best about summer camp is the spirit summer camps all about trusting, sharing, helping, community-building, and instilling hope. You may not be surprised to hear that these are the very things the Dalai Lama attributes as contributing to an individuals happiness in a book titled, The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World, which Ive been reading. In the book, His Holiness supports his teachings with studies from such institutions as Harvard and Stanford, so its not just an opinion, he is using empirical evidence. According to the Dalai Lama, then, it turns out that, helping others is the best way to help yourself, the best way to promote your own happiness. It is you, yourself, who will receive the benefit. Continued on next page

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At the same time, it is my understanding that O-Senseis hope was to have Aikido become a mechanism for developing responsible, informed & concerned world citizens while helping them live a happy, enriched life. I think his vision is amply manifested at our summer camp. At any rate, I feel summer camp is both humbling and inspirational because one is frequently reminded of how much one doesnt know its a reality check while at the same time, everyone unselfishly helps each other discover and learn as much as they can absorb, which is inspirational. As an example, after I got back I told our people about my nikyo experience at summer camp. I first reminded them of how, to guide students to greater relaxation, I will sometimes put my hands on nages hands when hes all knotted up with uke and struggling with nikyo. Then, I related how at summer camp I was being nage in a nikyo engagement, when suddenly Larry Wadahara Sensei was there and he had his hands on mine, like what I do with our people. Sensei told me to relax, so I cut in half what I was doing with my practice partner. He told me to relax more, so, again, I halved energy. When Sensei told me a third time to relax, I forgot about halving and tried to match Sensei it was weird because for a moment the three of us just kind of floated there, it seemed. And then, Im afraid I started babbling. Sensei had made clear to me that theres something more (or maybe I should say something less) that I may aspire to, and I would like to thank him for showing me that. Finally, I told our people that my little moment of discovery had made me feel like a beginner. I laughed at myself, and they laughed along with me, because we all know that Aikido is a path that extends out, beyond the visible horizon and that, compared to what remains to be discovered, we are all only beginners forever. Afterwards, we talked about the importance of keeping beginners mind. So for me, it is the journey itself and the like-minded people with whom you share it that are to be treasured just like the Dalai Lama says, and as O-Sensei intended, and as Kobayashi Sensei provided for when he established the AIA dojo and the Seidokan Aikido organization. Again, I would like to thank everyone for a great summer camp and I am looking forward to seeing everyone next year.

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Exploring Makoto: Part 1 By: Mariko Kage, Lillooet Seidokan Aikido, B.C. Canada In Japanese, there is a saying Ichigo Ichie. Literally, it means one chance, one meeting. Let us savour each meeting with one another, each encounter as a once in a lifetime chance, a sacred sharing. I tell my students what a privilege it is to have a place to practise Aikido together! Please do not take your training on the mat for granted. If we suddenly became handicapped, I truly hope we will still strive to follow O senseis vision of what Aikido has to offer to humanity. I very much appreciated my very first opportunity and the honour to present a class at Summer Camp 2011 in Michigan. The following article is based on the class I presented, elaborating on metaphors and daily applications. As I left Los Angeles to move back to Canada in 1997, away from teachers and fellow students at AIA I had and could train Aikido with, I was compelled to search for my own reasons for continuing to keep Aikido alive in my daily life. In hopes of one day being able to get back to training and teaching, self-care became a steady theme and a challenge amidst raising children over the decade. Since relocating to Lillooet in 2008, I finally realized my dream to begin and operate the first Seidokan Dojo in Canada, now in its fourth year. I sincerely wish to thank Mrs. Kobayashi and other senior instructors for their continued support and guidance, as I dedicate this reflection to everyone. Meaning of Makoto:

Exploring Makoto

Volume 1, Issue 4

Kobayashi Sensei defined sei in three words: sincere, realistic, and earnest. Here is a further exploration of the word sei which is the first character within the name, Seidokan. The Japanese kanji character for sei which also reads makoto is a compound word made up of two kanji particles: on the left, a character that means word or speaking; on the right, a character that means a deed or accomplishment. Together, the word makoto suggests that when ones spoken words are reflected (joined) in our actions, when we walk our talk, we can have integrity and sincerity. [Seidokan translates as a house or a school (kan) for learning the way (do) of being sincere, realistic and earnest (sei).]

I consider myself a life-long student of Aikido. I am grateful to my students in our dojo, for the opportunity they bring for me to share, explore and practise the art of Aikido. I teach because I need constant reminder of the principles of Aikido in my own life, juggling home and work, my own needs while parenting four growing boys. O-sensei prayed for world peace; Kobayashi Sensei further developed a unique method to apply the Aikido principles. Then as members of Seidokan, how can we further apply this path of peace and make it real? In striving towards harmonizing our energy (Aikido) in a sincere way, I see there are at least three dimensions to apply makoto in our daily life: 1. harmony with ourselves; 2. harmony with people around us; and 3. harmony with our world around us. Essentially, our practise on the mat is a reference point to help us to be reminded of how to make Aikido realistic in our lives. The four principles to unify mind and body are critically useful tools in exploring and actualizing how to be in the spirit of Aiki at all times.

Continued on next page

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1. Harmony with ourselves through self-care: Self-massage, Capillary Exercise (mokan undo), GoldFish Exercises are just a few of some excellent practises to incorporate in our training. We have been gifted our life from our parents; it is our responsibility to stay healthy and happy!! If we look after our bodies, our bodies will look after us. There are many ways people practise Self-Care: engaging in healthy activities, keeping your body supple and flexible, maintaining positive peaceful attitude, and exercising self-respect, etc. Lets learn from each other, find out what works, support/network with one another in how we can keep our balance and wellbeing! 2. Blending in Relationships: a) Udefuri Choyaku Undo with one partner: this blending excercise is a great metaphor to demonstrate how we can keep our chest (heart) open; open our arms as if to embrace; maintain trust and eye contact; while keeping one point and balance; and truly synchronize timing with your partner! It is a great way to remind us about being with each other, a fun exercises that can leave us feeling truly connected. How good it feels when we maintain our centre and a sense of direction, yet open our hearts completely! Please think about this exercise next time you are challenged to blend with your partner, friend, or a child. Can you be in the spirit of udefuri choyaku undo in relationships? Can you blend and dance from your heart? b) Udefuri Choyaku Undo facing the same direction: I asked everyone to try a variation of the udefuri choyaku undo. Usually, for each count, we change directions 180 degrees as we do in Aikitaiso; with this version, we have to make a 360 degrees turn ending up facing the same direction as the starting position!! The foot work as well as arm position has to be adjusted to make this smooth transition, which allows then for the person to keep on moving forward instead of switching back and forth. Why shall we practise this variation? Because it challenges our adaptability to change in circumstances. We are so use to doing things the same way all the time; I saw that many people at camp were challenged with this one because it is different than the way we are comfortably doing this exercise all the time, week after week, year after year; also a great brain gym that stimulates our coordination! This exercise was necessary to prepare us for the next group blending. c) Udefuri Choyaku Undo with a group of six: Here is a further step towards a more challenging exercise to blend with more than just one person. In a straight line, six people are lined up: three people facing one way, other three facing towards the first group of three. Then, we apply the above mentioned b) version of udefuri choyaku undo to create a revolving formation like a dance, switching positions moving in a spiral motion. For the first count, only the first two middle pair facing each other do the udefuri choyaku version b); then on the second count, the four middle people now as two pairs facing each other, will simultaneously do the udefuri choyaku version b). And finally on the third count, we have formed three pairs facing each other ready to do the last set of udefuri choyaku version b). In our daily life, when we are in a situation to blend with a group of people, it is clearly very important not only to know ones directions and intentions, but for each person to see the common vision of where the group really wants to go together. Also, to create a successful outcome, it really helps to stay relaxed, settled down, focused and extending positive ki at all times. This is a great test to stretch our comfort zone, to adjust and confirm common vision, and to adapt harmonize, and be effective in group circumstances! Please allow me to continue with the review of my class in Part 2 of this article in the next issue to explore further the idea of harmonizing with others (when there is resistance and attack!) and how we can harmonize with the world around us. Mariko Kage, Shodan Founder/Chief Instructor Lillooet Seidokan Aikido, B.C. Canada

Volume 1, Issue 4

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Thank you All Janean Crapo Ive been attending camps for 22 years. In that time, Ive missed a few (a very few) and have attended camps in varying capacities; student (always), instructor (at times), leader of Aikitaiso, helper to new students (a couple times to people who had never done aikido at all or only a few times.. sometimes to seasoned martial arts practitioners but newbies to Aikido and even once to a mom who signed up on a whim when she dropped her daughter off for camp. J), and camp co-coordinator. This year was different in a couple of significant ways. First, I attended camp 16 weeks after shoulder surgery. My surgeon was not entirely happy with this idea and strongly (and repeatedly) stressed that just being bumped at that point could snap the tendon from the bone again. (Im sure this is why he told me the story of how they know it takes a full 20 weeks for the tendon to completely heal to the bone; they did the same surgery on sheep and kept track to see!) I could attend as long as I didnt take falls, didnt have techniques done to me (because I would not be in control) and didnt risk anyone bumping into me (how could that happen on a mat with 56 people!?!?!?) So, I was pretty much relegated to helping a beginner student and watching (Im not gonna lie though. I did sometimes get to throw people. J) Second, it was the 30th anniversary of Seidokan! Though camp was a bit smaller this year, the spirit of the camp filled the room. Though things did NOT go off without a hitch, the camaraderie and cohesiveness of the group completely overshadowed the hurdles before camp. Hearing those who have been around the longest give their thoughts at the celebration and seeing new people teach and have unplanned complementary themes really brought the concept of Earnest, Realistic, Sincere home to me. Thank you all who attended. Thank you all who attended in spirit. Thank you to the teachers: past, present and future. Thank you for the fellow students who are my teachers even as I stand in front presenting a class. And, a VERY special thank you to those who helped us break even on this camp just because they heard of the difficulties! This all is Seidokan: Earnest, Realistic, Sincere.

Volume 1, Issue 4

30 YEARS OF REFINEMENT by Steve McAdam Summer camp was a tad smaller than usual, but the average rank was noticeably higher. That gave me a good view of what progress we have made, and I dare say Kobayashi Sensei would be pleased. Of all the professional instructors I know, he was the one most concerned about refining the art, and I feel that he trained his students well in how to use the principles to achieve that refinement. I am delighted to see that Seidokan's senior instructors are now passing that on to their students. It was great to see the mid-level and younger instructors showing the same interest in exploring the principles. (I particularly enjoyed the classes by Steve Spragur and Tony Mahoney.) As for my class, as I told the folks in it, it is getting harder to find stuff to teach them, since they have already learned so much

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Aikido Summer Camp 2011 By Clyde Morgan, Seiwa Dojo This years summer camp brought some unique opportunities into my camp experience. First, I was able to be involved behind the scenes and assist Mark & Janean Sensei a little bit. This was an eye opening experience for me, it is unbelievable how many details there are to juggle (each presenting its own challenge) as well as the sheer time required just to pull it all together. If you have not been directly involved in putting on a camp, it truly is hard to comprehend all that is involved. Second, I was given the chance to teach a 45min. class. I find that teaching at camp is somewhat un-settling, considering many of the students are your peers, whom youve been learning from all these years. The other thing that makes it uncomfortable, is that Sensei and Mrs. K are walking around taking notes, scrutinizing what you are teaching, it does make you second guess your own abilities sometimes. This must be where mind and body unification is exhibited. Throughout camp, I really made it a point to attend classes from instructors that I had not had before; this added a level of excitement to the whole camp experience for me. Overall, the fellowship of practicing Aikido with old and new friends is the best part of camp.

Volume 1, Issue 4

You have done this hundreds of times Tony Ricketts, Southside Dojo Kalamazoo Michigan why would you be nervous? Roger reminded me our instructor Bronson Diffin Sensei (who we missed at camp this year as he was unable to come) asks one of his students once a week to lead aiki taiso at the start of class. Its true, over 5 years that is hundreds of times. But still the invitation to lead aiki taiso, especially to open camp, in front of 50 or so attendees, with chief instructors, in an unfamiliar setting, produced an energizing intake of breath at the very least. Of course the settling out -breath came once the rhythm and familiar sequence of movements was underway. Launched into camp this way, I did start to notice how the same pattern appeared over and over. Training with someone new takes careful attention like leaving on a journey, training with someone familiar feels more like coming home. Following an unacquainted instructor teach a new angle on a technique is fascinating and takes concentration, yet the new understanding builds on accustomed movements when practicing the technique. Even the difference between meeting and talking with new people, compared to sitting with someone who was there when I had my first lesson. It was such a joy to see Anthony and Christina again who were at Southside when I started and who I havent seen since they began their new life in California. Or as simple as the mental and physical intensity of the training sessions and the needed rest during the breaks. Every time we practice aikido, the unexpected works together with our training to produce the end result. One of the main things that will stay with me from this my fourth camp is the balance of new and familiar, work and rest, setting out and returning home, in-breath and out-breath. My gratitude goes to all involved in creating this years camp, I hope the energy put into it was balanced by the satisfaction of experiencing the harmonious end result!