It’s
another aikido weekend. Well, most weekends, at least Saturdays, are for me. This one is a big
one for me as I am doing my nidan (Second-degree
black belt) demo this week. So, I thought it would be appropriate to write about
aikido this week.
The shirt
that I am featuring is probably one of my favorites. I bought it in Reno, while
I was attending my first seminar by Hitohiro Saito Sensei. I was quite nervous,
as always when I attend a seminar. Back then, I was not even a shodan (first degree black belt), maybe
not even ikkyu (Third-degree brown
belt), so I felt really intimidated by the sea of yudanshas (black belts) who
attended. Clearly, this was very advanced training and I am not sure if I am
ready for it.
I did have
a lot of fun and learned a lot. The techniques were familiar, but after a day
or so, my head was already spinning. One of my most memorable moments was when
Saito Sensei came by and corrected the technique that my training partner and I were doing.
He bowed to me, and asked me to attack him. I was very nervous, and my Japanese
was very minimal, almost non-existent. However, I did the technique with him
and even surprised myself because I he did not correct my attack. It was an honor to train, even just for a few
minutes, with a high-ranking master. I was
also thankful that I remember what my Sensei taught me.
I make it a
point to attend Saito Sensei’s seminars every time he is in the area. Another
opportunity is our bi-annual divisional trainings and yearly summer gasshukus. It
is an excellent opportunity to refine my technique, gain new perspective, and
reconnect with old friends and acquaintances. Onegai shimasu.
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