Volume 7 Number 1,
First Quarter 2001
2000 Southeast States Summer Camp
Aikido Trains Leaders
Wrestling with Aikido
2000 Southeast States Summer Camp
With Toyoda Shihan and Yasuo Kobayashi Shihan
Article by Gwen Boyd
This year the Southern Region of AAA was the honored recipient of the excellent instruction of Kobayashi Shihan and Toyoda Shihan during the 2000 AAA Southern States Aikido Camp held July 27-30 at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. One of the highlights of the event gave us the opportunity to ask the Shihan questions during our after practice gatherings. We learned some very interesting facts during the discussions. For example, Kobayashi Shihan is the only remaining living uchideshi of O'Sensei. And, did you know that one Shihan was assigned to escort the other when they went out on the town? Who watched who changes depending upon which one you ask! Wonderful stories were shared to compliment the instruction received throughout the seminar. The open and approachable atmosphere the Shihan created on and off the mat was a very special treat. One of the countless gifts we received during the training were the kumijo and kumitachi taught by Kobayashi Shihan. Retsushinkan Dojo captured them on paper to share. Click here to view.
Aikido Trains Leaders
Article by Laura Diviny
Ever think that the time you spend in the dojo taking balance, getting off the line, leading others’ intention and learning to relax could make you a more valuable and skilled employee? Meridian Consulting Group, which specializes in leadership development, executive coaching and teambuilding, believes it can. Recently Senseis Buddy Hege and RJ Dellinger along with Gwen Boyd, Laura Meier and Robert Thompson led a workshop through Meridian for the managers of the YMCA. One aspect of Meridian’s year-long program is called “Understanding Your Boss.” Susan Hewitt, Meridian’s Senior Consultant, says “I know that Aikido would be the best way to convey the principles of negotiating work with your boss, navigating and dealing with conflict and improving communications. The participants, who especially like experiential learning, really enjoyed the experience and “got it.” Ms. Hewitt, a student of Aikido, knows of its abundant tie-ins with leadership development and states “I would definitely…use the Aikido Center again for a similar activity.” So the next time you’re rolling in the line of ukemi or running in randori, just remember: it’s a good career move.
WRESTLING WITH AIKIDO
Article by Laura Diviny
What is the sound of one hand clapping? Does enlightenment come through seeking nothingness? Can Professional Wresting be parodied? These are the koans of our times. When the definition of martial arts is stretched to include a wrestler who gave up his polka-dotted tights and purple feather boa to become a state governor, we have a situation worth philosophical dialectic. Compare the Way of AiKi with Wrestlemania.
Attacker Uke Heel Defender Nage Face Place to practice Dojo Smackdown? Uniform Gi Blood, sweat, spit, spandex (Also shaved head and/or ponytail, earrings, tattoos, splints, joint replacements, dentures) Weapons Bokken, Jo, Tanto Metal folding chairs, light fixtures, ring ropes, microphones, teeth, spectators. Merchandise Books, Tapes, Weapons, Gear Maximum Sweat action figures (fill water reservoir and toy will drip sweat.), Triple XXX Anabolic Steroids, Jesse Ventura collectable plates, posters of “The Temptress Francine.” Monikers O’Sensei, Shihan, Yudansha, Kohei Meat, Hulk, Stone Cold, Undertaker, Mikey Whipwreck, Balls Mahoney, Mr. Ass
Excerpts from “The Art of Peace”, Morihei Ueshiba, translated by John Stevens. Shambhala. 1992
“A warrior is charged with bringing a halt to all contentiousness and strife.”
“The Way of a Warrior is based on humanity, love, and sincerity; the heart of martial valor is true bravery, wisdom, love and friendship.”
“When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.”
“All things, martial and spiritual, originate from one source as if they were one family. The past, present and future are all contained in the life force.”
Excerpts from “World of Wrestling: WOW” Magazine, February, 2000 Vol. 1, Issue 10
“You want some? Come get some! You don’t like me? Bite me!”
“The days of scary music and lights are over. It’s time for pure, unadulterated hatred and evil.”
“You can come out here and face me like a man or I can come back there, tear that place up, find your little punk ass…and beat you like the stepchild that you are.”
“I don’t know where I’ve been the last six months. I’ve had a heart attack. I’ve been institutionalized…tonight for the first time in five years I got a job again.” (Quote by Ric Flair, possible Republican Gubernatorial candidate for North Carolina.)
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