All four shihan taught for a half-hour class this morning. Ikeda Sensei taught the first class and he started off by saying that even before uke touches you, you should already be thinking of breaking up uke's mental or physical balance. To demostrate how to by establishing unity with one's uke, you can take their balance, Ikeda Sensei lay flat on the mat and was able to throw a 6+ ft uke by just moving his arm. Ikeda Sensei time and again shows in his own Aikido that it matter of balance and connection and not physical strength that allows a smaller person to throw even large people. We worked on kosadori ikkyo and kokyunage variations during his class. Here is a photo taken before class of Ikeda Sensei, my friend Steve, and myself:
The second class was taught by Doran Sensei. During Doran Sensei's class, we worked on kosadori iriminage and kotegashi. Doran Sensei demonstrated an kosadori iriminage soto variation that I don't remember practicing before. By nage keeping his or her hand on the outside of uke's grabbing hand, when nage goes under the uke's extended arm, the iriminage is right there to throw uke. The same movement was used for the kotegashi technique and any basic technique could be used from this opening.
Murashige Sensei taught the third 30 minute class. He started off with a kokyunage from tsuki. The second kokyunage from tsuki involved sliding off to the side and irimi movement and then quick atemi to uke's face. I was very lucky to partner up with George Ledyard Sensei of Aikido Eastside from Bellevue, WA. Ledyard Sensei showed showed me a number of weak areas in my technique and showed how by just moving the forward shoulder out of the way, even when a very fast punch is coming, you don't get hit. He also told me I need to be mindful of what my hands are doing at the end of the technique, that if I am positioned low, to place my hand on uke's near hip to disrupt uke's balance. Ledyard Sensei made me attack him at 85-90% speed and he likewise attacked me with the same intensity. It is these small interactions that improve my Aikido. I really enjoyed Murashige Sensei through-out summer camp and here is a photo of Murashige Sensei and me taken before class:
Saotome Sensei taught the final class and his focus was on maintaining a peaceful attitude through-out the technique. A very interesting comment Saotome Sensei made was that even after a violent encounter, you should be at peace and relaxed. Normally that is the complete opposite, when recovering, surviving, or celebrating a violent encounter, you normally are not at peace but what I believe the point that Saotome Sensei was making that we should cultivate a relaxed and peaceful attitude at all times and not just when the situation is not violent. He related how O'Sensei was always peaceful and tranquil during practice, and by doing so, was able to keep his posture and presence. We practiced a number of techniques that I tried to take this instruction in the practice of the class with my partners. Here is a photo of Saotome Sensei and I before class:
After all of the classes were finished, I helped load the mats in the truck and now I am packing up and getting ready to leave for home tomorrow morning. During this year's summer camp, I am much more reflective and appreciative of the honor and opportunity it is to train and learn from so many excellent martial artists. I feel I have a deeper understanding of the art and better application of modern budo in my own life. I am very lucky.
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