Bu Jin Newsletter: Seminar Reviews

Aikido of Tucson, Seminar with John Stevens sensei

Aikido as the Path of Friendship - Anno sensei's visit to Seattle

AANC Memorial Day Aikido Gashuku, Lake Tahoe, CA

Shinrikan Dojo Aikido Seminar with Keisuke Mizuno sensei

Chicago Aikikai Seminar with Kevin Choate sensei

Aikido Shobukan Dojo, Summer Intensive 2000 with M. Saotome and H. Ikeda

Aikido Yoshinkan at Sacramento, Seminar with Amos Lee Parker sensei

Aikido Gashuku: Memorial Day Weekend Workshop
May 26-28, 2000
Lake Tahoe, CA
By Edgar Johansson*

WOW, now this was fun! This Gashuku was my fifth consecutive attendance and I have already started planning for next year. This year I drove solo (1050 miles each way). And since I was alone I took the opportunity to listen to the Richard Feynman Lectures on Quantum Physics, great way to pass the time if you are into physics, if not, well that's why I was on my own. Anyway, back to the workshop... The workshop was located this year (and will be next year, as well) at beautiful Lake Tahoe, CA. The host dojo is Reno Aikido Co-Op and the workshop coordinator is Aviv Goldsmith who is one of the kindest and thorough coordinators around. Thanks Aviv.

This workshop is a blast. It is hosted by AANC (Aikido Association of Northern California) where all the dojos are directly under Saito Shihan from Iwama Japan. In fact most, if not all, of the top instructors were at some time uchi deshi in Iwama under Saito sensei and all of them have lived and trained in Japan.

The list of instructors includes the following: topping the chart as Senior Instructor was Sensei Bill Witt (6th Dan) who taught a wonderful suwariwaza class of pinning techniques. Sensei Dennis Tatoian (6th Dan) of Traditional Aikido of Sonoma taught a robust class focusing on two and three attackers. Sensei Hans Goto (6th Dan) of Bay Marin Aikido focused his class on flow and extension, which worked up quite a good sweat. Sensei Bernice Tom (6th Dan) of Sunset Cliffs Aikido, who hosts this event every third year in Ocean Beach, San Diego, taught a number of different variations and as always left me wanting more. (I trained two summers with Sensei Tom in San Diego and am privileged to be of her acquaintance, I feel that her dojo is my home in S.D. and always look forward to seeing her and all of the great akikdoka at her dojo.) Sensei Kayla Feder (5th Dan) of Aikido of Berkely taught an interesting and dynamic class. And Sensei Vince Salvatore (5th Dan), the new chief instructor of Reno Aikido Co-Op, brought some of the latest happenings from Iwama and great excitement to Reno Aikido Co-Op. Congratulations and thanks to both the group and Sensei Salvatore on their new relationship and this great workshop.

Sunday morning weapons were taught by the remaining four sensei. Sensei Hoa Newens (6th Dan), of Aikido Institute lead us in over 1200 bokken cuts (1st suburi) followed by kumitach practice. Sensei Pat Hendricks (6th Dan ), of Aikido of San Leandro, as always demonstrated impeccable technique. (She is an unbelievable technician and a treat to train under. She is always very clear and concise.) Sensei Patrick Cassidy (5th Dan) of Aikido of Fresno rocked, as he focused on feeling through your weapon. Sensei Kim Peuser (6th Dan) of Aikido Institute brought the workshop to a conclusion with more great weapons training.

Besides all the great training and incredible people, there were a number of dan tests Saturday before lunch. Congratulations to all those who tested. The workshop, which changes venue from time to time, was held this year at the Rideout Elementary School Gym in beautiful North Lake Tahoe. It is slated to return to the same location in 2001. Previously, the seminar has been held at Sunset Cliffs Aikido in San Diego.

I always look forward to this challenging and very enjoyable workshop, and I extend a big thank you to all my friends with AANC Div 1. I'll see you next year! Or maybe in September when Hans Goto Sensei hosts Morihiro Saito Shihan, 9th Dan, Iwama Dojo, Japan. This is his only USA seminar in 2000 (September 22-24, 2000).