Aikido of Tucson, Seminar with John Stevens sensei

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AANC Memorial Day Aikido Gashuku, Lake Tahoe, CA

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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

Seminar with John Stevens Sensei,
Tucson, AZ. March 24-26, 2000
By Edgar Johansson*

It was my great pleasure to attend this seminar hosted by Aikido of Tucson. John Stevens Sensei, long-time resident of Japan and author of a number of well-known books on Aikido, is a very dynamic instructor, who has a deep understanding of O Sensei's historical information and philosophical beliefs.

Stevens Sensei incorporates his historical understanding, along with his expertise as a Professor of Buddhist Studies and author of Buddhist, Zen, Aikido and Asian culture books, to present Aikido in a most enjoyable way. In the Aikido of Tucson seminar, Stevens Sensei included teachings of the Six Pillars of Aikido -- an explanation of Aikido in relation to descriptive meaningful words - which brought a vibrant new view to my training. He also included the use of Kototama, or the use of sound and spirituality, to create a harmonious, healthy and focused atmosphere for excellent training. Stevens Sensei, in keeping with his reputation, included in his seminar, as he does in regular daily training, 1000 bokken or sword cuts (not for the weak of shoulders).

I highly recommend John Stevens sensei's seminars and suggest that one would do well to include this experience in one's personal Aikido history.