Sensei Chicko Xerri Seminar at Aikido of Tamalpais
February 17-18, 2001

Contributed by Tiphani Palmer*

I recently had the pleasure of training at a seminar taught by sensei Chicko Xerri of Noosa, Australia. The training was held at Aikido of Tamalpais in California over the Feb. 17th weekend, and the inspired few that joined us had a great time. During his two week visit to the United States, sensei also taught an impromptu class the following Sunday at Aiki Zenshin Dojo in Fremont, CA. At both events, we were treated to the long clear lines of movement that call to mind the influences of Takeda Shihan, Xerri sensei's present teacher. The training throughout had a powerful martial component that reminded me of the healthy respect I should always have for my partners.

I was particularly moved by Xerri sensei's continual reminder that we need not fight or drag our partner around, which seems to be such a strong human trait, but to connect our centers both as uke or nage. This connection seems to create a compelling quality to the training. My experience was that it was more difficult to attack with aggression, when my partner made a genuine connection with my center, and I found myself wanting to move with the power that was created between my partner and me.

The seminar training was invigorating, and we all welcomed the opportunity to study with an instructor from another part of the world. At the end of the weekend, I had learned new things to work on and was excited by the possibilities. What a great feeling to be left with.

Thanks to Chicko sensei for sharing his knowledge and joy of Aikido, and to all those who came to partake of it. Special thanks to Wendy Palmer Sensei, George Leonard and Sunny Skys for opening the doors of their dojos to us.

Chicko Xerri can be contacted through his web site at http://www.angelfire.com/ia/AIKIDO/.