Sensei Danielle Smith and Dennis Evans at Aikido of San Luis Obispo
March 19, 2001

Contributed by Michele Simone*

On Saturday, March 10, 2001, Aikido of San Luis Obispo dojo was honored and excited to have Sensei Danielle Evans Smith (5th Dan Dojo Cho, Aikido of Monterey) and Sensei Dennis Evans (5th Dan) lead a one-day seminar.

This particular Saturday had a fresh quality about it. After a period of grayness and rain, all the roadside flowers were 'springing' up in eye-fulls. The sunlight had a fresh hue. As if in celebration of this bright blue day, both gifted instructors created a fun and stimulating seminar for students of all levels.

Our students were energized by the individualized attention offered by both teachers. In different ways, each expressed their passion for Aikido. Danielle Smith Sensei demonstrated with vibrancy and warmth, as she helped students explore how to maintain extension and connection throughout technique without needing to inflict upon uke overpowering joint locks or pain. Dennis Evans Sensei used humor, animation, and "non-pusillanimous-ness" to demonstrate and explore the body-mind subtleties of catching and unbalancing uke's center. Throughout the seminar both instructors demonstrated the principles they were teaching with the staff and sword.

During the seminar I had the opportunity to test for Nidan. The test was challenging, rigorous, and fun on many personal levels. I feel immensely grateful for the support that surrounded me while I tested. Prior to the exam, during the preparatory training process, I received a wonderful blend of guidance from both Aikido of Monterey and from Aikido of San Luis Obispo, which is my home dojo. I'm grateful for the relationship of our two dojo's, which allowed me to receive such enlivening support, and I am grateful to everyone in both dojo's.

For Aikido of San Luis Obispo, this seminar marked another important transition into the new spring season for our dojo.

*Michele studies at ASLO with chief instructor, sensei Mary Tesoro. To learn more about Aikido of San Luis Obispo please click on http://www.aikido-of-slo.com