AKI Demonstration at Hachimangu Shrine
May 13, 2001

Contributed by Chicko Xerri*

I recently received an invitation from my teacher, shihan Yoshinobu Takeda, head of Aikido Kenkyukai International (AKI), to participate in the Hachimangu Shrine Shonan Aikido Renmei and AKI Demonstration Day in Kamakura Japan. This annual event commemorates a time of spring purification, and this year Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba was an honored guest at the enbukai.

 
The event took place on Sunday, May 13, 2001, and included a 1.5 hour seminar headed by the Doshu Ueshiba, followed by several hours of demonstrations. It was my privilege to represent AKI Fudoshin Dojo, Inc. of Australia in the demonstrations, and joining me, along with many others, were sensei Jean-Rene Le Duc of Canada and sensei Lia Suzuki of the U.S.A. Following the demonstrations, a party was held in honour of Doshu.

This was a very special and meaningful occasion, as many AKI members from around the world came to visit Takeda shihan and the country of Japan. Speaking for Jean-Rene, Lia, and myself, it was a great privilege to be introduced to Doshu and to offer our demonstrations to him at the site of the shrine. The experience was of great significance to us all and was a big highlight in my many years of aikido practice. It was a way of honoring all the contributions that have been made by our teachers and students over the years. It needs to be said "Those who strive in commitment to the advancement and development of themselves, and especially their social commitments to the immediate world, will surely succeed in merit."

On the following Saturday, we three representatives were each promoted by one dan rank. Thanks to the uke who supported us and to the people in attendance who inspired us. Also special thanks to Berin Mackenzei, Chris Guthrie, Ken Schultz, Satoshi Takeda sensei, and of course to shihan Yoshinobu Takeda and Doshu, who made it all possible

After experiencing such collective effort in the coordination of this event, I am vividly reminded of a phrase, "Our communion together is not a hierarchical system, but a collaboration of minds and wills." It may well be.

*Chicko Xerri is Chief Instructor of Fudoshin Aikido Dojo Inc., in Sydney, Australia http://www.angelfire.com/ia/AIKIDO/.

To learn more about Takeda shihani and Aikido Kenkyukai International (AKI), please visit the website http://www.aikidonetworks.org/index.html.