SHIN SHIN TOITSU AIKIDO - Ki Aikido

Balerna October 2009

6th Seminar with Yoshigasaki Sensei

Modifications

Benefiting from unseasonably mild weather, the 6th International Aikido Seminar took place last weekend in Balerna under the masterful direction of Doshu Kenjiro Yoshigasaki. The occasion saw the presence of "old friends" and the very welcome arrival of new participants on the Balerna tatami, who shared a meeting full of innovations.
For several months now, our Doshu has been making very interesting changes to the technical program — always in keeping with the concept of peace and harmony — and seeking to avoid any mental or physical aggression in Aikido.
This concept should also be applied in daily life — not because it is dictated as dogma from above — but simply because it should be in keeping with the nature of an Aikido practitioner. It is obvious that we are not yet at that point; otherwise, the Doshu would not repeat this at every opportunity.
Perhaps everyone should try to recognize and transform these aspects in their own mind and heart. Unfortunately, our ego sometimes makes us want to dominate others.

Friday

During the Friday evening class, Sensei Yoshigasaki introduced the new Kenkotaiso, with modifications of the first two exercises. These exercises are designed to increase practitioners' awareness of the concept of the body's lateral lines.
This was followed by floor stretches for the legs and Hanmi Handachi with the same goal.
The sequence of the new Aikitaiso is: Funakogi Waza, Ikkyo Waza, Zengo Waza, preparation for the execution of Happowaza with forward step and raised rear leg, Happowaza, Tekubi Kosa Waza, Kaho and Joho, Sayu Waza, Sayu Choyaku Waza, Udefuri Waza, opening and closing of the feet, Gyaku Hanmi, Tai Sabaki with Gyaku Hanmi, Ushiro Tekubi Dori Zenshin Waza, Ushiro Tekubi Dori Koshin Waza.
This was followed by the explanation and study of the techniques of the new 9th Tsuzukiwaza: Tsuki and Keri.

Friday Evening

The evening ended happily at the Grotto del Mulino in the Breggia Gorge Nature Park, where we enjoyed onion soup and cheese from the Muggio Valley.
There were quite a few hungry guests there who, despite the late hour, enjoyed a double dinner of lamb and side dishes. This was accompanied by excellent Bongio wine, produced in Balerna by the Cantonal Agricultural Institute of Mezzana.
A heartfelt thank you to the cooks who prepared the excellent dishes for our group and to the owners of the grotto for the warm welcome.

Saturday Morning

Saturday morning greeted us with warm sunshine, promising a very beautiful day. There were about sixty participants on the tatami.
The doshu explained a great deal and developed many ideas and concepts on the techniques of the new Tsuzukiwaza: the 9th Tsuzukiwaza Tsuki and Keri, which he had already started the previous evening, the 19th Tsuzukiwaza Tsuki, the 16th Tsuzukiwaza Handachi, and the 25th Tsuzukiwaza Happogiri.

During the lunch break, part of the group went to the familiar nearby restaurant Federale, where they enjoyed an excellent lunch in harmony, carefully prepared by the owner, Ms. Laura Schuler.

Children

In the early afternoon, a large group of children from the Mini Aikido School, led by teachers Andrea Beduschi, Yvette Voumard, and Govert Erkelens, gathered on the tatami in the presence of parents, siblings, and grandparents to participate in a lesson led by the Doshu.
The children were very excited; many of them hadn't yet met Sensei. While they waited for the Doshu, Moreno Maule (teacher in Novara) and Andrea Beduschi devised fun, spontaneous games in which the children immediately joined in.
What fun!

Saturday Evening

After the children's training, the adults continued at a brisk pace.
The day was characterized by intense activity and great commitment from the participants.
In the evening, Anna and Cristina from the Osteria-Ostello del Furmighin in Sagno welcomed us for an aperitif and an excellent dinner, prepared with love and imagination.
A heartfelt thank you goes to both of them for the excellent care of the guests at dinner and to those who regularly stay at the hostel with Sensei Yoshigasaki.

Sunday

On Sunday morning, everyone was on the tatami on time – summer time had changed to winter time overnight. The new 25th Tsuzukiwaza Happogiri, the 16th Handachi, and the new, very interesting 30th Tsuzukiwaza Shinken were to be learned and practiced.
The technically and philosophically sophisticated seminar ended at noon. All participants had participated very intensively. The seminar gave us many new ideas for our work and future endeavors. Thus, the art we practice can be an effective tool for inner growth, not just for external appearance.
With gratitude and appreciation, we would like to thank our doshu for his teaching. We appreciate the advices he gave us. The same applies to the "factual" answers he gave to our questions.

Arrivederci

After saying goodbye to the friends who had made the event possible with their presence, and wishing them a safe journey home, the usual small group, along with Sensei Yoshigasaki, gathered once again around the Grotto del Mulino's friends' table for a final social moment and to sample "Pita e Curnitt," a very popular local dish.

This Sunday marked the 12th birthday of young Dario E., who had already participated in the Mini Aikido School in Balerna as a young student. It was also a wonderful occasion for us to have him at the table with his parents and his little brother Max, and to celebrate with him by sharing two delicious homemade cakes.

Yvette Voumard, Balerna

Group photo

Other photos