Reports

Aikido und Misogi

From August 28 to September 3, 2011, an Aikido and Misogi seminar with Yoshigasaki Sensei took place for the third time in Bosco Gurin, organized by the Ticino Association for Ki Aikido Balerna.
The mornings included misogi and aikido, and the afternoons were free for mountain hikes, sunbathing, excursions, other courses, or free training.
This time, Yoshigasaki Sensei's sisters had come from Japan. The older of the two, Yasunage Chihoko, was interested in the local culture, including Christian culture. The younger, Watanabe Michiko, is a master of the tea ceremony and calligraphy. She offered afternoon courses in Chado and Shodo. Yoshigasaki Sensei's wife also participated again, so there was a week-long family reunion in Bosco Gurin. And of course, the two sisters were interested in what their youngest brother was doing in Europe.

Participants

This year's participants came from Switzerland, England, southern Germany, southern France, Spain, Liguria, Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, and Tuscany.

Olmo from the Balerna Dojo was able to participate as an "uchideshi." Lisa and Niko from Thiene also occasionally romped about on the mat.

Due to the increased number of participants, Casa Don Bosco was used as accommodation again this year.

Chihoko and Mihoko

The two sisters arrived in Ticino some days before the seminar. They were able to stay overnight at Govert's in Stabio. They had brought gifts for all their hosts. During their stay, Yvette and Bernhard, sometimes together with Govert and Harriet, showed them the beauty of the area.
At their express request, they visited the Hermann Hesse House in Montagnola, the Mendrisio Museum of Art, the Swiss Miniature installation in Melide, which was of great interest to the Japanese guests. There was a trip to Lake Como for dinner, too. There, the waiter who served us even spoke Japanese; he had worked in Japan for several years.

Lessons

Yoshigasaki Sensei taught, among other things

• Tantodori 1, Tantodori 2
• Jo 1, Jo 2
• Bokken 1, Bokken 2

The kata with jo and bokken included new elements.
On the penultimate day, Ronny from Haigerloch successfully passed the CHUDEN exam. Videos from the lessons can be found on these websites in the blog.
Filippo has published 25 minutes of video material from the 2011 seminar ("Yoshigasaki Bosco Gurin") on YouTube.

Shodo

Mihoko Watanabe Sensei taught Shodo in the afternoon.

The class was again held in the old elementary school classroom.
Unfortunately, the organizers of the seminar were unable to attend because they were already quite busy with misogi, aikido, organizing meals and the excursion, etc. In retrospect, it's a real shame. Mihoko Sensei demonstrated many facets of her art, and there was a great deal to learn in the class.

Chado

On other afternoons, Mihoko Watanabe Sensei taught Chado, the tea ceremony. This generated great interest, as most participants had never experienced a real tea ceremony before.
A tea room was symbolically set up in a corner of the dojo. Mihoko Sensei first explained the complicated procedure. Then, the entire ceremony could be practiced in small groups.
The two sisters also brought kimonos, which interested female participants could put on, also in a complex process. Photos were then taken.

Basodino

This year, the group again went to Robiei, at the foot of the Basodino Glacier. In fine weather, most hiked around the plateau. Others climbed the slopes and enjoyed a better view from above.
For lunch, they returned to the Capanna Basodino and then returned to Bosco Gurin, stopping in Foroglio.
Yoshigaki Sensei drove with his relatives and a few other loyal followers to Locarno on Lake Maggiore.
In the evening, everyone met again in Bosco Gurin for dinner.

Conclusion

The 2011 summer seminar in Bosco Gurin was very special in many ways. The sisters of Yoshigasaki Sensei participated. The Shodo and Chado lessons were excellent. The excursion on Wednesday was once again a success. And Yoshigasaki Sensei's teaching provided many new insights.
Anna made two drawings for the seminar. One shows Yoshigasaki Sensei practicing a bokken technique, the other shows the two sisters following the paths of Bosco Gurin.
We look forward to the seminar in Bosco Gurin next year.
Arrivederci!