Blog
Submit a New Blog
Forum
Aiki Store
Special Offers
DVDs
Books
Posters
Subscribe
Articles
Encyclopedia
Bibliography
Search
List All Titles
Add New Title
Video Clips
Photo Gallery
Events
Find a Dojo
Free Newsletter
Contact Us
Subscriber Login
FAQ
“2010 East Coast Aikido Bridge Seminar,” by Todd Jones
Once in a rare while, we are fortunate to be able to participate in exceptional events; the 2010 East Coast Aikido Bridge Seminar made my list. For three days, I had the honor and privilege of sharing teaching duties with some of the finest aikidoka in America. It was a chance to connect and reconnect with old friends, as well as to make new ones.
In keeping with its progenitors, the AikiExpos, and sister Bridge seminars, this event was yet another example of the bright future that aikido in America has to look forward to as the next generation of teachers build personal relationships, bereft of the sibling rivalries that have separated their own teachers. The Bridge seminars are bringing together senior students of the first-generation post-war Shihan, many of whom had previously been prohibited from participating in events outside of their political organization. These are historic events not to be missed. There were members from at least six different aikido organizations in attendance at this Bridge seminar, but an uninitiated observer would never have known it. There was no egotism on the tatami at this seminar; this was one of the friendliest events I have ever attended, a really exceptional happening.
The shared excitement was palpable during the well-attended seminar as each teacher’s personal expression of the art inspired the others. Appreciation for the sometimes dramatic differences in technical presentation was underscored by a remarkably consistent messaging from each of the sensei. Atypical of most seminars, almost every class was concluded with an open topic question and answer session where the participants, many of whom were dojo-cho, were presented an opportunity to inquire and converse with the seminar teachers on all manner of issues related to the art. The dialogue was beneficial to everyone present.
A debt of gratitude is owed by all to Dennis Hooker sensei, who hosted the seminar at his wonderful Shindai dojo in Orlando in late February (which made attendance by those from the northeast all the more enticing). It is likewise important to note that this event would not have been possible but for the tireless efforts of my good friend Steve Fasen, our stalwart concierge.
The instruction was truly top-notch, and each instructor’s delivery was technically unique. Without question, Clyde Takeguchi, 7th Dan Shihan, taught the most vigorous classes, inspiring everyone with his wonderful vitality and intricate technique. Francis Takahashi, 7th Dan Shihan, regaled participants with his insightful humor and his powerful, classical movement. The friendly nature of Greg O’Connor, 6th Dan, and the strength of his technique reverberated throughout the dojo in every class he taught. The classical elegance of John Messores, 6th Dan, technique was undeniable and thoroughly inspirational to everyone in attendance. The supreme command of the subtleties of control, as demonstrated by Dennis Hooker, 6th Dan, was truly awesome to observe.
If you happened to have missed the 2010 East Coast Aikido Bridge Seminar this year, you’ll want to block your calendar for next year’s event. If it’s anything close to as wonderful as the inaugural event, then it’s a not-to-be-missed seminar.
» Next: “Self Defence Tactics - Taking the Back,” by Markos Markou
» Previous: Brian Kagen pick: “Principles and Techniques of Aikido,” by André Nocquet
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Posted by Aikido Journal on Mar 3rd, 2010: Contributed (post a comment)
Reader Comments
Stephen A. Fasen writes:
Jones Sensei has one glaring omission in his otherwise succinct description of the East Coast Bridge, that being the outstanding level of his contributions. He challenged all of the Aikidoka on and off the floor to interaction outside of their comfort zone. His explosive energy and superlative technical insight amplified the significance of his place among the cadre of amazing instructors. As usual, he provided a level of intellectual fertilizer and personal challenge that raised the bar for everyone.
Dennis Hooker writes:
I too had a great time, got to meet new friends and rekindle old friendships. It was a pleasure to host this event and we hope to do the same next year and then move the venue to another state so more people can enjoy it. We owe Stan Pranin a great deal of gratitude for his ground breaking work with the Aiki Expos. Without his effort and leadership, and planting the seed of togetherness, this type of thing may never have gotten started. Thank You Stan for the innovative work. I got to see great instructors at work and interact with them in ways that would not have been possible a few short years ago. Aikido people all over the world should reach out to one another in the spirit of friendship and harmony. It is time to start tearing down the walls and for all Aikido people with good hearts to reach out to one another in the spirit of friendship and brother/sisterhood.
Do we need to do this under one organization? No! We can and should keep our own identity to preserve the flavor of our diversity but create an atmosphere where our students can come together in a non threatening, friendly and welcoming environment and draw for the labor of love so many fine teachers have endured for decades. It is time to be one family with many branches and I am honored to have been a part of this East Coast Bridge and humbled by the company in which I was allowed to mingle for a while. I cannot recall a seminar where I saw so many happy, eager and energetic people, and most all were high ranking yudansha from several organizations. Not one bad incident was seen or reported and everyone was smiling and eager to work with people they had never met before. My opinion is that the format worked, the teachers compatible and more, simpatico. I want to thank all of you!
francis takahashi writes:
Mar 4th, 2010 at 9:24 am
History is said to be written by the winners, those who prevail and leave their stamp on the recorded memories of what actually happened. Well, there was a host of winners in Orlando, Florida in February, 2010.
All who attended this past weekend of training, interaction, conversations and the sharing of sweat, effort and inspirations, were all indeed winners. They each and every one left their indelible stamp on the minds, hearts and psyche of all who chose to attend and participate.
Yes, there were top level instructors present, not only on the teaching schedule, but on the mat itself, including Shihans Clyde Takeguchi, John Messores, Greg O’Connor and Todd Jones. They contributed mightily to the tone, authenticity, and the welcoming spirit of the joy of training to everyone there, even those who watched from the side. Dennis Hooker Shihan, in great pain and obvious discomfort, was inspirational, not only in his powerful presentations on the mat, but with his dogged determination to support all the others by observing the training way beyond the limits of his challenges. Domo, Hooker Shihan!
This event is past now, but the purpose for it lives on. This amalgamation of top level Aikido teachers may well mark the beginning of the end to regional thinking, exclusivity of memberships, and to the history of unfounded, unfortunate, and illogical prejudices against any one “not doing their style of Aikido”. Even further, was the amazing support given by those veterans of Aikido training and leadership, who chose to attend and mingle with those they have not met for years, on the common ground of honest and joyful training. Old friendships were rekindled, new friendships forged, and a new attitude of “oneness of Aiki purpose” was revived.
This is an event that all promise to reenact next year. Even more, there has begun conversations that this example be used to foster more local gatherings of Aikido groups, dojos and their faithful supporters throughout the months and years to come.
This is testament to the dreams and vision of the Founder, the late Doshu, and to the efforts of the early pioneers of Aikido, that the values and benefits of Aiki principles will prevail and be shared with generations present and future.