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As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Seidokan , I thought it would be nice

to first review the past, present and future. The following information was

found in the Seidokan Instructors manual.

Seidokan Aikido

Sensei Roderick T, Kobayashi (6th Dan in Aikikai Aikido and Shinshin Toitsu

Aikido) founded Seidokan Aikido in March of 1981, after resigning from the Ki

No Kenkyukai.

Seidokan is a system of Aikido which, in accordance with the founder‟s teach-

ing, balances the study of the defensive arts with the study of the principles.

Among Seidokan‟s objectives are the study and analysis of the founder‟s doka

(dojo poems or sayings). At Seidokan, we are dedicated to relating these say-

ings to the practice of Aikido technique and to applying the principles to our

daily lives.

At a Seidokan dojo, instructors grow along with their students. As students

learn the basics from their instructors, the instructors deepen their own un-

derstanding of Aikido. Thus through earnest, realistic, and sincere training in-

structors and students can realize the true meaning of Aikido together.

Although currently independent of Japan, Seidokan was recognized by Master

Kisshomaru Ueshiba (the late Doshu and chairman of the Aikikai in Tokyo,

Japan).

Seidokan Past:

Kancho Roderick T. Kobayashi Seidokan Aikido Founder

Roderick T. Kobayashi was born in Hawaii and raised in Japan by his grandfa-

ther who was a Buddhist priest. Kobayashi Sensei was 5 years old when he

was sent to Japan. This was prior to World War II. His interest in learning the

history and philosophy of budo (Japanese martial arts) may have been started

because of this. Imagine being an American born Japanese child in Japan be-

fore and after WWII. Sensei faced bullies and street gangs as a child in Japan.

Upon his return to Hawaii at the age of fourteen, he was held back in high

school because of language problems. He joined the Army, after graduation,

where he became a helicopter mechanic.

Seidokan Aikido Communicator

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Past, Present, and Future 1-7

Organizational, Structure 8-9

Camp Insights 10-29

New Beginnings 30-31

Interview 32-34

Promotions 35

Upcoming Events and Tape Orders

36-37

Inside this issue:

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He was first introduced to Aikido by his father who had great a influence in inviting Master

Koichi Tohei, then Chief Instructor of Aikido at the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan, to Hono-

lulu in 1953. However, his formal training in Aikido did not start until 1957, after his 3 years of

military service. His first teachers at the Hawaii Aikikai were masters: Yukiso Yamamoto, Kazuto

Sugimoto, and Isao Takahashi. These masters were the first students of Tohei Shihan, the fore-

most authority on Aikido and Ki in the United States. Each of these masters was unique in his

own way, and had a great influence in Kobayashi's understanding of Aikido and Ki.

Kobayashi's training with Master Tohei began in 1961. He trained under Tohei Sensei whenever

possible in Japan, Hawaii and the continental U.S. He received his Shodan (1st degree black

belt) in 1962, Nidan (2nd degree) in 1965, and Sandan (3rd degree) in 1966. After becoming a

full time professional Aikido instructor in the fall of 1968, he was promoted to the rank of Yon-

dan (4th degree). He was also appointed as one of only two non-Japanese nationals to receive

the rating of Hombu Shidoin, instructor of Aikido for the Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Ja-

pan. He assumed the responsibilities of the President and Chief Instructor of the Western

States Aikido Federation until 1974. He was promoted to the rank of Godan (5th dan) in Janu-

ary, 1972. In September 1973 Kobayashi was promoted to Rokudan (6th degree), or master

teacher.

As Master Tohei organized the Ki-no-Kenkyukai (Ki Society International) in 1971,

Kobayashi was one of the most outspoken supporters of the Ki training program

and the applications of the Ki principles in Aikido and daily life. In January, 1973

he was appointed as Koshi (full lecturer) of the Ki-no-Kenkyukai and received

the certificate of Okuden (certification of completion of the innermost training in

Ki).

In May, 1974, when Master Tohei founded his own system of Aikido, Shishin

Toitsu Aikido, Rod Kobayashi began assuming the responsibilities of both the

Chief Lectureship of Ki Development and the Chief Instructor of Shinshin Toitsu

Aikido of the Ki Society Western USA.

Kobayashi began lecturing for the Physical Education department of the Califor-

nia State University, Fullerton in 1972. His goal was to establish a program at

the University, which would develop and certify well-trained instructors of Aikido

and Ki.

Kobayashi strongly believed that Aikido instructors in the United States should be trained in the

United States. To that end he founded the Aikido Institute of America in 1970. The teaching

methods at the Aikido Institute of America were designed for developing instructors. The in-

structors who are trained at the Institute are fully qualified to instruct the principles and the

techniques of Aikido. Furthermore, the Institute emphasizes the application of the Aikido princi-

ples in daily life.

In March, 1981 Rod Kobayashi resigned from the Ki Society International and branched out to

establish his own system of Aikido: Seidokan Aikido. Seidokan Aikido emphasizes the balanced

practice of principle and techniques. The purpose of the system is to further develop Aikido so

that it is better suited for the modern way of life.

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Seidokan Present:

Kanshu Minoru Kobayashi (regretfully edited for brevity)

Personal Background

Mrs. Minoru Kobayashi was born to a kyu ka (old family), in a small village, on the island of Sado,

which is located in the Sea of Japan. Due to her father's work as a school principal, she and her sib-

lings would change schools every few years. However, she ended up graduating from the high school

located on Sado Island. She then moved to Tokyo to attend college, Showa Women's University, and

continued to live there after graduating with her Bachelor‟s in Nutrition and a Certificate in Teaching

and Administration (principal level) at the Middle School and High School level.

Mrs. Kobayashi‟s first job was working as an Executive Secretary to the head of the Engineering De-

partment for Fujimori Kogyo Co,. Ltd., for 2 ½ years. Due to the long distance it required her to travel

on a daily basis, she chose to leave this company to work in the Accounting/Human Resource Depart-

ment and also the Sales Department at another company closer to her home, Kanko Kogyo Co.,

Ltd. She was employed as a direct assistant to the Heads of these two departments for about 10

years. During this time, she also worked directly under the company President. Back in the 1960's,

most women in Japan were relegated to subservient roles with little authority, so it was virtually un-

heard of for her to hold such positions and work with upper management. She took advantage of

these opportunities and gained a great deal of experience from working at these two companies,

which in turn helped her greatly in her future.

Meeting Tohei Sensei and the formation of Ki no Kenkyukai

With the passing of Aikido founder, Morihei Ueshiba, Tohei Sensei decided to resign from the Aikikai

Hombu and create his own path. He, along with five of his Yudansha began searching for office

space. (This is where her boss and the company President of Mrs. Kobayashi‟s second job, Kanko

Kogyo Co., Ltd, came into the picture.) Her boss belonged to a professional's group and this group

decided to support Tohei Sensei. Her boss temporarily lent out the second floor of his warehouse to

Tohei Sensei to set up his office, this lead to an open house for the office employees. Regular clas-

ses were then held at the Tokyo Olympic Center Gym. Due to her boss' connection with Tohei Sensei,

she had the chance to personally meet and practice under him.

Mrs. Kobayashi and nine other individuals from her company were sent to practice with Tohei Sensei.

After about two years she was the only one left from Kanko Kogyo that continued to practice.

With the completion of his office in Tokyo and the summer months approaching, Tohei Sensei made

plans to continue his yearly seminars in Hawaii. The students, Mrs. Kobayashi included, formed a

support group and wanted to send with him a gift of some type. In order to indicate whom the gift

was from, they came up with the name Ki no Kenkyukai or the Ki Society.

The first Doshu (Leader of the Way) (O Sensei‟s son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba) accepted Seidokan Aikido

as a legitimate system of Aikido. He and Kobayashi Sensei agreed that they shared the same goals

and accepted the same fundamental principles of Aikido.

In February, 1989, Rod Kobayashi and his associates organized the Seidokan Institute, Inc., a non-

profit California corporation to share the principles of Seidokan Aikido to those who wish to learn them

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Taking Class with Tohei Sensei

During her practice with Tohei Sensei, he concentrated on teaching Ki Development since he had

made an agreement with the Aikikai not to teach any Aikido waza (techniques). Therefore, they

learned such Principles like the correct way to extend Ki, the correct way to lead the other per-

son's Ki as well as the correct way to use Ki. While his Aikido Yudansha deshi (students) auto-

matically received the Koshi (lecturer) certificate, Mrs. Kobayashi, along with the others, were re-

quired to take an examination. She received the Assistant Koshi certificate from Tohei Sensei.

Meeting Sensei and the Decision to go to America

The Ki Society (Ki-No-Kenkyu Kai) formalized a system of rank, namely, Koshi and Assistant Ko-

shi. Kobayashi Sensei had earned the rank as Koshi (Lecturer) under Tohei Sensei, while during

that same period; Mrs. Kobayashi had become Assistant Koshi in Japan. With this new ranking

system, the importance of Ki-Development became more widely accepted within Japan as well as

abroad. As the need to define the relationship between Ki-Development and Aikido techniques

became paramount, Shinshin Toitsu Aikido and the School of Ki-Atsu were both established and

continued to grow. Mrs. Kobayashi continued her training during this period

One day, invited by her boss, Mr. Takashima, she attended a New Year‟s Party where she met Ko-

bayashi Sensei for the first time. Sensei had been visiting Japan to attend Aikido training. Mr. Ta-

kashima had previously attended Tohei Sensei‟s seminar in Hawaii and had already met Koba-

yashi Sensei and knew of his personal character.

As for Mrs. Kobayashi, she had been quite engrossed in meeting the challenges of working in a

distinguished employment place and practicing the principles of Aikido and Ki-Development. Alt-

hough she was already past 30 years of age, she was not only still single but had no time to make

any boyfriends. Mr. and Mrs. Takashima valued her position in the company, but they also felt

they did not want to bind her forever. They had sincerely been on the lookout for a suitable mar-

riage partner for her. They saw Kobayashi Sensei as a potential partner and therefore arranged a

formal meeting with Sensei at a restaurant in the Prince Hotel, joined by Tohei Sensei and them-

selves, Mr. and Mrs. Takashima.

At that time, the notion of living abroad was not exactly an attractive choice for many Japanese

people. She needed some time to contemplate the decision implied by the proposition to join

Sensei as a life partner. Finally, encouraged by her mother‟s words: “There will come a time soon,

when we must begin to look out into the world…”, she was able to make the decision. The day of

her departure from Japan, feeling this may be the “farewell of a lifetime”, her mother stayed late

into the night (10 pm) until the plane took flight. The way her mother lived her life had a major

influence in Mrs. Kobayashi‟s life. (Mrs. Kobayashi‟s mother left this world at the age of 94 in

June of 2001.) It was September of 1973 when she set off to America, ending her memorable

and well-respected 12 1/2 year career in two companies.

Mrs. Kobayashi‟s Aikido Training continues in America

Since there have recently been several voices of concern and uncertainty around Mrs. Kobayash-

i‟s ability to be “instructing” as a white belt (without any rank), perhaps it will be useful to further

describe and clarify the history of her training and qualifications.

For Mrs. Kobayashi, immigration to America involved a significant change in living environment.

However, wherever she went, she received a warm welcome by many students and by the people

she met. At the time of the marriage, she made a commitment to herself: “I will devote myself to

this Path.” This is how she began her new phase of training under Kobayashi Sensei. This may

explain why she essentially did not even get the chance to fall into the all too common, so –

called “culture shock.”

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Local xploringLo open source software opportunities.

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During the first phase of her training, she accompanied Sensei wherever he went, mostly to his Dai-

ichi Dojo (in “Crenshaw” area of Los Angeles) and the Torrance Aikido Club, practicing on the

mat whenever possible. There are probably very few who knew of the episodes of Steven Segal in

blue belt, like herself, coming to practice during this period at the dojos where Sensei was teaching.

During her children’s early childhood, she observed classes off the mat. As soon as they were old

enough (3 and 5 year olds), her whole family joined on the mat to practice together. There were oc-

casionally days when the only students at the dojo were members of the Kobayashi family.

The dojo moved to the Silver Lake area (the Hyperion Dojo) in 1981 and that was a significant year

that also marked the formal founding of “Seidokan Aikido”. During the second phase of her train-

ing, mainly at the Hyperion Dojo and Nishi Aikido Club, she fondly remembers not only the expe-

rience of training with her children but also assisting Sensei on the mat during practice. In the

meantime, the Dojo continued to expand. In order to cover the rent of the Dojo space, she was

pressed to seek work outside the home to supplement income. Luckily, after only a brief four-

month training period, she found a store manager position. She stayed on at this workplace for over

ten years, juggling Aikido classes, work, and maintaining the household. Nevertheless, she never

missed her practice and she considers this time to have been the busiest in her

life. During this period, Sensei asked her many times: “You are now as good as

a Sandan rank; so why don’t you at least consider taking a test for Shodan?”

However, over all the years of Sensei's continued attempts, she humbly declined

this request. She insisted she was content and intent on maintaining her white

belt (no-rank) position for the rest of her life. She nevertheless feels extremely

proud of the extensive Ki-Development training and ranking she earned in Ja-

pan. She is also both grateful and proud to have been able to learn further the

deeper fundamentals of Aikido techniques and principles, including Jo-gi and

Ken-gi arts here in the United States under Sensei's instruction.

These were the circumstances, the extraordinary ways in which Mrs. Kobayashi was trained in Ai-

kido and Ki-Development… and taught to observe and to learn. She has continued to observe nu-

merous students up to this day. Only recently, since the 7th Year Memorial in 2001, having had the

time to process her matters of the heart, has she been able to step back onto the mat, upon some oc-

casions.

Listening to Sensei’s Talks for 22 years and 9 months

I fondly remember the faces of students I practiced together with on the mat. There were those who

moved to Los Angeles, specifically seeking Sensei’s teachings; and there were those who relocated

and moved on to open their own dojo. I will never forget each and every one of the students who

came to meet and study with Sensei.

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Although I have trained in Aikido extensively, perhaps the reasons why I have declined to test or

to carry any rank may be attributed to my upbringing, from a family that upheld the ancient Japa-

nese traditions of strict discipline and customs. I chose to consider the traditional Japanese way

of thinking when it comes to the appropriate place or position for women in society or in a mar-

riage. Even though we were husband and wife, in terms of Aikido, Sensei and I were always

„teacher‟ and „student‟. I believed my “joy and mission” to be to always maintain one step behind

Sensei and to commit to being his good conversation partner.

Sensei took on the challenge to train and foster instructors in America and decided he would not

be able to accomplish this goal if he only taught part time. He abandoned his previous career as

electrical engineer and chose Aikido as his professional path. It was at this time, as he started off

in a new direction with a "blank slate", that he chose me as his life partner. From that point on, he

fully devoted his life to researching and developing the path and spreading the Aikido movement.

Whenever he came up with a new idea or an insight, no matter how late into the night, he would

wake me from my sleep and start up a discussion about exams or the efficiency of techniques.

He never postponed his research to the following day. Although we had limited time to spend in

conversation together; whether it was during meal times or in the car on the way to and from the

dojo, we exchanged what went on in each other‟s day. We listened to each other, and shared

each other‟s thoughts for all the years we were together. Of course Sensei talked much about Ai-

kido, but I was also never tired of listening to the episodes of Sensei‟s early childhood upbringing

in Japan. It was especially intriguing to listen to his stories describing “the Battle of Kounji” for

example, in the days when he lived in Wakayama prefecture. I would be able to vividly imagine

the scenes as if I were watching a movie. Sensei was extremely knowledgeable about Japanese

history, so much so that it was almost embarrassing for me who grew up to adulthood in Japan.

When he returned from his trips to visit various other Seidokan dojo, he would tirelessly share his

experience about his trips for at least a week at a time. Over the years, I have always been there

to listen to the stories he wanted to tell. As for myself, there are indeed many member dojo that I

have not yet been able to visit. However, hearing about the dojo so extensively over the years

from Sensei perhaps could explain how I am currently able to assist in most branch dojo matters

as if they are an extended family?

For our future, Sensei and I had been talking about certain plans: after handing down all respon-

sibilities around Aikido instruction to the younger generation, we had an idea to travel and wit-

ness together, to research the history of Aikido and also to seek the roots of Sensei‟s childhood in

Japan. We also had plans to document these findings and we had even begun our initial prepara-

tion for these projects. So suddenly however, on June 17th, 1995, I was no longer able to hear

his voice, nor sit with him to hear his stories anymore…it happened when my daughter Michiyo

had just completed 2 years in college, and just 3 days prior to my son Hiromichi‟s high school

graduation.

When I first met Sensei in Japan, these were his words: “I can‟t promise to bring you happiness,

but I will certainly try my best”, and “… someone who can listen to my stories.” Looking back, the-

se words must have been his expression of a marriage proposal to me. I devoted myself to being

in the role of his “listener” for 22 years and 9 months. Ironically, I never imagined that today, I

would be the one, in reverse, to ask Sensei to be a devoted “listener” of my stories.

To Sensei, who now lives on only in my heart…

The Decision

For the Seidokan Aikido Family, the loss of Sensei was understandably, an enormous shock. The

truth is, in empathizing with many of the students and instructors‟ feelings, I had very little time to

think about the implications this loss would have on our future, never mind time to shed any

tears. If I had been able to cry out loud, to let the tears flow, what a relief it might have been.

This is how I came to realize for the first time, the healing benefits of tears.

Eventually, we had to move out of the Hyperion Dojo and we became preoccupied with searching for

a new location. For 5 months, we drove around town looking at buildings that did not quite meet our

requirements; for one reason or another. Finally in May of 1998, we found our present day Dojo loca-

tion on Colorado Blvd. I believe it was the “strong Ki” and the support from numerous internal and

external Seidokan Dojo members that made it possible to carry on Sensei‟s path.

With my language handicap and having always followed one step behind Sensei, there are many

things I am unable to fulfill as well as Sensei had. I was fully aware that it would not be easy for me to

take on the leadership role; I must admit there were times when I had my own doubts. However, had

I been ignorant of Aikido and was simply devoted to being a housewife, my decision would have been

much easier to make. As described previously, for most of our lives together, the many years we

trained together, the two of us have been committed to researching the path of Aikido. Reflecting on

the value of the months and years we had deeply engaged in our dialogues, I am reminded of

Sensei‟s motto “Hyakuman Isshin” (“One Million One Mind”). It is as if I can see his gentle smile as I

hear his voice reciting this motto. Although my strength shall never amount to more than a tiny frac-

tion of Sensei‟s in comparison, with the support from numerous students and capable instructors

Sensei had fostered over the years, I have come to make the decision to dedicate all that I can in my

power to the task of overseeing the continued growth of this “Formidable Tree of Seidokan”, the Tree

which has been given the opportunity to thrive to become so strong.

In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the following members who were in-

volved in planning, formatting and editing of this series of articles: Mr. Joe Crotty Jr., Mr. Larry Wa-

dahara and Dr. Mark Crapo; Mariko Kage who took on the task of translation and the tremendous

support of my daughter, Michiyo Kobayashi. Arigato gozaimashita.

–Minoru Kobayashi

Seidokan Future: Michiyo Kobayashi

It's hard to say when I officially started practicing aikido. I guess it depends on who you ask. I offi-

cially began practicing in the children's class when I was 5 years old. I was always told that I started

aikido sooner. We're talking while my mother was still carrying me in the womb and was watching

class, I would kick every time my father counted during the aiki taiso one...kick.

two...kick ...three...kick".

I'm currently teaching the children's classes as well as the Beginning Aikido class at the Aikido Insti-

tute of America. I became an Ikkyu at 14 years old and after going through my teenage I-have-other-

things-to-do phase, I received my Shodan at 22 years old, and currently hold the degree of Yondan. A

somewhat of a repeated realization occurred over the past few years. As it's been mentioned in the

past, it's not about saying "I am of this certain rank" but rather how far one has come and given the

task to take on the next level of training. Much of it does come with technical practice and under-

standing the art form, but the realization is that more importantly, all those years of practice mean

nothing if you have not tried to make the aikido principles a part of your life...to better your life.

My father and mother always talked about applying aikido to your daily life to improve your physical

and emotional well-being. If you cannot make this application work, it‟s all meaningless. As I work

toward the responsibilities of this new rank and everything is a work in progress, I‟m glad I can say

that aikido has helped shape me into a more open-minded and reflective person. Thanks mom and

dad!

~ Michiyo Kobayashi

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Hi Dr. Mark here….

My wife, Janean Sensei, has been working very hard on an updating and heavily editing our Instructor's

Manual. She spent a good deal of time in conversation with our Senior Advisor, Mrs. Kobayashi, about

what she (Mrs. K) wanted cut, added or expanded, the two of them often worked very late into the night,

in the week following camp. And while that document will be coming out soon, I thought I'd share a little

of it with you here. (See below.)

As mentioned, Mrs. Kobayashi is now in the position of Senior Advisor with Michiyo moving into the Kan-

shu position. I (Mark Crapo) will remain in the position of Shihan Bucho. The Senior Advisor, Kanshu and

Shihan Bucho will make all rank and business decisions. Questions of these natures should be ad-

dressed to all three people in their respective positions.

In support positions, we have 3 Shido-Bucho or Technical Directors, if you will. We have made a couple

changes to these positions to better fit personalities and strengths.

* Larry Wadahara Shihan is in charge of empty-hand arts (a change from before when he was in charge

of weapons) and any specific questions regarding technique may be answered by Larry.

* Joe Crotty Shihan is in charge of our weapon arts, including jo-gi and ken-gi. (He used to be in charge of

empty hand arts.) All questions regarding weapons should be directed to Joe.

* Janean Crapo Shihan is in charge of Ki Development including Aiki-taiso and Mind/Body Coordination.

Our three Shido-Bucho may be available for seminars, not only in their particular specialty, but certainly

in any of the basics(and thus advanced arts) of Seidokan. Please contact them specifically if there is an

interest but please copy our Kanshu and myself on such communication.

Below is a representation of our organization and communication structure. Our hopes are to have more

frequent communication from all outlying dojo and students. While we have no formal reporting system,

it is assumed and desired to hear from chief instructors or a representative from each dojo at least once

a year (more is always welcome.) Knowing what different dojo are doing in regards to seminars, special

events, testing, etc, is not only a way for us to support your needs but also a way we get to know the

members of Seidokan.

Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions.

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WHY IS AIKIDO CAMP SO MUCH FUN?

By: Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA

It‟s always hard to come off the high of an Aikido camp because it‟s never exactly clear why they

are so much fun. Is it the travel to new and unexpected places (it's highly unlikely you would go to

Battle Creek unless you live in Michigan or love cornflakes)? Is it the monastic weekend escape

aspect where you can focus entirely on doing only one thing (no mowing the lawn, no "honey do"

lists, no shopping, no multitasking)? Is it the superior swag this year (Seidokan luggage tags for

Japan next year? or firsbeetori anyone?)? Was it special this year because it was the 30th

Anniversary of our style, Seidokan? Is it the great accommodations (we haven't had air-conditioned

rooms and a pool and spa since the Pleasanton camp half a dozen years ago)? Is it the ice cream

at Clair's Railroad Depot Restaurant? Is it the well oiled logistics of a smoothly running camp

where we participants benefit from the dozens of people quietly slaving behind the curtains to

make it appear effortless (like any good aikido technique)? Is it seeing students I've known over

the years develop into great teachers (what has Mariko been doing secretly up in those Canadian

forests?)? Is it the relaxed pace of this year's camp which over 3 days I only had two class conflicts

where I wanted to attend two teachers who were teaching at the same time? Is it the older

senseis, who you can always count on to both put on a great show (any one of Wedell Sensei‟s

weapon classes is worth the price of admission) and to show you that there are better ways to do

and teach things you have been doing for years? Was it the "always something new" aspect of this

quizzical art we practice (those who took Tony's class on how to get your partner not to do an art

know what I mean)? Or was it the senior instructors who do these great lessons which you can

take home and test right away on your unsuspecting students (I tried Crapo sensei's how to move

six people by seemingly just waving your hands trick on my Monday night beginner's class and it

worked great)?

Perhaps it‟s all of these things but probably the reason it‟s so much fun is that it feels like a family

reunion that has been going on every year for a long time (over 30 years in my case). So every year

I get to revisit my Aikido friends in some new locale; they all appear a little grayer, a little wiser and

a little better in their arts not to mention the new ones who all seem better than I was at their rank.

What could be nicer? Nothing unless you consider that on my flight home I had an empty seat next

to me so I could stretch out my sore joints.

Thanks Mark, Janean and Clyde for a great camp.

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Memories of My Seidokan Life ~ by Aiki Monkey

My Seidokan life began in Kalamazoo, MI at the 2008 summer camp at Western Michigan University. I had

been minding my own business, in my own little world at Bed Bath and Beyond when Janean Crapo saw me

and explained to me about this thing called Inattentional Awareness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=IGQmdoK_ZfY&feature=youtube_gdata_player ). She told me; the fact that she saw me was a sign that I

should join the dojo and attend the upcoming Summer camp. Since I wasn‟t doing much else and, tired of

being on the de/receiving end of this Intentional Blindness, I took her up on her offer for my scholarship for

camp. (After all, there‟s not much money in sitting unsold in a box on a shelf all day.)

Not having had any experience on the mat with Aikido but having tremendous amounts of experience hang-

ing around going unnoticed in open/public situations, I did what I knew best and hung out and observed.

Oh… some saw me but not many…. But, after the class where I was finally pointed out to everyone, boy, did

I have a lot of attention hiding in different places and being shuffled around. I learned a lot from observing

classes at camp and decided I would go on an Aikido Pilgrimage. I started out in California for a while be-

fore being sent back to Michigan. The following year, I got to travel and be part of camp at the University of

Texas! A nice lady, Elizabeth Tillman agreed to take me on as uchi-deshi and, although I missed camp last

year in California, she did think I was ready to try another camp in Michigan. Sadly, this year would be with-

out her. L I think she sent me (on scholarship, bless her heart) without her so I could know I am ready to

move on and learn in other places with other teachers as well. I miss her but I know I‟ll see her again.

Camp this year was awesome! Although, they didn‟t let me have any of the anniversary cake, I was able to

be right up front and watch as classes progressed. At one point, I was held for a chocolate ransom but I

was not scared…. I knew my aikido skills were better than last time in Battle Creek and I would be able to

take care of myself if the need arose.) I now have a very cool weapons bag with a magic scroll to write

about my travels. A fine lady and practitioner, Sue Deese made it for me. It will certainly come in handy for

my future travels.

So, there we are… my aikido career in a nutshell (banana peel?) If you should ever see me wandering the

streets with my weapons bag on my back, know I am looking for yet another place to learn and train. All

offers are welcome!

Thank you all for camp!

Aiki Monkey

Steve‟s View of 2011 Camp

Seidokan Camp is always a fun experience. It‟s familiar and new at the same time. I always look forward

to catching up with old friends and work with many people I haven‟t seen before too. In my regular prac-

tice there is a smaller set of people to work with. At camp, my partner is different every time I pare up

with someone.

At camp I worked on ryote mochi with one person who was very strong and solid, then changed to a part-

ner who had a light attack; had to hold back to keep from flinging them off the mat. It‟s challenging and

something only available at camp. Well maybe not only at camp but much more likely than with my regu-

lar set of six partners; constantly changing but always with people that share my interest in improving our

aikido.

It‟s like that with instruction too. Every class is with someone different. Half of the classes were instruct-

ed by people I haven‟t taken classes from before; either their first time instructing at camp or the last

time they instructed at camp, I had to make the difficult choice of two classes. The other great instructors

that have taught many previous camp classes I only get to see once a year. The variety is great. I went to

Mario Fonda-Bonardi Sensei‟s class on Kotegaeshi from different attacks. It was a classically taught set

of techniques in increasing difficulty. The pace was quick and a lot of material was covered. I went to

Janean Crapo Sensei‟s class on holding your posture throughout your movements. There weren‟t any ai-

kido techniques in the sense that we put labels on them. It was all about a small but important fraction

of each technique we do. This stark contrast between the two classes is an example of the variety of ex-

perience I always look forward to in the Seidokan Camp. Fonda-Bonardi Sensei showed “How to do kote-

gaeshi form all different situations and Crapo Sensei zoomed in on one important aspect of moving

through any technique; can be applied in 90 percent of classes… and other things in life. I really enjoyed

Mariko Kage Sensei‟s class with positive energy and humility. I‟ve worked with Mariko as a partner in

class many times but have never seen her with her back to the shomen before. I can imagine her stu-

dents in Lillooet are highly motivated to attend class during the week. In contrast, I only ever see Barbra

Rodriquez Sensei during camp and this year got to attend her “centering” lesson. We did kata tori ikkyo

emphasizing keeping posture erect, moving from legs, after uke is bent over. We went through many ki

development exercises to improve onepoint. She handled the class with the confidence that said she has

done this many times before. I don‟t remember having the opportunity to attend a class with her in previ-

ous camps, but I had to pass up many opportunities in the past as well as this year, to attend classes with

people I haven‟t seen instruct before. It‟s a common camp experience of regret that one person must

choose one of two great classes to attend. Steve Spargur Sensei did a class on Range of Effectiveness,

one of my favorite places to explore, with an eighteen to twenty inch stick. We had to stay farther out be-

cause uke gets an advantage of extension by using the stick and nage must adjust by extending down

uke‟s limb. The image of ki extending out the end of the stick, we had to also extend the point of contact

to unbalance uke. Spargur Sensei reminded me that conditions may change but the principle of Range of

Effectness guide us to adjust with them. These are some of the great experiences I had a camp. There

were more but I won‟t try to write them all. I will try to practice some of them in the coming weeks.

There is a great variety of things to experience at camp. Many ukes, instructor‟s points of view, and be-

tween classes, people who are among the nicest on the planet, to catch up with. Each one of the camp

participants takes a unique experience home with them. I hope that I helped some of my partners get a

positive experience from camp and improve their understanding of Seidokan Aikido.

You saw what?!?

By Brent Danninger, UT Austin Aikido Club

Upon returning to Austin, it is a tradition in our dojo to spend several classes sharing what we learned at

summer camp. Each of us recounts camp in their own way: Barbra Rodriquez relies on her meticulous

notes; McAdam Sensei on his extensive experience; and I rely on my befuddled memory.

As our review classes progressed this summer, it dawned on me that while two or three of us might have

been in the same class at camp, we often saw entirely different things. And not just different styles of the

same technique---often entirely different techniques! As there was a Starbucks on the premises, these

discrepancies cannot simply be dismissed as a caffeine deficit on my part. I considered briefly that we

each attended the same summer camp classes in alternate universes, but this idea made my head hurt.

Now, however, I'm beginning to understand these discrepancies as neither right nor wrong but simply nor-

mal.

I suspect that when an instructor demonstrates a technique, I can only see what my Aikido training has

thus far prepared me to see. Or perhaps what I expect to see, or even want to see. What I usually want

to see is what is familiar. In any case, what I don't see is what is actually there. This may also explain

why new students have such a hard time finding the direction "Down."

Summer camp was a flawlessly organized weekend of training and fun. Kudos and many thanks to every-

one who made it all happen!

Grandma Goes to Summer Camp

By Meg LaRou, Seiwa Dojo

I was pushing 60 by the time I discovered Aikido and this year with my 64th birthday approaching I attended

my first Summer Camp. I hold the rank of GoKyu. In previous years I had solid excuses for not going but this

year it was only fear and trepidation getting in the way. My doctor had just recommended knee surgery, but

that could be put off. I was afraid that I‟d be in so much pain after the first day that I wouldn‟t be able to

make it to class by Saturday. So I spent some time coming up with a strategy to make it work. I got to the

Hotel armed with lots of Ibuprofen and I knew there would be plenty of ice for my knee. I promised myself I

would pay attention to what my body was saying and I‟d take time out when I needed to.

As it turned out there were nice long breaks to ice my knee, sit in the hot tub, swim and stretch out my back

and legs. I learned to take falls, though not all of them and practice Shodo-o-seisu to protect myself when I

needed to. I never had to skip a session. The schedule was great with long enough breaks but also a varied

and plentiful offering of classes to chose from. I loved learning from the many teachers who were so willing

to offer suggestions and different ways of thinking or not thinking as I practiced. What a supportive commu-

nity of folks I discovered! My very favorite class was Misogi on Saturday morning. I didn‟t understand every-

thing that was going on. The energy was building as the chanting got faster. I thought the guy behind me was

chanting “an-y-thing-goes-an-y-thing-goes”. Thinking back that‟s probably not what he was chanting! I loved

feeling the energy in the room as it got stronger and stronger. I got a glimpse into the depth of this path and

what it might mean as my practice continues.

I count the whole experience a victory which I plan to build on as I continue my practice. I can‟t wait for next

14 Women attended camp this summer

Summer Camp 2011

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Favorite Class

By Jim Brazell, Sankyu, Seiwa Dojo.

Which class was your favorite? The question came two or three times daily, fellow campers ask-

ing how I was enjoying camp. Some classes I chose because I had taken a class from an in-

structor before; some classes I chose because I had not taken a class from an instructor. In

one case, an instructor suggested I take another‟s class to build up my skills. It will really help

my progress in aikido. Because I do not live near my home dojo, camp is a rare opportunity to

be part of the Seidokan community. So which class was my favorite? All of them!

My thoughts from Minnesota

By: Jim Crinklaw, One Circle Aikido, Minnesota

I would like to thank Dr. Mark Crapo, Janean Crapo Sensei and the members of

Seiwa Dojo for organizing a fantastic summer camp for us … thank you!

After summer camp, and in the midst of email correspondence with Miss Michiyo

Kobayashi involving a back-ordered kyu arts DVD, I mentioned to her that I had

found the two summer camps I‟ve attended to be very humbling and inspiration-

al. I also told her that I find Seidokan members to be universally helpful, patient

and encouraging. I even told Miss Kobayashi I feel the work of Seidokan teachers

is a gift of love and understanding to the world and it is wonderful that Kobayashi

Sensei‟s vision is being faithfully carried on. Plus, I also told her that her mom is

sweet.

Miss Kobayashi has asked me to expand on those/my comments for our Sei-

dokan Communicator and I am okay with that, because I believe everything I had

told her is true. So even though I am by nature shy and reticent, I will try to explain why I found

summer camp humbling and inspirational. I should first remind everyone that I am just a begin-

ner and that this is only my own opinion I am sharing.

The thing I like best about summer camp is the spirit … summer camp‟s all about trusting, shar-

ing, helping, community-building, and instilling hope. You may not be surprised to hear that the-

se are the very things the Dalai Lama attributes as contributing to an individual‟s happiness in a

book titled, “The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World”, which I‟ve been reading. In the book,

His Holiness supports his teachings with studies from such institutions as Harvard and Stan-

ford, so it‟s not just an opinion, he is using empirical evidence. According to the Dalai Lama,

then, it turns out that, “… helping others is the best way to help yourself, the best way to pro-

mote your own happiness. It is you, yourself, who will receive the benefit.”

Continued on next page

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At the same time, it is my understanding that O-Sensei‟s hope was to have Aikido become a mecha-

nism for developing responsible, informed & concerned world citizens while helping them live a hap-

py, enriched life. I think his vision is amply manifested at our summer camp.

At any rate, I feel summer camp is both humbling and inspirational because one is frequently remind-

ed of how much one doesn‟t know … it‟s a reality check … while at the same time, everyone unselfish-

ly helps each other discover and learn as much as they can absorb, which is inspirational.

As an example, after I got back I told our people about my nikyo experience at summer camp. I first

reminded them of how, to guide students to greater relaxation, I will sometimes put my hands on

nage‟s hands when he‟s all knotted up with uke and struggling with nikyo. Then, I related how at sum-

mer camp I was being nage in a nikyo engagement, when suddenly Larry Wadahara Sensei was there

and he had his hands on mine, like what I do with our people. Sensei told me to relax, so I cut in half

what I was doing with my practice partner. He told me to relax more, so, again, I halved energy. When

Sensei told me a third time to relax, I forgot about halving and tried to match Sensei … it was weird

because for a moment the three of us just kind of floated there, it seemed. And then, I‟m afraid I

started babbling. Sensei had made clear to me that there‟s “something more” (or maybe I should say

“something less”) that I may aspire to, and I would like to thank him for showing me that.

Finally, I told our people that my little moment of discovery had made me feel like a beginner. I

laughed at myself, and they laughed along with me, because we all know that Aikido is a path that

extends out, beyond the visible horizon and that, compared to what remains to be discovered, we are

all only beginners forever. Afterwards, we talked about the importance of “keeping beginner‟s mind”.

So for me, it is the journey itself and the like-minded people with whom you share it that are to be

treasured … just like the Dalai Lama says, and as O-Sensei intended, and as Kobayashi Sensei pro-

vided for when he established the AIA dojo and the Seidokan Aikido organization.

Again, I would like to thank everyone for a great summer camp and I am looking forward to seeing

everyone next year.

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Exploring “Makoto”: Part 1

By: Mariko Kage, Lillooet Seidokan Aikido, B.C. Canada

In Japanese, there is a saying “Ichigo Ichie.” Literally, it means “one chance, one meeting.” Let

us savour each meeting with one another, each encounter as a once in a lifetime chance, a sa-

cred sharing. I tell my students what a privilege it is to have a place to practise Aikido together!

Please do not take your training on the mat for granted. If we suddenly became handicapped, I

truly hope we will still strive to follow O sensei‟s vision of what Aikido has to offer to humanity.

I very much appreciated my very first opportunity and the honour to present a class at Summer

Camp 2011 in Michigan. The following article is based on the class I presented, elaborating on

metaphors and daily applications.

As I left Los Angeles to move back to Canada in 1997, away from teachers and fellow students

at AIA I had and could train Aikido with, I was compelled to search for my own reasons for con-

tinuing to keep Aikido alive in my daily life. In hopes of one day being able to get back to training

and teaching, “self-care” became a steady theme and a challenge amidst raising children over

the decade. Since relocating to Lillooet in 2008, I finally realized my dream to begin and oper-

ate the first Seidokan Dojo in Canada, now in its fourth year. I sincerely wish to thank Mrs. Ko-

bayashi and other senior instructors for their continued support and guidance, as

I dedicate this reflection to everyone.

Meaning of “Makoto”:

Kobayashi Sensei defined “sei” in three words: sincere, realistic, and earnest.

Here is a further exploration of the word “sei” which is the first character within

the name, “Seidokan.”

The Japanese kanji character for “sei” which also reads “makoto” is a compound

word made up of two kanji particles: on the left, a character that means “word” or

“speaking”; on the right, a character that means a “deed” or “accomplishment”.

Together, the word “makoto” suggests that when one‟s spoken words are reflect-

ed (joined) in our actions, when we “walk our talk”, we can have integrity and sin-

cerity. [Seidokan translates as a house or a school (“kan”) for learning the way

(“do”) of being sincere, realistic and earnest (“sei”).]

I consider myself a life-long student of Aikido. I am grateful to my students in our dojo, for the

opportunity they bring for me to share, explore and practise the art of Aikido. I teach because I

need constant reminder of the principles of Aikido in my own life, juggling home and work, my

own needs while parenting four growing boys. O-sensei prayed for world peace; Kobayashi

Sensei further developed a unique method to apply the Aikido principles. Then as members of

Seidokan, how can we further apply this path of peace and make it real?

In striving towards harmonizing our energy (Aikido) in a sincere way, I see there are at least

three dimensions to apply “makoto” in our daily life: 1. harmony with ourselves; 2. harmony with

people around us; and 3. harmony with our world around us. Essentially, our practise on the

mat is a reference point to help us to be reminded of how to make Aikido “realistic” in our lives.

The four principles to unify mind and body are critically useful tools in exploring and actualizing

how to be in the spirit of “Aiki” at all times.

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1. Harmony with ourselves through self-care: Self-massage, Capillary Exercise (mokan undo), Gold-

Fish Exercises are just a few of some excellent practises to incorporate in our training. We have been

gifted our life from our parents; it is our responsibility to stay healthy and happy!! “If we look after our

bodies, our bodies will look after us.” There are many ways people practise “Self-Care”: engaging in

healthy activities, keeping your body supple and flexible, maintaining positive peaceful attitude, and

exercising self-respect, etc. Let‟s learn from each other, find out what works, support/network with

one another in how we can keep our balance and wellbeing!

2. Blending in Relationships:

a) Udefuri Choyaku Undo with one partner: this blending excercise is a great “metaphor” to demon-

strate how we can keep our chest (heart) open; open our arms as if to embrace; maintain “trust” and

eye contact; while keeping one point and balance; and truly synchronize timing with your partner! It is

a great way to remind us about “being with each other”, a fun exercises that can leave us feeling truly

connected. How good it feels when we maintain our centre and a sense of direction, yet open our

hearts completely! Please think about this exercise next time you are challenged to “blend” with your

partner, friend, or a child. Can you be in the spirit of udefuri choyaku undo in relationships? Can you

blend and dance from your heart?

b) Udefuri Choyaku Undo facing the same direction: I asked everyone to try a variation of the udefuri

choyaku undo. Usually, for each count, we change directions 180 degrees as we do in Aikitaiso; with

this version, we have to make a 360 degrees turn ending up facing the same direction as the starting

position!! The foot work as well as arm position has to be adjusted to make this smooth transition,

which allows then for the person to keep on moving forward instead of switching back and forth. Why

shall we practise this variation? Because it challenges our adaptability to “change in circumstances”.

We are so use to doing things the same way all the time; I saw that many people at camp were chal-

lenged with this one because it is different than the way we are comfortably doing this exercise all the

time, week after week, year after year; also a great “brain gym” that stimulates our coordination! This

exercise was necessary to prepare us for the next group blending.

c) Udefuri Choyaku Undo with a group of six: Here is a further step towards a more challenging exer-

cise “to blend with more than just one person”. In a straight line, six people are lined up: three people

facing one way, other three facing towards the first group of three. Then, we apply the above men-

tioned b) version of udefuri choyaku undo to create a revolving formation like a dance, switching posi-

tions moving in a spiral motion. For the first count, only the first two middle pair facing each other do

the udefuri choyaku version b); then on the second count, the four middle people now as two pairs

facing each other, will simultaneously do the udefuri choyaku version b). And finally on the third

count, we have formed three pairs facing each other ready to do the last set of udefuri choyaku ver-

sion b). In our daily life, when we are in a situation to blend with a group of people, it is clearly very

important not only to know one‟s directions and intentions, but for each person to see the “common

vision” of where the group really wants to go together. Also, to create a successful outcome, it really

helps to stay relaxed, settled down, focused and extending positive “ki” at all times. This is a great

test to stretch our comfort zone, to adjust and confirm common vision, and to adapt harmonize, and

be effective in group circumstances!

Please allow me to continue with the review of my class in Part 2 of this article in the next issue to

explore further the idea of harmonizing with others (when there is resistance and attack!) and how we

can harmonize with the world around us.

Mariko Kage, Shodan

Founder/Chief Instructor

Lillooet Seidokan Aikido,

B.C. Canada

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Thank you All – Janean Crapo

I‟ve been attending camps for 22 years. In that time, I‟ve missed a few (a very few) and have

attended camps in varying capacities; student (always), instructor (at times), leader of Aikitaiso,

helper to new students (a couple times to people who had never done aikido at all or only a few

times….. sometimes to seasoned martial arts practitioners but newbies to Aikido and even once

to a mom who signed up on a whim when she dropped her daughter off for camp. J), and camp

co-coordinator.

This year was different in a couple of significant ways. First, I attended camp 16 weeks after

shoulder surgery. My surgeon was not entirely happy with this idea and strongly (and repeated-

ly) stressed that just being bumped at that point could snap the tendon from the bone again.

(I‟m sure this is why he told me the story of how they know it takes a full 20 weeks for the ten-

don to completely heal to the bone; they did the same surgery on sheep and kept track to see!)

I could attend as long as I didn‟t take falls, didn‟t have techniques done to me (because I would

not be in control) and didn‟t risk anyone bumping into me (how could that happen on a mat with

56 people!?!?!?) So, I was pretty much relegated to helping a beginner student and watching

(I‟m not gonna lie though…. I did sometimes get to throw people. J)

Second, it was the 30th anniversary of Seidokan! Though camp was a bit smaller this year, the

spirit of the camp filled the room. Though things did NOT go off without a hitch,

the camaraderie and cohesiveness of the group completely overshadowed the

hurdles before camp. Hearing those who have been around the longest give their

thoughts at the celebration and seeing new people teach and have unplanned

complementary themes really brought the concept of Earnest, Realistic, Sincere

home to me.

Thank you all who attended. Thank you all who attended in spirit. Thank you to

the teachers: past, present and future. Thank you for the fellow students who are

my teachers even as I stand in front presenting a class. And, a VERY special

thank you to those who helped us break even on this camp just because they

heard of the difficulties! This all is Seidokan: Earnest, Realistic, Sincere.

30 YEARS OF REFINEMENT by Steve McAdam

Summer camp was a tad smaller than usual, but the average rank was noticeably higher. That

gave me a good view of what progress we have made, and I dare say Kobayashi Sensei would

be pleased. Of all the professional instructors I know, he was the one most concerned about

refining the art, and I feel that he trained his students well in how to use the principles to

achieve that refinement. I am delighted to see that Seidokan's senior instructors are now pass-

ing that on to their students. It was great to see the mid-level and younger instructors showing

the same interest in exploring the principles. (I particularly enjoyed the classes by Steve Spra-

gur and Tony Mahoney.) As for my class, as I told the folks in it, it is getting harder to find stuff

to teach them, since they have already learned so much

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Aikido Summer Camp 2011

By Clyde Morgan, Seiwa Dojo

This year‟s summer camp brought some unique opportunities into my camp experience. First, I was

able to be involved “behind the scenes” and assist Mark & Janean Sensei a little bit. This was an eye

opening experience for me, it is unbelievable how many details there are to juggle (each presenting

its own challenge) as well as the sheer time required just to pull it all together. If you have not been

directly involved in putting on a camp, it truly is hard to comprehend all that is involved. Second, I

was given the chance to teach a 45min. class. I find that teaching at camp is somewhat un-settling,

considering many of the students are your peers, whom you‟ve been learning from all these years.

The other thing that makes it uncomfortable, is that Sensei and Mrs. K are walking around taking

notes, scrutinizing what you are teaching, it does make you second guess your own abilities some-

times. This must be where mind and body unification is exhibited.

Throughout camp, I really made it a point to attend classes from instructors that I had not had before;

this added a level of excitement to the whole camp experience for me. Overall, the fellowship of prac-

ticing Aikido with old and new friends is the best part of camp.

“You have done this hundreds of times…”

Tony Ricketts, Southside Dojo Kalamazoo Michigan

“… why would you be nervous?” Roger reminded me our instructor Bronson Diffin Sensei (who we

missed at camp this year as he was unable to come) asks one of his students once a week to lead

aiki taiso at the start of class. It‟s true, over 5 years that is hundreds of times. But still the invitation

to lead aiki taiso, especially to open camp, in front of 50 or so attendees, with chief instructors, in an

unfamiliar setting, produced an energizing intake of breath at the very least. Of course the settling out

-breath came once the rhythm and familiar sequence of movements was underway.

Launched into camp this way, I did start to notice how the same pattern appeared over and over.

Training with someone new takes careful attention like leaving on a journey, training with someone

familiar feels more like coming home. Following an unacquainted instructor teach a new angle on a

technique is fascinating and takes concentration, yet the new understanding builds on accustomed

movements when practicing the technique. Even the difference between meeting and talking with

new people, compared to sitting with someone who was there when I had my first lesson. It was such

a joy to see Anthony and Christina again who were at Southside when I started and who I haven‟t

seen since they began their new life in California. Or as simple as the mental and physical intensity of

the training sessions and the needed rest during the breaks. Every time we practice aikido, the unex-

pected works together with our training to produce the end result. One of the main things that will

stay with me from this my fourth camp is the balance of new and familiar, work and rest, setting out

and returning home, in-breath and out-breath. My gratitude goes to all involved in creating this year‟s

camp, I hope the energy put into it was balanced by the satisfaction of experiencing the harmonious

end result!

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