New York Aikikai 40th Anniversary Summer Camp. Saturday July 31-Saturday Aug 7 2004.
Featuring Yamada Sensei, Tamura Sensei, Doshu, Osawa Sensei, Shibata Sensei, Kawahara Sensei, Kurita Sensei, Okuyama Sensei.
To commemorate 40 years of Yamada Sensei’s living in North America and spreading Aikido to various parts of the world. Despite the loss of Kanai Sensei, this seminar was a celebration of life and the unity of Aikido. 1200 people on one matt from 40 different countries all sharing our common bond. It was something.
After flying from Vancouver to Toronto, then driving 5 hours South to Colgate University we found our rooms Stillman Hall – The stone construction was something!
West Hall
then it was time to practice.
warming up with the first of many backstretches!
The Crazy Canucks with Kawahara Shihan.
Tony, Sharon, Michael, ?, Kali, Kim, Simon, Robb, Jim, Yumi, Sensei, Rob, Alex, Joel
The Mexicans!
Francisco, Rueben, Laticia(?), Carlos, Sensei, Martha, ?, Ando
Kali and I took in the first evening class
Claude Berthiaume Sensei – 7th Dan
Harvey Konigsberg Sensei was instructing this evening
under the ever watchful eye of O-Sensei
The Shihans – Yamada Sensei, Tamura Sensei, Shibata Sensei, Kurita Sensei, Okuyama Sensei
Mrs Tamura and Yumi
Okuyama Sensei demonstrating
The ever Serious Kali working intently on her form.
Tony and Simon hanging on every work Kurita Sensei spoke and spoke and spoke…
Donovan Waite Sensei, 6th Dan
Robb getting ready to hammer.
Donovan Waite Sensei demonstrating
you do what with what?
Tamura Sensei
Trying to throw Tamura Sensei
Jim Barnes working with the little guy!
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Kawahara Sensei Demonstrating
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During our day off we went to Moraine Lake for a dip with the ducks.
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The pre class march to the Stanford Field House where classes were held.
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The Torontonians with Tamura Sensei
More Group practice!
Doshu Demonstrating
Simon
Kokyudosa anyone!
Osawa Sensei and Doshu
My new Buddies!
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The last day was testing. Here is Francisco from Mexico doing some flying Ukemi!
Tamura Sensei and Yumi who had the privilege of translating for his classes.
Robb Kim and Jim
Kali thinking about those boys from Brazil! Renat and Warren thinking about dinner.
The Head Table. Doshu giving a speach
Peter Bernath, David Halprin, Kawahara Sensei, Bob Zimmerman
Okuyama Sensei, Osawa Sensei, Shibata Sensei, Sugano Sensei, Yamada Sensei, Doshu, Tamura Sensei
The last day of my Aikido week took me to Toronto for a wee bike ride in the City. Kali was my trusted guide on these perfect commuter bikes.
Thus ends my week of Aikido. The most amazing thing was practicing with so many people from all over the world under the instruction of the Creme de la Creme of Aikido.