For almost a month, Ms. Mutsuko Minegishi would guide them to various dojos in Japan on a tough schedule. During this visit time, professional commitments, luxury and material matters was set aside to study Aikido in order to deepen the general understanding and love for the art and to spread it in South Africa.
The team comprised of:
* Mutsuko Minegishi, 6th Dan, resident in Guam, with 32 years of experience
in Aikido as leader.
· Paul de Beer, 4th Dan after 26 years, Technical Committee Member
of the
Aikido Federation of South Africa (AFSA). He is an architect by
profession and works for the University of Pretoria.
· Corrie Human, 3rd Dan after 19 years, General Secretary of AFSA.
He is an attorney by profession and is self-employed.
· Loray, 2nd Dan after 8 years, Vice Chairman of AFSA. He is a psychiatrist
by profession and works for the University of Pretoria.
· Craig, 2nd Dan after 11 years is a promising student and future leader
of AFSA. He is a businessman by profession and is self-employed.
Oct. 4, Sat
9:00 NH 914 Arrival of Minegishi at Osaka Airport
17:25 EK 316 Arrival of South Africans at Osaka Airport
I was met by Mr. Saruwatari from Shosenji Dojo, Toyonaka-shi, Osaka. It took
two hours one way to get to the airport from downtown Osaka. Rather than feeling
happy, I felt sorry for Mr. Saruwatari to spend so much time to meet me. South
Africans will be arriving in the afternoon. Until their arrival, I will go
to the Hotel first and rest a while.
In the car, Mr. Saruwatari explained how bad the economy in Osaka was. He
is an owner of many restaurants, and every month, he is adding more and more
reds. The economy in Guam and Saipan is very bad. No wonder why not so many
tourists come to have vacations on the islands. In spite of his busy days
with so many worries, he spent his precious half a day for me. I felt his
strong love for Aikido, and I was thankful for his kindness.
At 17:45, South Africans arrived at Osaka Airport. Ms. Okamoto, Mr. Ota from
Shosenji Dojo and I welcomed them. We left Mr. Ota's car in town, and went
by a limousine bus because it was too small for all of us to get a ride with
lots of luggage.
The group of four appeared in front of us with big smiles all over their faces.
It was their very first time to visit Japan. We jumped into wide-opened arms
and squeezed each other with utmost joy. Paul's chest was thick and warm,
and his kisses on my cheeks were telling me how excited he was. I wished that
Japanese people also could greet each other in such a manner rather than bowing
and lightly shaking hands.
We took a limousine bus to the city terminal. From there, we loaded our luggage
in Mr. Ota's brand new car. It was completely full, and no one could get in.
We took two taxies to the hotel and checked in at Sunroot Hotel. Mrs. Okamoto
had changed our hotel from the one in Kobe to the more convenient one for
the night.
Our first meal was at an Izakaya, a drinking and eating restaurant popular among Japanese people. Some beer and food were ordered. To our surprise, Sashimi and Sushi were their first choices. They all said that they would eat Sashimi and Sushi to their heart content during this trip. Fried food and meat were avoided until the last minute, and Sushi and Sashimi disappeared from the plates with no time.
Oct. 5, Sun
10:00 Check out from the hotel.
A visit to Kyoto, guided by Mr. Kinoshita, Mr. Ota and two other members of
Shosenji Dojo.
We checked out from the hotel, and checked in at the Youth Hostel of YMCA near Shosenji Dojo.
In South Africa, space is plentiful. At the YMCA, their room had six bunk
beds in two layers, and four of them were to stay together in it. The beds
were all small made for children and youth. Paul whose house in South Africa
is very large with a swimming pool at the back yard, and to stay in such a
small room, and I felt so embarrassed to arrange such a small room for them.
The South African currency, Rand, is very weak against Japanese Yen, and the
participants were quite aware that this trip was no luxury at all. However,
this accommodation was too humble, and they had to experience the Japanese
space problems. No one, however, complained because their joy for being in
Japan was so much greater than they could endure the poor conditions.
Mr. Ota, Mr. Kinoshita and their two friends took us to Kyoto. Although they
were from this area, none of them knew much about Kyoto to guide us. So, we
just took the easiest route and visited the most famous places such as Kiyomizu
Dera Temple, Imperial Palace and Higashi Honganji Temple. By the time we reached
the last place, the sun was already low and the day was almost over.
On both sides of the narrow road to Kiyomizu Temple, there were many small
souvenir shops. Whatever they saw was new to them, and they were peeking into
every single shop with curiosity. At times, they disappeared from our sight.
Wondering where they were, we found them bending their bodies or kneeling
on the ground to take good shots. Being an architect, Paul's interest was
on the roofs and the buildings. At every building, gate and statute, he stopped
to take photos. There are supposed to be more than 3000 temples in Kyoto.
I wondered how many years it would take them to visit all of them in such
a slow pace!
After having attended a rosary of a family member, Ms. Okamoto invited us
to her home for dinner. She waited for us with curry and rice and a large
bowl of salad. This curry was so delicious that for the rest of our trip,
curry was their favorite dish besides the Sushi and Sashimi.
Oct. 6, Mon
Kobe Seibukan Dojo
18:30-20:00 Aikido Class by Mr. Hamazaki
Our first practice in Japan. Kobe Seibukan was built by Mr. and Mrs. Nakao after the destruction of their old dojo by the Kobe earthquake. The couple owns a drinking restaurant, and they could not join us for practice in the evening. They always practice in the morning. During our practice, Mr. Nakao came to watch us for a while. As usual, his smile was warm and he looked like guarding us and protecting us. He invited us to his restaurant after class, and offered us his delicious cooking. Most of the dishes were seafood, and South Africans ate everything with the admiration for different ways of preparing the materials from the sea.
The day before our arrival, the members of Seibukan had just come back from a weekend camp. Although not many students were expected to attend the class, the dojo was already full when we arrived. Because it was too crowded, someone fell onto Corrie's thigh, and he pulled muscles. He had to stop practice. His face showed a great disappointment. He was worried about his injury. We prayed for his quick recovery since this was the very first practice of many more to come. He had been waiting for this day for almost 20 years, and he injured himself during his first class. We all felt sorry for him.
The time for closing the gate for the Youth Hostel was 10 pm. Showers were
also to be stopped. If we did not make it in time, we had to go to bed without
showers. Corrie was dragging his leg with pain all the way from the station
to the Hostel. We finally arrived at the Hostel after 11 pm. The officer was
very mad at us, and he badly scolded us. We practiced from 6:30 to 8:00 and
after that we had a party. How could we come back to the Hostel before the
closing time of 10:00? What are we going to do for the next four days?
Oct .7, Tue
Takatsuki Aikikai, at Takatsuki City Hall Basement Rehearsal Room by Mr. Kadokawa
One hour by train to Takatsuki from the Hostel. In Takatsuki, there is no special dojo for the club, and they practice at different locations on different days. On Tuesdays, they use the Rehearsal Room of Takatsuki City Hall where sensei Kadokawa works. They use interlocking vinyl mats.
Kadokawa sensei's techniques were clean and sharp with a straight posture. He is tall and slim. Aikido techniques look beautiful when they are done with a very natural flow. Unfortunately, the class lasted only for 45 minutes because he considered our time limit. We had to go back by 10 today after a party. During the party, we knew we would not make it, so the leader of the group called the Hostel to request to postpone the deadline until eleven. Even we left in the midst of the party; we reached the Hostel after 11:30. Again, we were scolded even more than last night. Our joyful hearts shrunk immediately. Without lifting our heads, we sneaked into our rooms. No showers or no washing tonight. This is the sad part of our trip with a small budget.
Oct. 8, Wed
Shoosenji Dojo in Toyonaka City, Osaka
3:00 arrival at Shosenji Temple
3:30-4:30 Zen Meditation
4:30-5:30 Calligraphy
6:00 children's class
7:00 adult class
8:30- dinner at Shosenji prepared by the members
Shosenji is a Zen temple. And Shimamoto sensei is a high rank Zen master. I had requested Shimamoto sensei to let us experience Zazen at his temple. Not only accepting our request, he also let us practice calligraphy. We copied a Buddhist chanting text with brush and ink. Because Shimamoto sensei does a beautiful calligraphy, I wanted him to let us watch while he was doing it. In spite of the fact that none of the South Africans had used brush and ink, they sat in proper seiza and copied the text that could be seen underneath the white blank paper. Even for Japanese people, writing Chinese characters with brush and ink was quite difficult, but they were doing it with ease. The strokes were not so wrong, and their work was even readable. I noticed that two of them were holding the brush in their left hands.
Shimamoto sensei asked each one of us to give him our best word. I do not remember who said what, but the word they chose were, "harmony", "Aiki", "mind" and "Aikido". He did these words on Shikishi papers with his beautiful calligraphy.
A children's class, next. In South Africa, there is no children's class yet.
This is their first time to see a children's class. Small children were sitting
in Seiza and watching Shimamoto Sensei with their backs straight. They greeted
the sensei in loud voices. They listened to the instructor with full attention.
Shimamoto sensei's major emphasis for the children is discipline, he says.
After a while, Shimamoto sensei gave me a few minutes to lead the class. On
the contrast to his emphasis on strict discipline, my class emphasized vigorous
physical movements. All of a sudden, children turned from quietly sitting
ones to wild ones with joyful cheers. They were well trained to adjust themselves
between a strict instructor to a more relaxed one.
Then, we moved on to a class for adult. The Shimamoto sensei's way of sitting is so graceful, peaceful, and yet powerful. His posture is upright, and Ki was filling every part of his body and mind. His movements were slow at times, but extremely sharp at the next moment. The interchanging movements between slow and fast, strong and gentle, tension and relaxation made his techniques very dynamic.
Shimamot sensei thought about our time limit, and had a party in his kitchen
with already prepared food brought in by the members. It was such a regret
that we had to leave all the delicious food on the table. Ms. Okamoto had
called the hotel manager to extend our time limit by 30 minutes. We ran and
reached the Hostel in time for 10:30. We were glad that we made it tonight.
At the door, however, a mad face was again waiting for us, and we were badly
scolded again. Today was the last night to stay here. We had to bear the scold
one more night. We had to be patient.
Oct. 9,Th
Kashiba Dojo in Nara
8:30 Mr. Tominaga picked us up at the Hotel.
10:00 A courtesy call to the Mayor, Mr. Akio Sakiyama, of Kashiba City
1:00 Sightseeing in Nara City
5:00 Practice at Kashiba Dojo
9:00 Friendship Party
Early in the morning, Mr. Tominaga came from Nara to pick us up. He came
with a large wagon car for 7 passengers. It was big enough for all of us with
lots of luggage. The wagon became completely full. It took us one and a half
hours to Nara. We were so happy to have checked out from the YMCA. Tonight,
there would be no more time limits.
At ten o'clock, we paid our courtesy call to the Director of the Ministry
of Education at Kashiba City. The mayor was unfortunately absent. The director
was happy to receive us. He had studied about South Africa in advance to our
visit. We had good time in his office exchanging friendly conversation. We
went to the roof of the building and overlooked the view of Nara City. He
provided us with an English teacher to guide us in the City. We visited Kasuga
Shrine and the largest indoor Buddha statute in Todaiji Temple. The colorful
Kasuga Shrine and the aged Todaiji Temple made a unique contrast in the same
city. Paul was busier than ever with his camera, and he was lost several times
in the crowd. His camera was a digital camera, so he could continue shooting
forever. Behind the Big Buddha statute, there is a hole at the bottom of a
large pillar. It is said that if you can go through it, you will have a good
fortune. This time for the first time, I succeeded to go through the small
hole by making my body as thin and as long as possible. The South Africans
were all too big to go through it.
Oct. 10, F
Kimori Dojo in Nagoya
Five large suitcases were sent forward to the next destination in Tokyo by
a one-day delivery service. With small bags, we headed for Nagoya by the Kintetsu
Line.
At five in the afternoon, we arrived at Nagoya Station. Mr. Nakayama, a policeman in Nagoya, came to meet us. We arrived at Kimori dojo after 6:00 and immediately we changed to the uniforms for the 6:30 class. There were many students waiting for our arrival at the dojo including Mr. Takimoto from another dojo.
Mr. Sawada, the owner of Kimori Dojo, and Mr. Takimoto were both 7th dan. There were several 6th dan and 5th dan instructors. Most of the members were black belts. Mr. Takimoto taught the first class, and Mr. Fujii did the second half. Mr. Fujii and I had practiced for many years at Hombu Dojo. Mr. Sawada did not teach the class but practiced with us. At the first glance, Sawada sensei reminded me of Chiba sensei in San Diego. No wonder, Chiba sensei was his teacher for many years. It is always a big wonder for me that a student resembles his instructor. The more a student respects his instructor, the more he becomes just like him; not only the techniques but also the entire atmosphere as a person.
The class ended very fast. We wanted to continue more and more, but the time
was limited again. Another enjoyable party followed the class. More than 20
students surrounded large tables on the rugs at the dojo. Mrs. Sawada did
all the cooking.
Dishes and dishes were carried in. Mrs. Sawada is also one of the students,
but instead of practicing with us, she stayed in the kitchen preparing all
the food for us. Some souvenirs from South Africa were presented. The enjoyable
time lasted until after midnight. Even after midnight, all the food and drinks
were transferred to the house next door where Sawada sensei had built for
such occasions like this for the students who were too drunk to drive or who
missed the last trains. This set up is exactly the one that I had been dreaming
of to have: a dojo and an accommodation right next to it.
We visitors were all exhausted, and retired earlier, but we could not sleep
as long as the party was going on. From my room, I heard roaring snore coming
from the room where the four were supposed to be sleeping. Oh, this is the
snore they had been talking about, I thought.
Next morning, they said that one of the Japanese students got entangled with
a bottle of sake. He came into their room and soon fell on to the floor and
started snoring…
Oct. 11, Sat
8:00-9:30 Jo practice at Kimori Dojo
11:00 To Mishima by Shinkansen
1:30? Opera in Mishima
6:30?8:00 Practice at Tagata Shiseikai
9:00?11:00 Party at a resort house
In a few hours, it was already time to get up to go to the morning Jo class
taught by Sawada sensei. Thanks to Mrs. Sawada, breakfast was already prepared.
Many students stayed over night for the class, and many more came to practice
with us.
It was the second time for me to learn the Jo from Sawada sensei. His jo steps
were his own invention, and they very fast and sharp, and yet sensei was emphasizing
gentleness all the time. I thought Sawada sensei was really scary at first,
but to my surprise, he had a very gentle touch. It is sure that we cannot
learn much within one or two lessons, but there is always the first class
in everything we learn. We tried our very best to learn some basic movements.
Sawada sensei's Jo excited us. It was whirling and whipping, it was penetrating
and piercing, and the body that was holding the jo looked so strong and powerful
but in fact it was relaxed and flexible. The jo and the body were completely
one!
The morning practice ended at 9:30. In a big hurry, we said farewell to Sawada sensei and his students, and headed for Mishima by Shinkansen. We had to arrive at Mishima station in order to make it to an opera that was to start at 1:30. It would take us at least one hour to Mishima. Our schedule was very exhausting and full of all kinds of surprises!!
We bought lunch boxes at the station and had two cups of coffee each on the train. We were all hungry and thirsty.
We were just in time for the opera. Our seats were on the third floor. The program was about a famous historical person who lived in Mishima and who founded the local secondary school. He made guns and introduced bread for the first time in Japan. That was all we remembered because as soon as we sat down we relaxed, and some of us even fell asleep. The play lasted for over three hours.
We went to the dojo directly from the opera hall. The class had already started,
and we were late.
I tried to change my clothes, but my bag with my uniform was missing. Where
did I leave it? In the Shinkansen train?
I lost all the receipts, toiletries and some documents.
Yamagata sensei divided the class into three parts. He asked Paul to lead the first 30 minutes. What a kind gesture he expressed to his guests! The Paul's powerful movements were quite fresh for the students. Two large men occupied almost the entire space at the gym. The students were surprised to see that in such a far away place like South Africa, Aikido had been practiced. And, the techniques were very, very good, indeed. The visitors gained warm admiration.
Yamagata sensei prepared a party at a resort house of one of his students near Mount Fuji. I had told sensei that they wanted very much to see the world famous mountain. A large amount of food and drinks were displayed on the table, and we enjoyed the party until after 11:00. I went to Yamagata sensei's home for the night, and the four stayed at the house in order to see Mt. Fuji on the next day. I heard on the next day that they had had a tea ceremony after 11 pm. The four surprised the tea ceremony teacher because their manners and etiquette were so proper. Of course, after all, they are Aikido students!!
Oct. 12, Sun
Sightseeing of Mt. Fuji in the morning.
5:00 Check in at the Olympic Center
It was unfortunate that Mt. Fuji did not show up because of the rain.
I had a treatment of massage and acupuncture from Mr. Yamagata. Last year
when I visited him, he gave me a treatment. I was looking forward to have
it again. His treatment is the most comfortable and relaxing. He knows so
much about the entire body, and it is completely different from oil massage
or shiatsu on the islands of Guam and Saipan. His is like a medical treatment.
He said that my body was twenty years younger than the real age. The muscles
are strong and the skin is healthy. All the internal organs are ok. But, my
healthy body is very tired. Take a rest. I wish I could do so every once in
a while. My day off is only the day I am flying during my trip to somewhere.
We left Mishima at 1:30pm for Tokyo. At five, we checked in at the Olympic
Center. Mr. Saito from the Asahi Newspaper Aikido Club came to help us checking
in. On the elevator to the 3rd floor, he told me that Arikawa sensei at the
Hombu Dojo had passed away at 1:30 the day before. I could not find any words
to express my surprise, and I got choked. Arikawa sensei? That Arikawa sensei
died? Impossible! I had just heard from my friend that he was getting better
and he was coming to Hombu Dojo. I wanted to see him again. I wanted to take
these four to his classes. I have just made it to his wake and funeral? I
felt so sad that the rest of the day was rather speechless.
Oct. 13, M
6:30-7:30 Doshu's class
Hombu Dojo was open only in the morning because it was a national holiday today. At 6:30am, we attended the Doshu's class.
Getting up at five, and took a taxi to Hombu.
This is the Hombu Dojo that the South Africans have been dreaming about. No
fatigue at all. With the refreshed energy and excitement to meet Doshu, we
entered the dojo on the second floor.
At such an early hour, the dojo was full. Most of them were black belts.
The presence of many elderly people surprised them, too. In South Africa,
Aikido is practiced mainly among young and healthy men. If there are some
in fifties, they are old because they have been practicing for many, many
years. Not many people start in their fifties or older. I recognized some
old friends. I introduced the four visitors to them and asked them to practice
with them. We would be here only for a few days. We had to get best out of
the few practice sessions with experienced students.
The four experienced a tremendously exciting session. Doshu came to hold them
with friendly smile. Their long dreams have finally come true. They are now
at Hombu Dojo!!
After coming back to the Center, Mr. Saito held a seminar for us by showing
a video of Yamane sensei. We discussed about the techniques, principles and
the philosophy of Aikido. Many questions were raised. In two hours, only a
part of the video could be seen, but it was a very meaningful seminar. We
should have such a discussion session more often.
Oct. 14, T
5:30-6:30 Masuda sensei at Hombu
7:00-8:00 Masuda sensei at Hombu
9:00-11:00 Dinner with Masuda sensei and his students
Whether we should attend the morning class and then two more in the evening or only the two in the evening was the choice for today. In our minds, we all wanted to attend all of the classes, but the bodies were requesting to slow down a little. Besides, washing our uniforms had to be done. We reluctantly decided to go to only evening classes since we had made an appointment with Masuda sensei. Although no one said anything about the hard schedule, we were all quite tired.
We took two classes from Masuda sensei. His classes were as enjoyable as usual. While he was smiling and doing the techniques gently, he suddenly changed to a sharper mood at the next moment. Be careful for the uke.
Many years ago, an English man named Chris Smart practiced at Hombu Dojo.
He took private classes from Masuda sensei. For a long time, Sensei did not
know where Chris was. I had heard his name from some South Africans, so I
mentioned about him to Paul. He said that Chris had been his instructor for
three years. I asked him to give as full information as possible to Masuda
sensei. Masuda sensei was very happy to find out about Chris. After having
stayed in South Africa for some years, he went back to England, and now he
is a security officer for the Prime Minister of England. The South Africans
were very happy to be able to take the classes from the sensei of their sensei.
Masuda sensei invited us to the usual restaurant that the group had been going
after Tuesday classes for many years. Mrs. Masuda also joined us.
Oct. 15, W
6:30-7:30am Doshu's class Practice at Hombu, Doshu
11:00-12:00 Funeral of Arikawa Shihan
1:00-6:00 Sightseeing in Tokyo, Imperial Palace
7:00-11:00 Dinner at CS 21 with Asahi Newspaper Aikido Club
Again, we attended the Doshu's class in the morning. After the first class, the four started feeling some pain on the knees, or tired. I still had some energy left, so I attended the next class led by Osawa sensei who was the son of the late Osawa sensei, 9th dan at Aikikai.
We attended the Arikawa sensei's funeral from 11:00-12:00. We were not prepared for such an occasion, so we did not have formal black outfits. We had to go in our jeans and shirts. We wore as black clothes as possible.
Many high rank instructors from Hombu and other places gathered together for the funeral. If it had not been a funeral, I could have been able to introduce the group to many instructors and friends. Unexpectedly, I was called in to the room with Arikawa sensei's family members and the highest rank instructors. When I first started Aikido 32 years ago, there were only two female students in his classes because he was known as a very tough sensei. I was one of them, and the other one, many years senior to me, was sitting right next to me. I felt great honor to be remembered as one of his old students. Arikawa sensei was smiling in the photo surrounded with flowers. I am glad that my memory about him was much stronger than the sensei in the coffin. I recalled the warmest memory of Arikawa sensei. When the other female student and I turned to forty years old, we had a birthday party at my apartment. We invited Arikawa sensei. We could not believe that he accepted our invitation. The biggest surprise was that he came with two bundles of flowers in his arms with the warmest and shy smile. I told about this to many of his students, but no one believed us at all.
In the afternoon, we went out for sightseeing in Tokyo, but my heart was very heavy. I recommended that we would walk around in the Imperial Palace garden quietly. Here again, Paul's camera was busily working on the structure of walls and gates. After having visited Osaka Castle, and having learned some history, they all felt strange that such beautiful artistic works such as castles and temples have been torn down not so many years before.
From 7:00, we were invited for dinner to CS21, a non-profit organization to establish a worldwide communication network with people. They help physically and mentally troubled people to participate in activities such as marathons. They believe that the social system now is not kind enough for these handicapped people. If we, ordinary people have truly kind hearts and to extend helping hands for them, it will create much more kind society than the one the social system does. In order to achieve this goal, communication is the crucial factor, they believe. It was the first time for the members to meet South Africans, and their welcome was very, very kind and warm. They spent many hours cooking for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Oct. 16, Th
6:30-7:30 am Hombu Dojo, Doshu
6:30-8:00 pm Chofu City Aikikai
8:30-11:00 Welcome Party with Otani sensei and his students
Otani sensei was waiting for us at Chofu Station. As ever, his smile was
bright and warm. Immediately, they became friends.
Otani sensei's instructions seemed to be much more energetic than ever. He
is 84 years old. He is strong, and powerful, and more than anything else,
his spirit is high and his love for Aikido is superb. His large feet firmly
grab the floor, and his gigantic hands grab the opponent with ease. His posture
is upright, and from the front and from the back, we feel his Ki fill the
entire body.
As I mentioned before, in South Arica, Aikido is practiced mainly among young men. I wanted them to see that there are many elderly people in Aikido in Japan. As a matter of fact, most of the top instructors in the Aikido circle are in seventies and eighties. This was hard for the South Africans to believe before coming to Japan. I wanted them to meet Otani sensei as the best example. By watching him, they finally believed that what I had told them was true. By taking uke for him, they were even more impressed and moved. They all understood that Aikido should not be only for young people. They saw Aikido for children, and now for advanced aged people.
During the party after class, Otani sensei announced to his students that tonight was the last class for him to teach in Chofu. He was moving to another area, and he would not come back to them on the regular basis. He is now planning to start anew some classes for mainly children in the new place. At 84, he is talking about his future plans! His eyes were sparkling, and his words expressed his enthusiasm for the future. He starts his new life at age 84!
Oct. 17, F
10:00-12:00 A long discussion about the future of Aikido in South Africa.
6:00 A curtsey call to Doshu.
7:00 Doshu's class
8:00 Takezawa sensei's class
9:30 Dinner with Takezawa sensei
In the morning, we decided to rest. They had to rest the knees. At home, they
normally practice two to three times a week. The students are lower than their
ranks. During the trip, all of their partners are much more experienced and
stronger. Practicing everyday, and traveling everyday required a lot of effort.
Washing everyday and partying every night took so much time and energy. Their
house helpers usually wash the uniforms. What a tough schedule. Who made such
a hard one?
At 6:00pm, we paid a curtsey call to Doshu. Paul handed to Doshu an invitation
letter for the 30th anniversary of South Africa Aikido Federation in 2007.
I sincerely hope that the Doshu's visit will come true. There has not been
any official visit to South Africa from Hombu Dojo since the beginning of
the introduction of Aikido to SA twenty-five years ago. This is the first
mission from SA to Hombu and to Japan.
During the class, Doshu approached them several times. They had never expected
to have such a lucky opportunity as Doshu would even touch them. With his
usual friendly smile, Doshu came to them and threw them. It was beyond my
imagination how glad they were. I was sure that they would go home and talk
about their experiences with large fins and tails added.
From 8-9, we attended Takezawa sensei's group practice. Ueda san, Kameda san
and Yasue san were still attending. They are my old, old friends. There had
been many more in this group, but surely the generation was changing. Where
are the students who used to practice with us in this class week after week?
After class, we went to a Chinese restaurant. Only for one hour before its
closing time. We toasted quickly and ate quickly, and left there quickly.
After 11 again, we returned to the Center. We had to wash our uniforms. We
have to go to the morning practice at Ochanomizu from 7:30. In addition, we
have to pack our luggage to send out to Osaka Airport before our departure
tomorrow morning at 6:00. Busy, again.
Oct. 18-19, Sat-Sun
7:30am Meiji University Aikido Club with Yasuno Sensei from Hombu
After class, we will join the Chiyoda Aikikai, Meiji Aikikai and Fureai Juku
and other groups to the camp
in Chiba Prefecture. This is a two-day workshop.
At six in the morning, we checked out the hotel. We would come back for one more night, but for now, we had to vacate the rooms. We went to the class of Meiji University Faculty and Staff Aikido Club invited by Mr. Sato. They practiced at the Judo dojo at the University in Ochanomizu. Morning buses did not come often. After having waited for 10 minutes at the bus station, we stopped a taxi. So far, we had to take two taxies because all of the taxies took only four passengers. Our budget was tight to take two taxies every morning. This driver allowed five of us to get on. I was on a lap in the back seat. The driver told me to duck in if we saw a police car. We were going to Shinjuku Station, but the time was short. I negotiated with him to go within 3000 yen all the way to Ochanomizu. He was not sure, but it was ok with him. Tokyo in the early morning seemed to be very small because of the light traffic. Near the Ochanomizu Station, the meter was almost 3000 yen. The driver stopped the meter, and kept his promise to charge 3000 yen. I gave him 500 yen extra for the tip. Both parties were happy.
Mr. Maeno from Sony was waiting for us at the station. Mr. Kohno from the
Weather Bureau was waiting for us on the other side of the station because
he told me to come by train. He caught up with us on the way to the dojo.
At seven-thirty in the morning, many college students were attending to our
surprise. They were really serious about Aikido.
Yasuno Shihan was the instructor for today. His speed was dreadful. At the moment of reaching him, a big uke was already on the floor. He must already be in his mid fifties. How well he maintained his physical conditions and how powerful he was!
Almost 15 years ago, when I was in Kiribati on the Equator in the Central Pacific, I invited him to the island for one month. He was in his forties or even before that. He never changed at all. He was even more energetic than ever. Does he ever feel tired?
After class, we went to a hamburger place for the first time during this trip. A cup of cappuccino. Everyday, a cup of cappuccino made us happy.
By the 12 o'clock train, we went to Iwai for the Aikido camp. Are we practicing more? Yes, this camp will be the highlight of our trip. For two days, we will stay on the beach of Iwai, and practice. This camp is a joint one with Chiyoda Aikikai led by Mr. Yamashima, Meiji Club led by Mr. Sato, Fureai Juku led by Mr. Ishibashi, Yokohama Kokusai Aikido Club led by Mr. Mimuro and Abiko Aikikai led by Mr. Suzuki. Many more individual participants joined from other clubs. Ms. Kinoshita and Ms. Kawahara who had started Aikido in Saipan also joined. It was our reunion after some years.
Mr. Yamashima led all classes. He tried his best to follow Yamaguchi Shihan who had passed away about seven years before. All of the leaders attending this seminar were the faithful followers of Yamaguchi sensei. The entire atmosphere reminded me of Yamaguchi Sensei's classes. I surely felt his presence all over the mats.
The visitors from South Africa were experiencing a little different kind
of Aikido. Gentleness, harmony, less strength…
It was very hard for them to understand that Aikido did not require physical
strength. Rather, gentleness and harmony were emphasized in these classes.
By practicing with the students of Yamaguchi sensei, they began feeling some
differences. They also understood that being gentle did not mean weak. Rather,
being gentle made the techniques more effective and powerful. Chushinsen,
the center of the body, was on the Hara, the abdominal area. Movements should
be done with flexible legs and from the entire body rather than from the shoulders
and arms. Aikido in South Africa might gradually change. How much of this
could be absorbed right away? At least, they experienced something different
from their usual classes.
In my last two visits to South Africa, I asked them if Aikido could be introduced to more women, and especially to children. The leaders said that Aikido had been mainly for men, and not so many women were interested in joining them. Why? I strongly believe that if there are women, there will be children.
Recently, in South Africa, there is a new movement. The government is shifting the priorities to more black people, women, handicapped people and children, and it allocates a lot of budget for the projects on them. During this trip, the four leaders and I have been discussing about our plans to introduce Aikido to them. I am scheduled to visit the country again next spring. During my stay, we will start some projects for especially women and children. Our major concern is the strategies to reach our goals. Should the white leaders go into the black communities to lead or the current leaders should invite black people and women to train them so that they can go back to their communities to lead their people. Since there are differences between the races, they have to consider the best ways to mix with them.
An overnight party was extra enjoyable. We do not have to rush home tonight.
First, Sashimi was all gone. Everything on the table was delicious. Craig
could not eat pork because of religious reasons, but he could eat everything
else. As they consumed more alcohol, they become more cheerful, and they began
singing Karaoke. By this time, only Corrie, the heaviest drinker of the four
from the group remained, and the other three retired.
Oct. 19, Sun
After the workshop, return to Tokyo
From 10 to 11:30, we had one more class. It ended so fast that we could practice only with a few partners. There were 79 participants for the camp, and there were so many whom I wanted to practice with.
After practice, we had a barbecue party at the beach. Abandoned food and drinks were prepared again. How rich and luxurious Japanese people were!! How lucky they were to have such good instructors, good tatami mats, delicious food and drinks and the beautiful nature and comfortable climate. Beyond anything else, however, our friendship was the most precious.
We returned to Katsutaro Hotel in Tokyo after nine. Before the power out,
we had only one hour to do the laundry. There was no time to wash the wet
uniforms. We just put them in the drier and packed them to store the luggage
because we had to check out tomorrow morning. Tomorrow, we would be leaving
for sightseeing in Nikko. No practice for two days!!
Oct. 20, M
8:42 -10:27 A trip to Iwama.
11:00-12:00 A visit to Aiki Shrine where Osensei is enshrined.
We also visited Saito Sensei, the son of Saito Morihiro sensei.
2:00 A visit to Mr. Chikaraishi who is a famous potter.
6:00 A dinner at Chikaraishi's home.
The train for Iwama left Ueno Station at 8:42. We needed about one hour from
the hotel to the station. Before our departure, we had to send out our luggage
by a delivery service to Osaka Airport because we could not travel with all
the luggage with us. Our luggage had just arrived yesterday afternoon from
Mishima, and already we had to repack them and send them out again.
It was very comfortable to travel with small bags. We would not have any
practice for the next two days!! Besides, we would be able to soak our aching
knees and bodies in a hot spring. Beautiful autumn leaves would be waiting
for us.
Mr. and Mrs. Oki were waiting for us at Iwama Station. I had met him only
two times and her only once. And yet, we felt like we had known each other
for many years. They had made all the plans and preparations for the next
two days. I completely relied on them with a great relief.
Saito Morihiro sensei had passed away in recent years, and his son was responsible for the Shrine and the Iwama dojo. There were two foreign living-in students, and they were going through strict training. While we were served tea and snacks, they were standing up straight paying keen attention taking orders from Saito sensei.
I told Saito sensei that many years before, I took his father for fishing in our small fishing boat on the Connecticut River in the USA. I also told him that I had requested Saito sensei to let me have some soil that Osensei had cultivated. Saito sensei told me that I could take as much soil as I wanted. So, I filled two boxes and brought them to Tokyo. On the sunny veranda of my apartment, I grew some vegetables in some pots. The soil was very rich, and many vegetables grew in Osensei's soil.
We went to Mashiko to visit a pottery artist, Mr. Chikaraishi and his wife at their studio. He is a very famous young potter, and his work had been gaining many admirers and fans. He was also interested in Rugby, and he visited many countries to play. When some players visited Japan, he invited them to his home in the woods. He proposed to Mr. Oki that he would offer a dinner at his house for the visitors from South Africa.
After having gone through many of his work, he demonstrated how he used a spin. Wet clay became pots and plates in no time. He had magic hands. He invited the visitors to try. He was quite surprised to see that they were doing very well for the first time. Probably because of many years of training in Aikido, their shoulders were relaxed, and the center in their abdomens was firm, and while rolling the spin, they were quietly breathing out. We regretted that we could not put them in the fire to bake them.
The studio and the home were located in a quiet wooded area. A small stream was running through the garden, and in a small pond, small fish was swimming. Some small frogs looked very happy. They built everything by themselves. He built a fire for the dinner. The amount of the food was much more than nine of us could consume.
We stayed at Mr Oki's for the night. Mr. Oki had kept saying that their home
was an old and humble one. On the contrary, it was a huge house with many
rooms and a large garden on the south side. Many bonsai pots and trees were
well taken care of, and the large corridor along the south side of the house
reminded me of my childhood when I used to see old people were taking tea
or working in the sun in the winter time. The four slept in one room and I
slept in the computer room.
We slept soundly at last. In the morning, we had a breakfast prepared by Mr.
Oki. It was very rare to see that in the Japanese home, the husband worked
in the kitchen. He even made pumpkin soup from scratch.
Oct. 21, Tue
9:00 Sightseeing in Nikko with Mr. & Mrs. Oki sensei and to Shiobara Hot
Spring
In two cars, we went to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The sun was still out, and
the mountains were colorful and beautiful. We went on winding roads towards
Shiobara Hot Spring. It was supposed to be the peak of the sightseeing season,
so we avoided taking the heavy traffic of Irohazaka. Iroha means the Japanese
alphabet of 50 sounds, and it was named after the fifty curbs of the slope.
It started raining on the way, but the mountains were still colorful and beautiful.
The autumn leaves were not at their peak yet along the road that we took because
it was not going through the high altitude like Irohazaka. We were one week
too early to visit. The color changed from the top of the mountains to the
lower areas. The South Africans were very surprised to learn that almost 80%
of Japan was mountainous like this. South Africa is a very large country,
and most of the land is flat and inhabitable. Therefore, the sight of crowded
homes and buildings in big cities surprised them. The beautiful nature in
the mountains fascinated them.
There were some questions about how to take a bath at the hot spring. What
should they wear? In South Africa, it is not their custom to take off their
clothes in the public. When we told them that, in Japan, we would take a bath
without any clothes on, they were perplexed. When I said that they could cover
their front if they wished, they asked me if they could go into the water
with the towels. I said no. I wonder how they took the bath after all.
The indoor bathroom was divided for men and women. However, the outdoor bath was for men and women together. While four of them were soaking in the water, some women went in without any clothes and with no hesitation. One of the four hastily jumped out of the water and rushed indoor. They might not have even imagined that both men and women took a bath in the same pool. When Mrs. Oki and I peeked in the outdoor pool, we saw one man with his chin deeply buried in the water, so we decided not to disturb him.
Oct. 22, W
Return to Tokyo
Shopping in Tokyo
We had a late breakfast and left the hotel. This morning, everyone looked well rested and relaxed. They must have been finally relieved from the fatigue and tension in the hot spring and comfortable sleep in the Japanese futon.
The time for lunch came again. When asked what they wanted to eat, they all said in unison, "Osushi, please." They like Kaitenzushi. They were fascinated by the idea that the sushi was served on a moving belt. A variety of dishes passed in front of the customers so that they could choose whatever they wanted to eat. With already mastered chopsticks, they picked whatever they liked. While putting one into the mouth, the eyes were chasing another one on the belt. If not sushi, their second choice of the Japanese dish was Curry and Rice. They had become big fans for sushi and curry.
We had not yet done any shopping. We did not have much more time left before departure from Japan. We went into a department store in Utsunomiya and bought major souvenirs for their wives and loved ones. Small things for their friends had to be bought yet. Department stores were too expensive for those items and there were not so good selections of typical Japanese souvenirs. Asakusa must be the place for that as most of the foreign visitors go there.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped in Asakusa. We put the luggage in
five coin lockers at the station, and went for shopping at Sensoji Temple
in Asakusa.
The souvenirs they bought were colorful Japanese kimonos and some small items.
At a knife shop, Paul found an old kamisori, a folding shaving knife. I did
not have time to ask them to show me all that they bought. They were all satisfied
with what they found.
As soon as we arrived at the hotel, we went to bed so that we could get up at five the following morning to attend the Doshu's class for the last time during this trip.
Oct. 23,Th
6:30 Doshu's Class
8:30 Pick up hakamas at Iwataya
11:00 Checkout
13:00 Departure for Kansai Airport by Shinkansen
20:20 Minegishi's departure for Guam
20:45 Check in for EK 6251
This was the last day. We were flying out in the evening from Osaka.
We made it to the Doshu's class in the morning. Doshu came to everyone again.
Someone said that he wanted to keep the touch by Doshu without washing it
all the way back to South Africa.
On our way back to the hotel, we stopped at Iwataya to pick up the ordered
Hakamas. We added more things to pack.
Upon our request, the hotel manager extended our checking out time by one
hour without an extra charge so that we could have enough time to pack. Within
one hour, we were ready to leave the hotel for Osaka. We had three to four
bags each to carry even after the biggest luggage had been sent to the airport.
We looked like runaway refugees from some disaster. Somehow, we took a wrong
turn, and walked one station further. Japanese people must have thought strange
to see that while the delivery services were so convenient nowadays, some
foreigners were marching on with lots of bags and suitcases.
We took the 1:00 o'clock Shinkansen for Osaka. Again, lunch boxes for lunch.
We were so thirsty that coffee on the train tasted very good.
Everything on the itinerary was over. As soon as we arrived in Osaka, we would have to depart to two different destinations. It was hard to believe that we came from different countries and we were going home in two different countries. Being together, traveling together, eating together became so natural that it was so sad to say farewell to each other. On the way back, we could see Mt. Fuji for a glance. That made our trip complete. Everyone said that the entire trip was perfect, and there was absolutely nothing undone. There were even some additions to our original plans. However, there was nothing we deleted from the itinerary. Everyone was enthusiastic about everything, and everyone was deeply impressed by everything he did.
No one got sick. There was some knee ache and muscle ache, but it was minor.
Everyday was enjoyable and meaningful, and satisfying. It was really fortunate
that they could visit Japan. There was some confusion with them because every
instructor had a different style and approach. But, every one of them gave
them fresh impact. They said that they were made to stand at a starting point
anew. Paul is 4th dan after 26 years, Corrie is 3rd dan after 19 years, Craig
is 2nd dan after 11 years, and Loray is 2nd dan after 8 years. They continue
training in South Africa, but since there is no higher rank instructor than
4th dan in residence in the country, they tend to fall into mannerism that
they do not know how to overcome. From this trip, their vision was widely
opened, and they started seeing some light for their future. They encountered
so many instructors and students who had high-leveled Aikido techniques and
great Aikido spirit. At times, they discussed whom they should choose as their
most favorite instructor, but the more instructors they met, the more difficult
it became for them even to talk about it. The high rank instructors made them
realize how immature they still were. On the other hand, the South Africans
received the admiration from the Japanese friends because of how pure and
sincere they were, and how good their techniques were. From such compliment,
they felt glad that what they had been doing was not wrong at all. All in
all, the trip was fruitful from the beginning to the end. They had said that
it would be the first and the last trip in their lifetime, but at the end
of the trip, they all started saying that in two years, they all would like
to come back with the same members. Paul, however, said that someone younger
should also participate in such a trip like this for the future of South Africa.
If we limited the participants within five at a time, it would be difficult
to choose the five.
In South Africa, there are many more young leaders. This time, some could
not make it because of finance, family and work circumstances. If they hear
the report about this trip, they will surely apply for the next one. I thought
that I would take another five from another country next year, but I wonder
if the South Africans will let me do so.
For this trip, we obtained strong support from many instructors and friends
in Japan. Our appreciation cannot be expressed in words. Some gave us great
instructions. Some gave us monetary support. Some offered their dojos and
accommodations. Some provided delicious meals. Some guided us to beautiful
Japanese autumnal nature and historical sights. Some invited us to their homes
with home cooking. And, the people who practiced with us were all friendly
and warmhearted.
Every instructor and every member of every dojo gave us warm hospitality.
Osensei said that Aikido students should be all in a large family. He experienced
that his wishes were practiced and achieved wherever we visited. From one
city to another town, people were waiting for us with widely open arms. We
jumped into them without any hesitation. With the support and cooperation
from our friends, the journey completed in a great success. The circle of
friends became larger.
Thanks to the support from our friends, we have some left over money. We discussed
what we should do with this. We came to a conclusion that we would found a
foundation under a certain name to support such a trip like this for the future.
This money will be the seed money for the establishment of the foundation.
Meiji University Faculty and Staff Aikido Club donated about 100 sets of used uniforms. They are still in Tokyo. I requested Mr. Sato to send one box to each dojo where they taught directly to South Africa rather than sending them to Guam and Saipan. We anticipate that the balance will be about 100000 yen after the shipping cost.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for all who helped us to make our dream come true.
With warm happiness in heart,
Mutsuko Minegishi
Sponsors at Various Areas
Hombu Dojo
Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba
Mr. Seijuro Masuda Sensei, 8th dan, World Head Quarters (Hombu Dojo)
Mr. Etsuo Takezawa, 7th dan
aikido@aikikai.or.jp ;ueshiba@media.or.jp 03-3203-9236
c/o Aikikai Hombu Dojo, 17-16 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Kobe, Seibukan Dojo
Mr. Shingo Nakao, 6th dan, Mrs. Akiko Nakao, 4th dan, Mr. Shouji Hamazaki,
6th dan
akishi@a6.shes.net
Tel: 078-341-39809(Home), 078-382-1659
Kita Nagasadori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi
Osaka, Takatsuki Aikikai
Mr. Shigemi Kadokawa, 6th dan, 072-683-1748 (home), 090-3996- 3647(cell)
c/o Mr. Tsume ZVF01122@nifty.ne.jp
072-683-1748 (home), 090-3996-3647(cell)
Osaka, Shosenji Dojo
Mr. Katsuyuki Shimamoto, 7th dan
set@mti.biglobe.ne.jp
560 2-4-13 Kataneyama, Toyonaka-shi
Ms. Okamoto (Cell: 090-3841-4703)
Mr. Saruwatari, 5th dan
Nara, Kashiba Dojo
Mr. Mineo Tominaga, 6th dan
0475-78-8893 /090-7879-3315 mineo-t@city.yao.osaka.jp
Nagoya, Kimori Dojo
Mr. Toshiharu Sawada, 7th dan
052-919-5090/090 3569 8880 aiki1@lb.dion.ne.jp
2-10-1 Nishi Hommachi, Kasugai-shi, 486-0958
Mishima, Aikikai Tagata Shiseikai
Mr. Katsuhisa Yamagata, 7th dan
0559-77-3888 yaffy@ny.tokai.or.jp
411-0803 392-12 Oba, Mishima-shi
Tokyo, Asahi Newspaper Aikido Club
Mr. Mitsuhiro Saito, 5th dan, Asahi Newspaper Aikido Club, Tokyo
047-485-8770/5541-8950/090 1546 2790 msaito@mx.asahi-np.co.jp
Tokyo, Meiji University Faculty and Staff Aikido Club
Mr. Kiyoji Sato, 5th dan
ma63011@mics.meiji.ac.jp
Tokyo, Fureai Juku
Mr. Ryoichi Ishibashi, 6th dan, Fureaijuku, Tokyo
ez3r-isbs@asahi-net.or.jp
Tokyo, Chiyoda Aikikai
Mr. Takeshi Yamashima, 7th dan, Chiyoda Aikikai
03-3904-2079
Yokohama, Kokusai Aikido Club
Mr. Atsushi Mimuro, 6th dan
Tokyo, Chofu City Aikikai
Mr. Kazue Otani, 7th dan
0424-83-1703 misako-yuhe@mse.biglobe.ne.jp
82-0016 1-19-8 Sasucho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo
Utsunomiya, Aikikai Utsunomiya Branch
Mr. Kazuo Oki, 6th dan
321-0981 6098-8 Ueno-machi, Utsunomiya City
TEL,Fax:028-662-7237(Cell:090-4727-1760)
iwazo@lancenet.or.jp
Hiroshima, International Aikido Federation
Mr. Peter Goldsbury
chairman@aikido-international.org
Accommodations
Sunroot Hotel
Youth Hostel youthhostel@osakaymca.or.jp
Green Palace, Koryo Machi, Kita Katsu-Gun, Nara Ken
Tokyo Olympic Center Katsutaro Annex 3-8-4 Yanaka,Taito-ku,Tokyo 110?0001
Tel: 03-3828-8500 info@katsutaro.com
Monetary Donations
Mr. Kazue Otani, 50000 yen
Mr. Mitsuhiro Saito, 50000 yen
Mr. Kiyoji Sato, 30000 yen
Mr. Atsushi Mimuro, 30000 yen
Mr. Ryoichi Ishibashi, 30000 yen
Mr. Kusama, 10000 yen
Mr. Katsuhisa Yamagata, 6000 yen
Mr. Peter Goldsbury, 100000 yen (not received yet as of Nov. 12, 03)
Coordinator and guide,
Ms. Mutsuko Minegishi
Guam Aikikai/Saipan Aikikai
P.O. Box 26575
Barrigada, Guam 96921
Guam Dojo (671) 646-8855
FAX (671) 646-6001
Cell: (671) 689-5887
E-mail: minegishi@guam.net
www.guamaikikai.org