AKI Santa Barbara Japan Trip Reports

(more photos coming soon from our photographer/Aikido friends in Japan)
May 3 – 12, 2006

Last Train To Ofuna

which train are we taking and where are we going
i am having so much fun
everyone I train with there is something worth knowing
what time is kieko and what time is it now
sweat, beer, sake and smiles all around
to express the many thanks in my heart, i hope to find how
gracious patience and forgiveness received i pray not to forget
back to Santa Barbara , am i strong enough to change
last train to Ofuna, i hope not

Belinda Guarisco

My recent trip to Japan was a good experience for me in some unexpected ways. I went to Japan knowing that my back was not in very good shape for the kind of ukemi that I expect from myself. Because of my injury I was only able to attend one keiko, but even at that the trip was worth it. Receiving Sensei’s teaching and training with so many high ranking people really put my short amount of training clearly in perspective. It’s time to redouble my efforts and try to forget what I think I know. It was also great to see the Santa Barbara members realy soak up as much as they could from the trip. I look forward to getting back to training and seeing what my fellow training partners brought back for me.

Matt Bridi

It has been over a week since I got back home to Santa Barbara from our trip to Japan. My head is still filled with thoughts of the many incredible things I experienced and all the great people I met. I was so excited to be able to actually train Aikido , In Japan! Our first evening we were greeted at our Hotel by Yasuyuki Suzuki Sensei and Kirisawa Sensei as well as several other aikido members. I was glad to see Kirisawa Sensei and his wife again after attending several Gassuku by him in Santa Barbara and Pennsylvania. We all went out and I got to meet Yasuyuki Suzuki Sensei while eating a wonderful meal and laughing and talking with everyone.

The next week was filled with Keiko. Training at Hachiman Shrine with the Doshu and the demonstration that followed was amazing. Hombu Dojo and Takeda Sensei’s teaching was so great. I realize how special it is to be able to train with so many people with so much passion for Aikido from all over the world. I will try to hang onto the inspiration that I received from training with all of you.

Many, many thanks to Takeda Sensei and everyone you all made me feel so welcome and made sure that I had alot of fun too!!

John Kuehl