Selected Articles from Issue 22

June 2003

KICK OFF THE SUMMER !

The first weekend in June is a big one for Hilo Seishikan Aikido.  Coming to Hilo to share his vast knowledge of aikido with us is Donald Moriyama-sensei of Pearl City Aikido Club.  We are very fortunate that Moriyama-sensei has been coming over to Hilo to teach and help us in our training.  He was here earlier this year and is returning to help us again.  

Moriyama-sensei has trained with most of the premier sensei in aikido.  He has lived and trained and taught aikido in Japan.  While there he met and started training with Saito-sensei at the Iwama Dojo.  Saito-sensei trained many years with aikido founder Ueshiba O-sensei.  He maintained O-sensei’s original style of aikido.  Moriyama-sensei is a practitioner of Iwama-ryu Aikido.  He is one of only a couple of aikido sensei in all of America certified as an instructor of Iwama-ryu aikido bokken and jo methods.

Moriyama-sensei is in demand for instructing aikido throughout the United States.  He just recently returned from instructing on the mainland.  We are really fortunate to have come to Hilo to help us.  Please make every effort to attend his classes here.  What a great way to start the summer!!  The following is a schedule of his classes:

SPRING 2003 RANK PROMOTIONS

Hilo Seishikan Aikido held its annual Spring Rank Examinations in May, 2003.  The Youth Class held its testing on Wednesday, May 7, and the Open Aikido Classes held their testing on Monday, May 12.  The rank testing board composed of the instructors in our club, was very much pleased and impressed with the performance of the various students in the testing.  Board members felt that it was the best aikido arts testing that they had observed in many years!  It was felt that the students as a whole displayed much improvement over past performances.  Hilo Seishikan Aikido is pleased to announce the following rank promotions and to congratulate the students.  Congratulations also go to the instructors.

• 10B   Arden Costales Jr., Melanie Isa, Taryn Isa, Brandee Konanui.

• 10A   Sara Lim, Stacie Lim, Kevin Oshiro

•  9C    Jaymie Masuda

•  9B    Megan Escalona, Taylor Escalona, Tristan Yoshida.

•  9A    Royce Dela Cruz, Reyn T. Nishioka, Dustin Soriano, Daniel Tavares.

•  8C    Catelyn S. Hakoda

•  7C    August Kubo Jr.

•  6C    Anson Almeida, Francis Blas III, Jonathan Maesato.

•  6B    Aisha Tanaka, Kenji Tulman, Andrew Yoshimoto, James Yoshimoto.

•  5C    Brev Blas, Kolaka Kapihe, Colby Miyose, Kerri Nakatsu, Ryo Tulman.

•  5A    Kawehioka’iulani Hanohano, Bryson Miyose.

•  4A    Oaka Ruddle-Miyamoto

•  3C    Steven Maesato

•  3A    Kristi Masuhara

•  2C    Simon Kaliko Trapp

•  2B    David Cadaoas

•  1C    Nelson Nakatsu

SHIN BUDO KAI AIKIDO SEMINAR

On the weekend of May 16-18, nine of our club black belts and two of our students (Kaliko and ʻOaka) traveled out to Kamuela to participate in Shin Budo Kai’s Aikido Seminar held at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy.  Shin Budo Kai is an aikido organization headquartered in New York City and with branch dojos in various locations around the mainland United States.  One of their branches is in Kamuela. The seminar was held in conjunction with their fifteenth anniversary as an organization and also as a fifth anniversary of the forming of the Kamuela branch.  

The founder of the Shin Budo Kai is Shizuo Imaizumi-sensei.  Imaizumi-sensei was among the last generation of students of the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba O-sensei.  He also trained extensively with Tohei-sensei.  Imaizumni-sensei first instructed in America in 1972.  He came to America permanently in 1975.  He was sent to New York to teach aikido there.  He served as Chief Instructor of the Ki Society aikido in the United States from 1976 to 1988, when he resigned from the Ki Society.  He later founded the Shin Budo Kai Aikido.

Imaizumi-sensei had come to Hilo and instructed aikido here on two occasions.  Some of us had met him and practiced with him then, and had become friends with him.  We had heard and read of his coming to the Big Island to hold a seminar.  We received a phone call inviting us to participate in his seminar.  We were very happy to learn that he wanted us to participate.  

Those of us who were able to go to Kamuela and participate in the seminar were very pleased that we had gone.  We learned a lot and really enjoyed it.  We had a great time training with Imaizumi-sensei again.  There were aikido students from around the mainland—New York, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington.  There were students from Kohala, Kamuela, Hilo, and us.  It was good to participate along with students from elsewhere.  Imaizumi-sensei was personally enjoyable too.  Yes, it was a great weekend!

Selected Articles from Issue 20

January 2003

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year!  Hauoli Makahiki Hou!  Akemashite Omedeto!  Whatevahs  –  here’s wishing you  all a truly GREAT 2003!  According to the Chinese lunar calendar 2003 is a year of the Sheep.  Whatever kind of year of it is, let us all stop for an instance and take a look around us.  We should always make every attempt to be aware of everything and everybody around us.  Is there anything we should be wary of?  Is there anyone or anything that needs help?  Is there something we should be doing?  We need to also step back and take a good look at ourselves.  Where are we?  Where are we headed?  How can we improve ourselves?  We also need to be honest with ourselves.

The following are a few proverbs meant to make us think.  Please look them over and give them some thought.  We should then try to remember and use them to better ourselves.

            Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru:  Even dust amassed will grow into a mountain.

            Ju-nin, to-iro:  Ten men, ten tastes.

            Nana-korobi,  ya-oki:  Fall down seven times, get up eight.

            Tanki wa sonki:  Be slow to anger, quick to befriend.

         Saru mo ki kara ochiru:  Even monkeys fall from trees.

NEW YEAR’S SPECIAL

Unlike the prices and costs of most things in our world, the cost of club dues for Hilo Seishikan Aikido will remain the same for 2003.  In fact, the dues have remained the same since the club started.  Dues for members of our “Open” and “Advanced” Classes will remain at $10 per month.  “Youth” Class members’ dues remain at $7.50 per month.  

We are also offering a “New Year’s Special”  –  a discounted rate for anyone paying dues for the year of 2003 in full by the end of January.  Dues for the whole year if paid by January 31, 2003, will be $100 for “Open” and “Advanced” Classes, and $75 for “Youth” Class members.  Payments can be made directly to your class instructor.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

When Hilo Seishikan Aikido was originated, eight of our instructors were instrumental in laying the foundation upon which our club was built and remains based.  In the months and years that followed, by-laws were adopted, classes and class structures were set, incorporation and tax-free status were officially established.  

The original eight have become our official Hilo Seishikan Aikido Board of Directors.  They are Stephen Adams, Glenn Kahana, Robert Kamau,  Dennis Marshall,  Ruth Walker, Sadami Yamamoto, Carrie Yonemori, and Roy Yonemori.  The president is Roy Yonemori, the vice president is Stephen Adams, the secretary is Ruth Walker, and the treasurer is Carrie Yonemori.  All eight have been instrumental in planning and coordinating our activities.    In addition, each has been active in continuing training and in instructing classes.  Monthly meetings are held, and the “Elite Eight” will continue to serve our club and its membership.  This takes up much of their time and requires much effort from them.  A thank you is also due to their spouses and families.  

PRACTICING BASICS

Starting out the new year by taking a close look at ourselves and what we are trying to learn, and how we are trying to learn is very good.  By doing this, we are on the way to improving ourselves in many ways.  We can do this and apply it to every part of our lives.  Perhaps we should take the time here to apply this to our training with Hilo Seishikan Aikido.  This will definitely make our time and efforts more enjoyable and valuable.

In instructing aikido, the instructor demonstrates a technique.  The class then practices the technique.  Instructors are often surprised and alarmed when they observe big differences between what was demonstrated and what was performed in practicing the demonstrated art.  This shows the extreme importance of learning to pay attention and train oneself in the art of observation.  One must sharpen his/her ability to observe and concentrate.  This will help us to improve ourselves in all aspects of life.

The next thing to work on is persistence.  Learn to keep at it.  Much is learned and much improvement is made through repetition.  Keep doing it and trying to get better and better at doing it.  Listen to the instructor and try to do what he says and demonstrates.

Power, strength, size, even ki is not enough alone.  One must also learn what to do and how to do it.  One must learn techniques.  One must learn how to move and protect oneself.  Some of the most important basic concepts of our aikido were pointed out by Adams-sensei at our most recent arts testing.  He pointed out the importance of “hanmi.”  Hanmi refers to the basic stance used in aikido.  It is a triangular stance with the leading foot in normal stepping position and the rear foot perpendicular to it.  In practice instructors will refer to “ai-hanmi” with both partners in identical stances and “gyaku-hanmi” with partners in opposite stances.  The importance of “ma-ai” was also pointed out.  This refers to being at the proper distance from your partner.  Adams-sensei also mentioned “atemi.”  Atemi is a strike made toward your partner.  Its intention is not to hurt him, but to put him off-balance and keep him from making another attack.  Another thing mentioned by Adams-sensei was the importance of basic body movements in avoiding attacks and gaining control over your partner.  These basic concepts are very important and will be covered and emphasized in all classes. 

As was stated above, basics are very important in learning aikido.  They also apply to achieving success in life.  This topic will be continued in future issues of Tayori.

CONGRATULATIONS

Hilo Seishikan Aikido is proud and happy to announce the following aikido rank promotions.  These promotions were earned over the past half a year, and testing for the ranks were held in November of last year.  The ranks will be officially announced and certificates and appropriate belts presented at our 2003 Kagami Biraki on Saturday, January 4, 2003.

• 10 C Kyu:       Melanie Isa, Taryn Isa, Kolby Proctor.

• 10 B Kyu:       Chanlyn Chartrand, Sara Lim, Stacie Lim.

• 10 A Kyu:       Dason Fujimoto, Jaymie Masuda, Tristan Yoshida.

•  9 C Kyu:       Megan Escalona, Taylor Escalona, Alicia Valdez, Crystal Valdez.

•  9 B Kyu:       Reyn Nishioka, Daniel Tavares.

• 9 A Kyu:        Catelyn S. Hakoda

• 8 C Kyu:        Anson Almeida, Jonathan Oshiro.

• 8 B Kyu:        Francis Blas III, Jonathan Maesato, Kenji Tulman.

• 8 A Kyu:        Andrew Yoshimoto.

• 7 C Kyu:        James Yoshimoto.

• 7 B Kyu:        Colby Miyose.

• 7 A Kyu:        Kayla Lacaran-Costales

• 6 C Kyu:        Bryson Miyose, Adam Nagakura, Ryo Tulman.

• 6 B Kyu:        Deena Aiko Fujimoto, Jessica Galacgac, Kerri Nakatsu.

• 5B Kyu:         Kawehioka’iulani Hanohano, Nathan Teets.

• 5 A Kyu:        Tiffany Lau, Oaka Ruddle-Miyamoto.

• 4 C Kyu:        Kevin Kalani Luiz

• 4 A Kyu:        Steven Maesato, Simon Kaliko Trapp.

 Selected Articles from Issue 18

September 2002

2002 TAKAYAMA-SENSEI

Kazuyoshi Takayama-sensei from Meishikan Aikido Dojo in Chiba, Japan  will be in Hilo and coming to teach aikido at our club.  Takayama-sensei is a certified martial arts instructor in Japan where one must pass certification as an instructor to instruct martial arts.  This means more than just having a black belt.  It indicates knowledge of other things, including human anatomy and and an awareness of safety and well-being.  Takayama-sensei’s sensei is Shigeo Saotome-sensei who heads the Meishikan Dojo in Chiba.  He is a highly regarded and respected aikido practitioner and instructor.

Takayama-sensei’s wife, Cynthia, was born and grew up in Hilo.  They come home to Hilo every year to visit with her parents.  The past couple of years, we have been really fortunate to have Takayama-sensei come to our dojo and instruct some classes while he is here in Hilo.   Those who were able to practice with him really enjoyed the classes that he taught.   This year he will be instructing our  Open and Advanced Aikido classes on Monday, September 16.  He will also try to make it to our Youth Class on Wednesday, September 18.  He is a talented, knowledgeable, and entertaining instructor.  We really look forward to practicing with him.  Please make every effort to attend the classes taught by him.  We are sure you will enjoy him and learn some good stuff.

OKAGE SAMA DE!!

 “Okage Sama De” was the theme of the 41st Annual Lantern Parade held recently in Hilo.  The term itself implies a feeling of gratitude to our ancestors and predecessors for the good life that we are now enjoying.  This is something that is good to remember and keep in mind.  We are fortunate and we owe it to our ancestors.  We are what we are,  what we know, and what we can do, because of our ancestors.  We owe everything to all  those who went before us and helped to create and fashion our lives.  The parade helped us to express this feeling, and we were very happy and proud to participate.  

This year’s parade was held on Saturday, August 3.  The parade started from the new County Building, and passed through downtown Hilo.  There were many people who came out and enjoyed the parade, watching it pass by from different locations in downtown Hilo.

The Hilo Seishikan Aikido group was headed by instructors Sadami Yamamoto-sensei, Ruth Walker-sensei, Dennis Marshall-sensei, Robert Kamau-sensei, and Carrie Yonemori-sensei.  They received assistance from  several others.  The beautiful banners that were carried by our marching unit were made by Valerie and Jessica Galacgac, Janie Nagakura, Etsuko Tulman, and Marshall-sensei.  Pictures of our marching unit and the parade were taken and produced by Debbie Fujimoto.

We would like to express our thanks to each one of these people and to all those of you who took the time and made the effort to march in and participate in the parade on behalf of Hilo Seishikan Aikido. We truly appreciate all of your efforts.  MAHALO!!

We look forward to  participating in next year’s parade.  We see this as a good opportunity to participate in a community-wide activity.  We also feel this is a very good group activity for our club. 

AIKIDO RANK TESTINGt

Hilo Seishikan Aikido will be holding its annual Fall Rank Testing in November.  The dates of the testing have not been set yet due to the November General Elections coming up this year.  The dates will be announced as soon as they are set by the instructors.  At any rate, the testing is coming up and we should all be preparing ourselves for the testing.  

The instructors will be going over the basic arts and concepts of Seishikan Aikido to help prepare each one of you who will be testing in November.  The arts themselves are important in regards to what they indicate about the individual’s development in training with Hilo Seishikan Aikido.  While the time and number of classes one has practiced are important, the performances of the various arts required in the testing are indications of other important considerations in ranking.  One thing that a student’s performance shows is the level of understanding of the basic concepts of aikido.  Does he understand the goals of our aikido?  Does he have a concept of the correct performance of the arts?  Does he show awareness of possible dangers, signs of relaxation, of power, and self-control?  Performance of arts go a long way in showing discipline, efforts in learning and training, and knowledge and acceptance of basic teachings and procedures. 

Also playing a part in determining an individual’s rank is his/her  overall development and improvement.  The individual’s personal development in terms of traits and habits are considered.  Things stressed in our classes and lessons are looked at.  Does he/she pay attention and make strong efforts to try what is taught in order to learn?  Is the person aware of and appreciative of others in the class?  Is the individual learning and  acquiring traits that we are stressing ?  Promptness  –  Is he/she on time in coming to class and turning things in?  Compassion  –  Is he/she aware of and concerned for others in class?  Politeness  –  Is he/she bowing and thanking the sensei and fellow class members?  Honesty and Truthfulness  –  Is he/she honest and truthful with him or her self and others?  Cooperative  –  Is he/she abiding by club rules?  Helping by sweeping the mat and participating in club activities?

These are all important aspects of one’s total personal development.  We feel that one needs to be aware of and appreciative of all of these things in order to be totally able to defend and promote oneself in all situations.  These developments can go a long way toward helping one in his/her every day life.  Please keep this in mind and it will show in your overall development.

SEPTEMBER

For many of us, the month  of September always represented the month in which the new school year started, and our summer  vacation ended.  Yes, in the years past, summer vacation started in June and ended at the ending of August.  So the month of September always brought to mind the starting of the new school year.  In recent years things have changed.  More than a few schools have adopted modified schedules, and now some of them start up their new school years at the ending of July or beginning of August.  At any rate, the summer vacation has ended, and the new school year has begun with the coming of September.

This year, September also brings the Primary Election for our election year, 2002.  The Primary Election Day is Saturday, September 21.  We have been asked to cancel our classes on the Primary Election Day, the day before (Friday the 22nd) and the Monday following (the 23rd).  All of this is to accommodate the election, its preparation, and cleaning up and putting things away.  So, please note and mark the dates of class cancelations.  The following Friday and Saturday, another organization has reserved the Waiakea Recreation Center for its use and we have also been asked to cancel our classes on those days  –  Youth and Open Classes on Friday, September 27, and the morning Open Class on Saturday, the 28th.

September also marks the classes taught by Takayama-sensei of Chiba, Japan.  He will be instructing the Open and Advanced Classes on Monday, September 16.  He will probably also be instructing our Youth Class on Wednesday, September 18.  Be sure to mark those days on your calendars.

One last thought about the month of September  –  If you have any friends, siblings, parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents or whatever who are interested in practicing aikido, this is a really good time to get started.  Encourage them to do so.  We like to think of our aikido as being great for the whole family.  We have several families all involved in practicing aikido with our club.  This is great.  Friends practicing together is another great thing.  It gives you something to share and do together.  

“Aiki is the expression of Truth itself.  It is the way of calling people together and reconciling them with love.  Whenever they angrily attack, smilingly reconcile them.  That is the true way of Aiki.”

Uyeshiba O-sensei

Selected Articles from Issue 17

June 2002

SPRING LEARN-IN 2002

Hilo Seishikan Aikido is proud and happy to announce that our Spring Learn-in 2002 was a huge success!  There was a turnout of some 89 aikido students to train with Moriyama-sensei.  We also had a really nice turnout at the potluck dinner we hosted to celebrate the seminar with Moriyama-sensei and all the others from outside of Hilo.  

Moriyama-sensei conducted classes on Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday morning.  He taught classes based on bare-handed martial arts and also classes on the use of bokken and jo.  His classes were thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.  We not only learned a lot, but also had a good and fun time doing so.  There were also aikidoists from Kona, Noelani, Kaneohe, and Pearl City.  Everyone enjoyed practicing with each other.  As usual, Moriyama-sensei introduced us to aspects of aikido that we had never before been aware of.

The Potluck Dinner was a huge success also.  Our members were very generous in sharing so much food.  The event was held at the Higashi Hongwanji Mission Hall.  Everyone had a good time socializing and eating.  There was wonderful entertainment too.  Some members of our Youth Class performed and so did some from our other classes.  The “stars of the show” were our own Ruth Walker-sensei and “Bolo-sensei” from Noelani.

We would like to take this means to express to all of you who participated and helped to successfully put on the seminar, our GREAT BIG MAHALO!!

CLUB PICNIC COMING UP!!

Hilo Seishikan Aikido’s annual Summer Picnic for the whole family is fast coming up.  The picnic will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2002.  The site will be the Wailoa State Park.  The picnic will be a family potluck affair, with the club furnishing all paper goods and refreshments.  Steve Adams-sensei and Carrie Yonemori-sensei are in charge this year.  They will be calling on you for help in setting up, cleaning up, and running the activities.  Please help out.  You may volunteer your services by contacting them.  More details will soon be coming out in the form of a flyer.  We shall see you there and have some fun!

WE ARE PROUD!

Hilo Seishikan Aikido recently held its annual spring rank testing and is happy and proud to announce the latest aikido rank promotions.  These promotions are not based solely on performance in the testing, but also take into account individual improvement and progress, total development of each individual student, hours practiced and effort made.  The following are the promotions which will be announced and presented officially at the ranking ceremony on Sunday, June 2, 2002:

• 10C Kyu:       Chanlyn Chartrand, A.J. Costales,  Ashlyn Kaneshiro, Sara Lim, Stacie Lim, Santana Soria.

• 10B Kyu:       Dason Fujimoto, Jaymie Masuda, Kevin Oshiro, Tristan Yoshida.

• 10A Kyu:       Megan Escalona, Taylor Escalona, Alicia Valdez, Crystal Valdez.

• 9C Kyu:         Deena Fujimoto, Reyn Nishioka, Daniel Tavares.

• 9B Kyu         Anson Almeida, Royce Dela Cruz, Catelyn S. Hakoda, Marcus Kiyoto McClintock, Dustin Soriano, Andrew Yoshimoto, James Yoshimoto.

• 8C Kyu:         Francis Blas III, Kerri Nakatsu, Kenji Tulman.

• 8A Kyu:         Kayla Lacaran-Costales, Ryo Tulman.

• 7C Kyu:         Jessica A. Galacgac, Adam Nagakura

• 6C Kyu:         Brev Blas, Kawehioka’iulani Hanohano, Nathan Teets.

• 6A Kyu:         Kolaka Kapihe

• 5A Kyu:         Kevin Kalani Luiz, Alan Nishimura.

• 4B Kyu:         Steven Maesato.

• 3B Kyu:         Kristi Masuhara.

• 2C Kyu:         David Cadaoas, Roy Takemoto.

• 2A Kyu:         Alysha Cabral, Valerie L. Galacgac, Nelson Nakatsu.

• 2 Dan:           Kenneth Quiocho.

We would like to especially mention and congratulate Kenneth Quiocho-sensei, who was promoted to the rank of nidan.  We would also like to congratulate the senseis who worked with the students throughout the year—Adams-sensei, Walker-sensei,  Marshall-sensei, Yamamoto-sensei, C. Yonemori-sensei, Kamau-sensei and Kahana-sensei.  Thank you and congratulations. 

KODOMO NO MATSURI

On Sunday, May 5, Hilo Seishikan Aikido participated in the “Kodomo No Matsuri,” Children’s Festival, by putting on a demonstration of our style of aikido.  The demonstration was very successful and we have received many good comments regarding our demonstrations.  Adams-sensei was in charge of the demonstration and he assigned Walker-sensei to organize the Youth Class portion, with C. Yonemori-sensei and Yamamoto-sensei taking charge of the demonstration by the Open Classes.  Adams-sensei personally organized the black belt segment of our demonstration.  Marshall-sensei, Quiocho-sensei and Colobong-sensei performed a variety of bare-handed self-defense arts.  Kahana-sensei and Kamau-sensei performed some moves using the bokken and jo.

The Kodomo No Matsuri itself was very successful, with a large crowd of people even in a Hilo-style downpour of rain.  There were many demonstrations of arts and crafts, food, etc.  There were also demonstrations of other martial arts put on.  The matsuri was co-sponsored by the Japanese Community Association of Hawaii and the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin.  We were invited to perform our demonstration, and we have received a nice letter of thanks and a $50 gratuity for our participation.  

SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME

Summer is here again!  Yippee!  Summer is one of the most popular times of year for most people.  For one thing, the weather is usually at its best, even here in Hilo.  For many of us, summer means vacation time.  Schools are out, and it is a good time for family trips and activities.  No school means no homework, no tests, no studying, etc.  We can all enjoy tv shows even more.  Here in Hawaii, summer means a chance to enjoy the beaches and ocean around us.  Yes, summer does carry a positive feeling for us.

Summer is also a good time and opportunity to train in aikido with Hilo Seishikan Aikido.  Summer brings more free time for  many people.  This gives us more time to spend on training.  With our minds being freer, we can concentrate better too.  So, make up your mind and develop the determination to train hard this summer and learn as much as you can.  Come to practice as much as you can.  Concentrate on what the sensei is teaching you.  Try to do what the sensei is trying to teach you.  You will surely improve and learn a lot of aikido.  You will gain satisfaction and be glad that you did so.

In the same light, we are at the stage of the year where we have just completed our testing and ranking.  We shall be going into the next phase of our Hilo Seishikan Aikido training.  Now is a great time for anyone who is interested in learning aikido to come and join us and start his/her training.  If you know of anyone who is interested in starting aikido training, urge them to join us and start now.  Tell them to contact any of our instructors for information.  Tell them to come down to the Waiakea Recreation Center and watch our practices and talk with the sensei.  Our bulletin board also contains much information.  We also have a website with club information.  Now is the time.  Yes, summer is a great time of year!

VOCABULARY