Selected Articles from Issue 15

January 2002

KAGAMI BIRAKI

Kagami Biraki 2002 was held by Hilo Seishikan Aikido on Saturday, January 5, 2002.  The event was very successful with good participation by club members and family.  The ceremony started at

NEW RANKS

Hilo Seishikan Aikido is proud and pleased to announce its latest round of aikido ranking promotions.  These ranks are based on the evaluations of individual students and their performance of rank testing arts in November of 2001.  The following ranks were announced and presentations of certificates and belts made at the Hilo Seishikan Aikido’s Kagami Biraki on January 5, 2002.

• 10C kyu   Dason Fujimoto, Brandee Konanui, Kayla Lacaran-Costales, Jaymie Masuda, Adam Nagakura, Jonathan Oshiro, Kevin Oshiro

• 10B kyu   Megan Escalona, Taylor Escalona, Deena Fujimoto, Alicia Valdez, Crystal Valdez, Shyla Yoshihara

• 10A kyu   Reyn Nishioka, Daniel Tavares

• 9C kyu     Anson Almeida, Royce Dela Cruz, Catelyn Hakoda, Marcus McClintock, Andrew Yoshimoto, James Yoshimoto

• 9B           Kerri Nakatsu

• 8C           Jessica Galacgac, Kawehioka`iulani Hanohano, Jonathan Maesato

• 5C           Kevin Luiz

• 5B           Austin Camacho, Alan Nishimura

• 4B           Joni Tao

• 3A           David Cadaoas

• 1B           Lindsey Iyo

• Shodan    Mindy Furuta, Ana Kapihe, Mychael Singson

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!

NEW YEAR’S MOCHI

Mochi is an integral part of any new year’s celebration in Japanese culture.  In Hilo Seishikan Aikido’s Kagami Biraki celebration, mochi was placed in the arrangement at the shomen.  This is known as “Kagami mochi” or “mirror mochi.”  Mochi was also served in the “sensai,” or red bean flavored dish.  Sensai is very traditional in new year’s celebrations and other joyful occasions.

Mochi itself is regarded as a symbol of happiness and used at festivals, erection of new houses, and other happy occasions.  The kagami mochi during new years is meant to bring in a brighter and happier year, and a brighter and happier life.  The new year’s mochi is a symbol of hope that the new year will be even brighter and happier than the previous year.

With this in mind, we wish all a happy new year and that the new year brings a happier and brighter life for all mankind and the entire earth!!!!

THREE NEW SHODANS

Hilo Seishikan Aikido is really happy and proud to have promoted three members to the rank of shodan at our recently held Kagami Biraki.  The three of them qualified for and tested for the rank of shodan last November.  We’d like for you to get to know a little about each of them, and this article is printed for that purpose.

First, we have Mychael Singson, a senior at Waiakea High School.  Mychael will be graduating this coming June, and his immediate plans are college and to continue at his part-time job at Larry’s Chevron.  His plans for the future are to finish college, studying electronics, computer science, or electrical work.  Mychael is also an accomplished musician and part of the popular “Hawaiian Sunrise.”  He also enjoys surfing the internet, fixing computers, and doing some electronic work.  Mychael lists his father as a role model and someone he looks up to.

Mychael started aikido when he was five years old, and worked his way up through the classes of Walker-sensei, Goya-sensei, Niwao-sensei, and on up to the advanced class taught by Yonemori-sensei and Adams-sensei.  He says he feels like “the learning has started all over again and the training will be more intense from now on.”  His advice for youngsters regarding aikido is “you have to try hard and even if you feel like quitting, try something new.  When I moved up to the advanced class everything changed and I saw a new area of aikido.”

Ana Kapihe is someone who is deeply involved in budo.  She not only trains in aikido, but also trains in kendo and judo.  She first started in aikido back in 1986.  What Ana likes about aikido is its fluid, circular motion and non-aggressive nature.  She also says that aikido gives one a good workout.  Her advice for anyone practicing aikido is to train one’s balance, patience, and single-minded concentration.  

Ana comes with an interesting background.  She is involved not only in physical training, but also mental and spiritual training.  She is a “sweat lodge” leader, which deals with Indian ceremonies.  She is also into Zen.  She also enjoys soccer, swimming, woodworking, and furniture-making.  Ana is mother to one of our club’s youngsters, Kolaka.  She is a full-time student in geology and also does carpentry work.  She says that she hopes that a year from now, she will be just working full-time.  Her hopes and plans for the future are “a better job, nice house, good shape, and pau school.”

Like Mychael, Mindy Furuta is a senior at Waiakea High School.  In her senior year, Mindy has been involved in WHS Kiwins and serving as a statistician for the WHS wrestling team.  She is also employed part-time at Kuhio Grill.  She says she is also enjoying her last year of high school, cruising with friends, and being herself.  Mindy hopes to a college on the mainland and major in education.  She hopes to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education and go on and earn a master’s degree and teach school.

Mindy started aikido back in 1991, when she was a first grader.  What she likes about aikido is that it “teaches you discipline, patience, and how to defend yourself.”  Mindy’s advice to anyone practicing aikido is “practice hard and discipline yourself, so you can achieve your highest potential.”

SPECIAL DUES RATES

This is a reminder that one may receive special dues rates by paying for the whole year at this time.  Youth class rates for a year are $80, rather than $7.50 per month.  Open and Advanced classes may pay $100 for the year, rather than the usual $10 per month.

 Selected Articles from Issue 7

February 2001

SPRING LEARN-IN 2001!

A club activity for Spring of 2001 has been planned and approved by the club instructors.  It will be called, “Spring LEARN-IN 2001!”  We have chosen the date, Saturday, March 17, to hold the learn-in.  What it will encompass is the conducting of three special classes for all of  our students during that morning.  The classes will be planned and taught by all of our instructors.  Students are encouraged to attend and train in as many of the classes as they can.  If they can not make it to all three classes, they should practice in at least one or two of them.  All the instructors will be there at the classes to help each and every one of the participants.  The learn-in will end with a lunch.  There will be a small fee charged to buy bentos for anyone who will be at the lunch.  Detailed plans are currently being worked on and further announcements are forthcoming.

Parents are invited to participate also.  You may observe, just have lunch with us, or if you would like to, you may participate in the sessions.  You will be introduced to the exercises your youngsters go through each session.  You may also try and learn breathing exercises, etc.  We would love to make this a “family” affair!  If the shirts are received on time, we will also be distributing our new “Hilo Seishikan Aikido” t-shirts at the learn-in.  So, come and participate everyone, and learn at Hilo Seishikan Aikido’s “Spring LEARN-IN 2001!”

CLASS ADDED TO SCHEDULE

We have been able to get another time slot at the Waiakea Recreation Center and have added another class to our club’s weekly schedule to better provide for our members.  The class will be in session on Friday evenings from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m.  We are currently conducting Open Aikido classes for anyone from beginners to more experienced persons.  Everyone is welcome to come and join.  Those currently enrolled in our club are also welcome to come and practice during this class time.  

T-SHIRT SALE IS ON!

A sale of official Hilo Seishikan Aikido t-shirts is currently going on.  The t-shirts will be a shade of blue with the characters for “Seishikan” printed on the back, with the words “Hilo Seishikan Aikido” printed over the characters.  On the front chest will be a patch-sized logo of Hilo Seishikan Aikido.  On sale will be youth sized t-shirts, adult sized t-shirts, and adult sized long sleeve t-shirts.  Prices are:  youth t-shirts $8.25;  adult t-shirts S-XL $8.50;  adult t-shirts XXL $10.50;  adult long sleeve t-shirts $15.50.  We were fortunate to get some very reasonable prices.

         Forms for placing your orders are available through your instructors.  The deadline for all orders is Monday, February 26.  The distribution of the t-shirts is planned for mid-March, possibly during our Spring LEARN-IN 2001!  It all depends on our receiving the shirts in time.  At any rate, place your orders on time.  Show your spirit and pride in Hilo Seishikan Aikido!

PHILOSOPHY

Dr. Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, is considered one of the foremost figures of modern martial arts .  He is recognized as one of the three giants of modern budo along with aikido founder Morihei Uyeshiba-sensei, and karate master Gichin Funakoshi-sensei.  All three of them had interesting and similar philosophies, and it is interesting and valuable to examine some of their thoughts.  The following is one of Dr. Kano’s philosophies and worthy of our thinking about.

Dr. Kano said, “There are two types of judo—small judo and large judo.  Small judo is concerned only with techniques and the building of the body.  Large judo is mindful of the pursuit of the purpose of life:  the soul and the body used in the most effective manner for a good result.”  The exact same can be said of aikido!  Think about it and make this a part of your daily life!

AIKIDO TRAINING

Aikido is a relatively recent innovation in the world of martial arts.  Morihei Uyeshiba-sensei created aikido, after training extensively in several different schools of jujitsu, sword fighting, and spear fighting.  O-sensei also immersed himself in religious studiess.  He developed an ideology devoted to universal harmony.

Aikido is not  only a system of fighting, but it is also a means of developing and improving oneself.  True aikido has no tournaments, competitions, or contests.  There is no “sparring” in aikido.  Aikido is learned cooperatively at a pace related to the abilities of the aikido student.  Uyeshiba-O-sensei taught that the goal of aikido is not to defeat others, but to defeat any negative characteristics that one may personally hold.  At the same time, the potential of aikido as a means of self-defense should not be ignored.  Aikido can be a truly effective means of self-defense.  Aikido has its roots in several styles of jujitsu.  Judo is also rooted in jujitsu.  Although aikido has its roots in jujitsu, as well as sword and spear techniques, we must also remember that O-sensei also made his own innovations into aikido techniques.  Those who have followed him have also influenced aikido and its practice.

There are no shortcuts to gaining proficiency in aikido.  The same may also be said of all other aspects of living.  In order to gain proficiency in aikido, one must make a sustained and dedicated effort in training.  Learning aikido might be characterized as a “marathon,” not a “sprint.”  it is impossible to become good at it in just a few months or years.

There are today many different schools and organizations that offer training in aikido.  Many of these differ especially in philosophy and what is stressed in training.  In America there are dozens of organizations, each differing slightly from each  other.  However, we might point out that almost every aikidoist believes in two aspects of aikido training.  First, that one should always seek a peaceful resolution to any conflict, whenever possible.  Second, that one should seek self-development and self-improvement through aikido training.

We might also look at the word, “dojo.”  Dojo refers to the place where we learn “the way,” and also to carry on the way.  In our case, “the way” refers to “the way of Hilo Seishikan Aikido.”   The word dojo implies much more meaning and feeling than merely “gymnasium” or “place to take lessons.”

(continued in next issue of Tayori)

Volume 1, Issue 6

January 2001

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Back in November 2000, Hilo Seishikan Aikido held its first aikido rank testing and some of our members were awarded rank promotions.  These promotions will be announced, and ranks presented at our First Practice of 2001 on Saturday morning, January 6, beginning at 7:30 a.m.  Our new kyu and dand rank certificates have arrived and are ready for distribution.

We are proud to announce the following aikido rank promotions:

• 10 C Kyu       Kirsten Cannoles, Kyle Cannoles, Reyn Nishioka, Daniel Tavares

• 10 B Kyu       Anson Almeida, Royce Dela Cruz, Catelyn Hakoda, Andrew Yoshimoto, James Yoshimoto

• 10 A Kyu       Kerri Nakatsu

• 9 B Kyu        Jessica Galacgac, Kawehiokaʻiolani Hanohano, Jonathan Maesato

• 6 B Kyu        Kayla Yugawa, Shawn Yugawa

• 5 C Kyu        Steven Maesato

• 5 B Kyu        Brittany Iyo

• 5 A Kyu        Kristi Masuhara

• 4 C Kyu        Kelsey Iyo

• 4 A Kyu        David Cadaoas, Troy Samura, Roy Takemoto

• 3 C Kyu        Kelsey Fukuda, Robert Kamau, Jr.

• 3 B Kyu        Alysha Cabral, Nelson Nakatsu, Kahealani Napeahi

• 3 A Kyu        Valerie Galacgac

• 2 C Kyu        Keshlyn Kaina

• 2 B Kyu        Lindsey Iyo

• 1 B Kyu        Mindy Furuta, Ana Kapihe, Mychael Singson

• 3 Dan            Glenn Kahana, Robert Kamau, Sr., Dennis Marshall

• 4 Dan            Sadami Yamamoto

• 5 Dan            Stephen Adams

ENDING THE YEAR WITH A BANG!

Hilo Seishikan Aikido closed the year by holding our first Kan Geiko and dojo clean-up.  Everyone was encouraged to attend because we felt that this was all a big part of our total training.  The Kan Geiko required that we get up early and come down to practice during the cold time of the day.  This was an opportunity for us to refocus and rededicate ourselves to training in Seishikan Aikido.  Cleaning up the dojo was a good reminder that we should clean-up and keep things in good order.  This was also a good reminder for our everyday lives.  At any rate, we would like to commend Keshlyn Kaina and the Iyos – Lindsey, Kelsey, and Brittany – for being the only ones other than the black belts to come out and practice both days of Kan Geiko!  We would also like to thank all the parents and students who came out to help in the dojo clean-up.  The teamwork was just fantastic!  We would also like to thank Marshall-sensei and Kahana-sensei for taking charge of the clean-up.  Good job guys!

The ending of the year was a busy one.  In addition to the Kan Geiko and the clean-up, we also held our first ever “Christmas with Hilo Seishikan Aikido.”  The picnic type party was very successful.  Lots of food, lots of fun, and prizes.  Everyone who came had a good time.  We would like to express a big mahalo to all who came and brought food to share!  We would also like to thank Walker-sensei, Carrie Yonemori-sensei, Kamau-sensei, and Marshall-sensei for all their effort in putting this event on!  Mahalo!

The next time around, we would like to see even more of our members and families getting involved.  This is all part of our program, and teaches everyone the importance and value of teamwork, cooperation, and unity.  It also helps us to stress the importance of the group.

MAN IN THE GLASS

When you get what you want n your struggle for self,

And the world makes you king for a day,

Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,

And see what the man has to say.

For it isn’t your father or mother or wife,

Whose judgment upon you must pass,

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,

For he’s with you clear up to the end,

And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test,

If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years,

And get pats on the back as you pass,

But your final reward will be heartaches and tears,

If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

The above poem blends in beautifully with our club’s name, Seishikan.  As we have pointed out before, Seishikan means “the place to develop the will or determination to be honest, truthful, just, and sincere.” As is pointed out in the poem, in the end we need to be honest, truthful, just, and sincere with ourselves.  We know ourselves better than anyone else.  We may fool others in our daily living, but when it comes to ourselves we know ourselves better than anyone else.  We may fool other in our daily living, but when it comes to ourselves we cannot pull the wool over our own eyes!  We have to please ourselves.  We have to know that we have done the right things and told the truth.  We have to know that we have been honest, sincere, just, and compassionate in our dealings with others.  Otherwise we can never be happy with ourselves and what we have said and done.  Yes, we must be able to face the “man in the mirror.”  He is the one guy that none of us can fool.  Let’s make sure that the man in the glass is pleased with us and what we have said and done!

HILO SEISHIKAN AIKIDO

O-Shima Ryu

Hilo, Hawai`I

Selected Articles from Issue 4

November 2000

RANK TESTING FALL 2000

The fall rank testing of Hilo Seishikan Aikido has just been completed and we would like to congratulate all those who tested.  Even the heavy rains couldn’t dampen our spirits, as most of our members participated in testing.

The club instructors met following the rank testing on Monday evening, November 13, and reviewed the testing and the test requirements.  They were very pleased with the performance of the test arts. Everyone felt that the students displayed much more than is visible in regular practice sessions.  They also felt that the students had generally performed even better than they had expected!  There were also arts identified as the ones needing to be worked on, and these will be reviewed in the various classes in the near future.  The students were individually graded and evaluated by the members of the testing board.  The tests and procedures were also evaluated and a few minor changes will be made prior to the next testing.

Now that the testing is over, we need to focus on where we are at and to set our sights on moving on ahead.  We have the finest set of instructors that one can hope to have.

NOW WHAT?

Okay, so the rank testing is pau.  Now what?  This question was asked of some of our instructors, and their responses are reported here:

Adams-sensei:  “You all showed understanding of the basic movements of the arts.  Now, we need to polish certain fundamental movements to make the waza more effective.  Congratulations to all of you for a job well done!”

Kahana-sensei:  “Keep up the level of aikido that was displayed tonight.  Extension of ki was shown very well.”

Yamamoto-sensei:  “They did good work in the testing and the practicing for the test.  Now we need to work on putting in more feeling into performance of the arts.”

Walker-sensei:  We were proud of our students’ achievements after watching their performance at our first rank testing.  However, a serious reminder!  Your hard work to improve begins now!  There’s always room for every one of us to improve.”

Kamau-sensei:  “Practice in class with as much effort as they put in during the test.”

C. Yonemori-sensei:  “Performance during the testing was really good.  Now, we have to practice with this same level of intensity and desire.  We also need to think about and set our goals for the immediate future and long-range also.  Keep up the good work everyone!”  

“HILO SEISHIKAN AIKIDO”

At the rank testing on Monday, November 13, we had for the first time placed a kanji (Chinese writing) of our club’s name on the shomen.  Reverand Daien Soga of the Puna Hongwanji was kind enough to take up his brush and do the kanji for us.  The result is really beautiful!  We had the writing mounted and framed for use on the shomen.  We will be having smaller copies made for individual classes to use, too.

The character of the kanji literally spell out the “Seishikan” in our club’s name.  The first character spells out “Sei” and refers to “righteousness, sincerity, truthfulness.”  The “Shi” refers to the “will or determination.”  The final character is “Kan” which means “place.”  In other words, Seishikan means the place to develop the will and determination to be righteous, truthful, and sincere.  We feel that this will help us to become the kind of people we would like to become.  The writing placed on the shomen then serves as a reminder for all of us to strive to be this kind of people.

We would like to express our thanks to Reverand Soga for his kindness and thoughfulness in helping us out.  Thank you!

RIGHTEOUSNESS, SINCERITY, TRUTHFULNESS

Righteousness – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Sincerity – Be sincere in all that you do and say.  Mean what you say and do to and for others.

Truthfulness – Be honest and truthful to others and to yourself.  To thine own self, be true.  Look yourself in the eye.