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Q - Why Did you start Aikido?
A-
I practised
Judo from the age of 11 to 13 and then
Shotokan Karate from the age of 20 to 21. I
did not like the competition side of either
art as they relied on strength and speed. A
friend (Roy Barnes) suggested I should try
Aikido and it immediately fell into place as
the martial art for me. Martial arts have
always been part of my thinking process but
Aikido also links in nicely to my spiritual
side.
Q -
Memories of your first lesson?
A -
Ukemi I was
so pleased that the ukemi was similar to
Judo that I felt right at home performing
mei ukemi. I also felt horrible being called
a NOVICE !!! so I was eager to practise at
the other classes to get a chance at taking
my first grade.
Q-
Favourite Technique?
A -
Tenkan Ikkyo
from Yokomen Uchi Its a beautiful use of
most Taisabaki movements coupled together
with a high level of Harmony with your Uke
Q - Least
favourite Technique?
A -
Koshinage
specifically because I am tall and most
people are therefore shorter than me. I have
to be very focussed (more than usual) on
being in the correct posture at the correct
height during application of the technique.
Q -
Favourite Summer School and Why
A - 1992
- This was the year that Doshu (then Waka
Sensei) presented a seminar for the UKA. His
purity of basic technique was amazing to
watch. The thing that stuck out the most was
that he was not trying to impress anyone
with complicated interpretations of
techniques. It was like a breath of fresh
air.
Q -
Anything else?
A -
I am
particularly interested in promoting the
basics that Mr. Smith was so keen on and
have decided to dedicate my Aikido to
perpetuating this direction for the UKA.
This I see as being very important as
everyone has their own view, experience and
interpretation on technique relative to
their own psychological and physical
condition - not to mention influences from
their instructor/s over the years. My
interest beyond the basics is therefore
being able to explain to students the
process that led a higher grade to the
understanding they have and teach on
technique so that the link between basics
and higher grade practice is not broken or
missed out. I find this most interesting as
it does not rule out any reasonable
interpretation as long as there is
explanation on its existence. |
