ESTA International weBlog

Schools and Education Award Individual Award

2009-06-29T10:06:00.002-05:00

Derek Eastman has been sharing his Aikido skills and maintaining the sport’s proud traditions for 50 years. He has taught thousands of pupils at Basingstoke Aikido Club - which he started over 40 years ago. In his nomination, one of his long-standing pupils says that “From a martial arts perspective, he is a national treasure’.

Photo and blurbo courtesy of the BBC

Overheard

2009-03-03T19:29:00.001-06:00

"Another guy said to me in a pub, 'I understand you do that (he then did some stupid hand blade chopping actions) stuff?'
I asked him if he thought I was deaf and dumb and speaking their language.
He said, 'No no, which do you think is the best chop of the lot?'
I replied, 'Pork chops during the week and lamb chops on a Sunday.'"

-Henry Ellis

Overheard

2009-03-03T19:26:00.003-06:00

"Over the years one gets asked some stupid questions, I recall one student asked, 'Sensei! What would you do if someone came behind you and hit you on the head with a bottle ?'
I replied, 'Fall down.' "

-Henry Ellis

New Schedule for The Hut Tx

2009-01-20T12:51:00.002-06:00

Class times for 2009 are now Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 830pm.

Bon Voyage

2009-01-06T10:09:00.002-06:00

The Chadster has left the building.
Chad ninja'd out last Saturday morning with his father, a loaded truck with his possessions, and one Chihuahua sitting in the front seat.

He's got a job offer he's accepting up north in Washington State near enough to Joe Anderson to start practicing at his Aikido club. Ah, I can hear the two bickering already. ;D

We were hoping to give Chad a proper send off, but he crashed after a couple days of packing and woke up on departure day. Don't worry Chad, there was a lot of beer we had to finish without your assistance, and the ladies we brought for you were disappointed, but after 10 minutes they started saying "Chad who?" ;D

Beau M.

2008-10-13T12:16:00.003-05:00

All,
Over the weekend Beau got hit by a car. I spoke with him a little while ago, and he was crossing the street with a friend when he suddenly wakes up in the hospital with a broken shin bone (that now has a titanium rod in it) and a cracked cheekbone. Turns out the driver who hit Beau is under age and driving someone else's car too boot.

Anyway, Beau is recovering, and he's in room 513 over at Parkland. The visiting hours for that section are from 8am to 8pm, and Beau is amiable to having visitors.

First Chad gets into an accident with his motorcycle, now Beau gets hit with a car. If one more thing happens to another student of The Hut Tx it can only mean Ninja's are out to get us. ;D

Dojo T-shirts

2008-10-08T09:36:00.011-05:00

The Dojo T-shirts for The Hut Tx have been ordered and will be arriving Friday of next week, the 17th.

Ukemi at 45 mph

2008-10-07T17:54:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Chad was riding his motorcycle with a "passenger" on the back, when a car cuts him off and he's forced to hit a curb doing about 45 to 50 mph. After hitting the curb the motorbike is doing an unsteady wobble that Chad could have corrected, but having a passenger on the back makes righting the motorcycle impossible. The bike and it's passengers get thrown.

Chad does a left sided forward ukemi, and coming out of the roll his right palm touches the ground and becomes one of three items on his body with road rash. By coming up on his feet he sees his passenger about to slide past him, but he quickly grabs her and keeps her out of the way of traffic. His Harley though is another story. It gets run over by two drivers that never stop, but the third car ran over the front wheel and pulled over to offer assistance.

In the end, Chad has road rash on his right palm, left knee and right buttock. His passenger has bruised up hands, and rashes on both palms, but neither suffered any broken bones. This is one of those times where applying art to your life can actually save your neck.

See ya in class Chad. :D

Less is Waaaay More

2008-08-20T09:23:00.003-05:00

"Necessary......one action!"
-Kenshiro Abbe

Kyu Grading

2008-08-19T17:16:00.003-05:00

Congratulations go out to Dan Shelton who attained the rank of 5th kyu on Aug 18th 2008.
Keep practicing. :D

Congratulations

2008-08-07T09:12:00.004-05:00

A grading was held last night for Chad Hatcher who tested and passed his 1st Kyu examination. He now owes everyone a round of drinks. Congratulations Chad!

New grades at Basingstoke

2008-06-27T13:00:00.002-05:00

Hello to all
there are 4 new grades at the basingstoke Dojo. Apologies because i do not know all their last names. Simon graded to yellow belt, Steve and Graham graded to green belt.

The message sent via email, pronounce Simon performing a perfect tenchinage on Sensei Mark Eastman!

By some fortune of luck, i managed to get my green as well.

New Link

2008-06-15T11:27:00.000-05:00

Check out the new link:

http://aikidoellisvideo.magnify.net/

Sensei Warne's visit in Orlando Fl

2008-05-02T14:13:00.004-05:00

Sensei Warne is in the back row, 4th from the right. Click on the image to get a larger picture, and you'll see Sensei Warne with a smirk on his face. When you talk to Sensei Warne and hear even one story that came out of that visit, you'll be smirking too.

Newspaper Clipping on Anita

2007-11-14T17:35:00.000-06:00

Missing?

2007-09-07T14:45:00.001-05:00

Name: Mo Khan

Last Aikido practice: The Hut TX Dojo

Last known whereabouts: Bangalore India

Last seen: Osaka Sushi, Plano Tx

Possible Locations: Any Kalariprayattu school in Bangalore. Mo said he was going to stop by and practice his Aikido at the nearest one he could find.

If you see this man, please leave comments. Have a nice day.

Watch "Positive Aikido the Book"

2007-07-31T10:53:00.000-05:00

Positive Aikido the Book

Positive Aikido the Book30-Jul-2007

Description: Positive Aikido a video of the book and it authors. Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman are both direct students of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 1915 - 1985. The book written by an American student Dave Rogers a student of Henry Ellis .Dave Rogers is the American representative of the Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido. Ellis and Eastman were students of K Abbe Sensei from 1957. They have studied with legends such as Tadashi Abe Sensie and Masahilo Nakazono Sensie, Masamichi Noro Sensie and many more teachers.
Want to see more cool videos? Go to video.google.co.uk/
Think you have an even cooler video? Add it at video.google.co.uk/videouploadform

Part 2 From Sensei Ellis

2007-07-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

Part Two : http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-8054368560449364145&hl=en-GB

Kind Regards

Henry Ellis
Co- Author of Positive Aikido.
http://www.nakazono.aberaikido.org.uk
http://www.EllisAikido.org
http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido
http://www.KenshiroAbbe.com

A video link from Sensei Ellis

2007-06-30T10:39:00.000-05:00

Please find attached the link just added to Google Videos. This is a 38 minute video of my thoughts and views of Aikido from its inception in the UK in 1955 to Aikido as it is today. a mixture of monologue / old photos / modern video / old film. I hope you find this item of interest.

On site comments welcome ................

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2128908063347094692&hl=en

Regards

Henry

Kind Regards

Henry Ellis

Friday night at Basingstoke

2007-06-15T17:10:00.000-05:00

For the last couple of weeks we have been practising 8th form, both hands being grabbed from behind. However this evening we began the class with tenchi-nage from Shomenuchi, 5th form. Sensei Andy, Sensei Brad, Sensei Dave, Sensei Mark and Sensei Derek, Mr Graham, Mr Dave, Miss Karen, a new lad whos' name i don't know, and myself (mark) were all on the mat tonight so it was great having a different Dan grade to work with. We then moved onto Kotegaesh from punch to the stomach 7th form, then we moved on to 8th form practising shionage and kotegaesh, and Kaitennage. Again we were changing with different Dan grades.

We finished the night with each Dan grade picking a weapon up, and one person in the middle of the mat who had to take the weapon to join the queue. Sometimes you question what you are actually taking in from the lessons, tonight a few of us found out we have learnt a few things. Which we will probably forget next week.

We also practised a technique that is expected to be practised at the Nakazona Sensei memorial day. It was from 8th form and i think it was Ikkyo(but i could be wrong), Sensei Derek also spoke about some of the Sensei's teaching on the day, and encouraged us to try and practice with them.

Warm regards

Yellows, Oranges, and a couple of thunks

2007-05-17T16:19:00.000-05:00

The Hut Tx had a grading last Monday and Tuesday.
Danny L. and Glen C. were tested for yellow and passed.
Mo K. and Jonathan O. were tested for orange and passed, but with a little more fanfare.

During the portion of the grading where each student has to handle an uke wielding a club, Jonathan got a solid hit to the side of his head, but didn't stop and continued to finish the rest of
his grading. He felt nausea at home later that evening, but this morning he said he's feeling better. Can anyone say "concussion"?

Mo was the second person to handle the club portion of his orange belt test, and perhaps not to be outdone by Jonathan, he also got hit by his uke, but impact occurred at the top of his head and with the edge of the hickory ax handle that was cut down into a club. The somewhat rough edge of the club gave him a 2cm long cut which required a couple minutes of direct pressure to stop the bleeding. Although Mo was wanting to continue his grading I required him to stop bleeding first before carrying on.

The Hut Tx is now in need of white belts.

New location for the Washington Dojo

2007-02-22T18:51:00.000-06:00

Well we are up and running in our own building. I have partnered with one of the other martial arts instructors here. Since he has the business liscense and some local recognition we have decided to stay with the name he was using and add me to it. Website will be under construction in the near future

Red Raven Aikido & MMA
113 N. Columbus Ave.
Goldendale Wa 98620

Aikido instructor: Joe Anderson

MMA instructor: Jerry Redding

OCA Demonstration

2007-02-15T12:43:00.000-06:00

These two pictures below are all that were taken during the demonstration Chad and I gave for the OCA's (Office of Cultural Affairs) Annual celebration. I can't even tell if that's me. Anyway, the person who recruited us said there was some positive feedback from the spectators, and we got a free meal out of it, and Chad also got a bottle of wine he stuck in his duffle bag for later. Chad deserved the bottle of wine since he had to take ukemi without any mats, on a wooden stage with thin carpeting, but at least the floorboards creaked and gave a little beneath his weight.

In this photo I'm doing a Ki demonstration, and the man in the suit standing next to me is the guy who I volunteered to come up and try and push me over. That's a microphone in my hand, which came in handy. When the volunteer was straining to push me over I kept my eyes on the audience and spoke in the mic that he could start pushing now which got a good reaction from the crowd.

Sensei Warne's visit (photo's finally)

2007-02-13T22:30:00.000-06:00

From the left, Chad, Mo, Sensei David Warne, Jonathan, and Sensei Al Montemar.

Dinner at Abuelo's, Sensei Warne's treat. Great food, great times. From the left, Riz, Sensei, Carrie, Mo, Glen, and Linda.

Danny and Jonathan at the end of the table, and Glen's two kids on the far side.

Debunking hurts...,

2007-02-05T15:30:00.000-06:00

I couldn't find the website of this guy, they probably took it down, but go to this link, and watch the video listed towards the top first, then watch the one towards the bottom.

In short, some guy claiming to be a "Kiai" or "Ki" Master, with a background in Aikijitsu, and Aikido, gets challenged by someone, and well, you have to see the video.

http://www.missingidiot.com/?p=27

Enjoy!

Sensei Warne

2007-01-18T16:51:00.000-06:00

This image was scanned from a set of pictures Sensei Warne brought. I'll need to get the name of his uke and post it later.

Group Photo

2007-01-18T16:33:00.000-06:00

This was taken at a demonstration somewhere in the UK. From left to right, Sensei Keith, Sensei Derek Eastman, Dave Rogers (green belt then), "Mr. Gordon" (blue belt), Al Montemar (blue belt then), and Sensei Andy.

A thanks goes out to Sensei Warne who snapped this picture for posterity.

The British Have Landed

2007-01-16T09:57:00.000-06:00

Sensei Warne arrived safely yesterday with only a small portion of jet lag. By the time he went to sleep last night he'd only been awake for 20 hours. We'll be practicing at the Hut Tx today (tuesday), thursday, friday and probably a sunday morning class. We'd be practicing wednesday, but Chad scored us Hockey tickets.

Anyone???

2007-01-11T09:54:00.000-06:00

Police hunting mystery swordsman

Police on Tyneside are seeking a man carrying a sword who came to the aid of plain clothes officers during a burglary attempt.

The officers were threatened by a man with a knife after they discovered armed men trying to break into a house in Laygate, South Shields.

Another man armed with a samurai sword appeared and attacked the man with the knife, before leaving the scene.

Three men have been charged with aggravated burglary.

One faces an additional charge of attempted wounding with intent to resist arrest.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/england/tyne/6251079.stm

I'm just wondering if there's a Dan grade or a student that needs to confess to this. :)

An Email from Henry Ellis Sensei

2007-01-03T08:40:00.000-06:00

Click on the image for a larger view, or click here to go to Aikido Journal and see the original.

Sensei Warne's upcoming visit

2006-12-20T09:27:00.000-06:00

Sensei David Warne will be flying across the pond to visit the The Hut Tx on January 15th. Joe Anderson will be flying in on the same day from Washington to partake in his instruction. We've lined up beer, hockey tickets, and well endowed blonde's to accommodate his visit. Pictures to follow.

Washington Update

2006-11-04T00:45:00.000-06:00

After Chads visit things calmed down for a bit. We had much fun while he was here exploring the great Pacific Northwest From Portland through the Columbia River. Down Glenwood Canyon to the Big Klickitat River. around Trout Lake to the Backside of Mt Adams Fishing at Goose Lake Motorcycling through the Yakima Valley. Oh yes and we got to do some Aikido as well!!

In recent news classes are going along quite well Miss Hannah is turning out to be an impressive and capable student she is learning so fast. I have 3 other regular students now and everyone seems to be very eager.

I recentley had the honor of training with George Ledyard 6th Dan at his dojo http://www.aikieast.com/aikieast.html While our styles differed he did offer some insight to Aiki that I had not considered previously. All in all it was a fun evening and I hope to get back up there when Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei from Boulder Aikikai comes later in the spring http://www.boulder.asu.org/ Here are links to both instuctors schools if any are interested.

other than that life is good though I miss the guys in Texas :-)

Essex Seminar September 21st 2006

2006-10-24T16:49:00.000-05:00

Kenshiro Abbe Tribute

2006-09-14T10:45:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to let you all know that the new Kenshiro Abbe Tribute website is live as from today. www.KenshiroAbbe.com After the great success of the Kenshiro Abbe Celebrations on May 14th at Crystal Palace 2005, we now intend to continue to pay tribute to this legendary Budo teacher with this new website.

There will be much more information added during the coming weeks. We are looking for more information on Abbe Sensei, old photos, film/video / documents. If you have any material of interest please forward to Henry Ellis at BritishAikido@ntlworld.com . If we believe that any submitted material is of interest to our visitors we will publish it. In the coming weeks we will be talking to several of Abbe Sensei's old privileged students (not friends) with the intention of developing a page of personal tributes and anecdotes to Abbe Sensei. Please visit the site regularly for the latest up-dates.

NEWS

2006-09-10T18:54:00.000-05:00

Important International Seminar
"Circle of Friends of Nakazono Sensei "
Switzerland 8th to 11th March 2007.
Full information - http://www.aikido-sg.ch

NEWS

2006-09-08T17:39:00.000-05:00

October 8th - 2006 The Netherlands Celebration of 45 years of Aikido.

Sensei's Henry Ellis and Derek East to attend as the guests of Sensei Gjs Shouten as the Dutch Aikido Bond celebrate "45 years of Aikido in the Netherlands" In Tilbourg on the 8th of October. Sensei Eastman will be the guest Instructor at the Beljarres Dojo on the 9th of October. Photos and a full report to follow.

TK Chiba Shihan 40th Anniversary Celebration. 28th - 29th October 2006.
Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre. Adelaide Road. London. NW3 3NF.

Sensei's Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman have received a personal invitation from Chiba Shihan to attend this special event as his guests.

Photos and a full report to follow.

Abbe Sensei Course clips online

2006-08-20T05:11:00.000-05:00

If anyone is interested, Sensei MacDonald has posted out takes from the Abbe Sensei course from May 2005. These are clips that did not quite make the final DVD. The link is:-

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1590177422409706910 (Sensei Ellis & Sensei Foster sessions)

You will need to download the Google video player, but it only takes seconds, if you have a broadband connection. The camera is only concentrating on the students, so you should be able to pick out a few familiar faces!

The whole original DVD has also been uploaded to Google. The link is http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=831679537872276466

Cheers

Nigel.

any news?

2006-08-07T13:47:00.000-05:00

Washington Update

2006-06-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody! sorry I have not posted in awhile. I have been very busy since moving to South Park!! I have opened a class and have taught 4 classes so far. First class 10 people showed up five hadf given up by the end. second class had 5 sztudents and now we are down to 2. That is about what I expected. The 2 serious students are starting to catch on. The girl Hannah who is fifteen will make a fine Aikidoka. She had trained previously in Mui Thai and is afraid of nothing.The young gentleman Jason is very enthusiastic and is quite willing to accept instruction both will do well if they stick with it.
Other than missing everybody in Texas I am really enjoying life up here I have been getting into riding bicycles putting in about 20-25 miles a day. lots of hills!!

I will post again once we are progressing or if I have some free time

Joe

Passing of Artie Chesnut

2006-06-03T09:20:00.000-05:00

Friend and student of The Hut New Mexico Artie Chesnut 39, passed away at his home in Alamogordo on May 30, 2006. Artie is survived by his wife Melissa, two daughters Rachel and Brittany, a step-daughter, Amy, two step-sons, Christopher and Ryan and two grandchildren, Alyssa and Dee.
A funeral service will be conducted at 10a.m., Monday, June 5, 2006 at First Assembly Worship Center. Friends may call from 5p.m. to 7p.m. Sunday at Alamogordo Funeral Home.
Chesnut's collegues at Century 21 Casa, Inc. have set up a memorial fund at Western Bank under the name of Artie Chesnut, account #00153249, to assist his family with the expenses they are experiencing.

" The Ellis School of Traditional Aikido UK USA are saddened to here of the death of
Edward "Artie" Chesnut at the age of 39 yrs, who died in his sleep on Tuesday 30th May
2006. Artie was one of the early students of the old "Hut" dojo on the highway 70 between
Tularosa and Alamogordo New Mexico. We all send our condolences to his family and
friends.

Thanks

Henry Ellis"

" Artie had been off the mat for some years now, but I'd see him around occasionally. He was never ill-tempered; never had a bad word to say about anyone. Several years ago he had a nearly lethal encounter with a knifeman late one evening. He told me that our Aikido saved his life that night. Without thinking, he took kotegaeshe and ended up holding the knife. He told the guy to run, and he did.
I think about that now... He had been getting his life together for some time - had two daughters. Maybe at least, his knowing us - his use of our knowledge that night with the knifeman, allowed him those few years with his daughters. Maybe at least that's something I can hang onto. Because of all the people I have had the priveledge to train, Artie stands out as a great character - almost a symbol of those dayse when we had that old building on the highway. It saddens me greatly to have received this news.
I am at a loss otherwise. We have had other students die here. None like this, though. He was a fine man, and I deeply respected him - and I don't ever remember telling him that."

- Dave Rogers

ESTA International weBlog

2006-06-03T09:19:00.000-05:00

ESTA International weBlog

Congratulations Texas 5th kyu's

2006-05-31T22:36:00.000-05:00

Word is that Mo, Jonathan and Carlton all passed thier 5th kyu gradings congratulations gentlemen. Now the real fun can begin. train well!!

Texas Update

2006-05-25T12:05:00.000-05:00

The Hut Texas has had a grading with Mr. Chad Hatcher being promoted to 3rd Kyu. I was promoted to 1st kyu (lumps are now healed). In other news I have relocated to Goldendale Washington. Where I have obtained permission to start teaching basic Aikido at the local middle school. I am looking forward to the experience. Congratulations to all who were promoted both in New Mexico and in Texas. I will post updates on the new Washington school as things start to progress. Thank You to Sensei Al Montemar for the many years of training. I will look forward to many visits back to Dallas. Mo, Jonathan, Danny and Carlton I will be making the trip back for your 4th kyu Grading for certain. Train well

New Mexico update

2006-05-21T12:51:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Kelly Lynch. Kelly has received his 3rd kyu at last Mondays class. It was a long time coming. We also have had a couple of new students join the fold. We would like to welcome Dave Phancook and Eli, sorry Eli your last name escapes me. Welcome back Jeff Glaze, 1st kyu and Artie Chestnut, 3rd kyu. These two gentlemen have found there way back after a long time off the mat. They were with us when the club was located on highway 70 many years ago. It's good to have more bodies on the mat.

Eulogy to

2006-04-02T12:48:00.000-05:00

Bill Woods Sensei 1930 – 2006

With the sad passing of William Woods Sensei 8th Dan Judo, on the 31st March 2006. British Martial Arts has lost one of its most celebrated figures in the history of British Budo.

Woods Sensei was the London Judo Society LJS Judo Champion when the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe first arrived in Britain in 1955. Abbe Sensie would soon select Woods Sensei as a special student. This was the beginning of a long and successful relationship. Abbe Sensei became disillusioned with the LJS and left to join with Matsutaro Otani Sensei taking Bill Woods Sensie with him. Bill later became secretary and personal aide to Abbe Sensei.

Bill Woods Sensei helped to create the British Judo Council BJC – British Kendo Council BKC – British Karate Council BKC – British Aikido Council BAC. The various organisations grew to a membership internationally of over 35,000 members.

Bill was the first person to be graded to 1st dan Kendo by Abbe Sensei receiving certificate No 1 with Tomio Otani receiving certificate No 2.

I have known Bill for 50 years and believe that Bill was the most influential figure ever in British Martial Arts other than the master himself.

On the 14th May 2006 the Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 50th Celebration was held at the Crystal Palace Arena London UK. I am so pleased that Bill despite his ill health made a supreme effort to attend the event to pay his respects to his teacher Abbe Sensei.

Sensei William Woods will be sadly missed by all that have been influenced by this incredible man in his 55 years of Martial Arts. I would like to offer my condolences for all those that knew and respected Bill Woods Sensei, to his family , friends and students.

With sincere respects.

Henry Ellis

Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido

http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido

Grading Results from New Mexico

2006-04-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

Now that everybody is home nursing their wounds, here are the results:
Glen "Rock" Benedict received his 2nd Kyu
Michael Sheetz received his 4th Kyu
Kelly Lynch, although he but forth a good effort, did not receive his 3rd Kyu. Due to a medical condition he could not continue with the grading. Once he gets sorted out we'll try it again. Kelly showed great spirit on the mat up to the point where he had to bow out.
After a brutal hour on the mat, I received my 1rst Dan. It was an honor to just be considered for a Dan grading let alone actually receive it. Thanks to all who helped me in the process of getting there.

There must be something in the air

2006-03-28T11:50:00.000-06:00

We here in Alamogordo received news last week that Sensei Rogers is coming for a visit. Upon his arrival we all will be graded. Sensei will be doing his grading on April 1st, I don't know if this is relevant or not, but as always it will be a tough one. We as a class look forward to a visit from Sensei Rogers, but you can see the fear in the eyes of some of the newer members when a grading was mentioned. I tell them that the pain is temporary, but the pride of that next step to reaching there goal, what ever that may be, will make it worth while. I don't know if the pep talk helped or not, but I do what I can. I'll have more when the crying is done. I wish you all luck who will be grading and congratulations to those who already have.

Grading in the UK

2006-03-25T10:41:00.000-06:00

Basingstoke Dojo. Grading 24th March.

As always this was another hard grading for all the students involved.

Only one beginner received his 6th Kyu. Two 5th Kyu's received 4th Kyu. Karen despite a good effort failed her 2nd Kyu. This was Jasons first attempt at first Kyu, he worked hard and failed.

Although Jason failed he was able to take home lots of lumps.

The grading was conducted by Sensei Andy Lyon - Sensei Mark Eastman - Sensei Brad Beeden.

Basingstoke

2006-03-18T14:12:00.000-06:00

Everyone is getting ready for the grading, which is next Friday (24th March). Judging by my performance things are going to be hard. However, the week after i will be flying to florida and visiting Disneyworld. I will write a report on how it went.
Aiki

Chuck Monkeys!!

2006-03-04T20:10:00.000-06:00

Pinnochio comes with free Chuck Monkeys!! 2 guys with spunk!! no real experience but willing to mix it up. 2 even tried going up against Mr Chad and Myself. after i put down them both individually they tried to double team Chad.
They were not successful. after being slapped a couple times uke 1 charged Chad and was caught in irriminage variation with the chin grip. his buddy tried a round house kick and Chad used uke #1 as a shield. Uke 2 kicks uke 1 in the side of the head. Chad takes uke 1 to the ground. Uke 2 attempts a knee to chad who reverses uke 1. uke 1 recieves knee from uke 2 as Chad chokes out uke 1.Then drags uke 2 to the mat and chokes him out.
Was a lot of fun for all. with exception of maybe uke 1

Texas Update

2006-02-04T15:56:00.000-06:00

All is well!! 2 new students Danny and Mo, Both have legitimate backrounds (unlike Pinnochio). Danny has training in Tai Kwon Do, and Mo is ranked 4th kyu with the American Aikikia.

The recent passing of Sensei Ralph Reynolds

2006-01-22T20:24:00.000-06:00

Sensei Reynolds died on Friday 20th of January 2006
We are deeply sorry to inform the visitors to British Aikido of the sad death and passing of Sensei Ralph Reynolds, one of Britain's most well known and respected Aikidoka.
Both Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman along with the students of the Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido UK and USA wish to extend their sadness and condolences to Ms Jayne Phelps and the family and students of Sensei Reynolds and the Aikido Fellowship GB.
Sensei Reynolds was a direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from the 1950's. He was the first person to introduce Aikido to the Midlands. He trained at the Hut dojo in those very early years maintaining an everlasting friendship with the few pioneers from the great and wonderful inception of British Aikido.
Sensei Ralph Reynolds will be sadly missed by us all.

Sensei Henry Ellis - Sensei Derek Eastman

New Location For The NM Branch

2006-01-15T13:17:00.000-06:00

Hello Gentleman, Things here in New Mexico have been a little nerve wracking. The club has been at the Boys and Girls club for the last month, and when we showed up for practice last Monday, after they had been closed for the Holidays, the room we were using was rented out from under us. So Sensei Emel and myself had to find a new location. We managed to talk to the superintendent at The New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and got permission to use the wrestling room on their campus. Our first class in our new location starts Monday. I hope this will be the last move for a while.

Hello accross the pond

2006-01-11T21:04:00.000-06:00

is there any news from abroad

Texas Update

2005-12-30T18:12:00.000-06:00

We are pleased to welcome Carlton to the Dojo. He seems enthusiastic and full of....energy. He is ranked as a red belt with the power performers martial arts assoc. Hopefully we can teach him something to augment his previous training. There is room for improvement

Tueday in Texas/Sushi Fest 2005

2005-11-23T10:43:00.000-06:00

We had our first Annual Hut Texas Sushi fest. A day that Tokyo One lost money at their Sushi Buffet for certain. Chad demonstrating excellent technique by doing the most damage to the nigiri while keeping his system free of rice.

For training Tuesday evening Shihonage was the technique dejour. also did test preparedness training for Chad And Mark. each did well, and gained insight as to what will be necessary to reach the desired ranks 3rd and 5th kyu respectively. Happy Thanksgiving!! and to you folks across the pond we will kill a turkey in your honor. Gobble till you wobble

Texas Training

2005-11-19T15:40:00.000-06:00

Thursdays class was sword training!! good fun. Also field tested the prototype of the Bokken Sensei is making for Chad. may it rest in pieces

Greetings from across the pond

2005-11-08T22:03:00.000-06:00

Hello gentlemen,
First let me apologize for our long absence on the blog. We have had quite a rough time of it the last couple of months, but I'm glad to say that we are back on track. We had to move from the gym we were at because of a dispute with another martial arts club in town that we shared a room with. Needless to say it took a while to find another place because nobody was interested in what we had to offer. Until I went down to the Boys and Girls club and talked to the director Tammy. It must have been my keen skills in persuasion because she was happy to take us in. We worked out a deal to use the room rent free as long as the kids there could participate in our class. We were happy to oblige. The adults had there first class at the new location on Monday. The kids will start after the first of the year. This will give me time to get back into the game and give the kids a chance to start fresh after the holidays.
I must go now, it's late and I need my rest. I have practice tomorrow. It's good to be back on the mat.

New Dojo in the UK

2005-11-08T09:21:00.000-06:00

The shed was opened by Sensei H W Foster 7th Dan institute of Aikido from the Hut Dojo in Uxbridge Middx on the 9th July 2005 and is run by sensei Shane Garet shodan. The dojo is by appointment only and is run seven days a week.
http://www.aikidojournal.com/dojodetails.php?id=2163

Click on link to see pics

2005-10-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

quit stepping on my foot's!! :-)

Here we grow again

2005-10-09T18:50:00.000-05:00

The Texas branch would like to welcome our new member Danielle to our ranks. and the return of Walter who was M.I.A. for a short while some say it was love, others say he was on a conquest of epic porportions. We are glad of his safe return!!

Basingstoke 29/09/05

2005-10-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

To begin with the class were told that the DVD from the Abbe Sensei seminar had been released. And then from then my recollection of every technique we did is a blur. I can remember we practised alot of defending punching and also shomen. I can remember using kotegaesh as defense, Shionage, and also tenchinage. At the core of my problem was demonstrating a technique with Sensei Mark, and not moving my head quick enough!
My concentration then went, and every technique i tried failed. My lesson learnt, well in a real physical confrontation that could have well been the end of me, the fight went out of me, my composure went, and i really struggled to make the end of the lesson.

This also reminds me of past lessons, the ones where things don't go right, i have a feeling i may struggle to keep going over the next couple of weeks because i know this is how it is going to be. However i will keep trying. Hope every one is well.

Congratulations to Joe!

2005-09-21T14:25:00.000-05:00

Joe has completed testing and is now offically Blue Belt(2nd kyu)!

Training at basingstoke 16/09/05

2005-09-17T05:51:00.000-05:00

To begin the lesson we practiced three different methods for taking the jo. All required not fighting and wrestling for the jo, and required using it (the jo) as a lever to unbalance uke. We then moved to using the same principles for a two hand grab, concentrating on 'elbow' power as sensei eastman put it.

Myself and another yellow belt were then taken through 3rd form, beggining with positive and negative shionage, Kotegaesh and finishing with Iriminage. As usual i was told to relax and breathe when taking a technique. I also practise taichi, and i am told the same thing.
An excellent lesson in which i learnt a lot of things which i will definately forget by next week.

Because i was trying to concentrate on what my group was doing, i dont really know what the other group was doing. this group was made up of sensei brad, sensei dave, sensei andy, and karen a green belt. I suspect the group were preparing karen for her blue belt.
I hope everyone is well and training hard. Till i write again.

Chad is getting old

2005-09-13T15:15:00.000-05:00

Quixk ahout out to Chad finally reaching middle age Happy Birthday

Abertillery goes East

2005-09-13T03:46:00.000-05:00

Basingstoke Dojo 09.09.05

Anyone who follows my exploits of getting lost going to Aikido events, will be quite surprised that I drove straight to Basingstoke without any problems. (For a change!) After meeting so many people on the Abbe Sensei course in May, I wanted to find out more about the direct line of Aikido. I had made arrangements through Sensei Ellis to attend Sensei Eastman's Dojo.

The Aikido we practise in Abertillery is second generation, or technically third generation from the original teachings of Abbe Sensei. My Sensei trained under Ken Williams in Ton Pentre, (South Wales) from 1967 - 1973. I knew there were great differences between the Aikido we practised, and the original form learn't directly from Abbe Sensei. So, I wanted to find out more, and simply to enjoy a practice with the new people I had met.

Sensei Ellis gave us detailed explanations of the style of Abbe Sensei's Aikido, and also demonstrated the small, close body movements which were taught in the 1950's. Sensei Eastman then continued to expand on this theme.

Ian & I really enjoyed the practise. Ian is one of my 6th Kyu's, who also travelled up with me. We would like to express our thanks to everyone who made us feel very welcome. Everyone spent a lot of their time and patients helping us. We walked away with a lot to think about! I would like to thank Sensei Ellis, and Sensei Eastman for allowing us to train, and for giving us an insight on real Traditional Aikido. I hope this will be the first of many trips, and very much look forward to the next time.

Nigel

Texas Training

2005-09-03T13:28:00.000-05:00

Both classes on Tues and Thurs were very strong. Tues we did bokken training and open hand. Ending with tenchinage. Thursday was a good class with Nathen from Master Juans class joining us as well as Daniel Turton and our newest member Walter. we worked on a variety of Shihonage pos and neg culminating with defense against yokomen club strike.

friday training

2005-08-26T16:48:00.000-05:00

Well i haven't been training for two weeks, i've been on holiday in the South of France. I had really missed the lessons, and i was itching to get back on the mat. The last time i was on the mat i had really felt things were starting to sink in (i've come to realise now that this is when aikido bites back).

Well tonight we concentrated on weapons work. Beginning with Jo, starting off with the one person kata, and working through to partner kata's.
We then worked on bokken, then shinoi. The lesson ended for me by Sensei Andy running through 3rd form with me. Once again an excellent lesson.

A Great Read

2005-08-18T13:08:00.000-05:00

An Introduction to E. W. Barton-Wright (1860-1951) and the Eclectic Art of Bartitsu
Richard Gordon Smith, an Englishman living in Japan at the beginning of the twentieth century, made a note in his diary about a demonstration of martial arts he had witnessed:
http://ejmas.com/jmanly/articles/2001/jmanlyart_noble_0301.htm

Tenchinage Video

2005-08-17T19:26:00.000-05:00

Tenchinage is now presented in multiple forms for your viewing pleasure at www.ellisaikido.org, video index section. Enjoy!!!

2005-08-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

Re-live this great event with a DVD of all the days events Taiko Drummers - Teachers - Guests - Students. Visit www.KenshiroAbbe.com to place your order now.

Gwynne Jones misleading article in Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine

2005-08-15T08:35:00.000-05:00

Bends the Branch or Bends the Truth.

A statement by Henry Ellis

Please visit the National Aikido Data-Base for forum comments on this issue.. .. www.aikido-database.co.uk

I am writing this brief statement to correct the serious errors stated within the MAI June 2005 article interview “Bends the Branch” with Mr Gwynne Jones. The article would have served the readership better had it been titled “ Bends the Truth “ . I have contacted Mr Bob Sykes the Editor of MAI who has kindly added my letter of complaint to the letters to the editor in "Fighting Feedback" letters page. It is my sole intention to set the record straight.

Mr Gwynne Jones has also chosen not to apologise for his confused perspective of the history of British Aikido.

Mr Jones makes misleading statements of a period before he himself had started Aikido, describing events as if he were actually there, he did not bother to contact any of the Abbe students of that time to verify his “ facts “ .

As it was proved with Mr Jack Poole’s serious memory distortions with the history of British Aikido, If left for a period of time these matters can soon be recalled as fact, and sadly history is altered for the genuine students of the future. One can only assume that Mr Jones has decided it would be prudent to follow Mr Poole and not apologise for their deliberate mistakes, they obviously stand by their statements. I find it most ironic that in the very same article of errors Mr Jones states with some pride "When I eventually go to the great dojo in the sky, the epitaph on my grave to read 'An error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it ! '" Perhaps now is a good time to think of a new epitaph ?

I have never been surprised by any of Mr Poole’s bizarre claims or actions in recent years, I would add that I am surprised and disappointed by the statements of Mr Gwynne Jones who I once considered a friend.

The original dan grades of Abbe Sensei along with Sensei Ken Williams did so much in those early days to promote Aikido which then was a little know Martial Art. Teaching for free, Derek Eastman and I traveled around the UK teaching where ever we could for free. we never received any payment, just a bed occasionally for the night and a meal, many a night we spent sleeping in the car, we never complained, we actually enjoyed what we were doing. These efforts and sacrifices were to promote the name of Aikido. Derek and I were the first to introduce Aikido to the Further Education System. These original students should be recognised for their part in the inception of UK Aikido. People such as Mr Jones and Mr Poole and so many others now reap the benefit from the efforts and sacrifices of those early teachers.

The Article

Mr Jones refers to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei as “ Abe “… Matsutharu Otani Sensei as “Tani“

Mikito Nakazono Sensei as “ Nagezomo “ .

Although Mr Jones uses these strange names in every reference in the article, I will use the correct names for historical reasons.

Gwynne Jones:

Well, Ken Williams had trained under Abbe Sensei (Abe) who was a great Budo man and his style was very linear. YoshinKan formal Aikido.

Ellis:

Abbe Sensei nor Williams Sensei ever taught Yoshinkan Aikido , there were no Yoshinkan style when Abbe Sensei was with OSensei. ( Shihoda Sensei developed YoshinKan in 1955 the same year that Abbe Sensei came to the UK )

Gwynne Jones:

However, when Nakazono ( Nagezomo ) was called over by Abbe Sensei ( Abe ) to properly introduce Aikido to this country.

Ellis:

Mr Jones’s words " Properly introduce Aikido" baffle me, on the arrival of Nakazono Sensei ( Nagezomo ) there were eight dan grades, one 3rd dan and two second dans,five first dans, I think it is fair to assume that Aikido was well established and healthy on his arrival.

Gwynne Jones:

He Nakazono ( Nagezomo ) became famous for saying, while he was looking at four or five people on the mat wearing hakamas, that three of them should “ Best sell hakama today while you can get a good price” .

Ellis:

The previous statement is pure nonsense. Fact.. Nakazono Sensei ( Nagezomo ) looked at one student in particular and stated “ Necessary sell your Gi whilst prices are high “

Gwynne Jones:

He ( Nakazono) proceeded to downgrade them, Ken Williams kept his grade as did Hayden Foster and possibly Henry Ellis and Andy Allen with a few others who were the nucleus of Aikido then in the London area.

Ellis:

Nakazono Sensei ( Nagezomo ) down graded one student and one student only from second dan to first dan, which we all thought was so very wrong. No others were downgraded, Henry Ellis was not that student, Ellis has never ever been down graded or ever over graded.

For the record, Andy Allen was not there on this occasion, he was only a beginner at this time and had been introduced to Aikido by Henry Ellis.

Ellis:

Nakazono Sensei had been invited to the UK as he was the official AkiKai Hombu representative for Europe and North Africa. Kenshiro Abbe Sensei wanted to devote his time to his main objectives of promoting Judo and his philosophy of Kyu Shin Do. He had asked that Nakazono Sensei ( Nagezomo ) supervise the further promotion of British Aikido, and not to “ Properly introduce Aikido to this country “ .

Ellis:

I trust that students having read this statement will now be more aware of the facts.

2005-08-15T08:13:00.000-05:00

Re-live this great event with a DVD of all the days events Taiko Drummers - Teachers - Guests - Students. Visit www.KenshiroAbbe.com to place your order now.

O'Sensei in 1957

2005-08-14T13:47:00.000-05:00

There's a New Sheriff in Town

2005-08-08T12:29:00.000-05:00

An Insert to Kenshiro Abbe Celebrations Memories Section at www.KenshiroAbbe.com

2005-08-08T00:36:00.000-05:00

Derek Eastman and I were invited to the Bushido ZaZen Annual Dinner in February 2004 by Mr Arnold Davies Hanshi and Mr Clive MacDonald of the Essex Aikido Forum, as we sat down for the first drink of the evening, I remarked to Mr MacDonald “ Do you realise that next year it will be fifty years since Kenshiro Abbe Sensei arrived in the UK and introduced Kyu-Shin-Do and Aikido. It was only intended as a casual remark but the subject dominated the rest of the evening.
The Venue
We discussed the possibility of organising an event between the member clubs of the Essex Aikido Forum “ EAF “ . We soon realised that this event was going to be too big for the EAF dojos. we decided on a committee of like minded people to organise this event.
At our first committee meeting it was soon apparent from the interest already generated that a prestigious venue would be needed and we looked at several possible venues and finally decided on The Crystal Palace Sports Centre, which later proved to be an excellent choice.

We had almost eighteen months to plan this event which seemed a long time then, It actually took all that time to put the event together. The interest from every quarter was nothing short of amazing, showing that the name of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei was revered by so many genuine MartialArtists. I contacted many old students of Abbe Sensei such as Sensei Haydn Foster and Sensei Ralph Reynolds who without hesitation agreed to take part along with Sensei Phillip Smith who represented his father Mr William Smith MBE Shihan.

We had a most impressive guest list with representation from the Japanese Embassy with Mr Motai. It was a very proud moment for me when I saw Sensei Bill Woods arrive, despite his serious illness he insisted on attending to pay tribute to his teacher. It was a special moment also to meet Sensei Robin Otani again after so many years.

I had stayed at the Crystal Palace “hotel” and walked down to the centre on the big day, as I walked into the main hall there was already an atmosphere of something very special was taking place as sound of the Taiko Drummers filled the Great Hall with their electrifying sound. I then walked onto the concourse and looked down onto the large matted area where the drummers were playing, I was amazed to see so many students down below mingling with other students some of whom they had never met before and many making new friends.
I have never been an emotional man yet I will admit to a few tears trickling down my face as I looked around and surveyed the scenes below and on the concourse where all the stands were. I stood there and recalled the very first UK Aikido seminar at a small Judo Dojo in Devises run by Graham Burt which was about 1959 where I was assistant to Ken Williams Sensei and here I was at the latest seminar which was the greatest Aikido event I had ever attended.
This event from the discussions over the ZaZen dinner to the actual day had run so smoothly almost as if Abbe Sensei himself had guided us. I am certain that as he looked upon that day of Celebration to his name and achievements he would have been honoured and very proud.
Henry Ellis.
Event Liaison Officer

Thrusday Class TX

2005-08-06T14:48:00.000-05:00

Sensei was on vacation so class was just Chad and I. As a matter of fact even the Master Juan's classes were cancelled, so Chad and I had the place to ourselves. We worked on sankyo and kaiten nage from 1st-6th forms. focusing on keeping close and using the hips to influence uke to ukemi. also worked on the positive entry from defending shomen.

Kenshiro Abbe Sensei Jubilee Celebration Photos

2005-07-28T17:26:00.001-05:00

Click on link ot go to www.KenshioAbbe.com for additional photo of the Celebration

2005-07-28T17:26:00.000-05:00

Is that you Mark??

2005-07-28T17:21:00.000-05:00

Ellis Sensei and Eastman Sensei st Abbe Sensei Celibration demonstartion...

2005-07-28T17:20:00.000-05:00

Ellis Sensei at Abbe Sensei Celibration Opening Rei

2005-07-28T17:18:00.000-05:00

Mark Eaastman Sensei and Brad Breeman Sensei at Abbe Sensei Celibration

2005-07-28T17:17:00.000-05:00

Brad Breeman Sensei and Mark Eastman Sensei at the Abbe Sensei Seminar

2005-07-28T17:16:00.000-05:00

Haden Foster Sensei demonstrating at Abbe Sensei Seminar

2005-07-28T17:14:00.000-05:00

R to L - Nigel Jones Sensei, Henry Ellis Sensei, Derek Eastman Sensei, and Andrew Pugh.

London Pride

2005-07-22T17:28:00.000-05:00

You come to place your bags of hate
On bus and train, you made us late
Yet we'll be back tomorrow
We'll carry on despite our sorrow
Your bags of hate caused some to die
Yet we stride out strong with heads held high
You'll never win, we will not bow
You can't defeat us, you don't know how
This London which we love with pride
Is a town where scum like you can't hide
Don't worry we'll hunt you down
And lock you up in the name of Crown
We're London and we're many races
Just look you'll see our stolic faces
We all condem your heinous act
You'll not win and thats a fact
We'll mourn our dead and shed a tear
But we'll not bow to acts of fear
Your out there somewhere all alone
There is nowhere now you can call home
Olympics ours we've won the race
Your timing then a real disgrace
Our strength you'll find remains unbowed
We're London and we're very proud

Thursday training in TX

2005-07-22T10:09:00.000-05:00

Thursdays class was an excellent one. we trained weapons (mostly Jo techniques), with only some minor injuries incurred by the Tall Man. Jump higher and I will try not to bounce the staff!! Also Daniel Turton made it to class looking for "some excercise" we did our best to accomodate him.

2005-07-17T15:41:00.000-05:00

L to R - Al Montemar Sensei, Derek Eastman Sensei, David Warne Sensei, and Chad Hatcher..... Last night in Merry England.

Chad's Back on Line

2005-07-17T12:32:00.000-05:00

About time I do believe. After the crash clean up on the computer I have gotten back on the net. Alot of pic's are comming and posts to add.

Classes have been great. Students from the Karate class have been joining in and just need to come in more regularly.

On Thursday Al Sensei, Joe, and I went through kick defences. Front snap kick, lead leg kick, and back roundhouse. Falling was the hard part. Irime-nage was the crowd favorite followed by kotegease (watching out for the punch to the head). All very effective and fun.

Friday at basingstoke

2005-07-09T06:54:00.000-05:00

Hello all. To introduce myself my name is mark greenwood, i train at the basingstoke dojo. I will try to post what is happening at basingstoke. Firstly Sensei Brad, Sensei Mark and Sensei Andy were all given their next dan grades by Sensei Ellis and Sensei Eastman. Sensei Ellis then went through the knife technique he demonstrated at the Crystal Palace seminar.

We then practiced a moving nikkyo from first form, which i dont think i will ever ukemi out of properly. We then practiced third and fourth form shionage, both positive and negative. It was a great session, with the great start setting the theme of the night.

Question, everytime i step on the mat i really feel like a beginner. Everytime i see a technique that i have practiced a few hundred times, i feel like a beginner. Sometimes i feel my shionage is my best technique, then it falls apart. I used to think i was quite good at ukemi, untill friday. Is this part of the learning curve in Aikido, that you must constantly start again?

Shocked and saddened

2005-07-07T19:37:00.000-05:00

Gentlemen,
I saw the news this morning and my heart sank. I hope this finds all of you and your family's alive and well. Keep your heads up, these cowards will not be able to hide forever. My heart goes out to all the family's who lost loved ones today.
Bill Loose

Chad is not...

2005-07-06T18:57:00.000-05:00

This is Chad at Tower Bridge in London England.

-Chad is not adding to the graffitti on Tower Bridge.

-Chad is not scraping his daughter's name on the hand rail.

-Chad is not defacing London property.

-Chad is not doing anything to get himself deported.

-Chad stopped whatever he was doing when a Bobby came by and didn't turn around when the Bobby yelled at him to come back, but ran thru a crowd and lost the pursuing Bobby on his way back to the Tube Station.

Everyone's attention please..,

2005-07-06T16:44:00.000-05:00

Paul Emel is in the house.

First Blog

2005-07-05T20:24:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody,

This is my first time here, so, let me introduce myself. I am Paul Emel one of Sensei Dave Rogers Students in Alamogordo. I now run the dojo and everything seems to be going as well as can be expected. Bye for now.

A fistful of Guiness

2005-07-04T22:43:00.000-05:00

This is a promotional shot of an upcoming martial arts movie featuring Sensei Derek Eastman in "A fistful of Guiness". The story is a modern day remake of Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai", but in this version it's just one Samurai who drinks enough Guiness for seven.

This photo was taken after the Kenshiro Abbe Jubilee Seminar, in the same pub up the huge hill from Crystal Palace. Many thanks to Dave Rogers for supplying the hat.

Everyone's attention please...,

2005-07-04T14:13:00.000-05:00

Bill Loose is in the house.

Chad on Ice (Chad-cicle)

2005-07-03T20:09:00.000-05:00

This is Chad freezing his bum off on the flight home across the pond. I was getting up to use the loo when I walked by seeing him shivering, and to be honest it was a little chilly on the plane, but I've got enough "natural insulation" aka "bodyfat" that I really didn't care, however Chad has no natural insulation and was shivering while trying to sip something hot. I was laughing while taking this picture and Chad tried to flip me off, but his fingers were too cold to move so I laughed even harder.

UK Trip

2005-06-22T22:50:00.000-05:00

Okay, this was taken a few pints before I had my picture taken with the bald barman.

Poor Jayson

2005-06-22T22:41:00.000-05:00

It could've been worse. Sensei Brad could've given Jayson "rabbit ears" right when this picture was taken..,

Tuesdays class

2005-06-22T10:08:00.000-05:00

well first an apology to all for not posting in a while. Class last night was an excellent one. We have a new student Chris who will be with us only a short while as he leaves for the Army in early July. Went over several techniques ikkyo and positive shihonage were the main focus.
I ran into a student who used to train with us at Tamura's Judo I am hoping he will return to the mat but I have doubts as he was mentioning how his knees are gone. Also met a mui thai guy who has some interest in trying Aikido, again can we get him to the mat?
I would ask some of you Aikido bloggers to invite you dojo mates to join us. I have noticed that the "US Headquarters" has decided to not participate in this blog or thier own for that matter. I find this to be rather unfortunate, as the point of this is to increase fellowship between the ESTA schools
Well enough for now hi to everyone and keep training the mat is where its at.