Originally posted by sung ho cheung
An interesting thread...here's a little tale...
Some years ago, I was the class 'sensei' - simply because I was the most senior rank present at that particular class. I was a blue belt. A new guy joined us that night, and he was sporting a white belt. It didn't take me long to figure out this guy was way in advance of me, so I asked him if he would lead the class. He was really reluctant to do so. When I pressed him, he explained to me that he held a nidan in tomiki style, and as we were an akikai style dojo, he did not think it appropriate to a) wear his hakama, and b) lead the class. I impressed upon him that we would benefit from his taking the class, but he was still reluctant. So, we left it at that, and the class continued. I didn't make an announcement of his rank because he requested that I didn't...so, I didn't. And a great time was had by all. After, in the changing room, he told me he was waiting to speak to our Sensei and 'introduce' himself, and then take things from there. And after he had done that, he felt able to don his hakama thereafter. A goodly example of a truly humble aikidoka. Oh, and his ukemi was *hit-hot too!
We have a policy in our dojo that any and all styles of aikido are welcome and respected; as are practitioners of other martial disciplines...for what they bring to the banquet is an altogether different set of tempting dishes. We are the ones who benefit, and we appreciate it too. Also, Sensei treats (awards) black belts as if they were hens teeth. It takes a long time (mostly) before one is allowed to don one of those; in my case, more years than I care to remember. But, that said, I am enjoying my belt, as I did all of the previous ones too...full in the knowledge that I, like a young salmon, having travelled downriver, have now just discovered the ocean. At least, that's how I see it.
Hello,
Can I ask where you train? If we interpret China broadly, there are Aikikai-affiliated organizations in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. However, I know of no such organizations in mainland China, though I have heard that M Suganuma Shihan visits China to conduct training courses.
Please enlighten me, by PM if you feel it appropriate.
Best regards,
Peter Goldsbury,
Forum Administrator,
Hiroshima, Japan