Aikido Kaiso No Chitazune (合気道開祖の地訪ね)
On my latest trip to Japan we had the wonderful opportunity to go to Hokaido (北海道). I have been to Japan around 14 times, and this was the first time I had been to Hokaido. I wish I had come sooner, what a great place. Our Aikido group was going up to this location for a few reasons. First, to visit and get a sence of Osensei’s live and get a glimpse into the area and history that is part of our Aikido heritage. Second, to visit some of the Aikido instructors, dojos, and expand our Aikido friends in the world. Lastly, to have a good time, good food, and get a little rest and relaxation in this beautiful area. In my last post we talked about our Aikido experiences in this area so will not go much into that in this post.
We started our trek from the Haneda (羽田空港) Airport in Tokyo. This was the first time I have flown from this airport so did not know what to expect. It is very easy to get to Haneda and did not take a long time. From Shinjuku we took the JR Yamanote line (山手線) to Hamamatsucho(浜松町). Here we transfered to the Tokyo Monorail (東京モノレール), and was a straight shot from there (20 min 
and approx 500 yen). To me this airport had a very laid back view and strangely felt relaxing. As this was not an international flight the security was lighter than the US. For example, we did not have to take off our shoes in the screening line, and we could bring liquids through (which was interesting as the security agent asked me to open my water bottle then took a good whiff of the water, not sure safe, but..).
We then go on our local flight to Monbetsu Ohotsuku (オホーツク紋別空港) airport. Quick flight and not many people on the flight. The stewardess was very curious why so many foreigners were going to Monbetsu and asked Izawa sensei a few questions. I guess they don’t get a lot of foreigners on that flight. We landed and got our bags.
In the lobby of the Monbetsu airport there was a huge stuffed bear which we all took a picture with (Russians and Bears). We were picked up by Ozaki sensei and took a trip into town. We took a nice drive up to the Monbetsu 
observatory (and local ski run) and got a nice veiw of the overall landscape. It was pretty nice to have mountainous terain on one side and the ocean horizon on the other. Probably an optical illusion, but the ocean’s horizon seemed to have a slight bend to it. We then drove into Monbetsu to have lunch (seafood) where we picked a few items from the freezer and they cooked for us on the spot.
Apparently Monbetsu is know for its drift ice. As it was summer of course it was a beautiful day, but we saw the ice breaking ship, and got a glimpse of the ice flow museum. Sounds like the ice is pretty cool to see and hear. We then went to Yubetsu (湧別町) to get settled in and get ready for practice.
After practice and before dinner we went to the local Yubetsu onsen (hot bath). These things are great. They have all the normal shower facilities (you need to shower and soap up before going into the Japanese onsen by the way!) and have a number of baths. There are two sides (one for men one for women) and each have a little different flavor of the garden outside and the baths themselves (which switch sides from men/women almost daily). Mostly they had two baths inside at different hot temperatures, and one hot bath outside in the garden area. Also outside they had a cold bath (12C) which was FREEZING. I got in and went under once and my brain frooze (no really it did!). After bath they have a relax area outside the baths and a restaurant too. A great deal for 500 yen (for the basic onsen).
A packed first day….
The next day we were asked by the local Yubetsu mayor Mr. Masami Harada to have a small visit at the city office. We showed up and there was also a reported from the Hokaido Shimbun/newspaper). We sat down and started with introductions. If you travel to Japan and may be meeting various people it is good to have a business card even if just your name and email address.
It is proper to receive the persons business card with two hands if possible, and take a look to read over its contents (right as you are receiving it). Then you can give yours and give your name and that it is nice to meet them. Do not put the card right into your pocket as can be considered rude. One way I have learned is that if you get a few cards of all the people you are meeting and put them out in the table in front of you in the relative positions where the persons are sitting. Then you can reinforce their names, and shows that you are making an effort. You can also put it away in a card case, etc).
After introductions the Mayor and Izawa sensei continued to talk a little about the area and also about why our group made the trip out to their area. As the newpaper reporter was there it made me think a little deeper about what was going on and how our group fit in. As most everyone knows the terrible earthquake/tsunami that hit eastern Japan is a very large concern to all in Japan and affecting all regions. The mayor (and I think the people in the area also) have seen a big drop off on tourism and visitors to the area from people from all countries. We talked a little bit about there is a lot of mis-information in the press and concern for safety and the reluctance for people to come over from Japan. They wanted to know what some of the views of Japan are in America and also why the group decided to continue our trip in light of the concern for Radiation, etc.
We talked a little bit about this afterwards and yes we are just individuals coming to Japan for our own reasons and cannot affect the world on a large basis. However, each of us really want to share our experiences in Japan (Tokyo/Hokaido,etc) in our own ways to help show the world what is going on here in Japan and that it is safe to travel in Japan. Of course one should do research on their own about where the unsafe areas are, but I do not think a lot of people know that Japan is a very large country (long wise) and many different areas and climates. The radiated area is but one area of Japan. This is one of many reasons I am writing this blog post and
doing my part in trying to help spread the enjoyment and excitement of Japan and its many beautiful and interesting sites! What can you do?
After our meeting we talked a bit about the different interesting sites and things to do in Yubetsu and other areas to enjoy the area. The bottom of the article has the clipping of the newspaper that came out the next day. Here is a little recap (sorry for the bad translation) of what the article says:
Aikido Kaiso No Chitazune (The visit to the origin of the founder of Aikdio) – 6 Aikidoist from the United States visited Mr. Masami Harada the mayor of Yubetsu village. The group led by Kei Izawa Sensei who is also the general secretary of the Interational Aikido Federation had just participated in the 49th World Aikido Demontrations in Tokyo. The group had come to Yubetsu village with Sho Ozaki sensei. They will be staying in Hokaido for about one week and will visit the (Yubetsu town) museum exhibit that displays Osensei’s Keiko Gi (uniform). This visit is to the museum that focuses on the pioneers that Osesei lead to this area. Izawa Sensei stated that he would like to attend the next years Aikido event with Aikido Kankeisha** (Associates), at that time he would also like to visit Yubetsu again. Mayor Harada responded to please promote Yubetsu to the work Aikidoists. The group with Ozaki sensei will have a public practice at the Yubetsu Budokan at 6:30 and is free to attend or participate to experience Aikido…
* Rights to Hokaido Shimbun, From June 2, 2011.
** The word Kankeisha was used a lot in the article. This was fun, because our host used this a lot in his speaking each day when we attended each event and people would let us in everywhere…
After our meeting with the Yubetsu mayor we went to one of the main attractions of the city which is the Yubetsu Tulip Park. This is a pretty big park that has over 120 tulip varieties and more that 120,00 tulips in total. All differnt types, shapes, colors, sizes, etc. Pretty impressive even though I am not a “flower” person. We took a small tram around the park, and then we took a nice walk around and enjoyed the scenery. I think this area is famous for 
Tuilips and almost every house, park, and building have a small tulip garden.
Right next to the this area was the Yubetsu Town Museum JRY . This was a pretty cool new looking building and a nice stop after the tulips. Here they have a lot of exibits and history on the area and its people. One of the main points of this was the introduction of the farmer soldiers. As this was very far away from the main areas of Japan the government assigned these farmer soldiers to the area (and others) to help protect and police the
area. I believe these basically turned into the local police in the area in modern times. It was pretty harsh conditions and the people were tough to stick it out. The museum had a small area devoted to Osensei (it had one of Osensei’ Keiko Gi), and a little on his history in the area. What a good view into the lives of people in that time. I think gives us a good view into this time in Osensei’s life and hardships (I could be wrong on exact number, but I think I heard Osensei chopped like 300+ plus trees in one year by himself).
A side note, this is one thing I got out of this view into Osensei’s life. I think you see from the hardships of his life and in Hokaido that he continually showed his strong spirit and leadership in the town and also in the progression of Aikido. Through this hard training he achieved the insights and lessons to lead us in the path to peace and learning. By this I think we must also train hard and fight through life’s hardships on our own to grown into good people, leaders, and Aikidoist. It just not happen without this process (or at least most of us =) )
After the Yubetsu Tulip Town Park we went to the Takinoue Park. When going around this area there were large patches of these tiny pink flowers. This special area the people who run the area “encouraged” this in a large scale and a large portion of this hill side was covered in pink (not much green). It was a pretty cool sight (no, I still don’t like pink) to see. It was almost sureal and felt like watching a video. This was a
great example of the “bonzai” effect in Japan, where in Japan they take natural forming wonders and expand them to these sureal areas. Almost like the Japanese gardens in Kyoto, but this was on a large scale on the whole moutain side. Something you should go see for yourself as the pictures don’t do it justice.
Later that night we went to the onsen again, and after the bath we had dinner with the mayor and some officials from the village office. We talked more on a personal note and got to know the people a little bit more. A fun dinner and learned more about the local people and customs.
The next day the newspaper article came out. As we were heading down to Engaru/Shirataki Village we were called by the Mayor of Engaru to meet with him. We went to Mr. Sasaki Shuichi and the Engaru village office and had a meeting/visit with him. This had the same tone of his curiosity in our trip to Hokaido and also his concern over the international view of Japan in the media. He expressed his concern that the world views all of Japan as not safe and we talked about some ideas we could do to help in our own ways. We thanked him for the visit and went on to visit Shirataki village which was Osensei’s home while he was in Hokaido..
We started by going to the Shirataki local museum. This had a lot on the farming and tools of the pioneers era. There was also a exhibit on Osensei and a little more on the details on his life here. There was a cool timeline (in Japanese) that had his overall life, but highlighted his time in Hokaido. There was also 
Osensei’s metal war fan which was pretty interesting (looked heavy).
After we stopped by a small monument to Takeda Sokaku and Daitoryu. Next we went monument dedicated to Osensei and his time in the village.
This was a beautiful and peacefull place out of town and in the middle of the mountains around us.
Across the street from the monument we went to the Aiki Shrine (Shirataki Aiki Shrine). This was a way off the road into the trees. Inside it was very interesting. On one side had wooden notes for each person who donated to build the original shrine and how much they donated. On the other side it had notes who dontated to fix the shrine’s roof. We talked a little about this before and what we could do to help get the word out and a vehicle to get donations to fix the Aiki shrine in Iwama that was partially broken from the earthquake. Maybe we can start small (like the Aiki shrine) to medium (spread the word to go to japan, and help boost people visiting again) and large (to slowly help Japan recover from the earthquake). Japan Kotowaza: Chirimo tsumoreba yama to naru “Even dust when accumulates can build a mountain”.
We then drove to a familiar mountain range that was the same range that was taken from the photo of Osensei in the same area (Looking for the original photo). Was nice as our hosts even gave us all a xerox of the picture for our reference). Lastly, we visited the waterfall which Shirataki name (white waterfall) was created from. We saw from a view from above and did not get a great view of it unfortunatelly. However, a very peacefull area.
We went back to town and took a small rest and reflect on our morning. This was our last night and we had open practice that night in the local Yubetsu budokan. After class we went to the onsen, and then had dinner with our host. We talked about all the great things we had seen and one, and also a little about Aikido and exchange ideas for the future.
The next morning we took the bus (bright and early 0700) from Yubetsu to Sapporo station (not bad for 4000 yen). This trip took 3-4 hours, but we had a great view of the mountains and the small villages in between.
In Sapporo (as we got in around lunch) we stayed in the Susukino area. This was the area where we went to lunch in the famous Ramen street “Kouraku Ramen Meitengai”. This street has like 10 – 14 ramen stores all right next to each other, and at the entrance to the street was a little guide sign that described each restarant and some distiguishing features between the different shops (soup thickness, noodle thickness, etc). We choose our restaurant and I 
ate the heavenly Miso Butter Corn Ramen. Ummmm. Ummmm. Yes was that good.
We went to practice in Sapporo that night with Fujii sensei. After practice we went to a local seafood/sushi restaurant. As we were so close to the ocean seafood and sushi is abundant in Hokaido. Also, compared to Tokyo the fish is a little fresher and not as expensive. We had a lot of different dishes and my favorite was the salt encrusted red snapper (Tai). This was a snapper fish wrapped in seaweed (kombe?), and a shell encrusted in salt. Wow, I almost want to eat more fish hehe.
The next morning we flew back to Tokyo. Exhausted, but what a great few days. I definately want to go back to Hokaido again. It is a little out of the way but worth the trip. You get a little different flavor of Japan (small village, more modern in a way), but you will not be disappointed.
My last note, on Aikido and Hokaido. Along with my other views of the hardships and how this process and experiences helped Osensei become who he was.I think Hokaido has another aspect that I found interesting. Most of the houses and buildings seemed to have more of a modern feel. Even the older houses (roofs, shapes, etc) did not have the same feel as maybe Kyoto has. It was definitely Japan, but still different. I think in one small way this pioneering aspect had a “modern” influence on Aikido. Osensei took his training and experiences in the older styles of martial arts and created this “modern” or “do” version of his martial art. Like Hokaido I think Aikido also has a strong Japanese feel, but expresses itself in a more elegant way. Not good or bad, just is.
Andrew Blevins, Kiryu Aikido
Special Thanks To:-
-Kei Izawa Sensei (from Tanshinjuku, Colorado); Thanks for guiding us on a great Aikido tour of Japan
- Our Aikido Group: Izawa Sensei, Kennith Furuya, Andrew Blevins (Me), Stephen Shaw, Kara Stewart, Kent Krumvieda; All pictures are Izawa senseis, Kents, Mine (the bad ones), and the group. Also for putting up with me for a week and a half =)
- Ozaki Sensei for hosting us and guiding us in Monbetsu, Yubetsu, and Engaru.
- Others: Yubetsu Mayor Mr. Masami Harada, Engaru Mayor Mr. Sasaki Shuichi, Mr. Shigemitsu Matsuda of the Yubetsu Board of Education, Mr. Masashi Kuboto (Ozaki sensei’s student).
(Article From Hokaido Shimbun)
* Rights to Hokaido Shimbun, From June 2, 2011.
I just got back from a very memorable trip to Japan. I have been to Japan many times now, but this time was special. Going with Izawa sensei and five other Aikido students we went to Japan to practice Aikido, to travel to Hokaido and see where Osensei forged his way through the harsh conditions in that area. I will be posting a few different posts on this trip and some of the great things we saw and discovered during the trip. This first post I wanted to start with our attendance of the 49th World Aikido Demonstrations.
This was held at the Nippon Budokan in the center of tokyo on Saturday May 28th, 2011. We arrived a little early to get good seats and get settled in. Izawa sensei and one of our group (Kent) went down to the floor for their seats, and Kent was there to help take some photos. We had great seats right behind the North side of the budokan. There were five different groups of mats set up in certain positions on the floor. We then had a program guide that stated which groups and/or Aikidoist would be doing a demonstration. It wsa very well organized and lasted about 6+ hours from beginning to the end. There were many different Aikido types and temperments and all were very interesting to see all the variations.
The day ended when Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba (植芝 守央) did his demo. What a great day. We met a lot of people and saw a ton of Aikido. A lot to digest and appreciated the opportunity to watch.
The next few days we went to the morning classes at Aikikai Hombu Dojo. The classes were all taught by Doshu himself. I really like how all the techniques has a common thread and we switched between a lot of different positions (Suwariwasza [both kneeling], Hanmihandachi [one standing one on the ground], and Tachiwaza [both standing]). I felt super lucky be able to take ukemi from Doshu during the class (from Shomenuchi Iriminage). Doshu was kind enough to take a picture with our group after class.
A few days later we headed off to the Monbetsu (紋別市) airport in Hokkaidou (北海道). We were picked up by Ozaki sensei. Ozaki sensei was the announcer at the World Aikido Demos a few days before. He has a great personality and really fun to experience our first trip to Hokkaidou. We went right to the his dojo in Yuubetsu (湧別町). We had a great class with his 
students and after class we all ate dinner together.
I will do another post about our really extrodanary experiences here and seeing the historical sites that were associated to Osensei.
The last night of our time in Yubetsu we practiced again. This time Izawa sensei was invited to teach a class and do a demo at the Yubetsu budokan. There were a lot of local people along with Ozaki senseis students watching and practicing. Another great time on the mat in Japan. We also had a lot of kids in this class and was fun to see them experience Aikido.
The next morning we took a bus to Sapporo Houkaidou. Once we checked into the hotel we met Fujii (藤井) sensei and went to one of the gym dojos (taikukan). This was a big facility and we had about 30 – 40 people practicing. It was right over a pool so had some good humidity 
. Fujii sensei taught the first class that night. He has very strong basics and was fun to watch, and even take some breakfall ukemi from him (shihonage). Izawa sensei taught the second class and we all had a great time doing this big Aikido. After class we went to dinner with Fujii sensei and learned more about Aikido in the area. Would be great to go back.
This was the end of practice for me on the trip. The rest of the group got to stay a little longer and train this week. I got home a few days ago and hope everyone is having good practice.
I will be posting more posts about the trip from different perspectives.
Andrew
I just wanted to put up a quick post about our joint practice yesterday. The first class Les taught ushiro ryotedori techniques. We had a lot of good energy and good points for all of us to work on. The second class we worked on Jo Dori Reai which related to morotedori techniques. 
I wanted to say I appreciate Tanshinjuku’s students to help support the small event and added to the great energy of the day.
Andrew, Kiryu Aikido
The May Wakikai Dojo practice is coming up next week. Kiryu Aikido will be hosting this month and welcome all Aikidoka to come and practice with us.
There is a 10$ Mat fee at the door (Lone Tree Rec Center Desk).
Details:
Kiryu Aikido Website
Facebook (Kiryu Aikido Page)
I know it has been a long time since my last post. I am starting to catch up on my backlog of posts and updates.
It is that time of year again and we had our first test of the year. This test was a fairly small group of testers, but had a few blacl belt tests this time around. Depending on the level of the black belt tests are always a joy to watch. All the hours of training and preparation is down to their demonstration of Aikido.
The night before the test I was talking with my students about the concept of our Aikido is ultimately how we practice. As we practice each class our bodies and minds slowly make the Aikido our own. We must own our Aikido and practice how we want our techniques and understanding to be. Each class it is important to put our full heart into the practice. Every technique put energy and spirit into. Then when we use our Aikido it will be part of ourselves.
In testing it is very clear how people practice throughout the year. You will be nervous, you will get tired, and so your body and mind must take over. For the beginning kyus you see it in their eyes and attention. As you get into the Dan levels you should be able to see it in their spirit. Is the Aikido their own.
This is how I tend to view the tests at higher levels. We all do slightly different Aikido, but you can show us how you practiced all year. I used to have a different view of testing as we see our students practice all year and we know their level. However, the test is a great opportunity for us to challenge ourselves. Should testing be our goal. No, but testing is just a brief view into our testing through out the year and before.
We should enjoy the short view into each testers Aikido world, and then continue to practice and make Aikido our own.
Congrats to all who tested and keep up the hard work!
Andrew
Ps. Thanks to Mike Van Ruth (Aikido Renbukai, Arizona) for coming out to Colorado to help us with the Dan Tests!
Aikido on the 15th Yard Line
by Charles Bland
In early April, 2011 my wife and fellow aikido practitioner, Tyffany and I joined the Minnesota Aiki Shuren Dojo for their annual spring seminar held at Saint John’s University near St. Cloud. Because of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March, Kenichi Shibata Shihan was unable to instruct for the weekend as planned. Shibata Shihan’s hometown and dojo, located in Shiogama were severely damaged. Fortunately Shibata and his family are all safe and well.
Mark Larson Sensei trained with Shibata under Morihiro Saito Shihan for close to ten years in the Iwama dojo as kohai (junior student). Though having Shibata Shihan would have been a special treat, Larson Sensei put on an informative and dynamic seminar doing his best to stay true to the teachings of the founder and Saito Shihan. He told us the first day that all proceeds from the seminar would go to help Shibata Shihan and Shiogama. Special relief t-shirts were printed with “Aikido” kanji written by Morihiro Saito Shihan, under which were the names “Minnesota” and “Shiogama” indicating the partnership in aikido between the two locations and students of Saito Shihan.
Students traveled to Minnesota from as far as Denmark for the weekend of training. Larson Sensei started off Saturday with some taijutsu (open handed): kata-dori attacks and nikkyo variations. After lunch, the weather was nice enough (rare for spring in Minnesota) to practice kenjutsu (wooden sword) outside on the astroturf football field (I was hanging around the 15th yard line) and work on our suntans. Since no aikido seminar would be complete without a banquet/party/sake-fest, we joined the other attendants on campus for great food and company Saturday night.
Sunday we practiced jo-suburi combinations, followed by some taijutsu and closing. Thanks to Larson Sensei and the Minnesota Aiki
Shuren Dojo crew for putting on a great weekend and we hope to make the trip next year.
Charles Bland, Kiryu Aikido
2011 Spring Seminar Photo Gallery
Mark Larson Sensei and Shibata Shihan in 2008
Larson Sensei, Tyffany and me
Happy new years to everyone. Hope you are ready to start the new years with a new perspective.
A few days ago we had our first Friendship Exchange Practice of the new year. This is a group of Aikido schools in Colorado that get together and share our practice and Aikido together. This going forward we are calling 
Wakikai Colorado. Wa is Harmony, Ki is energy/power, and Kai is group. Currently this is comprised of (Tanshinjuku, Kiryu Aikido, Doushinjuku, and Aikido of Colorado). Once the group creates a site to explain more about the group we can post a link on this site, and the parent site.
For this practice the group came to my dojo, Kiryu Aikido, on Saturday 1/8/11. We had about 23 people show up. With all these people we had great energy just starting the class. I started with Kiryu basic warm-ups and I taught Ryotedori (two hand grab) techniques. With these we did a few different versions of Tenchi nage and tried to focus on to power of keeping the lower and upper hand(s) extended in the right angle and power. Then we worked on foot work and how to feet and hips were the keys to moving our partners.
Izawa sensei taught the second class. He continued on with with Ryotedori, and explained about the important concept of “Ki Shoh Ten Ketsu” (起承転結). He explained was Ki -Introduction/Attack, Shoh - 
Receive/Blend with Attack , Ten - Turn or Twist/Change the Energy, Ketsu - Ending or wrapping up the technique (musubi). The idea explains that we need to really keep the whole technique, from dealing with the attack, flowing together, technique finish, as a whole unit. I try to think about this on all our of Aikido techniques, espessially when breaking it down the techniques into their individual components. This to me is what you see in the great Aikido practitioners.
Izawa sensei then worked his dynamic techniques. These started with basics and then moved into more flowing and complex movements. Everyone was challenged and really looked like they enjoyed the process. Unfortunately we did not get a lot of photos of Izawa sensei’s class as he was the photographer. Next time!
At the end of the practice Izawa sensei talked a little bit about a Japanese proverb “i no nakano kawazu, Taikai wo shirazu” (井の中の蛙、大海を知らず). This translated is “the frog in the well doesn’t know the sea”. This really relates to our Wakikai Colorado group, and that we need to expose ourselves to the greater Aikido world. This is to really help us grow and change as Aikidoist.
What a great day. I am really glad we all got together, and to see that many people on the mat at the same time. Looking forward to the next one. Will post when the next Wakikai colorado practice is.
Andrew
January 10th,2011
Aikido,
Dojo Visits,
Friendship Practice,
Wakikai Colorado | tags:
Aikido of Colorado,
Doushinjuku,
Friendship Exchange,
Izawa Sensei,
Kiryu Aikido,
Tanshinjuki,
Wakikai |
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Over the past few years a group of dojos have been getting together for testing and seminars. A great idea came up to have a rotating schedule for us to share our Aikido and get together for practices once a month. We had out first friendship exchange/practice at Tanshinjuku on December 11, 2010.
Stephen Shaw Sensei from Tanshinju started out with warm-ups and some basic movements. I enjoyed these exercises that I had seen previously when Ito Sensei had taught these during a seminar. These were based off a tenkan movement and a basic kokyu movement. The nice part of this movement is that when you move into the kokyu movement you can take a large step and move your partner with your him.
After these warm-ups Victor Hung Sensei from Aikido of Colorado (Ft. Collins) taught us his style of ukemi. We all had a chance to try this and do our best to fall lightly and quietly (ok we tried at least). We all enjoyed this and worked on some techniques and fall with the ukemi that he taught.
The last class we had the treat of having Kei Izawa Sensei. Izawa sensei started out with angles of movement and how these angles can fight against your partners strength. Over the years practicing with Izawa sensei it is always amazing how he always hits the angle precisely and break your strength. Then you are on the ground. This practice was no exception. We all worked in lines to work on the big throws and falls.
It was a wonderful practice and was great to have everyone from all the dojos to practice with and help each other get down the path of Aikido.
- – Attending dojos (Tanshinjuku, Kiryu Aikido, Doushinjuku, Aikido of Colorado)
Andrew, Kiryu Aikido
The Kiryu Aikido dojo had our end of the year get together this month. We started at the trail of lights. I wanted to post a few of the pictures. The pictures don’t do justice to the beauty of the lights, but taking pictures in the dark turned out to be a bit challenging. Enjoy!
- Pictures compliments of John Price
When I first read Andrew Sensei’s “The Gateless Gate” essay in 2007, I thought it was about each of us having our own gate through which we must pass to continue our journey in life. Interestingly, at the time, I envisioned actual physical gates and latches that reflected the personality of each individual.
Recently I re-read Sensei’s essay and have a new realization about it. I’m not saying my new interpretation is correct, but his message strikes me at a whole different—and deeper—level now.
Three years ago, to grasp some understanding of the idea, I had to give shape and form to something that I now realize has no shape or form. There is no actual gate. Now I see the Gateless Gate not as form but as our own self-created barriers that we choose to install in our lives…although sometimes we don’t even know we’ve installed them.
There is nothing blocking us from taking the step through the Gateless Gate and accomplishing whatever we want to do in life. The path ahead is wide open and obstacle free. That doesn’t mean the journey will be easy, but there is no barrier to entry.
Somewhere along the line, however, we start creating gates. They may be simple, rustic gates made of old barn wood and nails from the coffee can of cast-offs that’s in every garage. Or they may be intricate, complicated gates with dovetail joints and leaded glass panels, or sport three different colors of paint to complement the design.
In some ways, I think the complexity of the gate we create mirrors the story we create (and start believing) in our minds about why we can’t do something or pursue a goal or make changes. Our rationale may be a simple “I don’t have time,” or it may be a complex scenario of staying attached to past events and why they must dictate our future.
But there is no gate in reality. It is me who creates gates and blocks and barriers to avoid things that are difficult or that are easier to ignore than deal with straight on. I’m starting to see that the gate is mental and emotional barriers that may initially be created for good reasons—to keep us safe is one of those reasons, or to prevent us from experiencing pain. But eventually, at different levels, gates stymie growth and keep us stagnate. We begin holding ourselves back, perhaps even subconsciously, because safety feels more important than striking out on a new, unknown path.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
–Anais Nin
Rather than spending time building a gate, why not choose instead to spend that emotional energy walking through the opening and moving forward? Why do we sometimes make things way more difficult than they need to be? And why do we spend time building very elaborate rationales (gates) for why we choose to stay stuck and not pass through and beyond the gate?
I’ve been riding with horse trainer Mark Rashid for many years. He once shared this idea: “In comfort, there is little opportunity for growth.” In our horsemanship journey, it means that we riders or our horses may sometimes need to struggle to get beyond a comfortable plateau. It may be comfy there, but it’s also stagnant and we’re not growing or getting better. But choosing growth can be a real test of fortitude as we knowingly go into a place of discomfort for the longer-term gains that are likely (but not guaranteed!) to happen.
As regards to Aikido practice, I’m coming to think that the Gateless Gate is our self-imposed limitations on what we work toward, the effort we put in, and the goals we set. Perhaps more important is the perception we have of our efforts and our dedication and our practice.
We may think we’re practicing as frequently as we can, and bringing as much martial spirit, focus, and intensity as we can to the mat. Maybe that’s true at one level. We’re doing the best we can at that moment. But in reality, we can always practice more frequently, more intensely, more deeply.
And more uncomfortably.
Maybe learning to practice from a place of continual discomfort is one of the keys to improving, in Aikido or anything. We will never be perfect in any endeavor, but if we start equating comfort with progress, we may be kidding ourselves.
I’m starting to see that the Gateless Gate may be the reasons (excuses?) we tell ourselves for why we miss practice, or seem content with drifting toward improvement rather than consciously working toward it. Yet there is the kicker. Even if we make the conscious decision to improve and reach the next level for where we are in our practice, that doesn’t mean progress is guaranteed, nor is it necessarily quick. It can take a lot of time and require a lot of pain (emotional, sometimes physical) to reach new levels (which then become the next new plateau that we must consciously move beyond).
I’m realizing in my own practice that big changes require big changes. That sounds simplistic, but if I am working toward a deep and fundamental change in my Aikido, it will not come from sticking with the same old approach I’ve used in the past. Change requires change, not sameness, and change is uncomfortable. That’s the price of the ticket. Status quo may be known and comfortable, but it will not get me where I want to go. Perhaps sheer hours of practice may lead to a bit of improvement over a long period of time, but that approach carries the risk of having one year of experience repeated for 20 years. For me, that is not improvement. I need to do things differently to have any chance at arriving at a different outcome.
Finally I see that there is no gate in the Gateless Gate. Life is waiting for us to walk through the opening. It’s up to us to take the gate off its hinges, toss it off to the side of the path, and wave goodbye to that piece of the past and those self-imposed limitations. It’s up to us to step through the opening that is the future and embrace the discomfort that’s wrapped around the gift of growth.
As a life planning coach once told me, the biggest risk with knowing what I want to do in life is making the choice not to do it, and being faced with the consequences of that decision every day….
Kara Stewart
Aikido Kaiso No Chitazune (合気道開祖の地訪ね)
and approx 500 yen). To me this airport had a very laid back view and strangely felt relaxing. As this was not an international flight the security was lighter than the US. For example, we did not have to take off our shoes in the screening line, and we could bring liquids through (which was interesting as the security agent asked me to open my water bottle then took a good whiff of the water, not sure safe, but..).
We then go on our local flight to Monbetsu Ohotsuku (オホーツク紋別空港) airport. Quick flight and not many people on the flight. The stewardess was very curious why so many foreigners were going to Monbetsu and asked Izawa sensei a few questions. I guess they don’t get a lot of foreigners on that flight. We landed and got our bags.
observatory (and local ski run) and got a nice veiw of the overall landscape. It was pretty nice to have mountainous terain on one side and the ocean horizon on the other. Probably an optical illusion, but the ocean’s horizon seemed to have a slight bend to it. We then drove into Monbetsu to have lunch (seafood) where we picked a few items from the freezer and they cooked for us on the spot.
Apparently Monbetsu is know for its drift ice. As it was summer of course it was a beautiful day, but we saw the ice breaking ship, and got a glimpse of the ice flow museum. Sounds like the ice is pretty cool to see and hear. We then went to Yubetsu (湧別町) to get settled in and get ready for practice.
The next day we were asked by the local Yubetsu mayor Mr. Masami Harada to have a small visit at the city office. We showed up and there was also a reported from the Hokaido Shimbun/newspaper). We sat down and started with introductions. If you travel to Japan and may be meeting various people it is good to have a business card even if just your name and email address.
After our meeting with the Yubetsu mayor we went to one of the main attractions of the city which is the Yubetsu Tulip Park. This is a pretty big park that has over 120 tulip varieties and more that 120,00 tulips in total. All differnt types, shapes, colors, sizes, etc. Pretty impressive even though I am not a “flower” person. We took a small tram around the park, and then we took a nice walk around and enjoyed the scenery. I think this area is famous for 
Tuilips and almost every house, park, and building have a small tulip garden.
area. I believe these basically turned into the local police in the area in modern times. It was pretty harsh conditions and the people were tough to stick it out. The museum had a small area devoted to Osensei (it had one of Osensei’ Keiko Gi), and a little on his history in the area. What a good view into the lives of people in that time. I think gives us a good view into this time in Osensei’s life and hardships (I could be wrong on exact number, but I think I heard Osensei chopped like 300+ plus trees in one year by himself).
A side note, this is one thing I got out of this view into Osensei’s life. I think you see from the hardships of his life and in Hokaido that he continually showed his strong spirit and leadership in the town and also in the progression of Aikido. Through this hard training he achieved the insights and lessons to lead us in the path to peace and learning. By this I think we must also train hard and fight through life’s hardships on our own to grown into good people, leaders, and Aikidoist. It just not happen without this process (or at least most of us =) )
great example of the “bonzai” effect in Japan, where in Japan they take natural forming wonders and expand them to these sureal areas. Almost like the Japanese gardens in Kyoto, but this was on a large scale on the whole moutain side. Something you should go see for yourself as the pictures don’t do it justice.
The next day the newspaper article came out. As we were heading down to Engaru/Shirataki Village we were called by the Mayor of Engaru to meet with him. We went to Mr. Sasaki Shuichi and the Engaru village office and had a meeting/visit with him. This had the same tone of his curiosity in our trip to Hokaido and also his concern over the international view of Japan in the media. He expressed his concern that the world views all of Japan as not safe and we talked about some ideas we could do to help in our own ways. We thanked him for the visit and went on to visit Shirataki village which was Osensei’s home while he was in Hokaido..
We started by going to the Shirataki local museum. This had a lot on the farming and tools of the pioneers era. There was also a exhibit on Osensei and a little more on the details on his life here. There was a cool timeline (in Japanese) that had his overall life, but highlighted his time in Hokaido. There was also 
Osensei’s metal war fan which was pretty interesting (looked heavy).
We then drove to a familiar mountain range that was the same range that was taken from the photo of Osensei in the same area (Looking for the original photo). Was nice as our hosts even gave us all a xerox of the picture for our reference). Lastly, we visited the waterfall which Shirataki name (white waterfall) was created from. We saw from a view from above and did not get a great view of it unfortunatelly. However, a very peacefull area.
In Sapporo (as we got in around lunch) we stayed in the Susukino area. This was the area where we went to lunch in the famous Ramen street “Kouraku Ramen Meitengai”. This street has like 10 – 14 ramen stores all right next to each other, and at the entrance to the street was a little guide sign that described each restarant and some distiguishing features between the different shops (soup thickness, noodle thickness, etc). We choose our restaurant and I 
ate the heavenly Miso Butter Corn Ramen. Ummmm. Ummmm. Yes was that good.
My last note, on Aikido and Hokaido. Along with my other views of the hardships and how this process and experiences helped Osensei become who he was.I think Hokaido has another aspect that I found interesting. Most of the houses and buildings seemed to have more of a modern feel. Even the older houses (roofs, shapes, etc) did not have the same feel as maybe Kyoto has. It was definitely Japan, but still different. I think in one small way this pioneering aspect had a “modern” influence on Aikido. Osensei took his training and experiences in the older styles of martial arts and created this “modern” or “do” version of his martial art. Like Hokaido I think Aikido also has a strong Japanese feel, but expresses itself in a more elegant way. Not good or bad, just is.
