Aikido, the modern martial art!

Last weekend Aikido of Tamalpais hosted a wonderful seminar with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan.  As he commented, his ‘teachings’ were directed toward the senior students and instructors.  He touched on a wide variety of perceptual and conceptual ideas.  Saotome Sensei was in top form full of graceful and powerful movement as well as deep wisdom and insights.

Seminars offer the opportunity to catch up with aikido buddies on and off the mat.  About twenty of us had lunch together on Saturday at a very nice restaurant right at the edge of the docks in Sausalito.  I was seated between Ken Nisson Sensei and Rick Rowell Sensei.  With all three of us sporting goatees I couldn’t help commenting that I was reminded of the Smith Brother’s Cough Drops.  Only about half of the folks at the table were old enough to appreciate the reference and get a bit of a chuckle.  The ‘youngins’ smiled politely.  Nisson Sensei shared that he was getting Synvisc injections for his knee arthritis.  Apparently the ‘drug’ is derived from chicken combs.  When his doctor inquired as to whether the injections were helping, Nisson Sensei’s reply was “I think so… my knee used to click and now it clucks!”

Thank you to the instructors and students of Aikido of Tamalpais for hosting a delightful seminar!

Posted by Skys Sensei. 

"The great Art supposes high aspirations; Master Ueshiba, the founder of the discipline, was an artist who's techniques glowed with beauty, for he had the gift of holding his spirit open to the reception of light and inspiration."

Page 75, Presence and Message by Andre Nocquet.

Last Saturday, May 12, I had the honor and pleasure of officiating the “binding” of our very own Ealasaid Haas and her sweet man, Anthony Youhas in loving marriage.  The couple wrote their ceremony.  As each vow was taken, I circled their joined right hands with two soft cords.  When all the vows had been spoken, a knot was tied.  They were reminded that the ‘binding’ was not formed by the cord but by their vows and that each of them held in his/her hands the power to make or break of their union.  Then the cords were slipped off their hands and placed on the ‘altar’.  This was followed by the exchanging of the rings, the pronouncement and_ the kiss!

The wedding was held in Saratoga at Sanborn Park in a redwood circle cathedral.  A wonderful reception was held in an adjacent picnic area.  A number of lighthearted toasts were given that brought even bigger smiles to the already joyous faces of all in attendance.  Food and drink flowed abundantly and conversation was lively.  

And for the inquiring minds of female readers…  Ealasaid wore an ankle length, hour glass fashioned,red dress and elegant black boots which she proudly showed upon request.  She favored a wrist corsage over the traditional bouquet.  Her hair was down and pulled back a bit with small braids (I believe?).  Anthony wore dark blue slacks, a lighter colored blue shirt and a silver colored vest.  They made a beautiful couple.  They are a beautiful couple! 

May you live long together in blessed happiness and prosperity!

Posted by Skys Sensei.