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Articles These are a few highly informative articles that express the philosophy of my teachers and their backgrounds in Aikido.
Here are some videos of Nishio Sensei and Saito Sensei in various demonstrations. These are the tests I took in Japan that I have on tape. It started out that Sensei was showing me requirements for Nidan, but Erica reminded him that I was leaving in February and he stopped. He thought some and then told her I should try for Sandan. Then he started adding the cuts required for Sandan. If I missed two cuts I would end up as Nidan. I only missed one cut. I went from no rank to Sandan in one test. The most exciting things to watch were the sword polisher checking the blade I was using and Sensei writing out the certificate freehand. Just before I was to do the cutting portion, the old sword polishing master checked the blade for sharpness and straightness. It was wonderful to watch him. I had the feeling he merged his spirit with the spirit of the blade. I still get goosebumps remembering it. For the certificate, Sensei took out a big blank sheet of rice paper and wrote the whole certificate himself, signed it and stamped his signature kanji. Then another master stepped up and stamped the center of the paper with a big square stamp, then a third master stepped forward and slid a book under one corner and stamped half on the certificate and half on the book. (The book is the record of who has been advanced in the school.) I don't claim to be any critic or paticularly knowledgeable of Japanese caligraphy, but it is not hard to see the this was masterfully written. These masters were all in their 70's and 80's. I wanted to come to the land of the masters to find the old masters. I accomplished my quest. Toyama Ryu Hon Iaido Sandan Certificate
Practice Times Weapons..................................................2:00-3:45pm .............Sundays Empty Hand..............................................4:00-6:00pm .............Sundays Advanced Empty Hand.............................6:00-7:30pm..............Sundays (Must pass 3rd proficiency test to participate)
Empty Hand..............................................7:30-9:30pm .............Mondays Aikido for Lunch.......................................11:00am-1:00pm .......Mondays & Fridays Aikido for Kids.........................................4:00-5:30pm ..............Tuesdays & Thursdays Empty Hand.............................................7:30-9:30pm ...............Wednesdays. Weapons Take-aways (Open Advanced)..7:30-9:30pm ...............Thursdays Iaido (Japanese Sword)............................7:00-8:30am.................Saturdays
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