The day was started by Colin Hackett's speech "Make new friends and go home". If it was the theme of this godo-geiko (cross training), we can say it was very successful.
This cross training between 3 different groups just happened after our instructor Steve Seymour spoke with Paul Sinkinson from Terrey Hills dojo at the cafe after training one time. This year we have been trying to expand our circle a little bigger by opening invitations to other groups or training with other groups. We met Paul Sinkinson through training at Sugao Gakuen, Terrey Hills. Paul trained 3 years in England then Honbu dojo in Japan 2 years, then New Zealand 10 years followed by Australia 18yrs. Paul knew Colin who is a student of Chiba sensei from England and they are all 4th dan. Because of their openness, this event happened without any conflict and ended up with 48 people attending (20 from A.K.I. - well done).
It was quite a pleasant day even though most were not sure about training with different style aikido groups in the beginning. But surely we experienced O-sensei’s concept of unification in the art of aikido at the end of the day which reminded some of us of the first day we started aikido.
Thanks to Paul and Terrey Hills people for your hospitality and Colin and his students who came all the way from Central Coast for the day!A good effort which did create new friendships. We look forward to the next opportunity.
I think the day was tremendous and I think the winner of the day was Aikido!
I'm in complete agreement with you and Stephen on your views. I think everything that needs to be said has been said by you two and I agree completely. The feedback from my guys was very positive. I think we've been christened " The Three Musketeers" so watch out!
I think we've laid the foundation for things to come! I'm sure O'Sensei was pleased at the outcome - this
is what its all about working together. I feel honoured at having Aikido friends like you and Stephen, we are all passionate at what we do, we are not blinkered, Aikido is always in a state of progression just as we are always in a state of progression as human beings. Lets try and work together for the good of Aikido and for what it means to us as individuals.
Thanks for a great day
Colin
I'd like to thank everyone for turning up the other day at Terrey Hills. The day was a big success, and if we could do this once a quarter I'm sure we would build a stronger goodwill base for our clubs individually and it also gives our students the feeling they belong to a larger group, the extended family of Aikido.
Paul
