An invitation to AKI Aust to join this seminar saw 3 AKI members from Balmain attend the seminar hosted by Auckland Aikikai, at a scout camp facility on the shores of Manukau Harbour on October 27/28th. We were also fortunate to attend Mt Eden (AKL Aikikai) dojo on the Thursday prior to camp for Fujita Sensei’s class.
Fujita Sensei’s instruction was precise and focused on taisabaki and maai- (body movement & distance). He also performed many variations of traditional waza especially based on the backward stretching movement. Very interesting! He emphasized the importance of “ Yahazu “. Which means the notch in the end of the arrow where it butts onto the string.
“ 矢筈 the edge part of the arrow “
This is an unusual and old term but allowed some wonderful insights as he said that the hand should be positioned as if it was ‘yahazu’.,That is, the space between the forefinger and thumb, should be in position already and the part of ‘uke’s’ anatomy ( such as wrist in nikkyo or neck in irimi nage etc) was brought to that notch where control could then be exerted. Hence the combination of ‘taisabaki, maai and yahazu’ created the foundation of competent technique. Fujita Sensei also had many anecdotes about his time as a deshi to Osensei and his warm and jovial manner was inclusive to all.
The hospitality and friendship shown to us by Rosso Sensei and his AKL Aikikai members was exceptional. They really set a high standard of consideration and hospitality. The food and accommodation far exceeded any expectations and we three agreed that we were truly humbled by their kindness. All international guests, regardless of grade were presented with a beautiful certificate of attendance signed by Rosso Sensei and Fujita Sensei as well as each person receiving a hand carved greenstone pendant. Their generosity was remarkable and touched us all. We were all made to feel very special.
This gasshuku also allowed us to meet aikido practitioners from Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti clubs. The head of Tahiti Aikikai, Andre, was a true gentleman and energetic beyond his years. Usually with all gasshuku there tends to be one or two who one prefers not to partner due to different approaches but at this event this was insignificant. Sunday afternoon after training, many of us retired to the Waiwera Hot Springs just north of Auckland to soak away the sore muscles and spend the last bit of adrenalin on the hot water slides. Now they were a blast!
The three of us then spent the next 3 days traveling to Rotorua for a Sledge experience down a river and soaking in natural hot springs, hot creeks and even a hot waterfall. All in the bush! Everyday was another hot springs. Hire car split 3 ways was ridiculously cheap for the week and accommodation was log cabins in motor camps (which were only $25 /person per night and absolutely perfectly maintained and in full bloom due to spring time).
I can strongly recommend and in fact encourage any aikidoka to put AKL Aikikai gasshuku on your calendar and see a bit of NZ very cheaply. In fact I hope to gather a few people for next year.
I sincerely thank Rosso Sensei and his yudansha, especially Stefan, Rhonda, Billy and Kelly, for their friendship and assistance. We had a great time because they applied Osensei’s wish for Aikido to be a means to draw people together. They did so with sincerity and consideration and a real joy.
Steve Seymour
