The goal of our aikido seminars is to foster friendship and promote aikido in an inclusive, fun, and safe environment.
Manning Park 2023, guest instructor and Hombu Dojo Shihan, Namba Hiroyuki 7th Dan
4th Manning Park Gasshuku, June 2023
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This article was submitted by Namba Shihan to Hombu Dojo on his trip to Manning Park.
The English translation is below.
Manning Park Gasshuku, Canada
I was dispatched to the Canadian Aikido Association (CAA, represented by Anthony Hind) Gasshuku in Manning Park from June 8-14, 2023.
I was greeted at the airport by Greg Duncan, and afterwards met up with Tony Sensei and some of his CAA members, where we got to know each other well.
The next day we went to Manning Park where we had 8 one-hour classes over the next 3 days. There were 46 participants, many whom had trained at Hombu Dojo before, giving this Gasshuku a feeling of connection to Hombu Dojo.
Using basic techniques drawn from Kate-te dori, Ryo-te dori, Morote-dori, Ushiro ryote-te dori, Shomen-uchi, Yokomen–uchi, the focus of practice was on not using power but on aiming to naturally move the body without stiffness.
At the Gasshuku, participants brought ingredients for the meals, prepared everything themselves, and we all enjoyed the different varieties of dishes and drinks. I felt the dedication of the members lent to a successful Gasshuku.
There were a lot of events planned besides practice and I was impressed at the effort by Tony Sensei to make this camp very enjoyable for everyone.
Throughout this Gasshuku, I was able to enjoy not only the passionate practice of the Canadians but was also touched by the magnificent nature.
I was very grateful to once again reconnect and practice with Tony Sensei, my sempai from Hombu Dojo, and when Tony Sensei saw me off at the airport on the 13th I felt it was difficult to leave.
3rd Manning Park Gasshuku, September 2022
September marked the return of CAA dojos to Manning Park and the Gasshuku.
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2nd Annual Manning Park Gasshuku, May 2019
CAA dojos were honored to receive guidance from Hombu Dojo instructor, Katsurada Shihan. An amazing and intimate opportunity to take our Aikido to another level.
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The first article to the right is Katsurada Shihan's report, posted in the Hombu Dojo monthly newsletter.
The second article was submitted by Katsurada Shihan, a reflection on his trip to Canada.
The English translation is below.
Overseas Instruction - Canada
"Off to the dojo of Tony Hind Sensei, my memorable sempai from my time living at Hombu Dojo".
Submitted by Aikido Hombu Dojo Instructor, Shihan Eiji Katsurada.
Approximately a year ago the International Office informed me that there was a request from Tony Hind Sensei to visit Canada.
In the three and a half years I lived in Hombu Dojo I practiced very often with my sempai's Fujimaki Hiroshi Shihan and Anthony Hind (Tony Hind Sensei). When I heard that name I naturally froze, couldn't help myself. Katsurada reacting like Pavlov's dog! That's how I felt as I wondered why I was invited. "What is my fate?" I thought as I accepted the request.
Tony Sensei's organization, the Canadian Aikido Association, is based in Vancouver with 9 dojos in 7 cities. Tony Sensei and Greg Duncan are the leaders. Greg is the same age as me and we practiced often at Hombu Dojo.
Tony Sensei lived for fourteen years in Japan and after that traveled back and forth for ten years. Greg lived in Japan for 8 years. He is 140 kilos (300 lbs) and 180 centimeters (6 ft tall). I don't know the circumstances but in Greg's personal history he holds the record for breaking the most pigs' necks!
Greg met me at the airport wearing army pants. (as expected, he's scary). We spent the night at Tony Sensei's joined by Kan Tateno who trains at Hombu and Art May from Hawaii. We first enjoyed various tasty local beers. It was good. I was told, "We have Canadian vodka" but as I go to Russia two or three times a year I didn't want to drink Vodka in Canada as Canada is not famous for Vodka . But, "when In Rome, do as the Romans do". I wanted to refuse, however I bent to my sempai's unspoken pressure and combined with jet lag I was forced to retire to my room!
During practice, everyone from white belts to black belts were polite and nice. Both tori and uke had wonderful attitudes towards practice and showed great ability. Perhaps it was because their Senseis are so scary!
They will definitely rank as one of the top groups compared to the other dojos I have visited.
I am deeply grateful to Tony Sensei and all the people involved for making my trip great.
1st Manning Park Gasshuku, May 2018
The first CAA Manning Park Gasshuku, held in Manning Park, BC. CAA dojos from as far away as Winnipeg came together for 3 days of training.
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Hind/Solomon in Winnipeg
Winnipeg Aikikai welcomed Technical Director, Tony Hind Shihan and Weapons Specialist Yahe Solomon Sensei for weapons seminar. Tony and Yahe were together at Homb Dojo.
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Keith Durrant Seminar
The group was very lucky to attend a special seminar instructed by Technical Director, Tony Hind's friend Keith Durrant. An advanced Judoka, Keith did a day long seminar on chokes and controls.
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Hope Invitational
We are fortunate to have hosted senior instructors from the CAF including Ishiyama, McPhail, and St.Germain Senseis. We have also been fortunate to have the instruction of Posluns Sensei from the USAF, Tamami Sensei from Shoheijuku, Art May Sensei from Aikido of Honolulu, and our own Tony Hind Shihan from the Canadian Aikido Association.
The 1st Hope Invitational was held July 23rd, 2011 in beautiful Hope, a gateway destination to British Columbia's most diverse scenery. It's all too easy to bypass this small, vibrant community but savvy aikidoists know to stay awhile. $25 got you 3 classes, a BBQ and pints to celebrate the start of something great.
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The 2nd Annual was hosted on Saturday, August 4th, 2012 by Abbotsford Aikikai.
Abbotsford a short distance away from the Coastal Mountains, an ideal setting for the after-party in Mission featuring BBQ, nomihodai (bottomless pints) and live music.
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The 3rd Annual in July 2013 was held on Thetis Island, home of Little Island Aikikai.
Located in the Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland of B.C., this seminar led to us getting Islander status.
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The 4th Annual in July 2014 was headquartered at the Zupan Family Estate in Osoyoos.
Attendees enjoyed the warmest fresh water lake in Canada followed by wine master John Zupan’s finest wines and worm wood grappa!
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The 5th was postponed for the Miyamoto Shihan seminar.
In 2015, Miyamoto Shihan was last in Vancouver 20 years ago at the BCAF summer camp.
The seminar commemorates 40 years since Miyamoto Sensei entered Hombu Dojo as an uchi-deshi under the Founder’s son, Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba.
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The 6th annual was held in West Vancouver.
A unique outdoor "dojo". The after party, which made "The Top 10 Things To Do this Summer on Vancouver's North Shore", featured authentic Cuban style pulled pork and craft beers. Seminar featured Robert Mustard and many Yoshinakn Aikidoka.
(Click the image on the right to view the seminar photos)