Q & A with Yamada Sensei

Question #1 : What does Yamada Sensei do when he feels "burnt out" (tired, overworked) from aikido. Just like our work, we sometimes feel like we need a break from it, and what does he do to overcome the feeling?

Yamada Sensei : Just like everybody else, I try my best to rest. However, sometimes I find it very difficult because although I can rest physically, aikido matters are still on my mind. Recently, travelling has become rough for me, especially at the airports. During my trips I try to sleep as much as possible instead of going sight seeing.

Question #2 : I just watched Dan testing for the first time yesterday at the Christmas Seminar. At the end of the testing you had five or six people stand up to tell them their tests were very well done. What do you look for in a Dan test that makes it an exceptional test? What do you look for in a Kyu test?

Yamada Sensei : As I said before the test this time, there are three important aspects I look for. The first is to show every opening hand movement clearly, correctly and positively. The second is to get proper position and balance for each technique. The third is to properly finish each technique. The same holds true for kyu tests. Needless to say, the correctness of the technique is most important along with balance and calmness throughout the entire movement.

Question #3 : Can you explain about "Birankai" and its relationship to the USAF? Is the Western Region and Birankai the same?

Yamada Sensei : Birankai, as far as my understanding goes, is Chiba Sensei's personal, international organization. It appears to be a separate organization from the Western Region of the USAF. One might get confused because Chiba Sensei leads both organizations. Speaking of the USAF regions, my idea for the future is to eliminate the regional divisions. This system only works when and where a strong leader is available in a particular region. For instance, the Hawaii region fell apart after the death of Yoshioka Sensei. The same thing is happening in the Midwest Region since Tohei Sensei passed away. This subject needs to be discussed and studied more carefully by the shihans after gathering the members opinions.

Question #4 : Whenever we get promoted to a Dan grade we appreciate it, but it seems to me that Dan registration is very costly. What are your thoughts on this?

Yamada Sensei : I agree with you 100%, it is too expensive. Whenever I promote my students, especially the higher ranks, I always have to say, "I have both good news and bad news for you." It doesn't make sense to me that the longer you study aikido the more money you have to pay. For instance, when people graduate from college after long, hard study they don't have to pay another fee for their diploma. This is also a subject we need to discuss and eventually we need to find some solution for it. I have an idea which I am waiting to discuss with the other Shihans before I share it with all of you.

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