A Message from Yamada Sensei

It has been over two weeks since our big event, the NY Aikikai's 40th Anniversary Summer Camp, ended. I'm just about recovered from the excitement and exhaustion.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and cooperation in making such a large undertaking so successful. After a long period of preparation, the camp staff had a final meeting three days before the start. The preparations started almost a year before. I can't remember how many sleepless nights I had just thinking about everything that had to be done in order to meet everyone's needs, from tatami to toilet paper!

I tried to plan my entire camp activities, day by day, hour by hour. I regret that I couldn't accomplish every idea I had in my mind. But I also realize that you cannot win them all.

At the final staff meeting, I told everyone that the prevailing attitude at camp was to be "Friendly and Flexible." I reminded them to try to always have a smile on their face. I hope they did a good job and lived up to my expectations.

Although we took special care to cover every detail before hand, the first day made me a little nervous; especially watching the pouring rain and when I found out that the chartered bus carrying our foreign visitors from NYC had a lot of problems. I was relieved when I saw most of our guests get off the bus without grouchy faces. I knew it wasn't easy being stuck in a bus for such a long time in that hot weather.

Several weeks prior to camp, the NY Aikikai played host to many foreign visitors. We had a good time having them at the dojo. It was as if we had an extra mini camp on 18th Street! In fact, the fun continued for at least a week after camp.

On the serious side, I understand clearly that this summer camp wasn't easy emotionally for some people in light of Kanai Sensei's tragic passing. I was personally under pressure and had considered canceling camp. But after so many people have told me how much they enjoyed their experience, I'm glad I decided to hold it after all. I also know how very difficult camp was for New England Aikikai members and I am very appreciative that so many put their sadness aside to participate in camp. Many even approached me to congratulate me on the event.

The week beginning September 6th I'll be participating in another big event: the International Aikido Federation Congress & Seminar in Tokyo. After that, I'll be taking a short vacation so that I can continue thinking about the future. I have to make a decision on whether I should start preparing for the final stage of my life or keep facing the challenges ahead so that in ten years I will be able to meet my wonderful aikido friends and have a good time. I might be in a wheel chair, but I'll still be able to dance with you! In any case, I need your encouragement to carry on. Thank you again for giving me a wonderful life and experience.

Yoshimitsu Yamada