The Midwest Aikido Center's 30th Anniversary Seminar

October 15th & 16, 2005

Kiyoshi Yasutake (Midwest Aikido Center)

The third weekend in October was designated as the time for the Midwest Aikido Center to celebrate its 30th anniversary. It was actually December 14th 1975 that Akira Tohei Shihan (the founding Chief Instructor) held the first practice in the yet to be finished dojo. This took place in the lounge area on our demonstration mats. As was to be expected, after months of not being able to practice, the practice was spirited and joyful.

The seminar was held in part to celebrate Tohei Sensei's legacy which includes the now permanent home of the MAC. As always Yamada Shihan graciously agreed to lead the seminar and additionally made arrangements for Yoshiaki Yokota Shihan, as a representative from Hombu Dojo to teach. This was actually Yokota Sensei's second visit to Chicago. He previously was here for our 15th Anniversary celebration as Nidai Doshu's otomo. Because of his duties he had no time to interact with our members, but was able to teach one class.

This trip proved to be much different (and hopefully more enjoyable) for him. From the moment we met him at the airport he proved to posses a very personable and pleasant demeanor. We were completely at ease in his presence.

The members of the MAC were fortunate to receive instruction from Yokota Sensei on Thursday evening and Friday morning prior to the weekend seminar. Yamada Sensei was also kind enough to teach on Friday night. The MAC members, therefore, had three classes instructed by both shihan before the beginning of the seminar! Yokota Sensei thanked us for allowing him to practice with us prior to the seminar. He stated that he enjoyed the opportunity to interact and practice on a less crowded mat that enabled all to practice in a more rigorous manner. Yokota Sensei stated that with the start of the seminar and with the large number of people practicing that he regretted that it offered him less time to interact with people individually.

The seminar began Saturday afternoon and consisted of four classes. The attendance was excellent (158) and as expected was very high-spirited. Within the context of an anniversary it was good to see so many familiar faces. Several of the original founding members (Art Wise, myself, Maureen Brown, Claire Widen, Dan Palmer) were present and it was funny to reflect on what a difference 30 years makes in a person's life!

Instruction by both Yamada and Yokota Sensei was excellent. Each class was crowded and full of energy. With MAC member Yoshie Fujiwara translating, Yokota Sensei was able to elaborate on many basic and fine points of the techniques and training in general. Yamada Sensei, as always, conducted class with the vigor and style we have come to expect.

The Saturday evening dinner was an excellent event. What it lacked in formality (as in previous anniversaries) was more than made up by the ability for all to interact in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. The Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern food was excellent and the drinks consisted of the usual fare: sake, wine, and of course the unofficial Aikido drink of choice, beer -- a nice Stella Artois this year. Some MAC members, having earlier learned of Yokota Sensei's prior travels, introduced some new drink offerings; an Italian grapa and a couple of imported Polish vodkas -- one of which was flavored with prairie grasses. Appropriate glass tumblers and stemware abounded. The evening gave the members an opportunity to talk with both Yamada and Yokota Sensei. Yamada Sensei was his usual accessible and personable self and Yokota Sensei showed that he fit in very well with everyone. For example, I know that at some point digital pictures (thanks to members' digital cameras and picture phones) will begin to appear showing Yokota Sensei holding me in his lap much like a teddy bear!

The seminar concluded on Sunday with Yamada Sensei teaching the last class with the parting words, "See you in January!"( kagami biraki - Jan. 7 & 8, 2006). The seminar was a huge success. At this point we would also like to thank all of the members for their help in preparing and conducting the seminar. As always instructors and guests needs were met, the dojo was in immaculate condition (another Tohei Sensei legacy), translation was provided, and in general everything was taken care of by all dojo members (from founding to new members). Without everyone's help such an event would not have been nearly so pleasant and successful.