Aikido Schools of New Jersey's Celebrates it's 30th Anniversary

By Daniel Small, Aikido Schools of New Jersey

Aikido Schools of New Jersey celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a spectacular 3-day long seminar complete with a sit down catered feast, and two post seminar parties that featured local musicians, and a cornucopia of dishes prepared by our resident culinary experts.

During this event there were classes taught by some of the legends of Aikido, which included Yamada Sensei, Hal Lehrman Sensei, and numerous Shidoin, as well as graduates of Stickles Sensei's Deshi Program who grew to start their own dojo's and carry on the traditions started at Aikido Schools of New Jersey.

Over 150 Aikidoka from 14 different dojos were at the seminar. Aikidoka from up and down the East Coast, England, Bermuda, Poland, and Germany were in attendance.

The local community also turned out to support the 30th Anniversary and Roselle Park Mayor Joe De Iorio stopped by to present the key to the city to Yamada Sensei, and gave a speech that highlighted Stickles Sensei's contribution to the town. (As a follow up, Stickles Sensei was recently given an award by the Borough of Roselle Park and honored him during a town council meeting).

On the final day of the seminar there was testing that was overseen by a line up of Shidoin who can only be compared to the NY Yankees "Murders' row" lineup of the 1930s. The experience of testing in front of such a group is a rare treasure to be remembered.

Thank you Stickles Sensei for all that you have shared!!!!