Aikido Yoshinkan Saudi Arabia

One of the keys to a successful clinic is to forget everything you think you know about aikido and do your best to do the techniques being taught the way you see them. Essentially, empty your cup, as we like to say. I say this to all my students and guests who participate in my gasshuku's with Parker Shihan. I myself try to do this when I attend other peoples dojo's or attend clincis hosted by other dojo's.

Another thing I tell my students is to not take it personally if Sensei it getting all over you. This is actually his job. He will try to break your spirit and trip you up. If you get angry or upset, then he has beaten you. Instead, look at it as a positive. He is getting on you because you are one movement away from doing whatever it is he is asking and he going to push you to succeed. Also note that he is an equal opportunity instructor. In his eyes, there is no difference between a male or female student. He'll get on you both equally.

Sensei will always find something the change just to see if you are teachable. It might be the simplist of things. If you continue to do it "your" way, you are telling him you are untrainable or do not want to learn. It is not that he wants you to change what you are doing. He uses this to gage his ability to teach you.

The higher the rank, the more you'll get barked at. As godan, I suspect I'll be getting barked at quite a bit; and I look forward to it. It is why I bring Sensei to my dojo and travel the world to train with him.

Never debate or ask Sensei how something is done. With your own eyes you can see the answer to the question. If you just don't get it, say something like, "sorry Sensei. I see what you are doing but just can't seem to make myself do it. I will try harder." Never get into the "if you put this foot here .... " conversation. Sensei will walk away. His way is simple. Shut-up and train. Talking does not fix the problem. If all else fails, remember your question and ask me after class is over and I will do my best answer.

Sensei has a life-time of experience. When off the mat listen to his stories. You will learn so much about him and aikido. Never inject anything into his conversation. Just listen! It's amazing how much you will learn by just doing so.

On the mat, here are some things you should never do.

1. Stand with your arms folded. This tells us you're bored and don't want to be there.
2. Never cross directly in front of Sensei. If you have to pass him and doing so in the front is the only way, then excuse yourself before doing so. Never cross between him and a student he is working with. You might end up with an unexpected shomen iriminage. Go ahead, ask me how I know.
3. Do not ... I repeat ... DO NOT slap the mat when getting up from seiza
4. When going into seiza, DO NOT first go into kamae. Just go directly into seiza.
5. Absolutely NO TEACHING on the mat. You do not know Sensei's technique and therefore you cannot teach it. Your job is to just practice.
6. DO NOT modify the technique in any way to show an alternate way. This is a major no-no. Just do the technique like Sensei shows. I cannot express this enough.
7. No talking
8. When moving to line up, etc, move at a fast pace. Do not just walk about the dojo.
9. When lining up, if using two lines, make sure you have someone directly in front of you. The distance between you and the person next to you should be approximately 2 fist length.
10. Make sure you sit in seiza properly. Men should have no more than one fist distance between their knees. Ladies preferrably should have their knees together. It's a modesty thing or some I'm told. Elbows tight to the body with the hands on top of your thighs and turn inward slightly.
11. Always be ready to take ukemi for Sensei. If doing so, be alert. Sensei has a way of making you think one thing is happening and instead, he does something else.
12. Seiza & anza are the only way one should be seated in the dojo.
13. When sensei is showing a technique or explaining to another group, stop and watch. Make sure you go into seiza. Having just one knee down or sitting on the heels is okay.
14. Always bow before you get up no matter what the circumstance.
15. HAVE FUN!

If I think of anything else of if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you sensei!

You're welcome. #15 is the most important part. Nothing better than a group of friends/family, beating the snot our of each other on the aikido mat, and enjoying themselves.

Really, #15 is important. We always enjoy our time with Shihan. He is definitely a rare treasure.

boys and girls, please say osu to indicate you have understood and read this.  This is VERY IMPORTANT!

osu!

osu!    

before I forget, sensei will be the first one to compliment you on the mat as well. Especially if he sees you trying your best.

Osu! gud nyt.......

Osu!

up up up!

Please ensure members have read this. 92 days left and counting!

We are aware that its Ramadhan and training is a bit affected due to your work schedule, but please find time to practice at home.  Thanks!

HOW TO ADDRESS A SHIHAN

Over the years, this question has come up on several ocassions. The official answer I got from Parker Shihan was this.

When introducing or mentioning a shihan in writing, it should be "lastname" Shihan. I.E., Parker Shihan or more formally, Amos L. Parker Shihan or Ando Tsueno Shihan, etc.  When making a public annoucement, it should be Amos L. Parker Shihan.

In person and when training, Parker Sensei is the proper way to address him. Never say just Parker or Terada or Shioda, without the proper title. You can't go wrong with adding Sensei to the end. So always either Parker Shihan or Parker sensei is okay.

When bowing in, the senior most student will say, "Parker Shihan, NI, Rei" instead of Sensei Ni Rei.

Thank you for the additional information sensei. 

Sensei, you will be the senior most student to give the command right?

Hi Mel ... well, it really all depends on how Parker sensei wants us to line up. In some cases, the senior most student would gvie both commands. Other times, it is split between the senior visiting student and the kancho/dojocho. We'll work all that out before we get there. I'll have plenty of time to talk to Sensei on the way over.

Practice lining up in two lines making sure every person in the back row is directly behind someone in front. There should be at least a two fist distance between each person. Distance between the knees no more than one fist, hands on top of the thighs pointed in and elbows tight to body.

up up up!

Osu Sensei!

This is great...thank you sensei... Osu!!

up! up! up!

A call to SYA:

please be reminded of the above points as we are now approaching the most awaited yoshinkan event............ 

Other than the above, please train yourselves when arriving in class early to warm up and sit in seiza. 

Please let us avoid roaming around before the class begins. 

Thank you for your patience.

Practice lining up. When standing, toes should all be on the same line. Heals together.  There should be at least 1-2 fist distance between you and the person next to you. If the line is too long, make two lines. Second line should have no gaps. Start by lining up behind the most senior and working to the left. Again, no gaps.

When in seiza, same thing. Knees all on the same line. Head and chin back, spine straight. Knees should be no wider than one fist. Hands on top of thighs elbows tight to body. Focus forward.

For those who many have problems with their knees, sitting up on your toes is okay. Just let the instructor/dojocho know. When lining up move quickly.

When coming up out of seiza, DO NOT slap the mat. Bow, say OSU, but NO MAT SLAPPING!

osu sensei!