SANSUIKAI SEMINAR 2014 Get to know all of the Sansuikai seminar teachers

“ The goal of Sansuikai is to PETER VAN MARCKE encourage friendship among JISCH SCHEUREN the members and spread SILVIA ESCHENLAUER EDO & ANNE SLUI the practice and teaching JESUS NORIEGA of . ” DIEGO LOPEZ AZIZ BELHASSANE PIOTR BURNOS – Y.Yamada Shihan LARBI EL AKEL ROBERTO BOLLERO

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The name of my dojo is Antwerpen . We named our dojo Antwerpen Aikikai, by analogy with the New York Aikikai, the dojo of Yamada sensei.

What is your favourite role? teaching and some time later I eye-opener about how to run a dojo. I definitely got As a young kid I loved to take ukemi started my own dojo in Aalst. Later a lot of ideas there about running a dojo in Belgium. for my teachers. However, as I I moved near Antwerp and started Another great time was a trip to with Yamada grew older, I’ve met many younger a new dojo there. We named the sensei, back in 1994. And of course, apart of the good Dojo information people who are doing great ukemi new dojo Shu Shin Kan. In 2012 we practice, Yamada sensei’s jokes make it fun to take Don’t Peter van Marcke and it’s fun demonstrating tech- changed its name to Antwerpen his classes. 6th Dan Shidoin niques with them. only Aikikai. What is your favourite seminar antwerpenaikikai.be [email protected] Best tip from Sensei Yamada practice How long do you have your dojo Again, so many... I liked the Wégimont summer camp I’ve been lucky to have great Well, I’m practicing aikido for 37 in Belgium during the 1980’s and 1990’s, when we what Aikido classes on: teachers who gave great advice years and I’m teaching aikido for practiced under a tent outside. In the early years we Adults: Monday, but I don’t really have one favourite 27 years now. I taught at sev- even had morning practice before breakfast. Another you see, Thursday, Saturday tip ;-). Let’s mention one tip from eral dojo’s. At my current dojo I’m seminar I liked very much was La Colle-sur-Loup in Sugano sensei: Don’t only practice but also teaching for 14 years now. , end of August. For many years Tamura sen- Kids: Monday, what you see, but also what you sei and Yamada sensei taught this seminar together. what Thursday, Saturday don’t see. What was a highlight in your Ai- When I first went to this seminar, in 1987, it still kido career lasted a fortnight. During the first week Yamada sen- you FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO How did you become a teacher I have many great things to re- sei taught. During the second week, Tamura sensei It’s not something I planned. I don’t member about my aikido career. joined him. Later, this seminar became a one-week practiced aikido for about 10 years see. A special time was my first visit seminar. and one day a dojo that was look- to the New York Aikikai in 1988. I ing for a new teacher ask me to had just finished university and I teach. That’s how it began. That went to practice aikido at the New was around 1986 I think. I enjoyed York Aikikai for 5 weeks. It was an JISCH SCHEUREN

My Aikido has mostly been influenced by Sensei N. Tamura and by Y. Yamada Sensei, which I met some 30 years ago for the first time. I deeply appreciate the teaching of S. Yamaguchi Shihan and K. Chiba Sensei. I had the chance to follow Yamada Sensei closely during a lot of summers.

What is your favourite role? dojo. I was unhappy with the quality In the beginning I liked to take - of the aikido being taught where I What is your favourite seminar? My best seminar remains the Bernau am Chiemsee mi especially from Sensei in all his You was. Dojo informatio seminar. This has been Sensei’s main seminar since seminars and I learned a lot from Jisch Scheuren need to How long do you have 1998 in Europe. The atmosphere of the seminar re- that part. Later on the tori role 6th Dan Aikikai your dojo? minds me of the first week of the La Colle-sur-Loup became my favourite one because I enter aikikailuxembourg.lu Our dojo is now 25 years old. seminar where Sensei used to be alone teaching. Of had to be clear about the structure under facebook.com/AikidoKopstalBridel course I miss Tamura Sensei’s seminars. and the flow of the techniques. [email protected] the What was a highlight in your Aikido career? What is your favourite weapon? Best tip from sensei Yamada? cutting Aikido classes on: The highlight was for sure the sem- Definitely because of the kiriostoshi which Yamada Sensei told me as a young sword Adults: Monday, Wednesday, inar we had in our dojo with both you need to understand . Also 8 cuts, the hand teacher about how to give a class: Thursday. depends on the opening movement. where Tamura Sensei and Yamada Sensei positions which are to be used in . Tamura Sensei once told me that you are in April 2000 to celebrate our 10th Use the body and the bokken together. S.Yamaguchi you have to stand firm in difficult in anniversary. But I think that the Sensei said: you need to enter under the cutting situations so that you overcome 40th anniversary seminar of the sword where you are in danger of death in order to them. danger New York Aikikai in the US was the find life. FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO of death best seminar I ever attended with How did you become a teacher? in order all these Shihans teaching. Imagine I was teaching kids in the begin- 1’000 people under one tent at the ning, and then replaced the main to find party and only very few Europeans. teacher more and more often life. Good memories about the 1998 and before I decided to create our own 2001 east coast summer camps. SILVIA ESCHENLAUER

The name of our dojo is Senshi Aikikai. We offer Aikido classes in US military facilities, so we cater to military personnel and their dependents hence the name Senshi which means warrior in Japanese.

What is your favourite role US, I went back to Lima, Peru and another country for the first time, seeing hundreds in Aikido? started teaching at the dojo where of people on the mat, and just seeing him his uke, It depends. As uke, I did most of my I first started aikido. Then, moved Osawa Sensei around was quite a memorable experi- learning by taking ukemi for many to Florida and also taught there ence. people. Early in my training, I real- I twice a week early morning classes ized that in order to learn the most 6:30am. In the evenings, I taught at What is your favourite seminar? specific details about a technique was a satellite dojo I started for Florida Definitely, the seminars where you practice 5 to more Dojo information was to feel it being performed on just Aikikai at a local university. hours straight, what I call “Marathon Seminars”. It’s Silvia Eschenlauer me. Not so enjoyable when it came a ok to take 10 minutes brake in between classes. The 4th Dan Aikikai to nikkyos, sankyos, and yonkyos. begin- How long do you have your dojo? feeling is exhilarating! senshiaikikai.com I also enjoy nague or tori, since at I founded Senshi aikikai 2 years [email protected] that time I can see and feel how ner, ago. I was always lucky to find a What is your favourite weapon? uke responds to my movement, but place to practice and teach eve- Each one has its different charm. I love the bokken Aikido classes on: and see what do I need to adjust in I still rywhere I moved, but this time it since it is so significant in the way we move in aikido, Adults: Tuesday, Thursday order to perform a technique prop- remem- was just different. And that is how but the Jo at the same time provides us with the fine Kids: Wednesday erly. Every uke is different. For fun, Senshi Aikikai was born. motor skills in the hands that are required to do and I enjoy both equally, specially when ber understand the more advanced techniques. Tanto FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO it’s time for high falls! it as What is a highlight in your is a lot of fun! I guess I am bias towards the bokken a Aikido career? because I like iaido. Best tip from sensei Yamada dream. I think the first seminar I attended, Always block the Shomen! doshu in São Paulo, Brasil. I was just a beginner, How did you become a teacher? but I still remember it as a dream. Well...after I got my shodan in the I was so young, had travelled to EDO & ANNE SLUI

The name of our dojo is Ando and comes from An(ne) and (E)do. Later How long do you have your dojo? we heard that the Japanese translation of ‘Ando’ means: Peaceful Way. A: We teach for 11 years now. E: Our first dojo was in Veldhoven, it was a and Our Aikido has mostly been influenced by shihan and Jiujitsu dojo, where we could use the tatami from since we also had practiced with the same teacher. shihan. Both great examples of Aikido proffessionals. What was a highlight in your Aikido career? What is your favourite role? organisation by showing them ar- E: Definitly when Yamada sensei came to our dojo at A: I think the uke part is the most round in their business. Marketing our 10th anniversary! important one, because you learn & Health care are boring so they A: Yes, this was a small but very intimid seminar, how to move the most. But I prefer asked us to teach Aikido just for which made it really great. Even the biggest seminar Tori. I that day. will not overrule that one. E: If I have to choose I like the Uke A: While we were teaching our par- part, because it stimulates all your don’t ents talked to the kids parents and What’s your favourite seminar? senses when you attack. You’ll al- want heard stories about what their kids A: Definitly USAF summercamp. There is no sum- Dojo information ways have to prepare as an uke for had gone trough at school being mercamp with that many different teachers and Ai- www.aikido-ando.nl a counter move, things can change my bullied. At the end of the day there kido hours you can have anywhere else in the world. facebook.com/andoaikido in the blink of an eye. were a lot of parents asking if there E: Sansuikai aikido-marathon ofcourse! Haha.. [email protected] students was an Aikido dojo nearby so they Best Tip from sensei? can attend class. Whats your favourite weapon? Aikido classes on: A: I don’t want my students to to E: Since Aikido is not the same as A: Jo, because you can play more with it on both Monday, Wednesday, become a copy of me. other , we decided to sides. I like single ’s because you can practice Friday, Sunday E: Every teacher should have become start our own dojo under supervi- them by yourself in your own garden. a teacher. sion of Christian Tissier shihan. E: Tanto, because it makes you aware of your partner FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO a copy A: One thing led to another and in more than usual. This also brings the martial ele- How did you become a teacher? two weeks adults joined in and eve- ment in the technique. A: How much space do you have? of me. rything became more serieouse. Haha.. We were amazed by how people E: Short version is that we helped were okay with our age! our parents out when they were E: We were 14 and 16 years old! asked by to help out a childrens JESUS NORIEGA

Shoshin means “Beginner’s mind” or “Back to the Beginning”. Big words in martial arts because this is the key to success.

When did you become a teacher? What is your favourite role? experiences in aikido, of course I could mention a When I moved from Venezuela to Well maybe ten years ago uke couple of important moments, like being able to start Spain (Madrid) in 2006 was my favorite part, but now I’m aikido in a small town of Venezuela with very few re- getting old andthose time my only sources and now I am chief instructor of aikido dojo How long do you have your dojo? worry was to be uke of any teacher in a big country and big city like Spain-Madrid and of When I moved to Spain in 2007 I and any seminar and fly and fly.. course I follow Yamada sensei around the world and “Al- Dojo information was training in some dojos other haha. But to be honest right now been his student and share with him, etc.. That’s my Jesus Noriega organizations because there where is tori because travel around the great HIGHLIGHTS, the second most important thing ways 3th Dan Aikikai no students of Yamada sensei in world, training with different kind for me is having so committed and great students, AikidoJesusnoriega.com Madrid, because of that and with work of people is always a test for my traveling, sharing with me, and always to continue facebook.com/shoshindojoespaña the support of Michelle Feilen and aikido as tori. That’s why now what learning from Yamada sensei teaching... what can I with [email protected] Manolo Garcia sensei, I decide to I’m trying everyday to learn and say… I’m a lucky guy… found Shoshin dojo spain 2008. After har- keep doing and doing. I guess this Best Tip from sensei Yamada? Aikido classes on: two hard years the dojo finally start- is the way of aikido when we start Adults: Tuesday, Thursday, ed to grow and currently the dojo mony.” being worried about fall and roll, “Always work with Harmony” Saturday morning. continuous operation with more That’s then receive a good iriminage or That’s the best way to do it. than 25 students where the only nikkyo and finally the most impor- What is your favourite seminar? goal and practice aikido, learn every the best tant to be a good tori. Thats why day more this wonderful martial art right now this is my favourite role. Well for me of course Barcelona and Mallorca, be- FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO but mostly travel or constantly fol- way to cause Sensei is always happy, the seminar organi- low Yamada Sensei teaching, Many do it. What was a highlight in your Ai- zation is amazing… always a good energy on this of the advanced students currently kido career? seminar. I really like it. following Sensei have traveled This question is a little early for Were you nervouse for your shodan test? throughout Europe, Latin America me because if I lived important Of course I was nervous because ten years ago was and this year will become ushi deshi moments in my aikido career ??... way different from now. To shodan you have to train in new york aikikai. I’m still too young to talk about my at least for 6-7 years then. DIEGO LOPEZ GORMENDINO

The name of me dojo in Valencia (Spain) is Hikari, the Japanese transla- tion is: Light. That lights the way of harmony and energy. Our Aikido has mostly been influenced by Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan and Donovan Waite Shihan. Both great examples of Aikido proffessionals.

What is your favourite role? very important to me. But definitly Aikido is a path of personal growth, inner growth I think the Uke part is the most im- was very special to me when I was through constant and sincere practice. A commit- portant to practice. It is necessary in New York Aikikai as a Uchi Deshi ment to yourself to learn about our own fears and to attack sincerely tso you can save for two months last year. There are weaknesses. We practice as we are, so our Aikido your body, you need a very good very good teachers in NY Aikikai changes from moment to moment as the life. ukemi for this. I like making ukemi Aikido with an active and physical Aikido practice based on good under- Dojo information too much. Have you been to Japan? standing of the Aikido techniques Diego Lopez Gormedino is No; That’s something I have in mind. I do not know Best tip from sensei Yamada? and martial concepts. I‘ll remem- 3º Dan Aikikai when I could go, I hope it’s soon. Humility, pacience and practice. I practice, ber forever, were two very intense dojohikarivalencia.com

months, a lot of practice every day, facebook.com/dojohikarivalencia learn a lot when I teach, but what practice On what way does Aikido influence your life with over five hours of class on the [email protected] I like is the practice. Never stop outside the dojo? training must always practice. day, every day. Always be grateful and Aikido is a very important part of my life. The attitude Donovan Waite always says: Aikido to Yamada Sensei. I would like to Aikido classes on: is very important inside the dojo and that influences is practice, practice and then more more return soon to NY Aikikai. Adults: Tuesday, outside the dojo. In the dojo an attack is a problem practice. It’s my motto. Thursday, Saturday practice. and you have to learn to solve it, life is full of attacks, What is your favourite weapon? as in Aikido. How long do you have your dojo? It’s my Tanto and bokken, in that order. FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO I think that makes you aware of It’s a young dojo, later this year will Can you eat whit chopsticks? be five years old. Our 5th anniver- motto. space and distance, two very Yes...I Think...hahaha sary. It’s a newly born yet! important concepts in the move- ments of Aikido techniques. Some highlights in your career? When I go to Yamada Seminars is What is Aikido for you? It‘s my passion...My life. I think that AZIZ BELHASSANE

The name of our Dojo ‘Kiryoku aiki dojo’ means Ki; energy associated with the will, the perseverance and the vitality! How do you see the future of Aikido? Could you please elaborate on how ticed in Marocco. At that time there AB: I will continue to practice at the Hombu Dojo, and you became interested in Aikido? were only two dojo’s in the whole on the international scene, because that fuels the I was around 10 years old when I of Marocco. Whenever possible we progression of our Aikido practice, keeps our minds started practicing Aikido. Not the followed the teachings of Nakazono open, and federates all the different nations around biggest youngster, I was deter- Sensei and Tamura Sensei. It is Aikido. mined and a bit of a rebel. Being really my interest in Aikido which Dojo information sometimes the subject of bullying, I opened the way for me towards Aziz Belhassane Shihan In My focus will be to continue the federation of all, found a whole host of techniques to Europe and France in particular. www.kiryoku.be through my club and anyone who wants to follow, for defend myself. France At that time France was Aikido: [email protected] an Aikido in friendship, harmony, humility, authentic- My family was rather sports ori- with Tamura Sensei, Noro Sensei Aikido ity and respect. ented, with brothers who practiced and Nocquet Sensei. At the tender Aikido classes on: Judo and , but I chose Aikido age of 18, I left for France for one Adults: Monday, Tuesday, became I envisage practicing in Japan with my students, to make the difference. month of Aikido practice, not know- Wednesday, Thursday, thereby they learn and integrate the culture in their Using the other person’s force to the ing that I would be leaving Marocco Friday, Saterday practice – an additional dimension. impose myself, turned out to be a for a long long time!! ‘engine’ I will continue to favor ‘the doing’ rather than ‘the very efficient way for self defence Kids: Monday, Tuesday, talking’. I am convinced that fundamentally Aikido is in the area where I grew up. In France Aikido became the ‘en- Wednesday, Thursday, of my training, the presence on the tatami, the PRACTICE. Quickly thereafter, Aikido helped gine’ of my life. Friday, Saterday me to control my emotions and life. What is one of last better events? thereby opened the path for me in After France, it was Belgium who FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO Our membership to Sansuikaï and the visit to Hombu my life. opened its heart to me. Many people Dojo with Senseï last month! whom I’ve met through international You advanced rather quickly in the Aikido sessions supported me, in- world of Aikido. Which were the vited me, and gave me the strenght events that marked you the most? to continue, admiring, as they said, Between 10 an 18 years old I prac- my determination to succeed. PIOTR BURNOS

In the context of aikido, the term ‘Musubi’ means a connection or Some highlights in your career? For me aikido practice is a tedious process that relationship between aikido students. Thus our school is open to everyone requires patience. Everything that came to me was interested in this Japanese martial art, and connects people through a consequence of my work on tatami. So from that point of view there were no highlights. But of course common practice on the mat and meetings outside the dojo. there were some small turning points. In the year 2001, when Yamada Sensei was in Cracow, he gave What is your favourite role? days. I recognize teaching as a part me his business card and said ‘come to NY’. Three Since aikido is about energy blend- of my practicing because teach- years later I came to NY Aikikai for the first time, and ing, whether you are uke or nage, ing and practicing are two sides became uchi-deshi. I’ve been coming there every Dojo information teacher or student until You are a of the same coin. So I believe to year since then. I also remember my first aikido class part of the same movement. No A be a good teacher, also means to and impression of my first teacher Sensei Dariusz Piotr Burnos matter the role, you are involved in be a good student. And above all Zieba. Maybe that is why for first two years I skipped 4 Dan, Shidoin the same concept called ‘musubi’. good You have to listen to your students only one class aikido-chrzanow.pl I’m trying to teach my student this teacher and respect their individuality. This facebook.com/aikido.chrzanow way. is something I have learned from What is your favourite seminar? [email protected] also Shihan Yoshimitsu Yamada. Some Bernau summer camp is one of my favorite! How did you become a teacher? means important notes about teaching Everything is balanced there: from training with Aikido classes on: When I was 2nd, and then 1st kyu to I also learned from Shihan Rich- Yamada Sensei and other teachers to spending time Adults: Tuesday, my first teacher Dariusz Zieba ard Stickles, who is my teacher’s with friends and enjoy beauty of Bavaria (and beer Thursday, Friday started asking me to teach classes, be teacher. That is why I called him –sic!). I also like seminar in my native city Cracow, time to time. I didn’t even realize a aiki-grandfather. where I could spend more time close to Yamada Kids: Monday, Thursday when people recognized me as an Sensei than during any other seminars in Europe. FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO assistant instructor. Few years lat- good How long do you have your dojo? er in 2003 I decided to open my own student. I founded Musubi Dojo Aikido Chr- Best tip from sensei Yamada? dojo in Chrzanow. People started zanow in 2003. The early days were “Do things right and do them right away”. to call me Sensei despite the fact a difficult period for the dojo – this But also “Respect Your students”. that I did not think about myself was linked to the need to propagate this way. I just wanted to pass the aikido in the Chrzanow district. knowledge I learned in those early LARBI EL AKEL

The name of my dojo dates back to 1992. Sugano Sensei inspired himself Dealing with these children is a real challenge but also enriching from a human point of view. from my strong will to learn aikido and he suggested “Rem Bu”, meaning Another highlight is my first visit in the Hombu “learning by hardworking, doing your best”. I was afraid that this would be- Dojo recently. I had the chance to meet the Doshu and Waka Sensei who impressed me both. I could come “Rambo” and I asked Sensei Sugano to use “Rem Aiki Dojo” instead. practice with Sampai and other ancients of the dojo He really laughed and agreed but added: “I hope that you will have the right and noted their humility, their generosity and their simple happiness to practice. As for chocolate, “you answer to all the “Rambos” coming with their big muscles in your dojo!”. have to taste to see if you like it or not”. I have tried the Hombu Dojo, and I am ready to go back again, as How did you start aikido? Sugano”) thanks to Yamada Sensei, soon as possible ! I started kungfu when I was 16 and who became our technical director. Dojo information discovered aikido four years later We have decided to join his Sansui- What is your favourite weapon? Larbi El Akel, in 1979 with Jean Byloos, Georges kai group in 2012. I like all weapons because they are for me the rea- 6th Dan Shidoin Rousseau and then Aziz Belhas- sons and the explanations of the basic techniques in www.rem.aiki-dojo.eu sane, whom I helped as assistant Train You are a professional in aikido, aikido. Timing is much clearer on a shomen attack [email protected] for adults and children. I became with a why this choice? with a boken in hand. Moves are clearer. Gokkyo is Yudansha in 1986 and opened my I could speak about “love at first very relevant with a tanto. Using arms is important in Aikido classes on: dojo in Woluwe in 1988. So far, 35 good sight”. I could feel that communi- aikido. Adults: Monday, Tuesday, years of practice. sense cation, sharing, teaching was my Thursday, Saturday of path. I had reduced my work part- Best tip from sensei Yamada? Which sensei have influenced you humor, time, and in 2000 I decided to quit Sensei taught me that one should not worry about Kids: Tuesday, Wednesday, most? my job of industrial drawer to make politics and ego, what is important is to train with a Thursday, Friday, Saturday Many of them, but mostly Tamura and also aikido my profession. I have kids, good sense of humor and to give and also share. Sensei and Sugano Sensei. Sugano give adolescents and adult classes, This is also my philosophy. FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO Sensei lived in Belgium and I had and around 150 kids and 50 adults. the chance to practice with him. share. What is your favourite seminar? Our dojo created the “Stage123W” Some highlights in your career? Our “Stage123W” seminar organized every year especially for him and he used to I also teach autistic children in where we can meet people from all over the world teach every year until he passed schools, and some of them are inte- and from all aikido school. This is very enriching and away. We have now revived this grated in the usual groups or attend rewarding. seminar (now called “Memorial the children usual holiday seminars. ROBERTO BOLLERO

I opened a few dojos in Italy (Rome, Sardegna, Tuscany), right now I am teaching in two dojos under my own one, “Washi”, under Sansuikai, Yamada Sensei. The name Washi that means Eagle is because I have been a pilot for my former job.

What is your favourite role in I can say Barcelona, La Colle, Ber- Aikido? nau. In the States, USAF summer so after many years there is not a camp and winter camp. role on the mat you just share your experience and if you pay attention, Respect Which advice of Y.Sensei do you you learn from a beginner. In other remember the most? words stay on the mat. with Respect with an angle of 360°, be professional as much you can, do How long do you have your dojo? an not forget we are talking of BUDO. I started to have the first dojo in 1984 in Rome , then seeds in many angle place, last one about a year. Dojo information of Roberto Bollero, What are the highlights in Aikido 6th Dan Aikikai for you? 360° [email protected] The most important has been when I met Yamada Sensei in NY then Ta- FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO mura Sensei and the Aikido people from all over the world. Aikido is a big family.

What is your favourite seminar? Difficult answer. Anyway, in Europe PETER VAN MARCKE

JISCH SCHEUREN

SILVIA ESCHENLAUER

EDO & ANNE SLUI

JESUS NORIEGA

DIEGO LOPEZ

AZIZ BELHASSANE

PIOTR BURNOS

LARBI EL AKEL

ROBERTO BOLLERO