From October 31 to November 2, 2008 our dojo, Aikido Dojo del Norte, sponsored a seminar with Glen Matsuda Sensei in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The seminar was attended by AAA students in Puerto Rico, representatives of all the major Aikido organizations in Puerto Rico and some martial artists of other styles. We also had an AAA member from a Pennsylvania dojo who attended.
Some of the most interesting moments for me at the seminar were the following:
1. Matsuda Sensei has a unique style of teaching. His ability to explain, break down and demonstrate technique was very impressive and allowed us to learn the technique while enjoying the practice.
2. Matsuda Sensei continuously emphasized the concept of “spirit” in the technique. Form is not enough if not accompanied with “spirit”. My understanding of this is that form without “spirit” is only empty movement and my Aikido would be incomplete and lacking substance.
3. Matsuda Sensei explained the use of correct breathing and how this would enhance our Aikido practice and permit us to prolong our practice. As an example we practiced katatekosatori kokyunage using the breathing techniques he showed us and guess what it works!
4. One of the highlights of the seminar was watching Yudansha tests, both Nidan and Sandan. I had the privilege to participate in my sensei’s Sandan test and perform Kumitachi with him. I had been learning and practicing Kumitachi for eight months in preparation for Sensei’s test. Was I nervous when the moment came but I pulled through and everything turned out right.
Thank you Matsuda Sensei for the excellent seminar, for your explanations, for your friendship and the joy you express when you teach and demonstrate Aikido.
Thank you Stephen Toyoda Sensei for always supporting our dojo and Aikido in Puerto Rico.
The author of this article is a teenager, 2.5 Kyu and has been practicing Aikido at Aikido Dojo del Norte, Arecibo, Puerto Rico since the age of 5.
