State of the Senshusei course?

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[camt]

Hello,

I'm interested in taking the Senshusei course possibly next year. I've read that there have been disputes etc. at the dojo and some past instructors have left. Anyone know the quality of instruction that is currently offered? It looks like Jacques Payet is the only english teacher there but I'm not sure how often they update their website. Any up to date information on the course would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Cam

[aikispike]

I don't know much about the current program but I understand that Payet Sensei does not teach the senshusei any longer. As he lives about 3 hours away, it is quite a commute.

There are typically a couple of more junior English speaking instructors who assist with the program.

[JJF]

If 'Angry white pajamas' info is still valid then they offer Japanese courses for foreign students. And you have some time to learn the basics of the language before you start.

[Anthony Loeppert]

Also, you might find this attractive:
http://aikidomugenjuku.wordpress.com/aikido-mugenjuku-instructor-course/

[aikispike]

If 'Angry white pajamas' info is still valid then they offer Japanese courses for foreign students. And you have some time to learn the basics of the language before you start.

the course has changed considerably since AWP and the language course was one of those changes. It stopped some years ago.

[Adam Huss]

I can't speak to the state of the senshusei, but I believe Ando Sensei is accepting uchideshi. A friend of mine just got back from doing that earlier this year/late last year.

[JJF]

the course has changed considerably since AWP and the language course was one of those changes. It stopped some years ago.

Thank's for clearing that up Michael. I now very little about Yoshinkan or about the course. The book is hilarious though. It's not really about Aikido as much as a 'becomming a man' story and I had the impression that the details were not to very close to modern day practice. You've just confirmed that.

I recommend it though to anybody who likes Aikido or Japan - but definitely not as an introduction to any style of Aikido ;)

JJ

[aikispike]

I had the impression that the details were not to very close to modern day practice. You've just confirmed that.
JJ

I am not sure what I was confirming in your mind.

The general practice and structure of the course is, I believe, not that different than it was when I participated and taught in the course. Still three classes a day five days a week, still hard on the back, knees, wrists, arms and legs, still doing hundreds of breakfalls, still hot as hell in the summer, still need to drink a couple of liters of water between classes, still going to be a fantastic weight loss program, still accepting anyone and making them hard in one year.

The 'considerable' differences I mentioned are around other areas.

For the first 5 or so years the course was around there were a large number of young Yoshinkan people around the world itching to go to Japan and do the course - these people were typically first kyu to 3rd dan. They went directly from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, etc. They had some idea of what they were getting into, and wanted to do it. Now a high percentage of the participants are more junior and are living in Japan when they decide to do the course (like Twigger was), and they are less intense in their love of aikido.

The teaching is different as well. During the early 90s the Yoshinkan honbu was just stocked with teaching talent. A number of great teachers were really becoming great at that point. We were ~pissed~ if we were taught by a lowly third dan because we had been spoiled by normally being taught by 5th, 6th, and 8th dans. The political splintering of the group, and economic reality means that the course is taught less by 'the best' in Yoshinkan, because "the best" in Yoshinkan teach not only at Honbu, but also in other parts of Japan and outside of Japan. There are still good teachers teaching the course, but its not the same as "in my day".

The teaching assistants also had a different attitude. The teaching assistants during my time were hard bastards on the mats, but friendly and supportive off the mats. They were foreigners who had done the course and understood what you were going through. They went out drinking on the weekend and were as likely to organize a party as to crash one. I am not sure that the recent assistants are like that. (but this is something that is very dependant on one or two individuals and could be changed quite easily)

[TCSSEC]

Chida Sensei's group has senshusei classes ... http://renshinkai.com/e/

Senshusei (intensive) Short Course for Black Belts
Posted on 6月 18th, 2012

Shidosha Yosei Short Course (Senshusei) 2012

Duration: October 2012 – February 2013
Minimum Hours: Tuesday to Friday 8:00am to 1:15pm, Saturdays 6:30am to 1:15pm
Requirements: a recognized black belt in Renshinkai or Yoshinkan style aikido