Interview with Okamoto Yoko Shihan

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[Guillaume Erard]

I have just published the full interview that I conducted with Okamoto Yoko Shihan (http://www.guillaumeerard.com/aikido/interviews/interview-with-okamoto-yoko-shihan) during the filming of the documentary on Aikido Kyoto. If you enjoyed the documentary, I recommend the reading of the full interview in order to learn more about Okamoto Sensei's approach of Aikido and her teaching. Enjoy!

[Peter Wong]

Very nice!

[Dan Richards]

Great interview, Guillaume.

Okamoto Yoko: In Japan, Budo Dojo have a very old-fashioned image. However, if we are to survive, we must appeal to the new generation. The art of Tea Ceremony and Kabuki for example, try to do the same. We must manage to reach out to the new generation without losing the important aspects of our art.

Personally, I want to update the old-fashioned image of Budo, without losing the essence. It has to stay a Budo, which means that it must retain some discipline and an intense dedication to training.

I would really love to hear more of her thoughts on this.