need the 411 on Patrick Cassidy Sensei?

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[justinmaceachern]

In 5 or 6 months I will be given the oortunity to train with a Andrew Weight, a second degree, and is directly under Patrck Cassidy Snsei. I was wondering if anyone here knows anything about this man. I sure would appreciate any info on the matter. Ilike to know who i am training with.
Thank you very much.

[grondahl]

http://www.aikidomontreux.com/instructors.html

[justinmaceachern]

Thanks Pete i appreciate all the info i can get

[PaulieWalnuts]

The guy spent 8 years living in iwama under the chief (saito sensei)
now blending is training in Iwama with other ideas on training, the guys really really good. some stuff is far out there but still worth a try.

[justinmaceachern]

I just cant wait to study with him and his student. Thanks for all the info guys. I like to know who i am training with.

[Michael Varin]

Hello Justin,

First thing, it's Andrew Haight.

Patrick is a very talented aikido instructor. If you come with an open mind, you should enjoy training with Patrick. I studied with Patrick for a few years (one year as uchi deshi) before he left the USA. The first 8 months of that time I trained alongside Andrew. He's a great guy and very capable, although I haven't seen him in a few years.

Patrick has very solid technique due to the Iwama background, but unlike many from that style he is very fluid. His timing and blending are excellent, as are his weapons skills. He likes to focus on spontaneity, and the unknown, and likes to push his students, lets just say, beyond their comfort zones. Some will accuse me of a bias because he was my sensei, but I maintain that he is among the three best aikidoka that I have ever personally trained with. Whether or not you agree with everything he says, the practice is very deep and spiritual for him. I can truly say that this man created the conditions which allowed me to totally reframe my beliefs leaving the victim mentality of my youth for a much more productive mindset.

Michael

[ChrisHein]

I trained under Patrick for several years, one year of that also as Uchi Deshi, and I was Uchi Deshi together (under Patrick) with "Andrew Haight" for a couple of months.

Patrick is definitely one of the best Aikido technicians I have ever met. He's not a very large man, so I think all of that physical training in Iwama made his technique superb. His weapons are very sharp, clean, and well thought out, again excellent. The basis of everything he does is Iwama, but he has later had many influences from the likes of Richard Moon and Bob Nadeau, among others. Patrick is very very passionate about Aikido, and will demand much of you.

I haven't seen Andrew in about 7 years, but when last I saw him he was already becoming a sound technician, and a great teacher. Andrew is a straight shooter, and will tell you exactly how he sees it, he's a very good Aikidoka, and a very good man.

-Chris Hein