Mark's revised adventure
Anyone who read my thread posted last year, http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20207 will probably have concluded that my travel plans had come to naught. Well, plans sometimes change, and mine are no exception. So for a number of different reasons I won’t go into, here is my revised plan, which is for the next 3 months, all on to take place.
I have a flight booked into Seattle on the 21st of June. Then I have 90 days (the max I can stay in the US, without going through the costly and uncertain process of obtaining a Visa). So I will have 3 months of travelling to as many dojos as I can, meeting as many people as I can, learning as much as I can, along the way. There are many aikiweb posters I have come to know from their writing over the years, that I would like to meet and practice with (many kind offers from my original thread, which I hope to take up). Quite when that will be is not too certain, as I have decided to ditch the idea of working to a fixed route and itinerary. I am going to try the ‘going with the flow’ approach and set off, in the vehicle that I have sorted out (a 1977 VW camper), and see where the process leads me. I probably have enough time and just about enough money, to see both coasts and some points in the vast interior. But, I do want the freedom to be able to stay somewhere, if I meet someone who has a good stuff I can learn from. I would appreciate any suggestions of teachers you feel I simply ‘must’ meet. Although my aikido practice has been Tohei’s ki model based, I am looking forward to experiencing all styles. I have met Ikeda Sensei when he came to the UK recently, and enjoyed his teaching immensely. Are there any/many teachers there in the US who you feel are operating at a his or a higher level, and that I might get to feel? Any suggestions on etiquette and the right way to approach my encounters, would be gratefully received. Is it OK to just turn up at a dojo and politely request to practice? Should I make contact with the sensei by phone/email before hand and request permission? As I will effectively be a ‘rankless ronin’ I will be carrying a black and white belt, it makes no difference to me, which one I wear. Should I mention the grade I hold in my own organisation? Anyway, I am really looking forward to meeting many people on this little jaunt, so look out for an older Englishman in an old German bus, looking for new experiences. He maybe coming your way very soon.:) regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Hi Mark,
If you find yourself near the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, let me know. I'll buy you dinner and go over the training I do. Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
On your way down the coast I would stop by here and see Mike -
http://www.aikidoofashland.net/about_dojo/friedl.htm |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Hi Mark -
Glad to hear the trip is still on. Our invitation's still open. Let Mary and me know when you're approaching western Mass. and we'll set something up. Ron |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
If you make it up to the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area of New York, lemme know.
|
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Hi Mark
Sorry I will be missing you in Seattle I will be there for a week and leaving June 15th. Shoot me a P.M. if you are interested in meeting up with like minded Aikido people I know there. I would suggest avoiding their regular classes and opt for their IP nights or private get togethers. Dan |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Hi Mark,
If you are in Portland Oregon feel free to look me and the guys up. I'll be playing host to some strange Dutchman at that time so be warned! Allen Beebe |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
will do, I have been interested in your posts for quite some time, so it would be great to meet and train with you (nothing too 'modern' though;) ) regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
thanks for the link, I will look him up. Do you train with him yourself? regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
will do. As you can see, I am entering on the opposite coast. This is mainly due to me doing some research on buying and registering a vehicle in the US (Mary Malmros had warned me it was different in different states). It seems, post 9/11, it is very difficult for us 'foreign' folk to do. I have a good friend in Seattle, who can sort it all out for me, hence the change in plans. Anyway, I look forward to seeing you and Mary, later in the summer. regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
will do, thanks for the invite, regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Mark:
My previous offer is still good! Travel safe, Marc Abrams |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
you can't get away from me that easily Dan, I will track you down somewhere over there and make sure I get some more hands on time with you! (maybe Orange County, Ca?) I will be in touch by P.M as I am keen to work on the IP as much as I want to roll around and have fun doing aikido. hope to see you pretty soon, I want your feedback on my progress, and more to work on:cool: regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
I will definitely be in touch, if you can handle a strange Dutchman, then you can definitely cope with a Brit with a dodgy sense of humour;) look forward to it, regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Seattle and the west coast (SF Bay Area and the LA Basin) are great areas to begin with lots of good teachers. I hope we get a chance to meet, but if not, have a wonderful trip!
|
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Hello Mark,
Quote:
Quote:
See you on the mat, I hope! Sincerely, Jim |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
thanks, I will be in touch. My anti clockwise west coast start, will probably have me up your way in late summer. However, I know you travel around a fair bit, so if you keep me informed, I may see you 'away from home'. regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
Thank you for that information, that is really helpful. I hope to be over your way around late August (I have to be back in Seattle by mid Sept). I look forward to the opportunity of meeting and practicing with you and your colleagues. regards Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
thanks, keep your eyes open for a white VW bus:) regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
if you happen to be near my way, please give me a ping. i don't operate at Ikeda level, but i can operate at Phi's level which usually beats out Ikeda's level in term of foods and drinks and company. :)
|
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
Dan will be at my place 8/17 & 8/19. I will be gone 7/5-7/8, 7/17- 7/23, 8/9-8/12 , 8/21-9/2. Marc Abrams |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Mark,
in the Bay area, if you get down there, I have found great training and hospitality at Kayla Feder's dojo in Berkeley and Linda Holiday's in Santa Cruz. Both nice towns, too. In SF, I strongly recommend you check out Robert Nadeau, if you have not seen him before. His stuff and personality dont agree with everybody, but he is definitely impressive in his way. Have a great journey. |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Hi Mark,
It would be great to meet you if you can make it to Tsubaki America! Cool place to see at the least, if you have the time. Happy journeys! Matt |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
Phi's level is good enough for me, I love food, drink and company with a well developed sense of humour. Watch out for that ping! regards, Mark |
Re: Mark's revised adventure
Quote:
thanks for the recommendation, duly noted. I have stayed in Santa Cruz before, a lovely place. regards, Mark |
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:39 AM. |
Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.