Thread: Schisms....
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Old 07-08-2002, 10:27 PM   #42
tedehara
 
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Dojo: Evanston Ki-Aikido
Location: Evanston IL
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 826
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Chris Li is correct. Saotome Sensei was never a member of the Ki Society. Toyoda Sensei was with the original group that broke away from Hombu Dojo.

In his book Book of Ki:Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life page 91, Tohei lists Fumio Toyoda as being part of the original Ki Society instructors. He also lists Toyoda Sensei as 5th dan. I believe he received promotion to 6th dan when AAA affiliated with Aikikai.

Toyoda Sensei was originally sent to be head instructor of the Chicago Ki Society. However after years of running battles with Ki Society headquarters, he was expelled. When that happened, Tohei was asked, "What do you want to do about Toyoda?", implying possible legal action to wrestle the dojo away from him. Tohei replied, "Forget it."

This is also good advice for those involved in this split. If you know who you are, then you know where you should be. Don't worry about everyone else. They can take care of themselves.

This is a very emotional time. Toyoda Sensei's first year memorial has just occurred and many people are now feeling the full loss of his passing. However the lessons he taught should be more alive than ever.

It is not practice that makes perfect, it is correct practice that makes perfect.
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