Aikido "Tourism"

Hi, first time to write in the forums.

Have been practising Yoshinkan Aikido since January and just passed 7th kyu last night. But as Im moving I will have to change over to aikikai from September.

I used to work in Japan as a JET Programme English Instructor and am heading back next month for a visit. As I have just started aikido I would like to do some "aikido tourism" - visit the aikikai and yoshinkan hombu dojos and any other associated aikido places and shrines.

So I wondered if anyone has any recommendations of places to visit associated with the past (and present!) of aikido? Any must see places? I planned just on staying mostly in Tokyo and Sendai (where I used to live), so any places around there would be great! If not then I maybe able to travel.

Anyway thanks for your help!

If you are in Sendai, I think John Stevens teaches there (at the university and aikido as well). If you PM me, I will try to get you in touch with him.

I think both hombu dojo are a good idea. Aikikai hombu may be interesting...since you do not have a yudansha passport. The aikikai folk here can probably help you with that. There are some good posts here and on aikidojournal about visiting hombu.

Your Yoshinkan instructor could probably help you with that Hombu. By any chance is your instructor affiliated with David Rubens? He's a great guy, and well respected, I'm sure he could help.

Best,
Ron

Ron,

Thanks for your post reply! As for going to the hombu, my main hope is just to watch and gain inspiration.

As for getting on the mat and practising, as a beginner I feel a bit shy and nervous about being on the mat in a large/advanced class, such as at the hombu, and think it might be a bit much for me at this stage.

I do hope to get in a bit of practice though whilst there and have a few smaller sessions lined up to look forward to. I have read some of Stevens-Sensei's books and I think he might be still teaching in Sendai - so I would love the chance to attend his class.

My instructor is affiliated to Ken Shin Kai and seems to have links with Joe Thambu Sensei from Melbourne.

Matt