Living in Japan

Hello to all,
My name is Paul and I live in Kyushu Japan with my wife and 2 children.
I am a fanatic in regards to Aikido (Yondan) and have trained for over 25 years in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. I still am still facinated with Aikido, even more so, since the day I started back in Auckland New Zealand such a long long time ago (crazy for sure). The more you learn, the more there is to know. A never ending journey, just like life.
I also study Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu (Yondan), a traditional Japanese sword style that is over 500 years old. It appears that I am only the second highest ranked foreigner studying this art here in Fukuoka. This sword school is called the Kuroda Han Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu. This particular group protected Lord Kuroda, who was in control of Kyushu. I find this sword style really facinating to learn, it is a treasure of Japan that is slowly petering out. The Japanese are more interested these days with Baseball, Soccer, Rugby, and American Football.
I hope to help preserve this amazing sword style, and one day open a dojo downunder, to keep the history of this beautiful sword style alive.
I look forward to joining in on the interesting discussion that you have here.
Regards
Paul in Japan

Hello Paul,

Welcome to Aikiweb.

I live just up the road from you in, Hiroshima. I have been hear about ten years longer than you have.

Where do you do your aikido training, with Suganuma Shihan?

Best wishes,

PAG

Hey Paul. Welcome to Aikiweb. I live a little further up the road in Nagoya...just stay on the Shinkansen! Happy Posting!

joe

Hello Paul. I would also like to welcome you to Aikiweb. I live a little bit further (speaking in galactic terms) up the road in Europe.

Hi Peter
I have only been here for 5 years now, and still finding the language very difficult. Suganuma Sensei will be my next call shortly. It was difficult to get to his dojo where I used to live. Now I have moved and it will be very easy. I trained with Sunao Sensei as he was closer to home. Amazing man, in his seventies and still going strong. Great technique. Sadly had an elbow throw go wrong, was hit directly and hard right on the joint. Specialist said one year to heal. Hard to pick up a glass of water at the moment.
I gather that you are one of the many aikido addicts too?
All the very best
Paul

Hi Joe
Looking forward to sharing stories and info on this site.
How long have you been hooked on Aikido? Other arts?
regards
Paul in Fukuoka

Hi Dieter
This web thing really makes it a very small world. Please give me your details re aikido or other martial interests Deiter. Then I can get an idea of who I am talking to.
see you in the blogs, all the best
Paul in Japan

Hi Paul,

Welcome to AikiWeb. Nice to have you here. I hope you feel welcome in joining in the many discussions that are going on.

Best,

-- Jun

Paul Araki-Metcalfe wrote: Hi Peter I have only been here for 5 years now, and still finding the language very difficult. Suganuma Sensei will be my next call shortly. It was difficult to get to his dojo where I used to live. Now I have moved and it will be very easy. I trained with Sunao Sensei as he was closer to home. Amazing man, in his seventies and still going strong. Great technique. Sadly had an elbow throw go wrong, was hit directly and hard right on the joint. Specialist said one year to heal. Hard to pick up a glass of water at the moment. I gather that you are one of the many aikido addicts too? All the very best Paul

Hello Paul,

I misunderstood your post. I thought you had been here for 20 years or so. I came here in 1980, but I started aikido ten years before then.

When you say "closer to home", I thought that Sunao Shihan was based in Saga, way to the west of Kyushu. Has he moved? Did he have the accident, or did you?

Best wishes,

PAG

Hey, Fukuoka Represent!

I live with my wife down the Nishitetsu line in Dazaifu. Started training about 1990 or so. Haven't trained much in the past couple of years, been indulging my interest in folklore studies. Damn fascinating stuff. I've done a few Aiki workshops for foreigners and I swing the ol' sticks around to keep sharp. Keep your eyes peeled for the 6 foot 6 foreigner in a fedora wandering around Futsukaichi.

Kind regards,
Scott Burke

Dear Jun-san
Thank you for th warm welcome. I look forward to mny interesting discussion on this site.
All the very best
Paul

Peter
There will always be misunderstandings via webites and emails.
I am just a new one here compared to you. My goodness, since 1980, that is a very long time. Obviously this is your home now. What an achievement.
Sunao Sensei is based in Saga, but he has a dojo in Meinohama, next door to Momochihama where I used to live.
I have visited Suganuma Sensei at his dojo over the years, really enjoyed my training them all, and look forward to connecting back up with him.
Who is your Sensei Peter? I am not that familiar with the Seneis around Japan.
Best regards
Paul

Hi Scott
Being that tall, you would be very hard to miss, I will keep my eye out for you.
Life does get in the way of your dreams, and they can slip away occasionally. My wife and kids take a lot of time and energy, but I would not have it any other way. My life is far better because of them, I am blessed. I do hope you re-kindle the flame regarding Aikido and I see you on the mat one day.
All the very best to you and yours from me and mine.
paul

Maido Okini!

From Wakayama Japan. Where the mikan are sweet, the umeboshi is sour, and the locals are always willing to give you a helping hand.

Kevin

Kevin Alciati wrote: Maido Okini! From Wakayama Japan. Where the mikan are sweet, the umeboshi is sour, and the locals are always willing to give you a helping hand. Kevin

I was in Wakayama over the summer and you are totally correct! I loved it there. Have you made it to Seigantoji, Kimii-dera, Kokawa-dera (one of my favorite temples in Japan) or Hase-dera (though not in Wakaya, but close)?

Hi Paul,

Welcome to Aikiweb. I lived in Tokyo and Osaka for a few years. Have traveled around Japan but never to Kyushu. I plan to go back for a visit in June or July this year.

Darin

My teacher's dojo is in the town of Kimiidera. I used to teach a school near the Kokawa train station.

you are a very popular introductory poster!
welcome and check your private messages inbox!

Paul Araki-Metcalfe wrote: Peter There will always be misunderstandings via webites and emails. I am just a new one here compared to you. My goodness, since 1980, that is a very long time. Obviously this is your home now. What an achievement. Sunao Sensei is based in Saga, but he has a dojo in Meinohama, next door to Momochihama where I used to live. I have visited Suganuma Sensei at his dojo over the years, really enjoyed my training them all, and look forward to connecting back up with him. Who is your Sensei Peter? I am not that familiar with the Seneis around Japan. Best regards Paul

Hello Paul,

Well, the Dojo-cho here is Masakazu Kitahira (8th dan). I have trained with him ever since I came to live here. However, I am not sure whether it is correct to call him my Sensei.

Best wishes,

PAG

Hi Darin
Contact me if you do come to Kyushu and I will gladly assist if I can.
From Perth, a beautiful place. One of my best friends, Paul Sinkinson had a dojo in Perth for a few years, do you know of him?
Regards
paul

Thanks Jory for the heads up
With two kids it is always a bit difficult to keep up with the chit chats, sorry
paul

Paul Araki-Metcalfe wrote: Hi Darin Contact me if you do come to Kyushu and I will gladly assist if I can. From Perth, a beautiful place. One of my best friends, Paul Sinkinson had a dojo in Perth for a few years, do you know of him? Regards paul

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the offer. I haven't heard of Paul Sinkinson. Was he a part of any organization here?

Darin

Darin Hyde wrote: Hi Paul, Thanks for the offer. I haven't heard of Paul Sinkinson. Was he a part of any organization here? Darin

Hey Darin
Paul Sinkinson was with Aiki-Kai Australia for years. Before that Aiki-Kai New Zealand. Before that Chiba Sensei in England.
Which organisation are you with Darin?

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