Yoshinkan Aikido Seminar with Joe Thambu Sensei - Nov 8-9, 2008

Joe Thambu Sensei, Yoshinkan Aikido 7th dan, will be visiting the Western Region of the US from Australia for a two-day seminar in Los Angeles, California, on November 8th and 9th (Sat & Sun), 2008.

Thambu Sensei began training in Aikido at eleven years old, and was later awarded his 5th dan from Yoshinkan Aikido founder Shioda Gozo directly. He has also had the opportunity to train with renowned instructors such as Shinkendo Founder Obata Toshishiro Kaiso, Nariyama Tetsuro Shihan, and the late Donn Draeger.

Thambu Sensei is known for his smooth but effective techniques. The training will consist of two 8 hour days of training, with the last half of the second day (Sunday) including his "Restraining & Removal" seminar designed for professionals.

We will only be hosting him on the West Coast for this two day seminar, so those interested are strongly encouraged to pre-register (sorry for the late notice). The seminar will also be attended by several higher ranked Aikido instructors as well. As such, we are looking more towards quality of instruction rather as opposed to large number of participants. This event will sell out, so please get back to us ASAP.

An announcement flyer and registration form can be downloaded (.pdf) from:

Seishin Tanrenkai

More information on Joe Thambu Sensei can be found on his web site:

Aikido Shudokan - Australia

Hope to see you there,

Sounds like an excellent time Nathan. Any chance he's coming to the East coast?

Best,
Ron

Ron Tisdale wrote: Sounds like an excellent time Nathan. Any chance he's coming to the East coast? Best, Ron

Ron,

He will be giving a clinic in Chicago November 14 to 16th. for more information go to www.foxvalleyaikido.com . I unfortunately will not be able to attend (although it sounds like a great seminar) as I will be in the air returning from my trip to Japan while the seminar is being held

Osu,

Dan

Hi Ron,

You can't hide on the east coast forever, you know!

Regards,

For those thinking of attending, I've just posted hotel information to the website:

Seminar Hotel Listing

Anyone worried about budget problems would be advised to contact other participants and look into sharing a room. Feel free to use this thread to request room mates, or contact us through the email link provided on the web page and we'll distribute name lists of others interested in sharing a room.

The rooms are already pretty cheap though.

Regards,

Hey folks,

We're one week away from the seminar. Support the hosting of first class international instructors here in the US or lose future opportunities!

Here is some more motivation (videos):

Aikido Shudokan Joe Thambu Sensei - National All Styles Demo

50th All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido Demo - Thambu Sensei

Aikido Shudokan Jiyu-Waza Team - National All Styles Demo

Aikido Shudokan Joe Thambu Sensei - Demonstration 2008

Log off and train!

Please join me in congratulating Thambu Sensei in his recent award of Yoshinkan Shihan!

Shioda Kancho was recently visiting Thambu Sensei in Melbourne, Australia, and issued the the title of Shihan to him during his stay. While this is a huge achievement for anyone, it is all the more significant in that Thambu Shihan is now the first non-Japanese to be given this title.

Omedeto Gozaimashita!

For the record and not to take anything away from Thambu Sensei, however Amos L. Parker received his shihan in 1986. He is the highest ranking non-Japanese shihan in Yoshinkan Aikido. He is 8th dan.

Shioda Y. Kancho was heard on several occasions during his recent visit to MN addressing him as such.

Congratulations to Thambu Sensei (Shihan)!

I have to concur with Steven's statement, and no, it takes nothing away from Thambu Sensei.

Best,
Ron

I have seen some photos of Joe Sensei's trip to the US and it looks like everyone had a great time. Thank you to everyone who looked after Joe Sensei and made him feel extremely welcome!

Regarding the above few posts, Yasuhisa Shioda Kancho presented Joe Thambu Shihan with his Shihan certificate and presented it as "the first Shihan title to be awarded to a non-Japanese".

To clarify, Amos Parker Shihan was indeed the first non-Japanese to be awarded the title of Shihan but Joe Thambu Shihan's title was the first to be awarded to a non-Japanese by hombu dojo, which was what Yasuhisa Shioda Kancho was referring to on the presentation of his certificate, the 26th Shihan certificate to be presented by the Hombu dojo.

Kind Regards
Enrica Cheung
Aikido Shudokan