On Sunday, I participated in the IHI Aikido Club's Shihan Keiko held at the Aikikai Headquarters. For many of us, including myself, it was the first time for us to come to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, so we are grateful for this precious opportunity.
Although I had checked the location on the map in advance, I was sweating profusely on an unexpected slope from the nearest station... I was impressed by the fact that Tokyo is indeed a city of hills, as a citizen of the hilly city of Yokohama. Quickly scaned inside the building for various notices and be careful not to break any special rules for killing people for the first time. When I saw A-san from the friendship dojo I met on the way bowing to the O-Sensei relief, I timidly followed suit. Oh, I read somewhere that this habit is mandatory, but I forgot.. Now I am a regular at the headquarters.
The atmosphere at the headquarters dojo was roughly as I had imagined, but what surprised me the most was Tatami... Mat? at the dojo. What is this mysterious material? The surface of the mat is made of a canvas-like white material sewn on, which is slippery and a little hard.. but I liked it because it seemed to suit me better. The surface of this mat is water absorbent, so it may be safer than a material that suddenly slips on your feet with sweat.
Everyone who had been participating in Doshu's lesson just before joined us, and we were instructed by SEKI Shihan for an hour. After that, we practiced the performance at The All Japan Aikido Embukai (Exhibition) one week later, and confirmed the flow from entry to exit. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend, but show off your wonderful performances, pals!
It was a really new and meaningful lesson for me. Now I can boast to beginners about my experience at Hombu Dojo! (Y)
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