Gozo Shioda Memorial 2006
This year the theme of the memorial seminar was Yoshinkan Aikido and was held on Saturday 15th July 2006 at High Wycombe Judo Centre. The festival was held in memory of Gozo Shioda, founder of the Yoshinkan Aikido, who died in Tokyo, on Sunday 17th July 1994. The Memorial is held every year and brings people from all over the country, it is always very hard training but very enjoyable. Below are some thoughts of the days training by one of the Goryukan Stafford students.
Gozo Shioda Memorial Venue: High Wycombe Judo Centre Date: Saturday 15th July 2006 Author: H. A. Pielacki - 1st Kyu - Goryukan Stafford Dojo
I awaited this day with a feeling of trepidation and expectation. Trepidation because it was going to be a hot day and the training would be hard (not entirely a new experience); expectation as I would have the opportunity to train under so many high ranking sensei and also perhaps be able to renew friendships with fellow aikidoka. I have many memories of the days training and a few of the most prominent are described below:
Doing ukemi on a lovely mat with lots of give in it. What a wonderful surface to do break falls on. The work done with bokkens towards the end of the day under the guidance of Sensei Masters bought a refreshing end to the training. (I remember thinking/ hoping/wishing that I would get a chance to do this!) Sensei Yates's lucid explanation of Shomen Uchi Sokumen Iriminage Ichi and the practise session that followed. The looks on the faces of some aikidoka and the sucking in of air through the teeth (in my limited experience usually associated with Koshi nage and Hiji jime techniques) after Sensei Crawford came on and demonstrated his first technique which involved a head throw. Sensei Harrison asking all grades 3rd Kyu and above to stay on the mat while every body else sat down. This was then followed by said grades doing Ryote Mochi Tenchinage in hajime style. I remember having to drink vast quantities of water (a common theme throughout the day) at dinner break which followed shortly afterwards. Doing Shomen tsuki Jiyu Waza in a large group where shite was attacked three times by each uke in turn. I remember thinking at the time this is what it must feel like to be surrounded. Training with aikidoka from so many different clubs in a tremendous atmosphere of co-operation. Not realising how exhausted I was until I sat down to watch the demonstrations at the end of the day which were a privilege to watch. The camaraderie shown throughout the day but particularly in the bar after the cessation of training.
By Henry Pielacki 1st Kyu Goryukan Stafford Dojo
"The Yoshinkan" House for Cultivating the Spirit