In the last installment of this series we talked about writing down some things you did, and did not, want from the martial art you choose. We then said to start doing some research on the internet and Yellow Pages to learn the differences between the different martial and aesthetic arts you may be interested in. We said to write down some of the martial arts schools you found during your search and make a nice list of places to call. We then said that it was time to start calling around and talking with some of the martial arts instructors to find out a little more about the martial arts school, its history, the actual martial art, the martial arts instructor, and even some of the philosophies they have about training and the art.

Before we call, however, it would be good to have a list of questions to ask so you can compare apples to apples when making your choice about which martial art and which martial arts school will best suit what you might be looking for. Below is a list of some of the questions you should probably ask when calling around. I did mention at the end of the last installment that “cost of the classes” was the least important at this point, so i want to briefly explain what i meant.

“Cost”, as you probably already know, refers to the actual “market price” of an item or service, but the cost says nothing about the “value” of that particular item or service. This is never more true than in the martial arts and self defense classes industry, especially martial arts and self defense classes in Grand Rapids. West Michigan is a very cost and value conscious community and, while cost is important, value should be at the top of the list when making a decision about which martial art and which martial arts school will best provide what you need. Value occurs at the intersection of whats expected, what’s delivered, what it costs, and what else is available in the market. While I dont intend to give a lengthy explanation of economics and market theory, when it comes to choosing something you will likely spend a good deal of time and money enjoying, you should know how to distinguish value of mere cost. We will get around to asking prices, but it will only be after all the other questions have been asked.

So, now to the questions:

1. What martial arts do you offer?
2. What is the difference between them?
3. Which ones do you teach personally?
4. How long have you been practicing your martial art?
5. Who did you learn from?
6. Is there a certification process?
7. How many other instructors teach at your school?
8. Who did they learn from?
9. Are there tests and a formal ranking system?
10. How often are the tests held?
11. How does one become eligible to test?
12. Are students required to test?
13. Are there periodic workshops and seminars that I can attend?
14. Can non-members come and watch classes?
15. Whats your motivation for teaching at the school?
16. Are there any secret techniques or teachings that I have to pay extra for?
17. How long does the typical student stay at your school?
18. What, in your opinion, will taking classes from you and your school do for me in my daily life?
19. What has this martial art and school done for you in your daily life, If I may ask?
20. How much are the classes and what are my payment options?

So, there it is. A fairly complete list of questions to ask a martial arts school in Grand Rapids, or really anywhere in the world, to get a good idea about whats going on there, how much of your life you might have to invest, how you feel about the person on the other end of the phone, and how much it may cost you each month. Remember, we’re only half-way through the process at this point. One of the most important aspects of choosing a martial arts school or self defense class is going to be visiting the dojo, dojang, gym, training center, school or academy and “seeing” how you feel when you’re there. All of the other things you asked the person on the phone won’t matter a bit if, when you walk in and watch a class, you feel uncomfortable, stressed, unwelcome, or simply decide after watching that this particular martial art is not the right one for you.

Check back for the next installment when we discuss what to look for while you’re there…

AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon

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Stepping up the intensity: Kangeiko winter training

January 23, 12:07 AMChicago Martial Arts Fitness ExaminerManuel de Joya

At numerous dojo in the Chicago area and around the world, Judo, Kendo, Karate, and Aikido practitioners are beginning an annual tradition that reaffirms their commitment to their art.

The annual event is called kangeiko, or literally “cold training“. Kangeiko challenges both the minds and bodies of the participants through practice under adverse conditions, in unheated training halls or even outdoors.  The tradition has its roots in the ascetic practices of Mahayana Buddhism, and was later adopted by the warrior class.  Orginally, the intent was to strengthen commitment, fire up the fighting spirit, and exorcise the inner invertebrate.

Today, the practices vary among the different arts. Judoka, who follow the Kodokan tradition, train all day in an unheated dojo, beginning at 6 AM, for two consecutive days.  Most Aikidoka practice for ten consecutive days, with some attempting to attend all the classes.  Often, even in this modern age, dojo windows are sometimes thrown open to allow the Chicago winter to permeate the dojo.

Why do these practitioners do this? Some simply see it as a test to be overcome, a challenge to be met, and to find one’s limits.  Others use it as a mechanism by which they can renew their commitment to their chosen art, believing that a commitment made under adverse conditions creates a stronger bond.

There are also traditions of abstinence during this period, and some practitioners use this as an opportunity to cleanse or detoxify their bodies.  Then, there are those who seek to create a new habit of frequent practice and build momentum for the new year.  And then, there are the dojo rats, for whom this is business as usual.

Regardless of various reasons and practices, the sustained activity during this period will increase your level of fitness.  However, there are a few precautions the you need to take, especially when practicing in the cold. Remember that you are renewing your commitment and not having one last fling with your art:

• Warm up and stretch thoroughly to prevent injuries. The combination of low temperatures and constant muscle and joint strain will increase the possibility of injury.
• Hydrate, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body requires hydration during cold weather, but the thirst reflex may not be triggered.
• Eat properly.  Fuel up with complex carbohydrates and protein before classes, but also make sure that you eat properly afterwards to ensure recovery.
• Eat moderately. A common mistake is to eat too much and wind up actually gaining weight during this period.
• Pay attention to hygiene. Always wear a clean gi, clean supportive gear, and wash your hands frequently.  The intensity of the training may suppress your immune system and make you more susceptible to everything from skin diseases to H1N1.
• Be alert for symptoms of hypothermia in yourself and others. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, clumsiness, and more.
• Pace yourself. Try to ignore the urge to go all out at every class.
• Get adequate sleep to ensure proper recovery and healing.

Kangeiko, for those who make the commitment, builds camaraderie and a sense of joint accomplishment.  Bonds amongst practitioners are strengthened while their ties to their art are strengthened.   Kangeiko is an ordeal, but the rewards are great, the process can be fun, and the stories come will come in handy in your old age.

So, you’ve been interested in trying a martial arts class in Grand Rapids, or West Michigan, or really any where in the world. The process is going to be the same no matter where you live. In the first part of this series, Martial Arts in Grand Rapids-How does one choose?, Part 1, I said that knowing what you might be looking for from  the martial art that you choose was really important for several reasons.

First, it will help you save time while investigating martial arts schools in Grand Rapids, MI or Grand Junction, CO, once again, it wont matter the area of the country one lives in, the process is the same. Second, it will help you figure out which martial arts NOT to look any further into. For example, if your list of desired benefits includes cardio vascular benefits but does NOT include learning how to fight, you may want to cross “mixed martial arts classes” off of the list. If your list includes wanting to be more flexible but does NOT include learning how to flip people then you may want to cross “Aikido classes” off your list.

So, now you have a list of things you’d like to learn and some things you have no interest whatsoever in learning. You take that list and start typing keywords into the Google search bar of your internet browser and start doing some investigation into which martial arts classes have schools within a relatively close distance from your home. A good rule of thumb is no more than 10 miles from your home. If you’re going to stick with the martial arts class that you choose, it will be important to be within a reasonable distance from your home so that when the honeymoon is over, meaning the initial euphoria of joining a new program is gone, your martial arts school is still relatively close. If its too far away, you’ll use that as an excuse to stop going.

The next step in this process, once you have your list, is to get some good data from the Yellow Pages and a thorough Google, Yahoo or Bing search for martial arts schools in your area. For example, in the Google search box in the upper right corner of your internet browser you would type, “Martial Arts Classes in Grand Rapids+self defense”, or “Self Defense Classes In Grand Rapids”, if you’re looking for self defense. The resulting page that comes up should give you some good local martial arts schools offering the classes you are looking for.

Begin by writing down which schools have the martial arts classes you know you might want to try. Be sure to look for ones that have been around a while. Fly by night martial arts schools are the ones that haven’t been in town that long but want you to sign a long contract and/or pay for a year or two up front. While they may be a legitimate martial arts school offering legitimate classes, a good school with a confident staff and instructors will offer a free trial period for you to check out the facility and the particular art they’re offering. While this sometimes seems like a gimmick, its actually a sign of confidence in the instructor that they are willing to offer their classes for free before asking you to make a commitment.

Now, with your list of potential martial arts schools, classes, locations, addresses, phone numbers and questions, you can start calling around to various schools to further narrow your search. Once you start calling, for the first time in this process you’re going to begin using your gut instinct to whittle down the list based on the responses you get from the various martial arts instructors running the schools you call. Before we actually begin calling around though, we’ll need a solid list of questions to ask. I’m going to give you the list of questions in the next blog post but just know that the last, and least important question you’re going to ask is “how much are your martial arts classes”

See you for the next installment!

If you’ve ever taken a stroll through the phonebook under the heading Martial Arts classes in Grand Rapids, or really anywhere in the West Michigan area, you’ve undoubtedly come across a plethora (that means “a lot!”) of choices. How does one possibly choose a martial arts school when there seem to be so  may different options.

Do I choose Karate or Tae Kwon Do? .. and what’s the difference? Should I choose Yoga or Tai Chi? ..and what’s the difference? How about Aikido or Kendo?.. and what’s the…well, you get the point.

If you’ve ever been in this type of pickle you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. So many choices with so little information with which to make your decision. Hopefully, this little guide will help you as you begin the investigation process and hopefully help you avoid some of the pitfalls of choosing the right martial arts school in West Michigan along the way.

Typically, when somebody is hunting for a martial arts school, they began their hunt based on something they saw, like the Ultimate Fighting Championships or maybe a Steven Seagal movie (hopefully not the latter!). Quite possibly, the seeds were planted a while ago but something has triggered a new, or renewed, interest in finally taking that martial arts class they’ve been threatening to take for years now. Of course, that was 27 pounds (or more), 1 and 1/2 marriages, 2 dogs and 1 hamster ago and they’ve finally decided its time to do something!

The search usually begins with a Google search or a scan of the Yellow Pages under “Martial Arts”. Either way, ones choices for martial arts schools in West Michigan will be several pages long. While I would never tell anybody NOT to start their search this way, I would strongly recommend doing a little bit of research first. I recommend writing out a list of the things one is looking for from the martial art they may choose. A list might be something like: ” I Want”-physical fitness, weight loss, self defense, cardio benefits, meet new people, etc.

Now, while thats a pretty broad list that could fit pretty much any martial arts class, at least its a start. If you begin calling on martial arts schools right out of the Yellow Pages or off of an internet search, those are the questions that most schools will ask, the good ones anyway. All schools SHOULD ask those questions to see if their school will even be a good fit for what one might be looking for. If a school doesn’t ask those questions, this may be a red flag that they simply want you to come and join even if its not what you’re looking for.

Now, you’ll want to start plugging those words into further internet searches right along with the words “martial arts classes in Grand Rapids“, or whatever town one lives in, to see what kinds of information comes up. Its really important for one to do as much investigation as possible BEFORE ever leaving the house. I’m going to encourage you to eventually leave the house and actually start visiting martial arts schools, but for now, knowing what kind of class you might be looking for will be a big help in narrowing down your search and making your martial arts experience as enjoyable as possible.

Check back soon for the next steps in choosing the right martial arts classes and school for you.

Back in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s in West Michigan, there was only one instructor to study Aikido in Grand Rapids with, Mr. Jerome Helton Sensei. While I dont know Helton Sensei personally, I have seen several public demonstrations by he and his students around the Grand Rapids area. At the time I first saw an Aikido demonstration I was an avid student of Shorin Ryu Karate under the well known and respected instructor, Mr. Brian Lentz, owner of ProKarate. I heard about an Aikido demonstration being held at the local community college and decided to check it out.

I had seen Aikido before and actually did a little bit at some self defense seminars held locally so I wasn’t expecting any surprises. I had never really witnessed the Yoshinkai style so Helton Sensei’s demonstration was my first experience of it. Although I didn’t really understand everything I was seeing, I was very impressed with the movements of Helton Sensei and the coordinated efforts of the students performing the demonstration. There was quite an obvious mastery of movement and a very apparent understanding of Aikido, even if I didn’t understand what was going on completely.

I must admit, I didn’t fully comprehend the extended arms, splayed fingers, and what appeared to be somewhat rigid robotic movements of the students, still don’t, but I ended up leaving the demonstration with a new respect for Aikido, respect for Helton Sensei and his students, and the seed had been planted for me to, one day soon, embark on an “Aiki” path that ultimately led me to Toyoda Shihan and the amazing education and experiences I have had as a result. Aikido in Grand Rapids was about to change forever…

Check back soon for the next episode

Up until now, I’ve tried to either write some decent pieces of work or find related stories or blogs that might bring some value to the readers and post those instead. I have avoided writing about local stuff because I see the blog as being bigger than our region. But, I also see some benefit in writing about some of our daily experiences since we are always referring to the principles of Aikido being utilized in daily life.

My most recent opportunity involves another local Aikido dojo here in Grand Rapids. I wont post any names because they aren’t important. What is important are the scenarios encountered over the years and how they have been handled, what we learn along the way, the questions we can ask ourselves later, and the opportunities to really practice the Aikido we promote to our students. The ultimate question will be : Are we applying the Aikido principles we teach others, to our own issues and conflicts, or is it all just lip service?  I will also attempt to reconstruct a brief history of Aikido in Grand Rapids from my vantage as I go along.

As the owner of a martial arts school teaching the principles and techniques of Aikido, which, by the way, involve ‘resolution of conflict’ as a primary motivating factor in ones training in the art, I do my best to live by the principles that I express on the mat. That is, of course, based only on my personal understanding of the greater message of training in Aikido, which I believe is predicated on one having at least a cursory understanding of the concept of “harmony”, or at least some idea of “harmonious interaction”, even in the midst of a conflict.

I haven’t always been that way and there are many things in the past that I would like to have the opportunity to re-do, however, without the benefit of a time machine, all one can do is move forward, possibly right some wrongs, and continue to move closer to being the change one seeks in the world.

Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to experience a whole bunch of dojo related, non-physical conflicts first hand due primarily to a uchi deshi program that has been running at the Toyoda Center since its opening in 2002. With 3 men and 1 woman participating in a somewhat intensive Aikido instructor training and leadership program, there were bound to be some conflicts between individuals. I got to be part of many an issue between them. My stance was almost always one of , “work it out using the principles Aikido” and “the dojo is just a microcosm of the real world, so resolve it as you would in the real world”.

Aikido in Grand Rapids today is offered by 3 different schools: my dojo the Toyoda Center, the school that I first started Aikido at back in 1990, and the one run by one of my former uchideshi. Check back again soon to hear more about how Aikido has evolved in Grand Rapids over the past 20 years.

Fumio Toyoda Sensei, A Memorial Tribute, Conclusion
Written by Gaku Homma

After his recovery, his actions became his testimony for his newfound dedication to life, his newfound enlightenment. He continued to build his organization Aikido Association of America with a passion and single-minded mission and purpose. Some who were not aware of his medical condition and history might even have considered him pushy or overly aggressive. Some publications fell into this category. Several times he even approached me to join his organization but I had seen too many politics in my lifetime and wanted to remain independent. In a gesture of affability, I allowed him take over affiliation of a few of my branch dojos closer to his headquarters in Chicago.

Though his efforts and perseverance, Toyoda Sensei built the Aikido Association of America into an international organization. Like a great artist that wants to paint the one great painting before his time is gone, I believe he felt that whatever time he had left, he wanted to dedicate to Aikido and his Aikido Association of America.

With his organization headquarters in Chicago, Toyoda Sensei weathered competition from the organizations of Koichi Tohei Sensei, Akira Tohei Sensei, and earlier, Mitsugu Saotome Sensei (a former Aikikai shihan later Founder of the Aikido School of Ueshiba). Earlier at Hombu dojo, I remember Toyoda Sensei and Saotome Sensei having very serious differences resulting on more than one occasion in fisticuffs. One occasion I remember involved the two of them in a physical “disagreement” on the eve of the Founder’s wake. But this is another story, for another time. Being the youngest of the Japanese instructors in this group in Chicago, Toyoda Sensei struggled with the burden of the loyalties he felt for his peers, his sempai (aikido student, senior in rank at the same dojo) and the Sensei he had practiced under. In front of him was Akira Tohei Sensei behind him was Mitsugu Saotome Sensei. Under what I can imagine was a great weight, Toyoda Sensei still managed to build his own international organization.

When Toyoda Sensei first came to the United States, I think the last thing on his mind was building his own organization. He came as an innocent, young martial artist who worked tirelessly and loyally for what he believed. Falling victim to leaders who did not appreciate his efforts, he was forced to sever relationships for his own survival. I can completely understand his feeling of not being able to go backwards, of feeling he had to forge ahead on his own. Later on I can remember him telling me that one-day he would build a large organization and return to Hombu (Aikikai Headquarters). Even though his organization had been formally accepted back into the Aikikai, when Toyoda Sensei attended the funeral services for the late Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba and the inauguration of the present Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, he had to keep a low profile due to his previous departure from the Hombu Dojo many years earlier. Such is the nature of Japanese society.

The last message I received from him was last fall. It was delivered by one of my students who had been visiting his area. He said “Tell him hello please, I haven’t seen him in a long time”.

In America, Toyoda Sensei was one of the few Japanese Aikido instructors to have gone through such extensive Aikido training and practice in Japan. He has left a big footmark on the history of Aikido in the United States. I wish I could have listened more about his opinions on life and Aikido. My memories of him are from our youth together at Hombu dojo. I remember our days of practice, of drinking together, of talking long into the night in his 5 x 10 apartment above the vegetable store. I remember a scuffle with him in front of Hombu dojo that got us in big trouble with Doshu Kisshomaru.

He lived on the edge between life and death. He walked and he chose life. His dream is now spread all over the world through the Aikido Association of America. His strong spirit cannot compare to those who just talk about dreams. He won, he achieved his goal so then he could pass away. He has taught those of us who practice Aikido the lesson of never giving up by example. Never giving up, is stronger than who wins and who looses. His life story is proof of this. Even though his body is now gone, his message and his strong spirit will live on in our hearts.

The last thing I wish to convey is to his students.

Keep the dream and philosophy he has left to all of you. Help each other. Now that he is gone, stay on you own path. Don’t be pulled apart in different directions by others; you have had a very good instructor.

To Fumio Toyoda Sensei…Sayonara

Aikido Nippon Kan
Kancho Gaku Homma

Fumio Toyoda Sensei, A Memorial Tribute, Part2
Written by Gaku Homma

With the death of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba in 1969, the smell of smoke was in the air. In 1974 the flames erupted. Toyoda Sensei was caught up in a power struggle amongst those above him in rank and position that would affect the rest of his life.

Before this time, Koichi Tohei Sensei was Aikikai’s chief instructor (shihan bucho). In 1974 Koichi Tohei Sensei broke from Aikikai to form his own organization. Toyoda Sensei was caught in a dilemma. On the one hand, he felt loyalty to his first instructor, Koichi Tohei Sensei. On the other hand he felt loyalty to the Founders organization Aikikai, in whose stead lay ahead a promising future. After much deliberation, Toyoda Sensei chose Koichi Tohei Sensei to follow, and moved to Chicago to begin a new chapter in his life.

The division in Aikikai at this time was having its affects on domestic relationships in the United States Aikido community. As pioneer instructors, Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei, Mitsunari Kanai Sensei, Shuji Maruyama Sensei and Akira Tohei Sensei were a tight community. Except for Kanai Sensei, originally all of them had been students of Koichi Tohei Sensei. In a very strict martial art society atmosphere of loyalty, ranking and affiliation, these instructors were also faced with the same very difficult decisions to make.

In the end, Yamada Sensei, Kanai Sensei, and Akira Tohei Sensei chose to stay with Founder Ueshiba’s Aikikai organization. Shuji Maruyama Sensei who was also born in a town near Toyoda Sensei, ultimately chose Koichi Tohei Sensei who was also his first teacher. Shuji Maruyama Sensei in Philadelphia, along with Toyoda Sensei in Chicago, and Shiohira Sensei in San Fransisco started a new organization under Koichi Tohei Sensei called Ki-No-Ken Kyu Kai.

This was a time of instability and confusion in the United States and many disputes followed. It was a difficult time for both the instructors that remained with Aikikai and those that departed. Accusations were frequent and infighting concerning satellite Dojo affiliation was commonplace. The rifts that in sued have now become a painful part of United States Aikido history that in some ways remain to this day. Toyoda Sensei, with his background experience and skill at organizing dojos at the college level set about the task of aligning dojos across the US to join their new organization; Ki Aikido.

Toyoda Sensei with his bold and creative management style laid the foundation for the American Kino Ken Kyu Kai Organization (Ki Aikido) that we see today in the United States. By the way, the name “Ki Aikido” was created by Shuji Maruyama Sensei from Philadelphia. Before this name was created, Koichi Tohei Sensei’s organization was called Shin Shin Touitsu Aikido.

Toyoda Sensei opened his own Ki Aikido branch dojo; Tenshin Kan, in Chicago. Chicago was also home to Akira Tohei Sensei and his Aikikai affiliated dojo. Both had deep reservations about each other’s loyalties, and the gap between them was one that was never to be breached.

In 1976 while Toyoda Sensei was still seriously involved in Ki Aikido, I met with him in Chicago. Finding him painting in a large empty garage space, he showed me his plans for building out the space as a future dojo with uchideshi quarters etc. That evening he invited me to visit a friend’s apartment, where he was currently sharing space, sleeping on the floor. It puzzled me at the time, that he did not even have a bed to call his own. Dinner that night consisted of cheap instant ramen noodles, which we shared as we talked into the night. That night was the first time I learned that he was ill. He spoke of not having any money, and that he had been surviving on plain rice, topped at times with a salty pickle, pickled seaweed or salty squid. There came a day when he could no longer taste the salt and this concerned him. He was told he needed serious medical attention but had no money or time for this. In fact he said that any money he might come into went into his Dojo and Aikido. This he confided to me as we stared up at the ceiling from the floor of his friend’s apartment where we both slept that night.

In 1980, Toyoda Sensei’s life was again to go through a major change. After spending years dedicating his spirit, his energy and his time to the teacher he had chosen to follow, it was time for a difficult break again. Toyoda Sensei and Maruyama Sensei sent a farewell letter to Koichi Tohei Sensei. I know first hand why they left, but out of respect for those who have passed, I will only say the following. Toyoda Sensei was a front line soldier that left Aikikai and his future to come to a new country in the line of duty to a teacher he held in the highest regard. He had little to eat, no comfortable place to sleep and worked continuously. These efforts were not recognized or understood by the ones he followed.

Maruyama Sensei went on to form his own organization, Kokikai Aikido. Toyoda Sensei left and formed the Aikido Association of America. The efforts of his past, all of the trials and the tribulations had already begun to take their toll on his health.

In instructional videos I have seen featuring Toyoda Sensei, he looks vigorous and healthy, but a bandage is sometimes visible on his arm where transfusions were given. It became apparent that his life was becoming endangered and after a long period of illness, his brother with whom he had a very close relationship with gave him one of his own kidneys. After this surgery, Toyoda Sensei visited me in Denver. He confided that when he was in the hospital he had a spiritual revelation. Before the surgery, all he could feel was incredible gratitude to his brother for giving him this chance. Afterwards, still groggy from the surgery, it took a team of nurses and aides to keep him from leaving his bed to find where his brother lay. When he fully awoke from the surgery he felt as if he had been given a second chance at life, one that he could not miss or waste one minute of. He felt as if he were no longer afraid of anything in life.

Check back soon for part 3…

Fumio Toyoda Sensei, A Memorial Tribute, Part 1
Written by Gaku Homma

A formative figure in the history of Aikido has gone from us to heaven. His life, while short in comparison was not without impact. Especially for the development of Aikido in the United States, Fumio Toyoda Sensei’s life is a very important testimonial to the first generations of pioneer instructors in this country. Fumio Toyoda Sensei is the Founder of the American Aikido Association. Although very active in the United States and worldwide, his activities have not received wide spread coverage by the various Aikido publications.

I have known Fumio Toyoda Sensei personally since young adulthood and have a great deal of respect for his challenges and accomplishments. For this reason, I would like to share with you a profile of the man I have known and the obstacles he overcome in his lifetime.

I first met Toyoda Sensei when I was about seventeen. At that time, he was an uchideshi at Ichiku Kai Misogi dojo. Ichiku Kai Misogi dojo was also a place of misogi training for Koichi Tohei Sensei, who later became the founder of Ki Aikido. On the first floor of the dojo, Shinto misogi training was practice. The second floor of the dojo housed a space for Zen training. Many years later, Toyoda Sensei’s own dojo Tenshin Kan in Chicago, Illinois would house a Zen dojo on the second floor, like the dojo of his youth. The training practiced at Ichiku Kai Misogi dojo was also later incorporated into the Ki Aikido taught by Koichi Tohei Sensei.

Misogi shugyo at the time, consisted of three continuous days of vigorous chanting seated in seiza, (a sitting position on ones knees) spurred on by slaps and yells of senior students. Only short breaks for rest were allowed, making this training exceptionally difficult. This training was held once every month. When the uchideshi were not practicing misogi they were involved in Zen training. The practice was hard and strict, but as a rule, the windows and doors were always open and unlocked. If an uchideshi wished to quit his training and run away, the door was always open. In some ways this temptation made training even more difficult: if the doors had been locked, it would have been easier to resign oneself to not being able to escape.

Toyoda Sensei and Koichi Tohei Sensei were both born in the Tochigi prefecture in the same hometown in Japan. Growing up in the same hometown, Toyoda Sensei practiced Aikido under Koichi Tohei Sensei. After living as an uchideshi at Ichiku kai dojo, Toyoda Sensei enrolled in college. At school, Toyoda Sensei soon became a leader in the University Aikido club. It was not long before Toyoda Sensei became All Japan University Aikido Federation President. He was highly respected by his peers, and was commonly seen surrounded by students in black school uniforms (Gakusei fuku). There were accounts told of a young Toyoda Sensei venturing into downtown Shinjuku in Tokyo to attend a function accompanied by over one hundred students in black! Like something from a movie, so impressive was he that even Yakuza (like Japanese Mafia) bosses would step out of his way. Following a natural progression, after graduating from the university, Toyoda Sensei became an uchideshi at Hombu dojo under second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba. He took up quarters at Hombu dojo on the 1st floor in the custodian’s quarters. He was the number one hopeful as a future Aikikai shihan (instructor). During this time he was used extensively as primarily uke for Doshu Kisshomaru. He was a role model for his peers and his future seemed guaranteed. In 1974 however… his life was to change forever.

With the death of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba in 1969, the smell of smoke was in the air. In 1974 the flames erupted. Toyoda Sensei was caught up in a power struggle amongst those above him in rank and position that would affect the rest of his life.

Check back soon for part 2…

“The long-term payback of diversion programs is to keep juveniles out of adult courts when they grow up.” ~ Jerry Friend, Juvenile Detention Center

“Anything that keeps youth busy tends to keep them out of trouble.” ~ Candy Clark, Quorum Court

“It’s very progressive of Washington County to put some money behind programs that could just make a difference in a young person’s life,” ~ Candy Clark, Quorum Court

Back in April, we reported that Washington County Juvenile Court and Northwest Arkansas Aikido had paired up to decrease recidivism in Washington County, Arkansas. (Martial Art of Aikido Employed by Juvenile Court to Prevent Recidivism) Here’s a summary of their latest update.

The Northwest Arkansas Times recently reported that numbers in the Juvenile Detention Center have decreased since 2005.  Those who work with the youth, attribute the decrease to “an infusion of diversion programs since that time.”  The diversion programs offered include Aikido, fishing, and Teen Court, among others.

“Since 2005, when we started our programs, the numbers continually go down.’ Jerry Friend said.”

Because of the success of the program, funding for the programs increased by $50,000 this year.

“There was $60,908 budgeted for them last year, and this year, the budget is $116,687. The programs are designed to keep troubled juveniles out of the Juvenile Detention Center and/or juvenile court.”

The Aikido program is overseen by Adam Loomis, an intake officer for Washington County, with the actual classes being taught by the chief instructor of a local dojo (Aikido school).  Aikido’s uniqueness lies in the fact that rather than perfecting offensive moves like punches and kicks, Aikido students work on perfecting techniques that will temporarily immobilize the attacker without causing injury, such as pins and wristlocks.  Its successful execution requires the practitioner to blend his movements with those of the attacker and move together to dissipate the conflict peacefully.  Therefore, it serves as a very valeable metaphor for teens for how to handle various types of conflict in our daily lives.

The Northwest Arkansas Times quotes Loomis:

“The biggest thing that we teach them is that they have options and to see these options. There’s more than one way to handle a situation.’  He said they also learn respect for authority and themselves, as well as accountability…”

“Loomis said there are two things youth need: a taste of success and a passion, whether it is riding motorcycles, fishing or martial arts. He talked about a young man who continues to be involved in Aikido.”

“Loomis said there are two things youth need: a taste of success and a passion, whether it is riding motorcycles, fishing or martial arts. He talked about a young man who continues to be involved in Aikido.”

The report continues by giving an overview of some of the other diversion programs in the county, such as “Principles and Families”, “Teen Court”, “Hooked on Fishing”, “On the Web”, etc.  They conclude with a couple quotes in regards to the overall concept of the diversion programs and their success.

“The more feedback I get, the better that I like that,” Friend said. “It’s an easy way to divert kids, and most of them we never see again.”

Friend said the long-term payback of diversion programs is to keep juveniles out of adult courts when they grow up.

Candy Clark, who is new on the Quorum Court, talked about the diversion approach, and she said that anything that keeps youth busy tends to keep them out of trouble.

“It’s very progressive of Washington County to put some money behind programs that could just make a difference in a young person’s life,” Clark said.”