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[Editors note: This is our first article contribution from the United Kingdom. Our thanks go to Pauline Squire, Chief Instructor of PoRinKan Dojo in Birmingham, England, who has organised eight UK Summer Schools. We look forward to publishing in the future other articles on Aikido in the UK.] Millennium Summer School By Pauline Squire British Aikikai, Shidoin Saturday 5th August 2000 saw aikidoka from all over the world converging on the small seaside town of Bangor in North Wales. The occasion was the annual summer school of the British Aikikai & United Kingdom Aikikai who were coming together this year to jointly host the event. Shihans Tamura, Yamada, Chiba & Shibata were to be the guest instructors. The event had been conceived some two years earlier and planning had gone on steadily throughout that time via a joint organising committee. The summer school had been advertised in the UK but this had not stopped word leaking out. Aikidoka from Australia, S.Africa, America, Switzerland Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Denmark and all over the UK attended. During registration on the first Saturday the tone was set for the week with many happy reunions between old friends and much laughter about the passage of time and it's effects. There was a palpable air of anticipation before the first class taught by Chiba Sensei with over 200 students waiting in eager anticipation. No one was disappointed, as, after welcoming everyone, Chiba Sensei was his usual dynamic self setting the summer school alight. Shibata Sensei finished the first afternoon for us with a beautifully clear & inspiring class. He took part in many of the other Shihans classes throughout the week thereby allowing students the opportunity to train with him. All classes were planned to be taught by Shihan throughout the week except two, which were taught by William Smith Sensei, 6th Dan head of the UKA, and Dee Chen senior practising Shidoin of the BA. Chiba and Shibata Sensei continued to teach most of the classes in the early part of the week before being joined by Yamada and Tamura Sensei's later in the week. Yamada Sensei with his large circular powerful movements brought a different perspective to the practice. The longer time for practice at each technique in his classes meant that a "quick fix" was not available and you had to work right through techniques together with your partner. Tamura Sensei with his deceptively easy movements - until you tried them - worked unceasingly during his classes. His wry sense of humour permeated the mat and it was certainly amusing to see all levels of grades completely unable to get the better of him - although many obviously tried! There were more than 250 people who attended the summer school from many different backgrounds. The pervading atmosphere on the mat was one of co-operation and enjoyment. Everyone practised, sweated, suffered, and enjoyed together. Summer Schools are not all about practice on the mat but also about reaffirming old friendships and making new. There were plenty of opportunities in the bar, in the flats, and in the late night common room to do this as well as more organised occasions such as the Shidoin dinner and the formal dinner. Each bringing it's own chapter to this summer school. There were so many great moments in the week, so many wonderful classes that it is difficult to pick out any one event but for me the last day summed up the spirit of and reason for the week. Each Shihan taught one after another allowing us to see, as Tamura Sensei put it at the formal dinner, the whole of O Sensei through his students. The evening was then filled with laughter as different groups entertained us with songs and sketches. Even Tamura Sensei was persuaded to tell a joke - in English. Dancing continued into the evening although it was difficult to imagine where anyone got the energy from after the week we had had. I am sure that everyone who attended will have felt part of an unforgettable and unique week. Details of and contact numbers for each associations 2001 Summer School are shown below: British Aikikai United Kingdom Aikikai |