Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 16:08:53 +0100
From: Beate Kawelke
Subject: And another aikido-l seminar review...
Hi listka,
just to add one more review to make the participants of the seminar
say "yes, wasn't it great" and the non-participants drool...
My husband and I returned yesterday from five days in the USA. That
doesn't sound much but we managed to fill these days with so many
things we did and so much we saw so it will take some time to sort out
all the impressions. The feeling that will always stay with us is how
warm the welcome was and how much we enjoyed being there. Mike B.,
Peter B. and others drove us around, Carol and Maria made the hotel
reservations, all were very kind and helpful and even pretended to
understand my english ;-))
The details of the various training sessions have been covered by
other reviews, so all I can add is that I enjoyed every minute of
being on the mat. I was sorry I had to sit out during some of the
trainings but the rather hard mat didn't go well with my back
problems. But I loved interacting with many different people and
trying to follow the things that the actual instructor focussed on -
although I sometimes found my body slipping all too easily back to
what I'm used to do.
I particularly enjoyed having shiho-nage (which is the first technique
we learn in our system) pointed out to me in different styles -
although here and in general I was very much surprised how similar all
the styles were (and I make the same mistakes, no matter what the
style is...). It was also a Good Thing (tm) to finally see things like
the "falling leaf ukemi" or the "smiling irimi-nage" in real life
'cause I really can't figure out most verbal descriptions on the list.
While the list is a wonderful thing, there are some important things
it can't replace: being hugged, massaged and even kiatsu-ed by other
aikidoka, talking and partying until late at night, seeing Jun's
ability to bend, finding out how tall Mike B. is, the sound of mle's
laughter, sharing whisky with Chuck Gordon, all those things that want
me to come back to you. Why can't you be a bit nearer ?
I really miss you all,
Beate
PS: I found out that my video recorder and TV set understand the
american standard. First thing I did was watch the video tapes Phil
gave me - thank you so much again, it is really interesting to see
your style (will show them to my sensei, too).
PPS: Had some difficulties with the German customs - I yelled at them
when the guy started to swing our new sword around... But I got it
through, so we will look for an opportunity to start iaido here.
PPPS: Kjartan, Maria, Andreas and I hit the stores in Baltimore (in
fact, it was one store, Kiyota). We came out with a lot less money and
a pile of Aikido books, videos and stuff ;-))
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