Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 18:44:35 -0700
From: michael hacker
<webmaster@SARUO.COM>
Subject: AL2K
AL2K - Oct 7-8, 2000 - Boulder, Colorado
As usual, I'm not going to tell anybody what went on at the seminar. The
memories are ours and ours alone, and only we would be able to appreciate it
anyway. Instead, I'd like to pass on the following thoughts:
Jun Akiyama
As always, the AikiMaven pulled it off with flying colors and somehow still
manages to stay fresh. Way to go, buddy. Maybe next time, we'll actually
get to train together! (wait, wasn't that what we said at Shochugeiko?)
Ikeda Sensei
Ikeda Sensei is the dictionary definition of the word "shihan." His
Japanese isn't bad, either. "Ki ga chigau. Atte'nai ja nai desu ka,
Sensei?"
Mike Bartman
Mike IS 12' tall and munches on the bones of vanquished newbies. He'd make
a great headpiece to any totem pole. Good thing Julian gave me that
slingshot!
Joe Steger
This guy is just plain weird. Not normal Listka weird, but serious Iowegian
weird. I swear that you must have a special organ that does nothing but
pump caffeine into your bloodstream 24 hours a day. It's a shame you couldn
't get on the mats instead of picking on this poor, exhausted, delirious guy
on the balcony. That might've been fun.
Philip Akin Sensei
OSSU! My ass still hurts because of you (making us turn our feet out in
kamae). I'm glad I don't have to worry about keeping my back leg straight
or turning "exactly" 95 degrees every time. It was also nice to finally see
in person that Yoshinkan almost looks like real Aikido. Now I can claim to
have a real live movie star friend. Just think! I actually got to meet THE
Joe Morton! http://www.saruo.com/question.html
Scott Crawford
I had lots of fun chatting with you! too bad the only training we had
together was you telling me to contort my legs more to better mimic the
"natural" Yoshinkan posture. It's nice to be around normal (military) folks
again! Don't worry, I won't hold the fact that you're a squid against you.
The officer part, however!
Chuck Gordon Sensei
Water, Helen! WATER!!! L-O-B-S-T-E-R!
Emily Dolan
My Budo Sister! why didn't we train together more? Oh yeah! the foot.
Sorry. I hope to see you again REAL soon. Next time, I'll try not to break
the delicate flower that is you. Thanks for telling me that I look like Jim
Baker (was that you?). I just thank God that Swan doesn't look like Tammy
Faye.
Diane Pan
It was very nice to finally meet the famous "Diane Sempai" that Emily talks
about. (I was the redhead, pony-tailed, bearded guy you don't remember.) I
hope your neck is feeling better and that the bruising on your arms goes
away soon. Some people just don't know how to treat a lady! (Me being one
of them.)
James Baldwin
The first Brit to ever curse at me. This guy is so damned cute and smiles
all the time. Either he has gas or was always having a fantastic time. If
he's still single, it's beyond me to figure out why. (It might have
something to do with what he did to that goat at CG and MLE's cabin!)
Julian Frost Sensei
The second Brit to ever curse at me. You were first guy to give me a hard
time on the list all those years ago, and I have dutifully modeled myself in
your image. You are the (much) older (English) brother I never had and I
look forward to seeing you soon.
Tarik Ghbeish
I had a fantastic time "practicing" with you at the after-after-party party.
It's a shame that you can't hold your single malt better! I would've loved
to have spent some more time on the mats with you Sunday. Do you have any
plans to visit the desert soon? Get in touch with me off-line so I can plan
a trip up to your place to learn how to pronounce your last name. I
understand that a battle of the dueling chefs (Middle Eastern vs. Korean)
may be in order.
Peter Boylan
I'm sure we'd have been inseparable had we met in Japan. But then, your
wife would've gone for me instead and you would've hated me. Maybe it's for
the best this way. I hope that, having watched the Mifune video, people
will believe you when you say that good Aikido and good Judo are the same
thing (I think if you ask around on the list, there may be a FEW people
interested in buying a copy of that video). Swan and I are going to try to
figure out how we can manage a trip up to visit you. It's just too bad you
have to live so close to Canada.
Craig Hocker
Thanks a million for giving us a place to crash. Without you, I doubt I
could've afforded to attend the festivities. I must remind myself to tell
my ex-drummer that I've met his (older) twin brother. Thanks also for lying
to the cops for us. What a pal.
Neil McKellar
Why did it take me so long to figure out who you are??? We pony-tailed
freaks need to stick together! (assuming I decide to keep the hair, that
is).
Alan Drysdale Sensei
It was good to see you again, Sensei! even if you didn't remember that we
had met a few years ago in Tempe. But to confuse me for one of Chuck Gordon
's clan??? I don't even LIKE single malt!!! (Or pain, for that matter.)
Anita Spitz
I think the only time we were able to train together was during the newaza
mini-class! can't complain about that! Remember! don't try to bench press
the big ugly guy. Gravity and girth are on my side.
John Costello
Thanks for coming along. You, and you alone, made this trip financially and
physically possible for me. You're welcome at our place any time. (Call
first.)
Lurkers
Thanks for coming up and introducing yourselves. It means a lot to me that,
although you don't post and we've never chatted, you still cared to meet me.
Please keep in touch off-list. In deference to your lurker status, I will
not mention any names.
I look forward to seeing you all again next year, if not sooner!
Michael
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