The emphasis on this visit was the concept represented by the Japanese kanji characters for "here is" which means that "aiki" can be learned and practiced always wherever you are. "The dojo" is wherever you happen to be at the time. While in Japan Yamada Sensei and Orlando Sensei's discussed and practiced "aiki" at many various and diverse locations such as in Yamada Sensei's home, on the top of Mount Aso, at a Temple and even while soaking in a hot spring at the base of volcano Yufudake :)

Our practice sessions and discussions included proper methods of balance breaking, circular movement and the last five basic techniques that were later added to the 17 basic techniques of the Tomiki System. We also had many discussions on spiritual growth and the importance of faith in God and the neglect of both in the world today.

We were fortunate enough to be in Fukuoka to attend the final day of competition of the Grand Championship Sumo Basho and were also invited to attend a private practice session by the competitors in the morning. We also were priviledged to enter an old inn (ryokan) where samurai on the run, use to hide out and saw some rare scrolls containing letters of thanks by those samurai. We also hiked to the cave in which the famous samurai Musashi spent five years writing his classic treatice on strategy "A Book of Five Rings". We also attended a rare performance of ancient Japanese music, visited Kumomoto Castle and also visited three active volcanos.

The code of the samurai, "bushido" is characterized by traits such as justice, courage, benevolence, politeness, veracity, sincerity, honour, loyalty and self control. In addition to these traits, Yamada sensei's kindness, generosity and faith in God, places him among the great samurai of Japan.

As in our first visit to Japan, we noted these characteristics in Yamada sensei's friends which we had the pleasure to meet. We wish to now personally thank our old friends Aiko and the Tachibana's and our new Japanese friends, Kawachi san and his family, also Harada, Iwanaga and Tazoe san, and our Makuya friends; Yugeta, Yasuko-chi and Ushizima san. Their kindness and generosity is trully humbling.

Domo arigato gozaimashita.

Okagesama de.
Tony and Mary Anne Orlando