Chiba Sensei wrote three short articles about his life in the US that were published in the San Diego Aikikai Newsletter, Sansho. The following was compiled from Sansho issues of April 1987, Spring/Summer 1991 and Summer/Fall 1994. I moved to San Diego, California, in 1981. Many people have asked me about the reasons behind this … Continue reading WHY DID CHIBA SENSEI CHOOSE THE US [IN HIS OWN WORDS]
Author: Didier BOYET
PART VI – RETURNING TO JAPAN, THEN MOVING TO THE U.S.
In March 1976, to the surprise of his British students, Chiba Sensei left the UK to go back to Japan and assume the position of general secretary in the newly created International Aikido Federation (IAF). The IAF’s first congress was held that same year in Tokyo. Hombu then asked Chiba Sensei to study the problem … Continue reading PART VI – RETURNING TO JAPAN, THEN MOVING TO THE U.S.
PART V – A NEW START IN LONDON
On December 14th, 1967, I left Newcastle Station on the 11:55 train bound for London. I had made this particular trip countless times, but this time was different – I was relocating to London for good. It had been one year and seven months since the political mess in the U.K. had landed me in … Continue reading PART V – A NEW START IN LONDON
The Kobukan Years – Part I
The Kobukan Years By Stanley Pranin An Aikido Journal publication. Reprinted with the kind permission of Aikido Journal PART I Introduction In April 1931, Morihei Ueshiba, the Aikido founder, opened a private dojo in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo called the “Kobukan.” This dojo served as the center of the founder’s activities for more than a decade and … Continue reading The Kobukan Years – Part I
Nagare Keiko
Nagare-keiko In the exercise of our Aikido, the ultimate goal is of course to obtain the ability to perform under full control in a perfectly flowing manner without conflicting not only with the partner but particularly with oneself. This perfectly flowing motion could well be out of reach, but we must strive to master it, … Continue reading Nagare Keiko
Dojo and Kamiza
Dōjō and kamiza Early in 2020, when the Covid-19 virus started to spread in Europe, the French government ordered a lockdown of the country, including the closing of all “nonessential” activities, including businesses, sport venues and dōjō. It is clear to me–having practiced and trained in Aikido for fifty years–that the dōjō is an … Continue reading Dojo and Kamiza
L.A. (Podcast) (Oct. 2022)
PART1 PART2
PART IV – The Light at the End of the Tunnel
The Light at the End of the Tunnel The year 1967 ushered in changes so profound that the whole of my life continued to be influenced by the events of that time. Prior to the first signs of change I had suffered countless sleepless nights beset by anxiety, anger and depression, struggling over the question … Continue reading PART IV – The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Part 3: Private Classes With Chiba Sensei
Shortly after my arrival at Hombu Dojo, having earned the trust of the small group of foreigners who attended Chiba Sensei’s class on Friday evenings, I learned that some of them had formed a working group to practice privately with him. This group included several Americans: Paul Sylvain, Lorraine Sylvain-DiAnne, Meik Scoss, Bruce Bookman and … Continue reading Part 3: Private Classes With Chiba Sensei
Part III – My First Year in England – Volume 4: The End of the First Year
The End of the First Year I went to see the man in charge of Sunderland Physical Education (SPE) whom I had met once before through Mr. Logan. Although he was no longer active, I had been told that he was an Aikidoist who had led an SPE-sponsored group of practitioners that was loosely associated … Continue reading Part III – My First Year in England – Volume 4: The End of the First Year
PART III – My First Year in England, Volume 3: Nothing is Working
Nothing is working ... As the days crawled by, I became increasingly more agitated and angry with my situation: There had been no change, no news from Mr. Logan regarding the progress of a dojo for me and no contact from any Aikido schools or other dojos in the country. I felt I was being … Continue reading PART III – My First Year in England, Volume 3: Nothing is Working
First class at Hombu after my arrival in Tokyo.
Leaving for Japan Summer 1977 In 1976, Chiba Sensei had been recalled to Japan from England by Hombu, which needed his linguistic capabilities as they sought to solve the problem of Aikido’s unruly development around the world. Back in Tokyo, he started to train in Iaido under the guidance of Mitsuzuka Takeshi at the police … Continue reading First class at Hombu after my arrival in Tokyo.
“A Life in Aikido” still continue : Part 3 – The Early Years in England No.2
The situation somehow clarifies but, as the Summer of 1966 draws to an end, the future remains unsure for Chiba Sensei. discover it with Part 3 - The Early Years in England No.2
PART III – My First Year in England, Volume 2: A Hopeless Political Mess
A Hopeless Political Mess In late June 1966, about two months after my arrival in England, a long-awaited meeting between Mr. Logan and myself took place with the help of a Mr. Kimura, a Japanese interpreter and corporate man for Common Brothers Inc. – the company for which Mr. Logan was executive officer. It was … Continue reading PART III – My First Year in England, Volume 2: A Hopeless Political Mess
the continuation of “A Life in Aikido” : Part 3 – The Early Years in England No.1
Here is the continuation of the epic of Chiba Sensei : Part 3 - The Early Years in England No.1 Chiba Sensei sea travels are ending and he finally reaches the English soil. However, his troubles are only starting…