Centers of the Universe
Despite all the complications – Easter holidays, hotel mis-bookings, high-season
travel and hotel costs – it was a wonderful 4 day gathering in Guejar Sierra.
Everyone contributed in their own way – especially the non-aikidokas, Alicia, Eva, Valentina just by their presence, comments and humor. As it should be, the agenda
consisted only of aikido, with eating, drinking and siestas in between. How much time
the spanish eating takes, and when it begins is a cultural thing…better not say anything about that.
Again, just to take the teachings of Pedro H („jump around like a child“ mainly from ryote ), Jörg ( „how to pass through a crowded place“ mainly from shomenuchi ), Luis („3 ways to stop a ball“ from katadori-menuchi), Abraham ( „use the center“ ) , Guillermo ( relaxation from ushirowaza ), Matti („no need to shake your hands to relax“ ) and to digest the messages will take some time. If from now on someone starts to behave ( more ) strange, jumping in the crowds, throwing balls to see if they bounce or stop, then you may conclude that he/she has been in the Black Belt seminar in Guejar Sierra 2017, practising the center. How can there be so many centers of universe…unless it’s a hologram.
Officially, we tried to break the record of fastest General Meeting of any federation anywhere, but what can you do, when there are interesting things to talk about, and the
Dojo membership has grown to 9 from 5 last year, and there are close to 500 members and over 100 blackbelts. By the way, that will mean a tough registration process for next year 22.-25.3 2018 in Cologne. Be ready.
Everyone showed friendship and kindness on and off tatami. Authentic caring. Maybe aikido has changed all of us: most of us know their limits, and know when a joke is good,
and is received well. And on the other hand know when a joke is inappropriate and silence is better. It is an honour to have spent this time with you: one can really talk about gentle men and women.
PS. The Non-Talent party at Luis’ dojo: what a nice set-up, food, and daring people to make their songs heard, card-tricks baffle, and comedy to reveal how silly we can be.
PPS. Thanks for Guille Balderas for 24/7 caretaking before, during and after the seminar.
Matti
