When did you start doing Aikido and why?

 

“I started in November of 1986. Prior to that, my brother visited us in 1978 and was already an instructor in Aikido of the Ki society in Hawaii. He was showing us various moves and forms of Aikido, using body movements. I thought this is such a simple relaxing martial art and that I should study it.  I couldn't find anything on it in 1978, but in 1986, my son found an article in the newspaper describing Aikido. He looked in the yellow pages and found Aikido of Cincinnati in the Yellow Pages. He called and talked to Charles McGinnis who invited us to visit the dojo and watch them. At that time the dojo was located on Third Street. So that is how we started."

 

You were a little bit more mature when most people started, how old were you when you started Aikido?

 

“I was 58 and had the time to devote to aikido. My son, who found the information, decided not to take aikido but devoted his time to water and snow skiing. My wife, Mary Ann, joined me and practiced for ten years when she decided that she would rather play with her numerous grandchildren.”

 

What have you gotten out of Aikido?

 

“It is something that I love. It is an avocation and I look forward to practice. It relaxes me and gives me a chance to pass the art to whoever comes to my class. The students regularly teach me to improve.”

 

In your class you talk about the three basic things that you need to do when you practice a technique, what are those things?

 

“Doran Sensei said that there are only three things that you need to perfect to be effective:

• First-Aiki, to blend with the energy that is given
• Second-Kuzushi, to redirect the energy
• Third-Shisei, posture. These are three elements when perfected makes you a master. However, in order to reach this level, you must constantly practice, practice and practice.”

 

How long do you think it takes to get good at Aikido?

 

“A student once asked O’Sensei “I heard that you once showed one of your students the secret of Aikido. What is it?”  He replied, “Practice, practice, practice.”