If everyone were in accord and left things to Providence, their hearts would be at ease.  If they are not in accord, though they would do acts of righteousness, they lack loyalty.  To be at odds with one’s companions, to be prone to miss even infrequent meetings, to speak only cantankerous words-all come from a shallow foolishness of mind.  But thinking of the moment of truth, even though it be unpleasant, one should fix it in his mind to meet people cordially at all times without distraction, and in a way in which one will not seem board.  Moreover, in this world of uncertainties one is not even sure of the present.  It would be worthless to die while being thought ill of by people.  Lies and insincerity are unbecoming.  This is because they are for self-profit.

Though it is not profitable to have others lead the way, or not to be quarrelsome, or not to be lacking in manners, or to be humble, if one will do things for the benifit of others and meet even those whom he has met often before in a first-time manner, he will have no bad relationships.  Manners between husband and wife are not different from this.  If one is as discreet in the end as he is in the beginning there should be no discord.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Hagakure, Early 1700’s

The Long Island Aikikai is coming up on its 2 year anniversary at our new location in Bay Shore, New York.  Getting the Dojo opened for January 1^st 2007 was no easy feat. Myself along with a few dedicated students gutted and built the New Long Island Aikikai in 21 Days. It was a whirlwind of 20-hour days (there were a few 48 hour stints in there as well) with the mats being laid down just minutes before practice.

Every year, since 1964,  members of the Long Island Aikikai practice Aikido with Hagihara Shihan from 11:30pm New Year’s Eve to 12:30am New Year’s Day.  We end each year and start a new practicing what we love.  This is usually includes Misogi and Zazen practice as well.

In a frenzy - due to complications, the Long Island Aikikai had to backout of another location that was originally intended to be our headquarters- to get our new headquarters up and running for this special event, myself and a few close students built the Dojo by hand.   I signed the new lease just 21 days before the impending special class.   In an amazing show of dedication, loyalty and discipline we just barely completed the Dojo in time.  In these 21 days we:

1. Demoed the existing rooms and built changing rooms.

2. Installed a shower, tiled the bathroom and moved the sink.

3. Evened the hardwood floor for the mat installation.

4. Built a reception counter.

5. Built a sofet to cover the HVAC duct.

6. Repaired the burner.

7. Studded and sheet-rocked an exterior wall.

8. Spackled the Dojo and applied the first coat of paint

9. Took down the old awning.

10. Installed carpet.

11. Installed a plasma screen in the lobby.

With just 24 hours left to meet the 10:30pm deadline we applied the 2nd coat of paint,  build the Kamiza, hung the weapons rack, built and installed benches in the changing rooms, hung doors and layed carpet.  At about 10:00pm New Year’s Eve we finally were able to lay the mats.

Now, almost 2 years later, I can still appreciate the the hard work that these people put in to help Sensei and the Long Island Aikikai make this transformation; but more work still needs to be done.  In addition to the obvious finish work that still needs to be completed other important improvements need to be made to increase both the safety and accessibility of the Dojo.

There is an anecdote about a famous Samurai named Tsukahara Bokuden that comes to mind. On day Bokuden was challenged by a young and rough swordsman. When asked about his style, Bokuden replied that he studied the “Way of No Sword.” Underestimating Bokuden’s ability, the swordsman laughed and challenged Bokuden. After some time, Bokuden reluctantly agreed to the challenge and suggested they row out to a nearby island to avoid distractions. The young swordsman agreed. When the young swordsman jumped from the boat to the shore of the island, Bokuden started to row away. Leaving the the angry swordsman stranded on the island, Bokuden yelled back “This is my no-sword school.”

I guess, do to our human nature, it is very easy to become interested in downing others instead of trying to achieve Aiki with them; especially when we are young and strong. Because Aikido is Budo, it is very tempting for us to get sucked into the effectiveness of the technique; apply unnecessary force just to throw our parter. But what are we really practicing when we do this? What are we teaching others when we do this? In the end all we may be doing is just fueling the fighting spirit inside ourselves and others; the antithesis of what I think the founder wanted. Unless we whole-heartedly trust that non-violence is the answer and treat our partner in kind, we may never understand the Aikido of O’Sensei.

Like Bokuden, if we are more trained than our attacker, we should be able to show even more restraint in our defense. As O’Sensei stated, “treat Uke as if cradling a baby.” How else will we ever know peace unless we foster it inside ourselves and others?

Friday March 28^th 2008 marked the first time Hagihara Sensei has taught class since he was released from the hospital. Needless to say, the mat was crowded. More people attended this “welcome back” class that any of the seminars that we have had at the Dojo thus far. We practiced seemingly “basic”5^th Kyu techniques. But the way Hagihara Sensei teaches is anything but basic. It’s amazing how he can convey a feeling while demonstrating and that almost everyone in the room can experience that same feeling for themselves when they practice with their partner. Sensei helps us realize that it’s not important how many techniques we try to learn that makes us a good Aikido practitioner; instead it’s how we do the basic techniques -that we think we already know- that shows our true development. Being Hagihara Sensei’s Uke it is easy for me to say that I hope that my Aikido will one day develop into what his is like right now. Taking Ukemi for him that night all I felt was his skin and a sort of electricity being summonsed inside me that made me happy to fall. At the end of class I helped Sensei give out some Kyu and Dan certificates from recent promotions. After class the Dojo celebrated Hagihara Sensei’s 73^rd Birthday and his return to the Dojo. Sensei had such a nice time that he stayed past midnight. Like another student commented “would you leave early if you were holding a beer and attractive women were talking to you”?

Click here to see more pictures.

Click here to see videos of this evening as well as other LI Aikikai videos.

On Saturday night Hagihara Sensei, Caitlin and I went to the New York Aikikai Christmas party in Manhattan. For those that do not know, the New York Aikikai is the headquarters for the United States Aikido Federation and is led by Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei; a direct student of Aikido’s founder.  Every year the NY Aikikai holds a legendary Christmas seminar and party that many people from all around the country - and sometimes world- attend.  Since I usually act as Sensei’s Otomo I don’t have the pleasure of attending the seminar itself.

When we got there, we met up with other members of the Long Island Aikikai to enjoy the wonderful food, drinks and festivities.  It was a great chance to see and speak with old acquaintances; people that I had the pleasure of meeting when Hagihara Sensei was teaching class there on the first Saturday of the month.

Before we left the party I accompanied Hagihara Sensei up to Yamada Sensei’s office to pay our respects and to present him with a Christmas gift.    He was entertaining a group of Aikidoka from France when we got up there.  Although I was unsure about interrupting, when he saw Hagihara Sensei at the door he warmly welcomed us in.  I was quite surprised when he introduced Hagihara Sensei to his guests as the “Founder of the New York Aikikai.”   Although there were more people involved in the formation of the original NY Aikikai, this recognition from Yamada Sensei was very heartfelt.  On a side note, Yamada Sensei also keeps Hagihara Sensei’s Nafudakake (name plaque) on the wall in the NY Aikikai; still recognizing him as a member.

Yamada Sensei has gone to great lengths to promote Aikido throughout the United States and Latin America.  Hagihara Sensei feels indebted to him for paving the way for our own Dojo to prosper.  So as a very small sign of our appreciation for his hard work, we usually present him with a carefully picked bottle of alcohol.  This year, with the help of the members of the LI Aikikai, we presented Yamada Sensei with a very nice bottle of Scotch. After which Yamada Sensei joked that we were turning him into an alcoholic. As we were parting, Yamada Sensei gave me his usual instructions; to take care of my Sensei. I thanked him for my recent promotion and for his hospitality and we left for home.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

Adam Pilipshen

On Friday November 16th 2007, Hagihara Sensei conducted the Fall 2007 promotion examination at the Long Island Aikikai. Surprisingly, this was one of the largest turnouts we have had for a test in quite some time. In the short class prior to the examination, there were 33 people on the mat (not including Sensei). Although rank is never a true measure of someone’s being, examination time is a chance for us to acknowledge and celebrate ones growth within the Dojo community. To see this show of support for fellow members is really something special.

Prior to the examination, Hagihara Sensei reiterated the importance of relaxation; that even during the examination process, with all eyes watching, examinees should not resort to mere physical strength in order to accomplish the prescribed techniques.

The examination panel was made up of Hagihara Sensei, Saul Rosenberg, John O’Connor , Perry Dortch (Aikido Club of Queens) and myself. Since Hagihara Sensei defaulted to me, I had the pleasure of being able to call the examination techniques; something that in my years with Hagihara Sensei, only he has done.

It was great to see the hard work that these examinees invested in themselves pay off. To be honest, I was surprised that everyone did as good as they did. It was one of the better tests I have ever seen. Everyone performed with confidence.

That night we had eight examinees go up for promotion as follows:

• one child for 12th Kyu
• one gentleman for 5th Kyu
• one gentleman for 4th Kyu
• one woman for 3rd Kyu (originally testing for 4th Kyu, but Sensei suggested that I test her for 3rd Kyu as well.)
• three gentlemen for Shodan
• one gentleman for Nidan.

Every once in a while Sensei promotes someone past a rank that the individual was expecting to test for. At this test we had a woman who was only testing for 4th Kyu, test for 3rd Kyu as well; with no real foreknowledge. Although it was obvious to all watching that she was more than capable of performing the techniques (she even had to perform Randori), her advancement was largely in part to her Ukemi. To demonstrate this, I called on her to perform breakfalls out of Kotegaeshi, Shihonage and Iriminage; which she did with grace. Looking back, I wish I did that good when I tested for 3rd Kyu.

Another notable test was that of the young boy testing for 12th Kyu. For most of the test I was assigning specific people to take Ukemi for the examinees. When it came to this young boy, I allowed him to pick his own Uke thinking that he would choose someone that he was comfortable practicing with. When he pointed to who he wanted, all of us thought he was pointing to his father. But when his father stood up, he said “no . . . him” as he continued to point. He said it with such conviction that I had to allow it. Up came a white belt that I later found out that he has never practiced with before and who has only been with us a short time. Although this Uke was later humbly relieved by another, the focus of the young boy and the openness of the white belt was a sight to be seen.

Before the examination ceremony came to a close, Hagihara Sensei informed the examinees and spectators that everyone passed. To the surprise of many, he made a few more promotion announcements. To be effective at the New Year they are:

• Adam Pilipshen (Yondan)
• John O’Connor (Yondan)
• Anthony Weidner (Yondan)
• Perry Dortch from Aikido Club of Queens (Godan)
• Saul Rosenberg (Rokudan)
• Cal Fromer (Rokudan)

Please remember that Hagihara Sensei stresses that all members, regardless of rank, should come and be part of the examination process. Since examinations are announced long in advance and are infrequent, everyone should be able to fit these important events into their schedule. Positive growth of the next generation best comes about from the dedication and nurturing of those that have come before. Remember this the next time you feel that your presence is not needed.

I look forward to seeing you next time,

Adam Pilipshen
Dojo-cho

On Saturday, September 15th 2007 Hagihara Sensei led an Aikido seminar at Albany Aikido’s new Dojo. Faust Sensei did a wonderful job in organizing this event. The turnout was amazing. There was between 60 and 70 people practicing and thanks to this spacious Dojo, we all had ample room to move around.

Hagihara Sensei taught four one-hour classes; two of which were weapons classes. He started out in usual fashion; with kokyudoza. He even joked about this. He said at Hombu Dojo, whenever Arikawa Sensei taught, everyone knew what he was going to start with . . . . shihonage. So now whenever Hagihara Sensei is coming to teach, you know what he’ll start with. . . . . kokyudoza. Sensei likes to do this because like he says “it sets up the stage.” Sensei’s kokyudoza does not meet force with force; no matter how much Uke is pushing. Instead he uses relaxed extended power; which is part of all his techniques.

All throughout the day Hagihara Sensei emphasized that we must practice Aikido with patience and love. Most of the students felt refreshed by this. Too often some of us lose focus on the ideals that O’Sensei set forth and its nice when we get grounded again. Hagihara Sensei showed us that we can all still practice Aikido without contradicting its peaceful mission or it’s martial effectiveness. Quoting O’Sensei, Hagihara Sensei said “Practice Aikido and make a paradise out of the whole world so that there will be no more need for fighting.”

All of our attending members felt very honored that Faust Sensei and the members of Albany Aikido welcomed us into their wonderful Dojo for this grand reopening seminar.

This past Friday and Sunday, The Long Island Aikikai held Yukyusha promotion examinations. In the past, examinations were only held twice a year; in the spring and fall. Now that the number of students is increasing, I am finding that we will need to hold examinations every season. I was very surprised by the wonderful turnout that we had. There were many Aikidoists and spectators there to show their support for the examinees.

We had four students go up for examination (two 5th Kyu, one 3rd Kyu, one 2nd Kyu) and each one of them passed. Afterwards, one of the examinees approached me. He was very upset with his performance. I tried my best to calm him and let him know that he did just fine.

Due to the nervousness of being watched by one’s peers, sometimes we do not perform to the best of our abilities. This is quite common. Every time I’ve tested, I’ve forgotten techniques or felt I performed below my abilities. It’s important to remember that the examination is only a small part of the real test. It is a very narrow window into someones true potential. What the instructor sees in the students day to day practice, is the real test. Potential examinees are evaluated long before they are asked to go up for promotion. No one is asked to be tested if there is a possibility that they will fail. Only the students that request to be tested run this risk.

But the spectators of these formal tests are not usually privy to this sort of evaluation. They only have the ability to judge an examinee’s performance based on what they see in that small 30 minute window. They do not see what the teachers see. They do not see all the times that the student performed the techniques correctly in normal class. Nor do they see the student going back to the drawing board after promotion; with even more vigor and dedication now that they have the responsibility of higher rank. Unfortunately, all the spectator usually sees is that one instant where the examinee got nervous and froze.

In light of this, it is important for all members of the Dojo to participate in the examination process. This doesn’t simply mean showing up the night of the test - which is important too - it means that we must constantly help those that are about to test and those that have just tested. Each of us have a responsibility to master the given techniques and lessons of our rank, so we can pass it along. Not doing so is selfish . If we’ve learned something we should be able to teach it. It not only helps the upcoming student; it helps us validate and reinforce our understanding of the Art. If mistakes are made during test time, those with the ability to do so, must recognizing those mistakes and help our fellow practitioner. If one person feels embarrassed that they did not perform to the best their abilities, the whole Dojo should feel responsible and do their best to make things better.

Mediation should be a normal part of one’s daily routine. I find it best to meditate early in the morning (shortly after waking) and at night (just before bedtime). Since my mind is fairly clear from a restful sleep, it is easier for me to continue that feeling into my early morning meditation. Although, I sometimes find it challenging to get my thoughts under control after a day’s worth of stimuli, meditating at night helps me sleep better. Meditating just before bedtime helps me clear my thoughts of the days ups and downs. By doing so, I’m able to revitalize my body with less than the normal 8 hours of sleep. In turn, the following morning’s meditation is more peaceful and the day more productive.

How to Sit

Just like how a house is built from the foundation up, proper mediation practice is no different. Without proper posture, we can not achieve proper breath. Without proper breath, we can not achieve proper thought. I prefer to sit in Seiza when I meditate. By doing so, it is easier for me to find my center. With my knees about shoulder width apart, I align my spine vertically and start to rock back and forth to and fro in small movements until find my center.  I let my arms fall straight down my sides; then I gently place my hands on my thighs. All the while, trying to remove all the tension from my body without sacrificing my posture.

I like to keep my eyes slightly open when I meditate.  In order to help focus my mind, I focus on a point on the floor about 4 feet in front of me.

How to Breathe

Once I feel confident in my posture, I start to work on my breath. I breathe slowly through my nose, always trying to keep the same steady rate of inhalation. As I inhale my stomach is getting lager and larger. I keep inhaling until I can no longer hear the faint whistle though my nose. When this sound stops, I slowly taper the breath to an end. As if I’m tapering it into infinity. Then I start my exhale in the same way that the inhale stopped; with a taper. But this time it’s a taper out of nothingness. As I exhale out my mouth, I try to keep the same rate and duration as my inhalation. As I exhale, my abdomen slowly becomes smaller. I keep exhaling until I can no longer hear the “ah” sound of the air passing out of my mouth and then I taper the breath to an end.

A slightly more advanced practice is to lean slightly backwards from center after you can not inhale anymore. This creates more room in the abdomen and you are able to continue with the inhalation a bit further. Inversely, after a exhalation, one can lean slightly forward from center and push additional air out; thus increasing the outward breath. This can be a bit more difficult for the beginner because the deviation from the vertical line may cause some to lose their center.

How to Think . . .Ultimately Don’t; but we need to start somewhere

For me mediation is a way to understand the true nature of my existence. Therefore I feel that my ordinary thoughts are just distractions on the way to true understanding. Our thoughts are not our true mind. The true mind is clear and without obstruction. Our thoughts are like clouds that come and go. So let’s not get too fixated on our thoughts. Lets experience the clear day beyond the clouds.

It’s very difficult to clear the mind of all of our thoughts. If you close your eyes, and try not to think, you already fail. 1st you’ve thought about not thinking. Second the tension created by trying to not think set’s up a subconscious fight in your normal mind to continue to think. So we have to start somewhere more realistic. We need a place where we can put our mind so that we will not be distracted so easily.

A very basic way is to count your inhales and exhales. Count 1 when you inhale and 2 when you exhale all the way until 10 and then start over. Keep practicing this until you are no longer conscious of your counting. Next try just concentrating on your breath concentrate on your inhalation and exhalation as it fills and empties your abdomen. Do this to the point where you are no longer aware of your breath.

Next try to focus on just your center. Aikido teaches us to always be aware of our center. Therefore the same point you found when you first sat in Seiza, is the place you should maintain your focus when you breathe. By focusing your thoughts as well as your breathing there, you will be able to ignore those clouds as they pass through the clear mind’s sky. In this state, you will start to get a glimpse of the power of your mind. You will be able to see your thoughts without attachment. Thus unleashing your innate ability for further self-understanding and improvement.

On Saturday, July 7th 2007, the Long Island Aikikai hosted an Aikido seminar with Hagihara Shihan and six other instructors. The other instructors for that day were Cal Fromer, Saul Rosenberg, Gene Monteleone, Perry Dortch, Tom Collings and myself; all former or current students of Hagihara Sensei.

Considering that this was the first real seminar at our new location, the turnout was much better than expected. Over 40 people attended the event. All the visiting instructors did a wonderful job in encouraging their own students to attend; for which Hagihara Sensei and I are very grateful. Although our Dojo is not too large, surprisingly we all fit just fine. Each instructor taught for about 45 minutes and there were ample breaks between each class for students to rest. Hagihara Sensei taught the last class which ran for about an hour and a half.

In his class, Hagihara Sensei stressed the importance of relaxation in our Aikido training. He also reminded us to not become too consumed with the just the physical form of Aikido. Instead he suggested that all techniques first be born out of of love. Pointing to the two scrolls that hang in our Dojo - scrolls painted by O’Sensei - Hagihara Sensei emphasized that we should keep our training inline with their message.

I’d like to thank all of the instructors and participants for their help in making this seminar such a success. Without them this day would not have happened. I’d also like to expressed my gratitude to Hagihara Sensei. As the longest active Aikido teacher in New York, Aikido on Long Island wouldn’t be what it is without him.

Many students thanked me for putting together the event and suggested we have a similar seminar in the near future. I think this is a great idea. In the meantime, I’ll be doing my best to put together a DVD commemorating this wonderful day.