Tag: West Sensei

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West Sensei seminar June 2021

Hello Aikidoka,

All of us at Aikido Olympia are very happy to announce that Jim West Sensei will be visiting us this week. Please see below for a schedule of this week’s classes and events. We are planning a potluck at Priest Point Park on Saturday. All classes will be held at the dojo. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thursday 17th

  • Open mat 3:30-5:00 pm
  • Beginners class 6:30-7:25pm
  • General class 7:30-8:30pm

Friday 18th

  • Open mat 3:30-5:00 pm
  • Class 6:00-6:30pm
  • Testing 630-8:00pm

Saturday 19th

  • Weapons Class 8:00-11:00am
  • Potluck at priest point 1:00- 3:00pm
  • Meditation/sitting 8:00pm
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Sensei, Okage sama de

I was reminded recently of a Japanese saying heard while training both in Seattle and in Hawaii – Okage sama de – I am what I am because of you. In the context of Aikido training, the saying was modified slightly to – Sensei, okage sama de – Teacher, I am what I am because of you. It was on honorific statement of gratitude to our teachers as we reflected on all they had given us. 

In our training, Okage sama de takes on a broader meaning. We are what we are in part because of our teachers, but also because of our uke during class, our parents, our ancestors, our families, our environment – all the people and things we experience every day.  If we are present we benefit greatly from everything in our life.

As Maruyama Sensei says, ‘I have faith in life, and life responds in kind.’ Enjoy this beautiful day, our beautiful city, and each other as we prepare for demonstrations this Friday – and of course a snack-luck! 

By Jim West