Aikido in the Philippines
by Laura Holmes
Recently, I vacationed in the Philippines to study the other
martial arts I take: Arnis,
Kali and Escrima. While I was there, I had the opportunity to practice aikido. I met
Niño Santa Brigida, a student from the Philippines who had practiced at Shugyo a
couple of years ago and then returned home in June, 1996.
When I arrived in the Philippines I called him up and received a boisterous "Mabuhay" on the line. ("Mabuhay" means "welcome.") Niño took me around Manila to several dojos.
The first place I practiced at was called the "SPA." It turned out to be exactly that, an exclusive spa with all the amenities (including air conditioning). Who am I to complain? The teacher, Sensei Kitt, was intense and powerful, incorporating a lot of projections and kokyunage techniques. After the workout, Niño said to me, "I have taken you to the most luxurious dojo in Manila. It only goes downhill from here." I thought, how bad can it get?
The next dojo I visited was in a shopping mall called the "Mega Mall." It was just that—a huge mall, two to three times the size of the Eaton Centre, a shopper's paradise. As Niño and I were walking around before class, I stopped dead in my tracks in shock in front of a regular-looking store—like Shopper's Drug Mart or Suzy Shier. It was a gun shop. They sold guns in this store (not only pistols, but also semi- and fully automatic weapons) like over-the-counter vitamins. They had a special on: if you bought the gun, you got the permit and firing license free. I couldn't believe it. The store was packed. I mention this episode before I go on because it made it even more clear to me how important aikido is. It can be used as a tool of peace and harmony among all living things, so maybe one day we won't have stores like that.
After a long window-shopping excursion though Mega Mall, we finally arrived at the dojo, where I met Sensei Winston. We were half an hour late (in typical Niño style, which is the custom in the Philippines—no one seems to care). The techniques were familiar in the sense that they were similar to what we learn in class. Both Yamada and Kanai Shihans seemed to have a huge influence on style and technique in the Philippines. When I told them that I have attended a few of the shihans' seminars and that the shihans visit Canada regularly, they were envious.
Sensei Winston's class was clear and direct, using basic technique to start off with, then making it more advanced by incorporating more movements. Students seemed to work in groups instead of couples. There was a sense of openness and friendliness that made me feel relaxed and welcome (kind of like our dojo). Afterwards, we all got together for food and drink (sound familiar?). I must mention that the front window of the dojo faced outwards toward the mall, so that a few hundred people could stop and watch. My being white, tall and red-haired, made watching the aikido class even more of an attraction for passers-by.
After that class, I helped to teach the children's class. All the children had a great time and were enthusiastic to learn. Once they overcame their shyness toward me, we had a lot of fun. Their commitment to learn aikido at such a young age and their boundless energy made me wish I were a kid again.
The next and last stop on my aikido journey was at the Makati YMCA. This dojo was the central practice place for aikido in Manila. It was the dojo with the most character and a large variety of students. The students ranged from beginner to third or fourth dan. There was no air conditioning (the heat almost killed me) and no pretty change rooms, or showers, or toilet paper, but it somehow seemed to inspire the most intense practice. The senseis (of whom Niño was one) were clear and precise, patient and understanding. Techniques ranged from variations on basic ikkyo to advanced techniques including randori. Everyone was friendly and more than happy to meet me and exchange greetings. After my last day of practice, we all went out to a Japanese/Korean restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal.
It reminded me of my dojo at home and made me very happy to share the feeling of comraderie and friendship in aikido, eleven thousand miles from home.
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