Aikido Summer Camp 1997
by Kato Perdue

This was my third year in a row attending Aikido Summer Camp. The first year I went there, I thought the camp was fantastic—and the experience has only improved since then. This year, however, was special in a lot of ways. First, one of our dojo members was to test for his 2^nd dan; second, another member was going for his Black Belt; and third, a whole bunch from our dojo drove down hundreds of miles just to see them do it! I felt as though Shugyo Dojo made a BIG presence there this year. Everyone had come to watch Ramin do an amazing Black Belt test and to see Oleg WoW the examiners with his incredible skills in the 2^nd dan testing. It was magical to see these two wizards—and we all felt so proud that they had come from our little dojo (that could) up North. The Canadians are enjoying a really good reputation of practicing good aikido, and Shugyo Dojo is becoming known for our good hearts.

It was certainly wonderful once again to practice aikido day-in, day-out, from sunrise to sunset. Our daily regimen was: get up (5:45 am!), class, then breakfast, class, class, lunch, then class, class, dinner, class, sit in pub, then sleep. Every day! AND IT WAS FUN!

...we did so much iriminage, I thought I was gonna die.

Our instructors were top-notch, with some variety in styles. Most of them, however, focused on the basics. Between all of them, we did so much iriminage, I thought I "was gonna die." But I didn't—and I hope my iriminage has improved to boot! The senseis' intention, especially that of the Japanese instructors from Hombu, was to emphasize a clean, pure aikido. We were cautioned to stay away from gymnastics. It was also wonderful that one of the instructors from Hombu was Takamizo Sensei—a woman who held 5th dan. We affectionately called her Tiramisu because she was so sweet.

This year, the number of attendees was down at Summer Camp, compared to other years. During my first year at camp (30th anniversary for New York Aikikai) there were almost 1,000 people present at one point. The following year, approximately 500 aikidoka attended, and this year only 300 people came. Was this a sign of economic hard-ship? I think so. The small turnout, however, made for some really good practice (more room on the huge mat) and more attention from the instructors. The small numbers also brought us closer together as a family of aikidoka. I made some new friends and was able to get closer with some old ones from past summer camps. Socially, it was a real thrill to be able to open up to people from all over.

In my own practice, I found that I was not so afraid of asking to practice with the yudansha (even Takamizo—she is so nice). I knew a little more about what was happening concerning techniques than in the years before—and I think this year I came away with a whole bunch more (I don't know of what, yet) than ever before. I can't wait till next year. And, if you think that aikido practice is good at Summer Camp, you should see those parties!


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