The sixth summer intensive taught by Endô Seishirô shihan took place over 5 days at Saku Dôjô from Aug. 9 (Wed.) through 13 (Sun.), 2000. There were morning and afternoon classes, two a day, for a total of eight in the five days of the seminar. (The first day was afternoon only, the last day morning only.) There were only about 40 participants on the first day, but the number increased daily. Altogether, including participants from overseas, there ended up being 80 people on the mat.

The techniques centered on the basics: shômen-uchi, yokomen-uchi, morote-dori, shihônage, iriminage, tenchinage, etc. Each time for each technique, we narrowed the focus. The shihan's movements and explanations changed little by little each time he instructed. The participants practiced, striving diligently to breathe in the shihan's present (now).

The first day of the seminar, Endô shihan said about form (kata) and technique (waza), "Forms are one way of transmitting aikido to people. Anyone can memorize forms if they just do aikidô for years and years. Techniques are unique for each individual. Perceiving your partner's movement and balance - how to nurture each other? Every small movement to maintain the relationship with your partner is technique." In forms, you yourself are the main actor, whereas techniques are something that come about because there is another person, your partner. I was made to recognize that as long as my consciousness was directed at myself, no matter how much time I spent, I would get no further than the form. Always being conscious of the relationship with your partner, being mindful of moving naturally, without getting preoccupied with your partner, it is desirable to learn technique and not be limited to form.

On the night of the 12th, we held the customary barbecue party. Everywhere there was the sight of people dancing along with the music performances by the various international groups. Also, Endô shihan announced plans to build a new building on the dojo land; it was not to be a new practice space, but a building for promoting friendship. That night in Saku went on among applause for the development of Saku Dôjô's membership and for cooperation and support.

The Yûdansha Seminar took place in Saku Dôjô, in Saku City, Nagano-ken, Endô Seishirô shihan's hometown. It took place over two days, November 11-12, 2000, in fine autumn weather. The seminar continued last year's theme of basic techniques. In the previous seminar, the theme centered on shômen-uchi ikkyô and morote-dori. This year we practiced yokomen-uchi ikkyô, receiving instruction on various taisabaki (movements) and kuzushi (balance-breaking). I think many of the participants were able to make new discoveries and experience a feeling of freshness. We were also frequently stimulated by Endô sensei's full presence.

Endô sensei manifested his often stated principle of "from kata (form) to waza (technique)", by which I was astonished and touched. I would like to realize Endô sensei's movement and attitude for myself someday, but instead of approaching this goal I feel as though it only gets further away. Although this can be disappointing, it makes me happy when I see that I am being given a very worthwhile goal.

The meeting was about 2 hours long, starting at 7 in the evening. There was no specific theme set, the meeting taking the form of questions and answers. Various questions regarding aikidô were put forth. Topics centered on "Tao (Dô)," with questions such as, "What does it mean to learn Tao?" and "How is Tao is grasped by other countries and cultures?" Endô shihan talked in depth about his current thoughts on keiko (practice). Afterwards, the much anticipated party started, and the discussion of aikido with Endô shihan late into the night.

There seemed to be quite a few people who were feeling hungover in class the next day, but the seminar ended with an energetic and lively practice nevertheless.I would like to end by thanking Endô shihan, his wife, and the many others who instructed.