The annual aikidô seminar this year led by Endô Seishirô shihan was held in the Saku City budôkan from May 1 through May 5. This was the 7th seminar.

Altogether there was a total of 182 participants, with many friends from overseas, making for a very lively seminar. There was also no shortage of friends from inside Japan who traveled to Nagano-ken just for practice ("We drove for 10 hours"); such enthusiasm was indeed impressive.

The seminar went smoothly, with wake-up at 7:30, preparation of breakfast by everyone, practice, and dinner preparation. We believe this was mainly a result of regular participants gradually coming to understand the work that needed to be done and volunteering their help.

Practice time increased from 3 to 4 hours starting this year, much to the appreciation of overseas participants who wanted as much seminar time as possible with Endô shihan.

The seminar was very complete, beginning with basic techniques from shômen-uchi, kata-dori, ushiro-ryôte-dori, to koshinage and multiple attackers. I think that much was gained by everyone from Endô shihan's instruction, which was overflowing with energy. One comment that remains in my memory: "I've never seen aikidô that impressive."

For every technique, Endô shihan emphasized, "Focus your feeling, release the strength from your upper body, and always perceive how you are at any given moment."

One of this seminar's unique characteristics is that one can practice with people of various body types and ways of thinking, what with all the participants from overseas as well as from inside Japan.

On May 4th, there was the demonstration by Saku Aikidôkai, which many spectators, including the mayor of Saku, attended. The demonstration participants let the fruits of their recent practice fly freely. The concluding demonstration and talk by Endô shihan was received by applause by all.

At the party that night at Saku Dôjô, everyone was satisfied by all the food and drink they wanted, and the performances (by nation and group) entertained all.

Practice on the last day was held in Saku Dôjô, and hopefully made for good memories for all the friends from overseas. The seminar concluded safely again this year.

We thank all of the people who helped and look forward to an even better seminar next year.

This annual summer seminar ran again for 5 days from August 11 (Sat.) through August 5 (Wed.) this year with instruction from Endô shihan. There were 120 total participants, from 22 different groups. There were visitors who came from Switzerland, Spain, Ireland, Germany, and France. The practice was as follows:

In the classes, we first made sure we were sufficiently aware of the wrist being held (e.g. opening the hand), and then gradually developed each technique. After that we proceeded to jiyû-waza. I personally found that the practice was one in which I could reaffirm the value of using my body freely and of basics in order to realize creativity.

On the night of the 14th, the Saku Dôjô party was held. As one would expect from student's of Endô sensei, each group's customary performance was full of orginality, and everyone had a good time. If you missed out on the human pyramid, "crazy jûjutsu", and the fireworks, why not come to the next summer seminar?