Hi Tommo Yep I remember that seminar. Chiba shihan left then came back in a taxi, called me over and said "I am sorry for your ACCIDENTS!!" Those were the days. The sword seminar went really well. The bear let the makotokai into armour and pound away at each other. Good fun there were "fights" with different weapons,sword and shield against longsword and other variations. The competition was won by a giant viking type of guy. One guy had a flail and little Hazel cut right through it with a bokken much to everyone's delight. She also delivered a nice knee to the groin during a friendly bout with the bear's brother. Good guys serious martial artists and mutual respect no politics or personalities. What more could you ask. Slim
The bit I liked was when the Makotokai started training EVERYONE drifted over just to watch in silence while they warmed up. It's what I love about the western community, they genuinely love sword arts and any opportunity to see any is just a delight. They didn't care that is was eastern origin, gendai, it was about seeing good swordwork. The Bear.
Well, if you ever feel like coming to VA, it would be great to have you visit our school! In fact, every year we have an Aikido seminar (this year was the first, and also included an Iaido class), that would be great to have you teach at!
Koyo I have just read an account that my dad wrote of the time you were at a course given by Saito Shihan, don't know the date or place, your were practising "San Ju Ichi No Jo " (31 Jo Kata) when Saito Shihan came up to you and spoke through his interpreter and told you "Saito Shihan said your Jo is rubbish and that you should throw it away." You thought he meant your technique but he was taking about your Jo pole.He then gave you his. Do you remember this ?
Yep..I thought his next remark would be get on the bus. Still have the jo,bokken and book he gave me. regards koyo Big guy 6" 4" named Gordon ,didn't get his last name came to training on monday said he had practiced with Tommo George and I back in the days.Said to give Tommo his best wishes.
Hi Bill Some of the photos you have on here with me being uke to you are just a blur I cannot remember.This part makes me frustrated I just wish that something would come back. Sometimes I get some recall thank God I put things down in writing. The big lad you mentioned.....sorry but I do not recall him either When Kris reads out some of your posts, I have a quiet smile,keep them coming mate. Hope all is well with you and your family. Tommo
Hi Tommo. The big guy did NOT come back. I know what you mean about it all being a blur. I felt the same as uke to Chiba shihan. koyo
Aaah Chiba Shihan a name that got rid of all the ones that "played" at Aikido I was uke to him a few times but never ever as much as you were, I can recall that. If the big guy did not come back then he isn't serious about training, maybe he was one of the scared people:evil: Love the user name Koyo brill Will be back in the UK soon Tommo
Could I please remind people not to advertise in the forum without authorisation. Please take some time to review the Terms of Service. Thanks.
On a sad note Koyo do you remember a big guy that trained at Bellahouston at my dad's club his first name was Derek he was about 6' 3" tall blond hair , can't remember his last name. Anyway sadly he passed away a few months ago suffered from MS he was only 56yrs.Just got told yesterday.
I have just read from my dad's diaries of his first meeting with Bill (Koyo) and I quote :- " Jack McEwan has been going on and on about this martial art Aikido, well tonight after karate I will have look (dad was practisig karate at Bellahouston Sports Centre under the instructor Tommy Morris Kobe Osaka club and was one of the youngest black belts.Bill's club was also there in an adjasent room)After karate Jack changed at went to practise Aikido I watched from outside. I noticed a small very slim guy taking the class at first I thought naw this is not a martial art they are diving about.I went into the cafe for a drink and waited for Jack.After the practise I was introduced to the instructor by Jack, it was my very first meeting with Bill Coyle. I said to Bill, being polite. nice class one way of keeping fit. Not a flicker on his face I just couldn't read him I was invited into the dojo(I still had my karate gi on)I said I am sorry but I cannot see the effect of your martial art,in a fight.Bill looked at me and said What do you mean I said nothing but attacked him with Judan Tsuki..... bang on my back I think it was Irimi Nage.I managed to get up thinking lucky not this time.I attacked with my favorite technique (I was well known for it having knocked out an opponent in a karate competion )Mawashi Geri I honestly do not know what happened all I knew was I was flying through the air and landed heavily on my back.I got up and just smiled and appoligised for my outburst it was accepted(Thank God). I asked is it possible for me to join the club.Luck was on my side I was invited to join.That night I gave up all in karate to study Aikido the rest they say is history.":evil::evil: This is a true account written by my dad.
Did he tell you that I told him later that I had bounced him because I had a great respect for karate and that he was showing it in a bad light by "challenging" me. What Jack did not tell Tommo was that I had trained in Shotokan before Aikido. I saw immediately there was no malice and a genuine interest. From that day on he was always there.
Koyo my dad has admitted to me in the past that he was very wrong to "challenge" you. His excuse was he was young and stupid and did not know then the true spirit of Martial Arts.He said that training under you he found it.He has also said that I should never do such a stupid thing. He has never mentioned your training in Shotokan,I bet he got a surprise:evil:
Hi Kokorokai. We had to move club because of cut backs and now we are in a different venue. There is a ninjutsu club there, the instructor had attended a good few sessions at the Makotokai so we get on fine. have not met any of the karateka who also train there but it is mainly children that we see. The guys are just as crazy as usual.. a couple of minor injuries due to their circuit training and crosstraing . Last session was koshi nage. So we are ALL aching at the moment. Still soldiering on. regards to Tommo.
hi does this mean you are coming to train ? would be good to meet you ,we are all still waiting patiently to see the videos that you have ,zora:star:
