Inspiration
Aikido practice at Shin-Yu is inspired by a number of great teachers, for which we are grateful.
Our regular instructor, Lawrence Warry, 4th dan Aikikai, has travelled and met many Aikido clubs and teachers in the world, thus providing a rich and diverse background of interpretations to Aikido. Lawrence sensei is affiliated with the Hombu dojo, the world headquaters of Aikikai Aikido, located in Tokyo, Japan, currently headed by the founder's grandson, Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.
We receive currently our main inspiration from Takeshi Yamashima sensei, 7th dan Aikikai of Nerima, Tokyo. Takeshi Yamashima was a long-time student of Seigo Yamaguchi and was often assigned to attend the founder during the last years of his life. He instructs at the Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, Minami Tanaka Dojo, and the Nerima Aikido Rengokai Dojo, and can usually be found at Aikikai Hombu morning practice and travels all over the world to teach Aikido. He is also licensed in Yagyu Shinkage Ryu (a sword style).
The following late great teachers are remembered for their great kindness in passing on the valuable knowledge of their experience in Aikido:
Fujita Masatake Shihan, 8th dan Aikikai (passed away 28th of May 2014, aged 77)
A great inspiration to Aikido in The Netherlands. See interview here:
interview part 1.
interview part 2.
K.F. Leisinger Sensei, 7th dan Aikikai (passed away on 19th of February 2014, aged 84). Bringing with him to The Netherlands from Germany the vast knowledge of Katsuaki Asai Shihan, 8th dan Aikikai, Leisinger Sensei was the fundamental inspiration of the Aiki-Weapons programme that we have here in The Netherlands. Leisinger Sensei always had a good humour and a wonderful attitude to life. He will be dearly missed. Hereby an obutary: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N3IcUJQaBuughl_p5CdXbGP24Eami_kNOmLsTkKDzDE/edit
A.H. Bacas Sensei, 6th dan Aikikai (passed away on the 28th of February 2006, aged 68). Bacas Sensei is one of the pioneers of Dutch Aikido and was an inspiration in Aikido since the 1970s. He brought Fujita shihan to The Netherlands and he had many international connections. He lived his life chaotically, and yet, with great friendship and enigma. Being a small man, he nevertheless demonstrated a phenominal energy in his Aikido which has been awe-inspiring to many people in the World.
