The passing of an incredible Aikidoka

We are deeply saddened to report the passing the president and head instructor of the Yoshokai Aikido Federation, Sensei Takashi Kushida, who died on May 10, 2012 after an extended illness. Kushida-sensei was one of the first uchideshi of Gozo Shioda-sensei—an original student of Morihei Ueshiba-sensei.


Sensei Takashi Kushida
May 2, 1935 - May 10, 2012
http://www.aikidoyoshokai.org/

Happy Mother's Day

We are all here because we had mothers. Women who cared for us and raised us. Loving women who taught us all civility, manners and respect for others. These women were given this day to say thanks and to shower our affection on. It hardly seems like enough. But here goes...

Master Don Angier Seminar this Saturday

Master Angier, a long time personal friend of Sensei Mits, has agreed to give a seminar at our dojo this coming Saturday starting at approximately 2PM


Don Angier is the Soke (inheritor) of Yanagi Ryu Aiki Ju Jitsu of the Yoshida family of Kyushu by direct succession from Kenji Yoshida, son of Kotaro Yoshida. Yanagi Ryu Aiki Bugei is a complete samurai art encompassing all the skills that were necessary for the Yoshida clan in the execution of their duties as samurai.



Kotaro Yoshida was a friend and student of Sokaku Takeda. Their relationship began about 1914 and continued until Takeda's death. Kotaro introduced Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido, to Sokaku and Ueshiba studied Daito-ryu aikijujutsu for many years. Angier has been practicing and mastering the Yoshida arts for over 50 years and his knowledge of Aiki Jiu Jutsu and related samurai arts is unparalleled in the Western world.

To learn more about this great man enjoy the following links:

My career in Yanagi Ryu by Don Angier
http://www.dojoofthefourwinds.com/yanagiryu.html

Footage from a seminar given many years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvWiYcxTm2A

Pot Luck List

POT LUCK LIST as of FRIDAY (The day before the big party!)

Cindy and Jeremy Johnston - large birthday cake, Dance lights, Plates, Cups, Utensils, Tablecloths, Decorations, 3 party buckets for holding ice and drinks

Gilbert - Mexican Casserole and Sushi Plate

Jay O Balles - Veggie Plate

Brenda and Alonso - Tuna Ceviche, Carnitas

Cindy and Jeremy - 30 bottles of champagne and fresh brewed coffee

Misa - Pie

Mia - Something good

Toru - Dessert

Martin - Cherries and grapes

Denise Stednitz-Miyakawa spaghetti? soda or juices?

Larry - Pizza

Terry - Salad, ice, buckets for the ice

Brenda and Alonso - Some Spirits

Sensei's 70th birthday party!!!

A very special event is coming up

Sensei Mits Yamashita's 70th birthday party!!!

WHEN: April 14, 2012

WHERE: Sanbukan Dojo
17647 Lakewood blvd
Bellflower, CA 90706

The dojo is located on the same lot as the Blacksmith's Corner Pet and Feed Store. The entrance to the dojo is in the south parking lot behind the chickens.

TIME: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Regular Aikido class
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Volunteers will help set up for the party
2:00 pm - The party starts!!

FOOD: Potluck!

There will be balloons, lights, music, dancing and a slideshow honoring Sensei Mits!

Help make Sensei's 70th extra special by contributing to the slideshow or bringing a dish, or simply showing up to wish him happy birthday.

TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW:

Anyone who's had their lives touched by Mits please email your stories to cindy@sanbukan.com to have them added to his sideshow. We will accept anything: stories, short quotes, art, songs, videos. Send us scans of pictures and we will add them.

Feel free to dress up a little or stay casual!

Contributions towards the group gift will be greatly appreciated.

Hope to see you there!

Céad Míle Fáilte

Céad Míle Fáilte is a traditional Irish greeting that means, "10,000 Welcomes". This one Irish phrase epitomizes the type of welcome I feel when I go to the Dojo. Thank You Sensei Mits, for creating such a welcoming place to train and spend time with friends.

Special Event Saturday 3/10/12

Yukiyo (Shelley) Ikebe Sensei and a few of her students will be performing for us.


Ikebe Sensei is a Master Koto player. She will be playing an assortment of music and her troop will be demonstrating several instruments and possibly even demonstrating traditional Japanese Kendo.


Toru, our beloved brown belt, has been friends with Ikebe Sensei for many years and has convinced her to come and perform.
The performance will begin just after 1PM on Saturday March 10th.