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Sempei Linda Hughes
I began practising Karate because I was bullied at school. I managed to gain 8th Kyu before leaving
never to suffer another martial art again.
As I was getting interested in Photography, my father (Sensei Paul Hughes)
asked me to take some pictures at an Aikido course (taken by Sensei Philip Smith, 5th Dan Shidoin, United Kingdom Aikikai).
I was extremely enthusiastic in taking the photos and went through about 5 reels in half an hour. So when I eventually ran
out of film, I sat and watched, and finally 'saw' what I was photographing!
The first technique I saw was Kote Gaeshi
(although I obviously didn't know it at the time) and thought the Teacher had performed magic! With a small flick of the wrist
the uke flew about ten feet across the mat at a steady three feet off the ground. I was amazed!
I told my father that
I wanted to go to the next normal class and so, my journey began...
I had only been training for a month (only eight lessons)
when I was invited to a course myself with Sensei Magson and two other students. It was a Winter Course in Birmingham taken
by Sensei William Smith (Principal of the UKA).
I really enjoyed it as we were made to feel part of a family. Mr Smith's
style was clear and easy to follow. I felt like the course was aimed at me because I learned so much from him, like he knew
what I needed and taught it!
One of the students I had travelled with was a woman who hadn't got a suit yet, so had been
training in a peach jogging suit. She also had a penchant for black underwear. She asked me at the end of the first day, 'Can
you see my knickers through this?'. I answered quite honestly, 'Erm, yes'. She proceeded to go bright red and run around the
changing rooms screaming about how embarrassed she was and why didn't I mention it to her sooner. Needless to say she wore
a stiff new suit the next day purchased off the Equipment Officer at the course to avoid further embarrassment. We weren't
allowed to mention it again!
I never imagined that I would be an instructor as I had seen many Senseis and thought that
I would never be good enough to stand in front of people and do half the things they could do.
Sensei Magson and Uke Peter
Burrows were always going away for courses and as I was the third highest (at 4th kyu!), I was called upon to teach. I was
allowed to wear hakama from 5th Kyu so at least I looked the part! The first time was nerve wracking as I did not like to
be the centre of attention, but I had to get on with taking the class and found that I really enjoyed it. The way I teach
others is the way I taught myself, very down to earth and connected with the beginners. I remembered when I was I beginner
and what I needed from my teacher (but was afraid to ask!) That is the way I teach to this day.
Since being a beginner,
I have seen Aikido styles change at the same rate that my own Aikido has changed. The way we train today has more emphasis
on dynamic rather than solid basic postures all the time as was the case when I was a beginner. Even though we have trained
under Sensei Chiba right from the start, since our club changed associations, our techniques have improved and have become
more flowing and less heavy.
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My own practise has taken a back seat of late and I wish I was fitter. The catch
is if I trained I would be fitter and I need to be fit to train! I wouldn't change anything about my own practise apart from
I need to do more! Also, I don't want to be such a perfectionist with my own techniques and get frustrated when I can't achieve
something I strive for. I need to learn how to accept things as they are, and not try to change the things I cannot and doing
Zazen is helping me to achieve this. Meditation helps me to quiet the mind and still the body, as we all need a balance instead
of training all the time.
I also wish I had more confidence to teach regularly. I want the very best for our students
and do not feel that I can give them my best at the moment. I want our students to feel confident on courses and for their
true potential to shine through and be rewarded for their efforts.
The future of the Sakumei Kan seems to be secure now
that we have joined forces with Sensei Milburn at the Tilery. I feel that this union is True Aikido, harmony between differing
styles. It is our small contribution to Sensei Chiba's idea of the Birankai, that all associations, styles and teachers of
Aikido come together to train in True Harmony, no politics and no degrading of each others Way. Every style has something
that appeals to different people, as long as they practise Aikido, they will have improved their lives in a profound way.
Everytime I go on a course I see the remarkable progress the other students have made. I am amazed and overjoyed that
they have brought some very high quality Aikido with them. I hope that they continue, and impart their knowledge so others
may benefit. Aikido all over the world must be improving too as everything starts locally and spreads to the rest of the Aikido
family. I feel privileged to be here and part of this change.
I would like to say to all Aikido practioners out there
to train (hard if you wish) but don't forget to balance it out with non-Aikido activities. Remember that Yin always comes
with a Yang, an Uke with a Tori, Darkness with Light. You will be more emotionally stable and a well rounded person for having
practised Aikido and interacted off the mat.
Aikido is not just another martial art, it is a philosophy for life. Each
interaction with a student is a relationship, one of love, trust and harmony. As you are open to change and improvement on
the mat, so too you must apply this to your daily lives. Try to improve your relationships at work with your colleagues, at
home with your spouse and children. If you do this the true meaning of Aikido will come to you. So as night follows day, your
Aikido on the mat will improve. You will be more relaxed and trusting of each other which is the key to perfect technique
and perfect Aikido.
One last thing, please take time to sweep the mat/ set up the kamiza before class, this gives you
a chance to, 1) show that you care about your dojo and 2) it gives your mind time to slow down and rid yourself of outside
worries and meditate before practise begins.
Also, if possible don't shoot off after class so soon, give yourself time
to wind down again and the instructors and students want to get to know you better!
Palm to Palm
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