Aikido Waza Journal is a place to document in diary format how the aikido path is unfolding. As new insights are learned they can be added or updated with pictures, illustrations and videos. You can then view all your insights and experiences in a single location for future reference. You can look back fondly on how you used to internalize a technique, record what shihans and teachers have advised you, jot down what you have discovered yourself, or use the journal to gather your teaching points if you become an instructor. It is not meant to be a “how to” for others, but rather a “how I am doing” for yourself.

At Hombu Dojo

This Aikido Path – This is not a journey by myself; many friends and instructors have helped me and walked with me along the way.

May, 2007

Started Aikido with Dzung Nguyen Sensei of the then brand-new Dai Etsu dojo in Calgary out of curiosity.

December, 2007

5th kyu was awarded to me by the late Inaba Yasuhisa Shihan (1952 – 2009).

January ~ June, 2008

Okayoi (お通い) at Hombu dojo in Shinjuku, Tokyo, for six months.

March, 2008

4th kyu was awarded to me at Hombu dojo by Doshu (dojocho). Shinsakan was Miyamoto Tsuruzo Shihan.

July, 2009

3rd kyu was awarded to me by Ben Lim Sensei of Masa Kokoro Aikido. I then started Aikido Waza Journal.

Training increased to five days a week.

March, 2010

2nd kyu was awarded to me by Ben Lim Sensei of Masa Kokoro Aikido in cooperation with Calgary Aikikai.

Training increased to six days a week.

May, 2010

T.K. guest taught and made an innocent comment that made me rethink completely the aikido I was practicing.

June, 2010

Discovered that the best part of Aikido is ukemi, especially tobiukemi. This is the artistic, expressive part of aikido which is unique to each person.

August, 15th 2010

Shirakawa Katsutoshi Shihan and his son Ryuji Sensei made a comment to me that convinced me to return to Japan to train.

December, 2010

1st kyu was awarded to me by Ben Lim Sensei of Masa Kokoro Aikido.

** You must be logged in to view this video or content **

Eric at Hombu