A small wave was sad and exclaimed to a big wave, "Oh how I suffer so. The other waves are so big and I am so tiny. Some waves are so well off and I am so lousy."

"It's because you haven't seen clearly your Original Face that you think that you suffer" said the bigger wave.

"I'm not a wave? Then what am I?

"A wave is just your temporary form. Your really water!"

"Water?"

"When you realize that your fundamental essence is water, you won't be confused about being a wave and all your suffering will go away."

When I first started Tomiki Aikido in the 70's, it was to learn self-defense and keep fit. I took part in national competitions but after a few years a serious injury unfortunately put paid to my training and competing. Then when older and a father, I saw that my son (who was a very sensitive nature) was suffering torment at school from other children. His self confidence was very low and he could easily be moved to tears. I felt that perhaps something like Aikido would help him build up his confidence and self esteem. I found details of an Aikido instructor in the Croydon area (The Timebridge Center, New Addington) that taught Ueshiba Aikido and I telephoned him., it was Sensei Keith Nicholas. We spoke of my son and previous training. Sensei Keith invited us to come and watch and if we felt like it, join in. This we did and thus began the change in our lives.

The months went by and with Sensei Keith's guidance my son's confidence grew, so much so that when pestered to fight at school he turned his back and walked away. He also joined in helping with displays at local fetes and fairs. For me it began a journey along a new path I had not realized was there. We became members of Seishin Ryu and with that joined the Tokushima Budo Council, here to there was help in walking this new path.

As a family we went to Hembsy to take part in the Martial Arts Festival where all were welcome. We met and made new friends, learnt many new and different things such as Shiatsu, Tai Chi and even Naginata, discovering more things along the way and now becoming aware of Kyushindo, "The way of desiring to reach the fundamental truth in things."

I have seen Aikido help someone severely disabled. The person who was unable to stand straight, breakfall or focus, becomes a person of an ability as any other, even assisting Sensei as Uki. I have been privileged to train and help that person and regard him as a good friend. Aikido is for young and old alike. It has no barriers, no racism. It will keep you fit and expand the mind.

Following the path has introduced me to many things such as Shiatsu healing and Zen philosophy:-

Now I am like that small wave trying to understand and learn about myself and my place in the Universe. The principles of Aikido "The way of love and harmony" will I believe, help me to grow to become water. Through them I have already found a calmness of being, (which I must confess does sometimes get a bit lost).

There was once a monk named Tesshu who traveled the land meeting with all the best Zen masters. One day, he wandered into Shokoku Temple and happened upon the monk Dokuon.

Here he proudly proclaimed his level of enlightenment: "The mind, the Buddha and all beings are empty. The true nature of all things is emptiness. No enlightenment, no delusions; no sages, no commoners; no toil, no reward."

At that point the monk Dokuon hit Tesshu on the head with his gong hammer.

Oh! What did you do that for?" said Tesshu.

"If everything is empty, where did that come from?" said Dokuon.

Zen philosophy has become a friend, although enlightenment has not yet been achieved I hope to one day think of nothing , when everything is EMPTY.

I know that I have a long way to go. But now I think about absorbing negative energies and avoiding conflict where ever possible instead of arguing, shouting and fighting. I try to be the reed that bends with the wind or the spruce that holds the snow, instead of the fence that is blown down.

In recent months pressure at work has been immense, the responsibilities put upon me have been very demanding. The hours and days have been long, sleep has been short. But the philosophies I have learnt from Aikido have been my strength, especially in times when in spite of efforts, others let you down.

One evening, after a particularly bad day, I went to lock up my car when I met a neighbor. There was a bright star in the sky and he asked if I knew what it was. I suggested Mar's and went indoors to get my binoculars so that we could have a better look. we then proceeded to look at all the other stars and it occurred to me how insignificant the day had been compared to the power and energy of the Universe. I said this to my neighbor who is a born again Christian and we had the most delightful discussion about his beliefs and mine.

Aikido has given me a new found family. A group of friends that are always pleased to see me and talk about things we've learnt, help where I don't understand. To give patience and kindness, to listen when I need to talk. But not just fellow students, senior instructors always have the time to answer questions no matter how trivial.

Perhaps one day I could be a teacher, to help pass on the knowledge, philosophies and ideas of Aikido and Kyushindo. I know that I can not change the world but I could try to give the students a sense of purpose. To instill respect for their fellow human beings and their surroundings. To build self discipline and hopefully a sense of morals; just like it had done for my son and I, to perhaps have at least some students to perpetuate the love and harmony, to follow a path in search of the truth. Those students may have ten who follow and if each of those ten have ten etc. the future could be changed. The world may survive wars and conflicts, all this from Aikido.

A dream perhaps but at least Aikido has given me that dream.

---

Judo & Children: The Complete Circle

Today's children are our future . I can not change the world but I can try to give the children a sense of purpose. To instill respect for their fellow human beings and their surroundings. To build self discipline and hopefully a sense of morals. A tradition and etiquette of and age old society.

You do not use Judo as a means of inflicting pain or humiliation of others. It is a sport, which can also be fun, but also a means of exercising and keeping fit. It is a journey that both young or old can travel for it does not discriminate. It offers the most competitive a challenge, the most thoughtful an opportunity to learn the classical techniques.

The reward I seek is simple. To see the less accomplished progress and give praise when for them the technique goes right. To see their confidence grow, the once reserved child now volunteering to demonstrate their new prowess. The smiles of satisfaction, their laughter during games, their happy faces when leaving the Dojo.

This is my reward. I want to be a part of this . Through my Judo, perhaps today's children will keep our future safe. Some children may teach Judo when older, passing on the principles to their students. If so, I will in some small way have made a difference. The circle is complete.

Lynne Clark | Jim lock | Paul Khan

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