Part
3
Koichi
Tohei Sensei, the present head of the Ki no
Kenkyukai, wasn't around when I entered Hombu
Dojo because he was teaching in Hawaii. Once
in a while there'd be a letter and once there
was a photo included. It showed people the
size Konishiki and Akebono (two famous Sumo
yokozuna) practicing. After six months he
returned and I had a class from him for the
first time. We practiced ikkyoundo, nikkyoundo,
kotgaeshi undo, tenkan, kaiten, irimi: taisabaki
techniques with names easy to understand and
remember. This is the way Tohei Shihan developed
in Hawaii to teach so many people at once.
At this time, there was no standardized method
of teaching and Kisshomaru Sensei and the
other instructors all had different emphases.
I tried to teach Kisshomaru Sensei's techniques
but when I practiced in another sensei's class,
I imitated his particular style. Tohei Sensei's
method of teaching was very simple, clear
and rational. He had all of us young deshi's
heartfelt admiration. According to one story,
he introduced Aikido at the American National
Judo Meet. He had several students grab him
at once and then the image of him throwing
all of them was broadcast on TV, so instantly
making Aikido famous. At the same time, the
publisher of the Yomiuri newspaper visited
Hombu Dojo to see a demonstration. He offered
to sponsor a match between Aikido and Sumo,
however much it would cost. Tohei Sensei refused
because Aikido doesn't have matches. I was
there so I heard this first-hand. Apparently
when Tohei Sensei was in Hawaii, he instructed
a pro wrestler who then defeated Rikidozan,
a famous Japanese pro wrestler also, had,
heard of this so he escaped the match.
Tohei
Sensei was gone several months out of the
year to teach Aikido in Hawaii and the American
mainland. In this manner, Aikido greatly
expanded overseas. Domestically, as well,
Aikido was rapidly increasing in popularity.
I acted as Tohei Sensei's private secretary
and was with him through many of his activities.
Whenever we would return from the Yurakucho
Dojo by taxi, we would always go by way
of Yotsuya, where Tohei Sensei would get
out and send me back by myself. When I asked
a senior about this, he smirked and said
"I know that place;" apparently
Tohei Sensei had a date.
In
1969, Tohei Sensei was promoted to Aikido's
highest rank of 10th dan. It could be said
that Hawaii and the U.S. mainland were Tohei
Sensei's kingdom, so influential was his
teaching that perhaps Aikido wouldn't be
there if not for him.
O
Sensei passed away April 26, 1969 and for
a brief time, Tohei Sensei was the head
of Hombu Dojo, at the same time founding
the Ki no Kenkyukai. Gradually he withdrew
from Hombu Dojo. On the morning of March
31, 1973, about 10am, Tohei Sensei formally
resigned as head instructor and with over
half the instructors and many dojo members,
gave a nod to Kisshomaru Sensei and departed
Hombu. Many of the people who left with
him were the young, able instructors. I
was in the office and witnessed this. After
a while, Kisshomaru Sensei came into the
office and noticing me, mumbled "Kobayashi,
you sticking around?" I had many conflicting
thoughts. The head instructor had great
ability and technique and explained ki in
easy-to understand terms. On the other hand,
I felt it was a mistake to take lightly
the fact that Kisshomaru was the 2nd doshu.
Troubled, I recalled my father's situation.
He lived as a merchant through various connections.
I made my decision to keep the connection
with headquarters.
There
were instructors who left with Koichi Tohei
Shihan but then later returned to Hombu.
One of those was Fumio Toyoda Sensei who
had a dojo in Chicago. Through Chicago he
built a big association of dojos throughout
America and Europe (the AAA or Aikido Association
of America). Then, at an awards ceremony
for Kisshomaru Sensei, Toyoda Sensei and
Kisshomaru Sensei talked for the first time
in eighteen years. The discussion reflected
a spirited mutual understanding and they
agreed on dojo exchanges. My son Hiroaki
and Hatayama Shihan were asked to give seminars
there and we held joint practices with Toyoda
Sensei and students when they came to Japan.
However, Toyoda Sensei suddenly passed away
three years ago. Kobayashi Dojos continue
to cooperate with the AAA and the relationship
has steadily grown more secure.
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