Events

2009

Interview with Shihan Jun Yamada

 During the seminar held in Cluj Napoca, in late November of the year that just is about to end, I had the opportunity during the stay of the Malaysian delegation, to talk with Shihan Jun Yamada and put him some questions to which he had the kindness to answer me, and which I invite you to read.

1.What are the reasons that led you to visit an Aikido Dojo?

First time I went at Aikido classes at the University.Age 18.I wanted to practice a sport for my health and I didn't know anything about Aikido. When I was in senior high school I was  practicing Judo, but I am skinny and light, so at the university I was looking for something else, Karate or Aikido. Aikido turned out to be more suitable for me.

2.Have you ever practices other martial arts or sports ?

Yes, I have practiced Judo and swimming.

3.What fascinated you about Aikido  and why did you choose to continue practising Aikido?

Yes...after the university I was working for a trading company. My senior at the University was training in Hombu Dojo and I was also training there, for 6 years, every morning I got up and went to traing. Then when I had about 27 years I was invited in Malaysia by its government. I went there and I stayed there from 1971 until today .

4.How do you  explain that Aikido has so many followers throughout the entire world, although it is a quiet new marital art?

Because in  Aikido there is no competition, everybody can come and practice, children, old peolple, woman,men,everybody can come and be also relaxed, not stressed.

5.Many people say that Aikido is a "way of life", why is that so? What does this mean?

(Laughter)-  I need to practice Aikido in my life, I have practice it for a long time, when I don't practice, for some  reasons, I feel the difference in  my body. I can't live without  it, I feel always the need to practice it. Aikido become my life.

6. How do you see and think that Aikido will evolve in the next years? Will it still remain as O-Sensei left it to us or will it change because O-Sensei is no longer among us?

I've studied with O'Sensei for 2 years, after that he passed away. It is difficult to tell. It is not only sports, it is into religion, in all religions, it's very complex, I can't yet understand it all. I myself study religion and religion customs, and I understand that Aikido is a way, Do means way.

7. What opinion do you have about the Romanian Aikido practioners?

 Very nice, it is the first time I've been to Romania. I am very pleasantly surprised, so many practioners, more then in Malaysia and everybody is so keen, so nice.

8. Did you like your stay in Romania? Would you like to come visit it again?

Yes, very nice. I would like to come again to see you all.

9. What would you like to say to the Aikido as who just started practicing this martial art/what message would you like to send to them? Why should they keep practising Aikido?

I would like to see more children and ladies. It is good for their health and education, it is a good way. It is good for ladies for self defense, for health, for beauty health (laughter). It is a good way for everyone.I would like to thank to mister Dorin Marchis and Mr. Kawashima and to you all for my stay here in Romania

We like to thank you for you kindness Shihan Yamada.

 

Laura Cocis

 

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