Our 12th Annual Spring Seminar with Tres Hofmeister Sensei was wonderful! Forty-two aikidoka participated in the event. Most of the participants came from the Bay Area yet we also had quite a number of out-of-towners. Aikido West really lent their support with eleven of their members, students and teachers, on the mat. We also had a number of folks from Aikido of Diablo Valley, Aikido of Livermore, and a few came over ‘the hill’ from Santa Cruz. Four actually commuted all the way from Placerville, CA. However the prize for coming the longest distance goes to Jay Lindholm Sensei, Todd and Tommy Kammerer, Darrell White and Charles Pummill, venturing all the way from Austin TX.

As you view these photos, especially if you are unfamiliar with seminar training, you might be thinking, “What the heck? It sure doesn’t ‘look’ like martial training!” Oft times ‘seminar training’ is an opportunity to study the underlying principles of ‘aiki connection’ as manifested in basic techniques / forms. Hofmeister Sensei has a very astute understanding of the structural integrity of the human body. His work in the Feldenkrais Method has broadened his vision of the deep connection of physical function and internal awareness. At this seminar Tres Sensei offered up some very simple ‘practices’ that helped us gain insights into maintaining a sense of self-integrity, physically and emotionally, while engaged with a training partner. And, feeling ‘whole’ feels good… note the many happy faces!

We are so grateful to have this ongoing relationship with Hofmeister Sensei. He always shows up eager to share his ‘cutting edges’ and enthusiastically engages with students of all levels. We look forward to having him return next year for Spring Seminar 13! Thank you Hofmeister Sensei!

The bulk of the photos were taken by Jason Tsuyemura on Sunday morning. Jason, who graciously volunteers his time and skill to document our events, was otherwise engaged on Friday & Saturday. I have included a small number pics from Saturday including a couple taken at the very enjoyable potluck on Saturday evening hosted by Shawn & Maiko Douglass. Thank you_ Jason, Shawn, Maiko_ as well as all who contributed to make the weekend such a wonderful event!

Posted by Skys Sensei.