The 64th Cherry Blossom Festival Contestants at the Nuuanu YMCA Aikido Club
On December 11th 2015, the 64th Cherry Blossom Contestants attended class at the Nuuanu Aikido club as part of their Japanese cultural and heritage training. The Cherry Blossom Festival is organized by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. Each contestant is given the opportunity to attend different Japanese cultural classes and experience the rich heritage of Hawaii. Scoville sensei, head instructor of the Nuuanu Aikido Club, has been sharing the art of Aikido with these young ladies for the last four years.Before class commenced, contestants learned first about the meaning of 'Aikido'.
-Ai
Joining or Unifying
The combining of the Spirit, Mind, and Body
-Ki
Energy
The spirit energy that flows through and extends out of our body
-Do
The way or the path
The course that we as martial artists travel
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| Scoville Sensei speaks on the meaning of Aikido |
Following the warm ups, contestants were given instructions on rolling under the close supervision of the instructors to ensure their safety. Contestants are then allowed to try rolling on their own.
The group then moved into Aikido techniques. Sensei would explain and demonstrate each technique before the contestants and club members practiced them. Contestants were exposed to a wide range of techniques- from the basics to the advanced Kotagishi.
On behalf of Scoville sensei, the Nuuanu Aikido club, and the Hawaii Aikido Federation, we would like to wish all contestants the best of luck in the upcoming competition, gokoun o inorimasu.
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| Rolling instructions under Scoville Sensei's watchful eye |
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| Contestants rolling |
The group then moved into Aikido techniques. Sensei would explain and demonstrate each technique before the contestants and club members practiced them. Contestants were exposed to a wide range of techniques- from the basics to the advanced Kotagishi.
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| Hallam Sensei giving instruction |
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| Black Belt Ross practicing with contestant |
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| Club member Yuki (left) practicing Kotigishi with contestant |
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| Contestants practicing together |
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| Scoville Sensei demonstrating with a contestant |
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| HAF University of Hawaii, Assistant instructor Halliday giving tips |
The class began and ended with courtesy as students paid their respects to O'sensei for his dedication pioneering Aikido and to thank Scoville sensei for his work instructing it.
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| Students sit seza as class ends |
On behalf of Scoville sensei, the Nuuanu Aikido club, and the Hawaii Aikido Federation, we would like to wish all contestants the best of luck in the upcoming competition, gokoun o inorimasu.
For more info on the Cherry Blossom Festival
For info on the Nuuanu Aikido Club
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