Ikuhiro Kubota Shihan Semina June 15 & 16 2013 Dewan Sri Putra, Bkt Jalil

Sensei taught a kumi jo set consisting of only 4 movements. From these 4 movements you can use the jo to counter jo gedan tsuki, jo choku tsuki, jo jodan tsuki, jo shomenuchi and jo yokomenuchi executed by your partner.

With this kumi jo set multiple pairs of partners can practice at the same time. Eventually Sensei got all the 40 odd participants to form a human chain in a big circle in the hall and everyone then uses his jo to hit the one in front and the other at the back of him in the giant circle.

Compared to previous seminars Sensei did not do much empty hand Aikido this time. On the other hand he used the jo to express empty hand Aikido movements. It is as if he wanted to stress the close relationship between weapons applications and empty hand techniques of Aikido.

On the last day we found out that he was going to touch 70 years in two days time. Although we didn't have a cake on hand we celebrate his 70th birthday by singing the "Happy Birthday " song after presenting gifts to him in appreciation and gratitude to his teaching.

Visibly touched Sensei executed a hand somersault on the floor to the delight of those gathered in the hall.