@shihonage-Thank you for your frank and honest comments. You are correct, there is a shortage of quality Aikido instruction such as Sensei Boaz's here in Phoenix. If he still lived here, we wouldnt be having this discussion. However, he felt fit to leave instruction on his behalf to me in his absence. I am blessed with a very loyal group of students who respect him as i do, and we follow his vision as closely as is possible from a great distance. If ever in Phoenix, please stop by and see us.
Sensei - Thank you for putting together this video of my test highlights, it is greatly appreciated. I am thankful for all you have invested in me, and hope you can look at this video with pride.
I like the Seagal-influenced training methods, and obviously they worked well for _your_ training, Gary, but I can't help thinking that Phoenix, AZ must be really scarce on quality instruction if _brown belts_ are allowed to teach actual classes.
@shihonage-----Sigh. Where do I even begin with this? I guess, uh, thanks? You give me a compliment and then insult my intelligence, integrity and training all in one fell move. You really think a colored belt has ANYTHING to do with budo? So much emphasis is placed in the wrong areas these days and ego seems to rule us all. For your information I was invited to teach when I was a blue belt. I've been teaching for 18 years now and I've learned that rank is simply a personal goal.
@kyushoaikiguy I don't look at belt color. I look at his oft-lost posture and indecisive footwork. I could've said "ikkyu" instead of "brown belt", it doesn't make a difference. The test is fine, but learning that the guy is a Chief Instructor of Aikido somewhere made me do a double-take.
Not "Sensei's favorite uke". Not assistant instructor.
CHIEF. INSTRUCTOR.
I'm sorry if you find my opinion offensive. I love your videos. See you around.
@shihonage...again, SIGH. This time because I feel bad for jumping your case. I had kind of a bad day and should have just kept my fingers off of the keyboard. My apologies. Look, sometimes I get a little defensive when I feel people are questioning my motives and such so again, I apologize. Jason (prestfeldt) posted a much better explanation. And the truth is, he's not only a great person, he's a great sensei. I'm lucky to have him teaching for me. He's not perfect but he's doing great!
@shifftyp - no, this is at an annual martial arts retreat we go to called Budo Camp. Google budocamponline for more info on the camp. It's a great time with even greater people.
Awesome Video!! thanks gary :-)
GamerX7800X 1 year ago
@shihonage-Thank you for your frank and honest comments. You are correct, there is a shortage of quality Aikido instruction such as Sensei Boaz's here in Phoenix. If he still lived here, we wouldnt be having this discussion. However, he felt fit to leave instruction on his behalf to me in his absence. I am blessed with a very loyal group of students who respect him as i do, and we follow his vision as closely as is possible from a great distance. If ever in Phoenix, please stop by and see us.
prestfeldt 1 year ago
Sensei - Thank you for putting together this video of my test highlights, it is greatly appreciated. I am thankful for all you have invested in me, and hope you can look at this video with pride.
prestfeldt 1 year ago
Great job on your test!
Minja602 1 year ago
I like the Seagal-influenced training methods, and obviously they worked well for _your_ training, Gary, but I can't help thinking that Phoenix, AZ must be really scarce on quality instruction if _brown belts_ are allowed to teach actual classes.
shihonage 1 year ago
@shihonage-----Sigh. Where do I even begin with this? I guess, uh, thanks? You give me a compliment and then insult my intelligence, integrity and training all in one fell move. You really think a colored belt has ANYTHING to do with budo? So much emphasis is placed in the wrong areas these days and ego seems to rule us all. For your information I was invited to teach when I was a blue belt. I've been teaching for 18 years now and I've learned that rank is simply a personal goal.
kyushoaikiguy 1 year ago
@kyushoaikiguy I don't look at belt color. I look at his oft-lost posture and indecisive footwork. I could've said "ikkyu" instead of "brown belt", it doesn't make a difference. The test is fine, but learning that the guy is a Chief Instructor of Aikido somewhere made me do a double-take.
Not "Sensei's favorite uke". Not assistant instructor.
CHIEF. INSTRUCTOR.
I'm sorry if you find my opinion offensive. I love your videos. See you around.
shihonage 1 year ago
@shihonage...again, SIGH. This time because I feel bad for jumping your case. I had kind of a bad day and should have just kept my fingers off of the keyboard. My apologies. Look, sometimes I get a little defensive when I feel people are questioning my motives and such so again, I apologize. Jason (prestfeldt) posted a much better explanation. And the truth is, he's not only a great person, he's a great sensei. I'm lucky to have him teaching for me. He's not perfect but he's doing great!
kyushoaikiguy 1 year ago
nice ^_^ thats where u train is it ?
shifftyp 1 year ago
@shifftyp - no, this is at an annual martial arts retreat we go to called Budo Camp. Google budocamponline for more info on the camp. It's a great time with even greater people.
kyushoaikiguy 1 year ago