PLEASE answer?
i live in a VERY rural part of the colorado rockies, and have been tryin gto make a aceptable bow out of aspen and pine for a while now an have never been sucsessful. but recently i found some harder wood, (might be some type of willow? its a big bush.) anyway its relitively hard to bend and you can hit it of a rock as hard as you can and it hardly has a dent in it other that the damage on the this bark.
but my question is, i REALLY need good, clear step by stem instructions form ALL OF YOU, (ive looked at all the web sights 3-4 times now.)
i need to get this right because there is not very many of these branches that are strate at all, the others just go in evry direction you can think of lol.
the wood is a very dark brown and has little light brown dashes going sideways on the stick. (this is discribing the bark) srry if this wasnt very clear.
PLEASE NO ANSWERS NOT RELATED TO THIS QUESTION. thanks.
Your wood species is important. You need to know exactly what the wood is. Here are some sites you may not have seen.
Composite Longbow
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Composite-Longbow
or
English Longbow
http://users.aber.ac.uk/gid3/how%20to%20make%20a%20long%20bow.htm
Good luck Robin Hood
Scott
http://www.wheresmydrink.com
Borderlands: You’re on a boat (Trophy/Achievement)
browning bows instructions
The Biography of Sensei Derek Eastman 5th Dan
The Biography of Sensei Derek Eastman 5th Dan
By David J Wilson ESTA Secretary – July 2003
I have known Sensei Eastman for some 12 years and during those years, I have heard so many stories on both Sensei Eastman and Sensei Ellis and their dedication to promoting Aikido in early Britain, few of the highlights of the history of their hard training and recognition a true martial art, however, there are many amusing anecdotes.
Sensei Eastman is the only student of Aikido from 1950 "Cabin" Dojo has never given an interview saying that "history Ellis Sensei is more interesting than mine. "
I asked Sensei Eastman for the readers to decide that accepting this interview.
Introduction
Q-DW: Sensei Eastman, first, I want to thank you for accepting this interview.
A-SE: David, my pleasure.
Q-DW: When born?
A-DE: it was a premature baby, born prematurely 20 years on 31/12/1943.
Q-DW: Where were you born?
A-SE: West Kensington (Behind Harrods) London.
Q-DW: Before your introduction to Aikido were you ever involved in any other sport.
A-SE: Yes, I was in school under the county and the team on the field, and generally run for my school in the county at various events.
Q-DW: Now the question Sensei important, what year did you start your journey in aikido?
A-SE: I made a brief at the end of 1959. .
Q-DW: Where to begin his long journey of Aikido?
A-SE: In the now internationally famous "Hut" and later became the Abbot School of Budo "His name was actually the Abbe School of Judo "When I joined.
First visit to the cabin "Dojo.
Q-DW: Would you Judo have been your first contact with martial arts of his first visit to the "shack"?
A-SE: I vividly remember that first visit with one of my friends as we walked in the room no one noticed that all eyes were riveted on the action on the carpet.
There was a guy in the center of the canvas with an eye blindfolded which later became known as Sensei Harry Ellis.
The student blindfolded was attacked by three degrees higher than otherwise, and Believe me, no walking, in addition to three students attacking students were blindfolded another guy who was obviously the man up here (I later found out he was Sensei Williams).
I was hit the guy with a shinai (bamboo sword) shouting at him from his poor posture and not moving quickly enough.
My friend turned to me and said: "From Jeeezzz!, I do not want that, is it not I'm outta here. "
With that he left.
Maybe I was not thinking clearly, but I stayed around and asked for information on classes Club beginners.
Q-DW: After witnessing the primary purpose of martial arts, why not make the same movement that your good friend?
A-SE: I do not really know what I saw, my first impression was that perhaps could be ju-jitsu or something like that, hmmm why did I stay? I'm not sure, crazier still the question should be Why should I register.
I belonged to a biker gang and was the proud owner of a Royal Enfield 350cc.
I was also too young to have driver's license. In these days our place favorite was the historic town of Windsor, which was a meeting place for motorcycle gangs and groups. The problem has been the place was full of soldiers of the Castle Guard.
There were always fights with our guys and troopers Queens household that had a lot of old guys hard.
In one of these frequent battles really hammered by one of the castle guards, who then decided to check the local Judo school, that everything! I was there and I got in the act.
The beginning of an odyssey Aikido.
Q-DW: Sensei, tell me about your first class that was your teacher?
A-SE: My first class was in Sensei Ellis night beginners class Monday was the largest class of the week with between 40-50 students a night on the carpet.
Ellis Sensei class was always filled to capacity, and training has always been difficult, but I enjoyed it and found that seemed to fit naturally to this new martial art of Aikido.
Q-DW: Sensei, you said beginning of this interview that "I made a brief release in 1959," What do you mean an early start?
A-SE: Well, what happened, I had a very serious accident on my motorcycle and my injuries were serious.
I was on crutches for three months.
I made a slow recovery but well and eventually returned to Aikido.
My teacher was still Sensei Ellis, I had been that back on the mat for about 4 or 5 lessons when one evening Sensei Ellis asked Sensei Williams to come on the mat and something to watch.
I quickly realized that something was me and to my surprise Sensei Ellis was smashing me all over the carpet, as he threw me I continued to bounce up.
Then he said to Sensei Williams;
"Sensei, have you ever seen anyone ukemi like that before?"
Sensei Williams then took me in nikyo, a technique for painful wrist lock I seemed to hold for long periods before giving way.
He looked at Sensei Ellis and said: "It's only a beginner give him time."
Sensei Ellis replied: "You told me to take an assistant, it everything! "
Sensei Williams looked annoyed and said abruptly: "No! Support should be 3rd kyu or more "
Sensei Ellis was persistent and finally got his way, of course, I did not participate in this discussion. As Sensei Williams walked away Sensei Ellis then asked me to be assistant.
He said he had one week to decide, as I went Sensei Ellis said: "Derek! It has an option by the way, let me know at the end of class. "
Assistant Sensei Ellis I became.
Q-DW: What were your responsibilities or duties of an assistant?
A-SE: I was the only junior assistant at the time. I also used by all the other instructors which was hard for me but also gave me a broad experience.
I did not like being used by David Williams who was Sensei Ken Williams brother. David did not have the same understanding of Budo as his brother, and I always felt there was a sequence very cruel nature, which goes beyond strict discipline.
It was also my responsibility to open the dojo on Sunday morning ready for all grades.
In winter, have identified three paraffin heaters, two of which were in the locker room.
While they were warming I then scan the frost the tatami.
I remember a winter Sunday morning I arrived early and after a few minutes later Sensei Ellis.
He said "Derek, who sweeps the carpet and I turn on the lights for you"
I'm happy about that, after a while Sensei Ellis came out of the locker room closing the door behind him and said
"Keep the door closed helps Derek hot moisture GI's" (training suits).
Well all students and teachers have left their gi hanging from the rafters. Sensei was very cold and I started to practice to try to warm up, then about 30 minutes later John Caldwell and some students have arrived. When you open the cabinet door the smoke just stood out. Everyone was coughing and choking, we as the house was in flames.
There was a fire, but Sensei Ellis had not cut the heater wicks. So that caused the fire to Billow all the smoke and soot, the IG were in ruins.
Sensei Williams then arrived and demanded about who was responsible, he looked Sensei Ellis who without a word looked at me and pointed his finger in my direction.
After a few harsh words Sensei Williams made me do 200 push-ups in the back of the dolls as punishment. Some have called for new IM and others wanted to have its own punishment.
Some time passed before he was pardoned.
Q-DW: It seems difficult to be a magician, He must surely have been some advantages to having?
A-SE: As an assistant who did not have to pay a fee of mats and training nearly every day.
It was a great advantage that I was an apprentice engineer and did not earn much money.
He also continued with judo and karate classes. I also learned with Sensei Tomio Otani and I would ukulele Dan for all grades in the hut.
I do not walk!
Q-DW: Y Did other participants or was it unique?
A-DE: For about nine months, I was alone, and then Ken Waite became assistant professor Karate.
Harada Sensei was impressed with Ken and later made him his personal assistant.
Then a very young judoka named Trevor Jones joined the Aikido section was a very talented student with immense natural ability, which was soon promoted to junior assistant Sensei K Williams and Trevor and I shared all the responsibilities dojo and we became very good friends.
Trevor had a big problem, which had the bad habit of upsetting Sensei Ellis, and there were many times that Sensei had to solve, and on several occasions when Trevor complained about Sensei Ellis driving.
Sensei stop the car and lay out where we were. It does not drive too fast, but never complained, because they do not like walking.
Lady Baden Powell almost vanish.
Q-DW: I know Sensei Ellis and Sensei Foster has traveled extensively with Sensei Williams, did you travel and visit other dojos?
A-SE: I got to travel, but not on the scale of Sensei Ellis and Williams.
Sensei Williams had Sensei Ellis responsible for carrying out exhibitions to their own I attended the first West Drayton.
We have done over the years, however, there are two that are most memorable, I know that this story is told in Sensei Ellis article in "Fighting Arts International magazine.
Abbe Sensei told us that this view was also important as Lady Baden Powell and Ambassador of Japan were among the general public, and Lady Baden Powell is expected to promote martial arts in his youth group of the Foundation International.
Sensei Ellis was standing behind the stage near the Japanese ambassador and Sensei Otani when I thought the man had insulted Sensei Otani Judo.
There was an altercation between men and Ellis Judo Sensei I do not know what happened off site, but the man Judo proceed to Next, as it should.
Suddenly, we heard the announcement and introduction "national assistant coach Harry Ellis Sensei" appeal.
We ran on stage and I was lying in the first technique my cigarettes and matches fell into the folds of my gi.
Sensei went mad and I was immediately struck, and around the mat.
His aggression demanded an answer, also became angry and responded, each attack was real.
I tried very hard to do with the club, without success. Then, when he was a knife, really I thought you had when the knife went into the folds of his gi.
Sensei gasped but still took me into custody, as I laughed and lifted his head off the mat Lady Baden Powell looked at me with horror on his face.
I knew there and then burned. Lady Baden-Powell says Abbe Sensei "It was the most horrific displays of violence that I witnessed, not for my children" ..
A meeting with Tatsuo Suzuki Sensei.
Q-DW: You said that there were twice?
A-SE: We had a very large screen at the Crystal Palace in Budo Judo Championship, which begins with a screen, but having a bad character Sensei always got to have a battle of some sort, It was no different.
The great master of Karate Tatsuo Suzuki, who had just now watching us, as we have done, He approached us and looked very serious, I'm glad Sensei was in front of me ..
As Sensei crossing point of the mat Suzuki Sensei approached and said.
"Thank you, this is the best display of Aikido I have ever seen," then bowed and walked away.
Perceptions of beginning teachers HUT.
Q-DW: You said you were an assistant Sensei Ellis and the only junior at the time and also dojo-General was in close contact with many cases not all the old masters, what were your impressions of those who accessed contact?.
A-SE: I quote the above lower grade.
Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.
I occasionally see the Abbe Aikido Sensei on the mat, which will be on the mat to make a point or teach.
It did not bother to change often in his gi, coming to the fore in this old brown suit-mob (after the war, soldiers received a brown suit when leaving the army, and was called a costume-mob, I'm sure it was.)
Williams Sensei sometimes ask me to take the Abbe Sensei home to Acton in my three wheeled "Isetta bubble car" Sensei Williams told me that if I had an accident with Sensei in the car I would have to leave the country and never seen again, I believed him.
Sensei Father sat in the first car Bubble. He looked around the small car, then to me, gave me a very puzzled and asked: "How many wheels" I told him "Sensei 3.
He said: "Necessary, where are the wheels?
I said, "two front and one in back Sensei ". He thought a moment and then said" Ahhhh! Strong triangle.
He did not speak a word during the journey, it is normal that the abbot Sensei.
Unlike some of his so-called "friends" who claim to have had a long and meaningful philosophical / psychological conversations with him, his English was poor and not waste it.
Ken Williams Sensei.
Sensei K Williams the head of the dojo does not use as much as others.
He was in total control of the dojo and all who were in it.
It was not only aikido, judo and others but are very good in this area. He has acted as arbitrator in the U.S. Air Base at Ruislip, was once a referee at the U.S. Air Force International Judo Championship.
We would get a large number of American students are studying at the shelter in our beginner classes.
David Williams Sensei.
David was in charge of the Karate section before the arrival of Harada Sensei, I enjoyed my regular practice with Ken Griffiths, and later Ken Waite, who becomes the first European assistant to Harada Sensei.
However, David Williams, in my opinion, had a sequence very cruel to his character. Williams and Ellis and others who teach that Abbe Sensei did with a shinai. We used a mild form intimidation to induce any person with a quick stab in the back to get his attention. This would be done with a smile and sense of humor and no one against this form of discipline gay.
Now, with David Williams, he spoke!, And seemed to enjoy it.
I will leave it as I do not want to dwell on this issue. Closed!.
Eric Dollimore Sensei.
Eric was only 5 feet 5 inches tall and the exponent Dynamic Aikido Dojo in the hut.
What I remember most of Eric was one Sunday morning when he performed at the bottom of the dojo with some of the high kyu grades.
There was some action that place at the top of the mat with the dan grade, Eric had a very difficult technique, he beat Ellis deeply into the carpet. Then he excused himself by saying: "Sorry, I gotta go, I must be my friends for lunch at 12-00 hours. "
Ellis rose from the table and saw that I was not happy, Eric had already left the carpet.
Ellis shouted "Eric really want to fight?"
Eric replied: "What Sorry Harry, I really did not have time. "
Dan Ellis returned to the ranks of others, clearly pleased with Eric excuse. Then I saw Eric back the locker room without his hakama and shouted:
"OK Harry!" But we must be "fast.
Both in the immediate square each other in posture, after a few seconds Ellis made what seemed a terrible blow on the head of Eric, Eric Ellis is entitled under the technical Koshi Waza best I've seen the release of Ellis and the board office partition gypsum.
Sensei Williams was sitting in the office where he joined Ellis as he walked directly through the wall.
As Ellis Sat drywall dust, Eric shouting "Here, I gotta go I'm late for dinner. "
I always said it was like something from the movies.
Haydn Foster Sensei.
It was a bit larger than the rest of us and was regarded with respect and affection. His favorite technique was irimi swimming as he says that has always been hard aware of his raucous laughter after having left speechless.
Henry (Harry) Ellis Sensei.
Henry Ellis was my teacher and he is constantly referred in this interview.
There is a story I have ever seen in the editor I'll say.
In the sixties we have learned another group made Aikido in north London with a well-known Japanese professor named Senta Yamada Judo. He taught a style that had Aikido never heard called "Tomiki" to decide to go check.
All Dan grades met in the cabin of a night and we started this dojo Tomiki. Do not know what to expect. When we respectfully entered their dojo. Sensei Williams spoke with the instructor over and asked if she could practice. The instructor said "NO!, I'm sorry, but the wear hakama and do not let them"
Sensei Williams replied: "It's okay let them practice without the hakama"
The teacher thought for a moment and replied: "I can still not allow the practice because they are an organization different from us "
Sensei Ellis was then pushed forward and said: "Organisations are names on paper, Aikido is Aikido "
The instructor had none of this and politely asked us to leave.
We were not satisfied with that, so I then in a bar nearby, after about one hour was to come in the pub, you'll Dave guessed, all the students and the instructor.
We had to discuss with students and were very good guy. A great guy who was a first kyu made the mistake of asking Sensei Ellis what our time nikyo.
He said it was his favorite technique when I tried Sensei Ellis, nothing happened. He made another mistake, asked Sensei to show him our style, Sensei went to the pub in the basement.
The guy could not believe Brown belt and asked his teacher who spoke with Sensei Williams. He told her what had taken place and insisted that his instructor to try to make this technique in Sensei Ellis.
Sensei Ellis offered his arm and the instructor agreed to try. The instructor could not do anything, then stated
"I can not move because you made the arm of stone, if I'm also Stone'll ARM breaks his arm like a twig"
Ellis Sensei insisted that her stone arm, so he tried the type and the truth is not different from the first attempt.
So! As it was the arm of stone, Sensei Ellis has taken a pint of beer and drinks at a time when the guy tried to break his arm!
The boy looked emptied.
Sensei and Sensei Peter Lennie Ballard Dowden.
There were inseparable and were very great friends who make most of the knives and shows the club. I would like to replace the class ladies. HUT left shortly after Eric Dollimore.
John Caldwell Sensei.
John was an electrician who worked with Sensei Williams.
Not only first dan in aikido, but also a training partner and semi-professional boxer. He argued some notable fighters such as former world championships Terry Downs and Terry Spinks who were world champions in their own weight.
John took me to the "Thomas Becket, a gym for boxers above a popular pub in London. This is a special gift for a young man like me, like many famous UK and USA boxers had trained there.
I also remember that once when John made some descent Training has been attacked by a big Alsatian dog went after him. John is the dog lunged at him. He gave a kick in dog, kicking right in the throat and died instantly.
A bit different to the experience of Abbe Sensei with an Alsatian, but no less inevitable.
Sensei Hamish McFarlane.
He was older and high-level for me, it was also a good judoka. Was a first kyu (brown belt) in Aikido, when I started, but not ended up taking our dan test year about four years later.
When I received my first dan, Sensei Ellis was a tradition that gave me my first black belt and hakama was a very good quality.
Nobody knew where Hamish got his hakama. Ellis spread the rumor that Franco was a hakama department and coverage of the military is a heavy material and traditional wrinkle-free. This joke has not let Hamish, and I even laughed with Sensei Foster about recently (July 2003).
Hamish had one thing very little known. The first time I asked if he could join the class Aikido Sensei Williams said that the doctor had told him in 12 months in a wheelchair for the rest of his life due to severe illness with his spine. Beginning Aikido, and practiced until his death 60. He also visited Japan and trained in Aiki-Kai. Recently, I heard the sad news that Hamish died a while ago.
The former give classifications.
Q-DW: How does the classification system of early days in the shelter with some who have seen over the recent years?.
A-SE: The classification of ritualized procedures are not as technically as today.
When free, sorting would be very physical with the constant attack of 100%, nobody has been through a few pieces without classification.
I think most grades Dan the age of consent the 3rd kyu (green belt) was always the hardest, considered by the Abbe Sensei and Williams Sensei Note transition between beginner and high grade and his first step as an assistant professor.
It was also the first ranking in which the attack had to take a real knife. When it was my first time Sensei Williams asked: "Are you ready to accept real knife "I said" Yeah, but I really wanted to say NO.
Eric Dollimore set before me with a large knife in his left hand, I'm freezing.
Sensei Williams said: "Derek you forgot Eric is left," said Eric then attack with his right and then left.
When I took my first dan, what stands out most in my mind is how I was tired when I arrived. I was uke for other levels and to be honest I do not know how I got through it all. I just wanted to get everything at once.
I have swam with Hamish Tenchi very positive and hammered into the carpet. Nakazono Sensei said he was very pleased with the final technical and they assigned me first.
————————-
Q-DW: With all the years of training and instruction through kyu grades what was the final path first dan?
A-SE: I've always been lucky that not only have I received personal instruction and guidance directly from Sensei Williams and my own Sensei, and all grades above.
I also think that being an assistant instructor in the beginner class from 7th kyu to 4 I had the opportunity to build a good relationship with the practice of select small group of students who later became a whole second generation "Hut dan grades."
The group was composed of people like Ron James over 6 feet tall and 250 pounds 5ins seemed like a giant to me as a boy. He never addressed and never gave me any leeway at all although it was very difficult but very good to train with this giant of a man.
It would not "go" for anyone so it has always been a challenge for me.
Ron was a good friend and brother to another grade Dan Allen, Andy, who was assistant to Sensei Foster.
Sensei Ellis and I used to put Young visitors to the area dojo. Andy, who was the oldest student in each of us was a very dry and austere.
I told him "Andy, she is beautiful is not it "and if I met him I always received the same answer dark
"Huh! All are welcome as long as they get married! ". Andy was one of my colleagues regular training.
Trevor Jones, who was assistant Sensei Williams Junior probably the most I've trained with and we became inseparable, not only as Aikido, but also as friends and we helped each other to prepare Dan grade.
I guess that's how I finally got to this point in my preparation for Dan rank.
I received the first year just before they become 21 years. At the same time, he had just finished my training as an engineer.
It was when Sensei Ellis asked Sensei Williams and I travel and spread the gospel "of Aikido. We were disciples "when he said.
Although aikido had started to spread a little, there are areas that were not aware of this new martial art.
My beloved "Isetta" bubble car that I had pushed to its limits, has finally burst!
He had to be dumped. Fortunately, at the same time, Sensei Ellis had just bought a car from a Mini that year was then the company. "
Then look at the car and the prospects of aikido and business travel and some who agreed with the month of March.
Rat attack.
Q-DW: Sensei I have read and enjoyed the stories of his travels from its point of view, there is nothing that would add that were also part of this experience.
A-SE: At this time, Henry and I had become good friends outside of the dojo, but the carpets are still used, and that is what it always was until today.
The first dojo we visited was in Nottinghamshire and directed by George Cotterell, where they have been employed for a short period.
Mr. Cotterell Chihuahua breed dogs that should be about 50 or 60 calls Henry rats that covered.
These dogs were in the cobbled courtyard. The toilets stood in the back of the patio, next to the funeral home.
At night, the door was closed so that the only way to go to the bathroom through the dog-filled patio.
One night he had just returned a good night at the local pub and Henry went straight to bed while I stayed in a cup of tea and a conversation with Mrs Cotterell.
After about an hour Henry left the room not wearing his jeans, no socks or shoes and crossed the courtyard to go to the bathroom (which is something to drink beer strong in the North).
He did it before the dogs can bite ankles. We have heard much commotion and looked out the window to see all these dogs barking at the door of vanity and emotion were doing their "business".
Henry tries to open the door and see all the dogs and the damage they realized they had no shoes.
Mrs Cotterell and me were in total hysteria about what was happening. Henry was scream for me to carry out their shoes, but with beer from inside me I felt brave and ignored it and enjoyed the fun.
Seeing run in the fields Mine was like a scene from a Jerry Lewis movie. As she ran screaming threats of serious physical abuse of me.
Shortly after we had problems with my head on the photos I had taken the coffins as stated in the "fight against the International Arts magazine. We lost our jobs as funeral and now we were on the road to new adventures.
Visiting dojos and martial arts clubs, schools and any place that allowed us to show a little of our Aikido in the hope that we would ask for more.
In those days in the North there was much work to be done at any time, so would accept any job offered to us and say that all work.
They include general labor and construction worker, working as pawns in the Great Britain first M1. Funeral photographers, sweepers, cesspit cleaning, of steel workers, deck officers, facing the beach, the painters. The worst job of all was the train, which was the work forced and hated, which lasted only a few days.
This is how it happened that day. At night, we seriously promotion spending the same time Aikido, including Saturday and Sunday, in what we consider successful attempts to encourage the expansion and continues "Abbe Budo schools."
The cabin of the market!
A-SE: David, I want to return to this point if it agrees with you, I want to mention an unforgettable character, who had a bad start with Ellis Sensei and later became a close friend both of us – a man named George Stavro.
On the night George made his first appearance in the cabin was about 30 minutes before Sensei Ellis.
I was in String busy exercise preparation. George is Greek and a trader, he entered the dojo with two large suitcases and a few minutes had the clothing to the screen throughout the region received.
I did not take too much notice as I thought it must have previously agreed to do it with one of the senior instructors.
It was then when Harry came just as George was getting into his sales pitch with two students who were awaiting permission to go to the mat. It's the only time I heard of Harry swear in the dojo.
Henry shouted, "What the # # # # do you think is happening here, what do you think is the day market in Bangladesh?
He threw the bags in the door of the dojo in the rain encryption with George around to get their goods together and put everything back in your car.
George then returned to the dojo with a big smile on his face as if nothing had happened and asked what was going on in this room, I explained that we were to aikido classes.
Once again the following week, with about 8 of his friends joined.
George was a very tall man and did a street fighter and became the one for me to train with.
Not a lot of money by being an apprentice engineer, George was older than me and took me under his wing early and quickly I am caught in their criminal activities which included a very profitable business of delivering Matute black market for all Indian restaurants in West London.
Henry was angry for my participation until they are involved, and are also known all contracts for decoration restaurant.
We worked on the door of some restaurants and so far we've had as many curries as we could eat and never had to pay.
George became a favorite of Kazuo Chiba Sensei and is now a third dan, George was a brown belt when he left to join the HUT dojo Sensei Ellis Slough, in 1968, and we can see some pictures with Jack Poole, who was a beginner at that time. George reminds him very well and has actually been signed when he joined.
We could write a book about adventures we had together.
George was at my wedding and the big dance Zorba glass of water on the head, my family are still talking about it now.
Forward and out of the hut.
Q: DW.
Sensei, you have said before that it was all the time they married and moved away and the resort. Could you at this time.
A: SE. Yes, after I got married, I moved to Basingstoke in Hampshire.
My work involved many trips that I was working on platforms, drilling, extraction of gas in the English Channel just off the River Humber.
I also take this opportunity to visit Aikido local clubs and train whenever possible.
Later, he found work closer to home, in 1969, I renewed my contact and friendship Trevor Jones, who had also married and living in Camberley, Surrey only 10 miles from my house.
He said he had just opened a new dojo Hotel Hawley. Now, he worked as a waiter in a plane and asked me to take care of his dojo and teach when I in the long haul, I agreed.
In my opinion, Aikido Trevor had moved permanently to a higher speed technical training but was still quite traditional and by far the most powerful aiki movement of any person known by the Japanese name.
The dojo then moved Brookwood Hall Hawley, with two good students and Colin Cashmore Mike Relph participants also remember Wasil Kolenkisov training there as a beginner, later joined Sensei Ken Williams as assistant. In early 1969, I opened "The Basingstoke Aikido Club" I still occasionally help Trevor, who had moved to a purpose built dojo at the Budokan "Frimley." Unfortunately, Trevor Later, he had health problems and the dojo has been executed, then by my old friend Andy Allen from the hut with the help of John Harding, who still practices today and we are always contact. With Trevor I can come back to visit many dojos Sensei K Williams, who had left the hut, and now Rhonnda Valley in Wales. I also visited the hut which was being run by Sensei Haydn Foster, I have always been very positive.
Aikido visits to Europe.
Q: DW. Sensei, could you tell me about his visits to Europe at this time?
A: SE. Of course, it was the day. Trevor and I were visiting Paris Noro Sensei in Aiki-Kai. Noro Sensei was very happy to see us, and my first visit surprised me by giving me give second is unusual because he was not a regular student, I never accused in categories or lessons.
Noro Sensei reminded me of my time away in one of his visits, where Sensei Williams recommends that you should only do backward ukemi (break falling) until his next visit in two weeks, Sensei Williams said he would punish me with a shinai if I was surprised to later ukemi, however Noro did not made within two weeks, but after four months, which was at that time, adapted to some special breakfalls all angles, except forward.
Noro Sensei Williams asked with astonishment: "Why Mr. Eastman breakfalling so strange."
When was informed he was following his training, only laughed out loud. Then he said it was very similar to an experience that Osensei had with then says that experience does not hurt me anyway.
Q: DW. If you still in contact with Sensei Ellis at this time
A: SE. Yes I have always maintained regular contact with Harry Ellis, visiting their dojo possible Bracknell and Slough dojo, would also meet socially with our families.
That's when Harry's business was expanding and could not keep all their dojos. He gave his dojos London Chiba Sensei Slough and his dojo to George Stavro thereafter to give the mats to a student who had helped a man named Jack Poole.
My own work was Now bringing me back to Europe. When I visited Belgium Sensei Peter NASSEN dojo. I often visited Leiage where there were 6 different Aikido clubs, and in the true spirit of aikido and the harmony that seemed to hate each other and not communicating.
I loved one through which dojo was run by Sensei Van Parys C who had witnessed the most dynamic swordsman ever to teach Aikido, Sensei Murashagi, very sadly died later in a car accident.
This dojo was very traditional, with close links with Tadashi Abe Sensei who was still visiting the area.
Q: DW. Sensei, you mentioned the names of many old-time Aikido in the box, you know those still involved in aikido? And you're always in touch with one of these people?
A: SE. From this date in 2003, only a few who are still active and teaching Aikido and I am in contact from time to time with some of them.
Sensei Ken Williams, founder of judo dojo and HUT chief instructor, who was the first student to study Aikido in the United Kingdom and is now the head of the Federation of Ki Aikido of Great Britain.
Sensei Haydn Foster, who is still in the cabin and the head of the Institute of Aikido.
Sensei Henry Ellis, who is the head of Aikido Schools of Ellis.
Sensei Ralph Reynolds, who was a frequent visitor to the cabin the 50 / 60s, which is now at the head of the scholarship of Aikido.
Sensei George Stavro which is associated with several dojos and always linked to Chiba Sensei.
The White Sensei is the head of the Traditional Aikido Ryu. Weather takes its toll on those who knew and respected.
The Board and the British Aikido Board martial arts.
Q: DW. Sensei, when did you get involved with the British Aikido Board.
A: SE. I spoke Jim Elkin major group Tomiki, who suggested I join with members of martial arts in a group of Aikido.
I accepted, but contact with the head of this group and present our credentials, including copies of my dan grade certificates signed by himself O'Sensei, my first impression was that it would be well received and was informed they would pay my dojo a visit, has willingly accepted this, and said it would be a pleasure to welcome you and train with me, only to be told not to come on the tatami (mat), said they assess my level while sitting outside the mat.
I refused the offer, I said that I can meet him once in a rug, but not as companions practice.
I thank Mr. Elkin for his help and support, and said he would not join the traditional group. I loved Jim Elkin and I always found Eustace and his partner Brian Tomiki group very helpful when our members of Martial Arts (MAC).
It also allowed us to achieve Full coaching standard MAC technician.
In relaying this story below Kenetsuka Minoru Sensei when I visited him in the Cardiff Aiki-Kai. I asked copies of my certificates O'Sensei by their signature. I later learned that he had used what I had said, and certificates to exit British Aikido Board, at the time the MAC, saying there O'Sensei recognized as the founder of Aikido.
Sensei Ken Williams left the BAB / MAC for similar reasons.
A few years later, I was approached by a member of the BAB MAC, a Mr Ted Stratton, who I remember with emotion the creator of the "power of the elbow in Aikido that I always use.
Stratton Sensei is unfortunately death and most respected figure in Aikido.
Then I met with Paula Mitchell of the MAC and the use of criteria necessary when he joined the MAC / BAB.
One of the criteria that must be our own organization and its title. I remembered that for many years before Sensei Williams had met a teacher calling the HUT dojo "Abbe School of Judo.
I decided to tackle Sensei Ellis and asked permission to use your name for our organization, I am happy to say that he agreed. Then, our organization called "schools Ellis Aikido. "
Sensei Ellis has reopened the Bracknell dojo and we were back there!
href = "http://www.british-aikido.com> http://www.british-aikido.com"
About the Author
Derek Eastman co-author of Positive Aikido.
HAIR HELP! Only 10 points!?
my hair is brown, cut, dirty, ugly! I really want to make nice on Tuesday! Some photos. href = "http://tinypic.com" target = "_blank">
we can not see the image. you put a link to the image.
“Crash” from Stimulus Map Package
browning bows instructions
Have You Had a Good Whacking Lately?
There I was, sitting in Japanese-style kneeling position on a hard wooden bench in an 800-year-old Buddhist temple in Kyoto Japan, trying to empty my mind in a breathing, open-eyed meditation. My eyes were focused in the middle distance, seeing all and seeing nothing. The soft smell of pine and burning incense filled the air, and all around me was quiet. At that almost perfect moment only one thing stood between me and enlightenment – well two, if you count the prickly feeling of my legs falling asleep. That one thing was a bald monk in a dark brown robe standing in front of me wielding a three-foot long stick over his head. His benign smile didn’t fool me. He was ready to strike.
Let’s Start at the Beginning
I’ve always felt I was pretty good with concentration and focus. You probably are too – after all we’re nurses. We’re used to working in an environment where the world around us is going haywire, people running left and right, procedures being done, orders given (or shouted), where lives hang in the balance while we concentrate on the task at hand. We intubate, defibrillate and resuscitate without a second thought. Total focus, right?
But ask yourself, are you really focused and concentrating or are you sleep-walking through events? While preparing the defib paddles you remind yourself to pick up Vaseline® for your baby. You tourniquet an arm and pop the first vial without thinking, yet the first time you put in an IV you were totally focused on every movement and probably apologized for the stick of the needle. Now the spaces blur between thoughts of past-present-future. In the cafeteria, while choosing from what passes as food, you’re sizing up the veins on the people serving the food and worrying about the little girl upstairs who just got out of surgery. We’ve moved from doing our jobs with focus and concentration to doing them subconsciously, maybe even unconsciously.
Sure, we can focus and concentrate when there’s a deadline. Any critical issue lasers our attention on the task at hand. But can we truly focus while the past and future intrude upon our thoughts? Are we fully present or just idling through the motions while our minds traipse away to a comment made somewhere else (like during the last staff meeting)? Are we giving our families, spouses, patients and attorney-clients the benefit of our full attention or are we cheating them of our wholehearted connection?
Jetting Back to Japan…
I had come to Kyoto to this ancient Zen Buddhist temple for expert advice, to learn to sharpen my ability to focus, not just to concentrate. The purpose of meditating with open eyes was to allow the Senior Monk to look in the eyes of his students as he walked the room, to see who was focused and who was sleeping or daydreaming. Now, for me there’s a short distance between meditating and napping. That distance grows infinitesimally smaller for me if I shut my eyes. I also find myself following thoughts down rabbit holes instead of discarding or ignoring them when I meditate, so I was anxious for some instruction from a master. This exercise was designed to train us to stay grounded in the present.
My husband, Tom, and I, along with a visiting monk from another temple, sat in audience while the Roshi talked about meditation techniques. He was funny, self-deprecating and I immediately liked him. During breathing meditation, he explained, we would observe our thoughts from outside like watching a river. We were to count our breaths in and out. Our goal was to reach ten breaths without having a thought other than the count. If a random (or purposeful) thought intruded, we were to recognize it and start over at one. I asked the visiting monk next to me if he ever made it all the way to ten. He nodded. “Of course, many times. Once your mind is clear it is quite simple.”
The Roshi asked if we were ready to start the “zazin” session. He explained that he would light an incense stick and strike a small gong, then we’d meditate for the period of time it would take for the stick to burn through. Afterward, he’d strike the gong again to remind us to return to the present. We settled in and I was ready to leap into the meditation. I heard him strike the match, ring the gong and there I went, my eyes focused in the empty space halfway to the large seated Buddha figure in the front of the room. Like everything I do, I was “all in.”
One breath, in and out, so far so good. Two breaths, in and out, going well. Three breaths, in and – was that Tom rustling around? Darn. One, in and out. Two, in and so on. When the gong finally rang I’d never gotten past a count of four. The Roshi told me that was excellent for a first time. Tom still had his socks on, so I know he hadn’t counted very high, either. The visiting monk flashed me a quick smile, so I knew he’d probably gotten to ten effortlessly.
The Roshi then asked if we’d like to do it for real. “For real?” I asked. “Wasn’t that for real?” “No,” he clarified. “It is easy to focus when you are alone with your thoughts in a temple such as this. But when there are other influences present and when you are elsewhere it is not so easy.”
This is when the three-foot-long willow pole appeared. He pulled it from under his platform and explained that during the next meditation he would walk around the room observing each student as we meditated. If he felt that our focus was wandering, he would stop in front of us. At that point we were to bow and thank him. Then he would strike us on each shoulder to remind us to focus.
This is the goofiest thing I’ve ever heard of, I thought. How can getting whacked help you focus? I asked the visiting monk if it hurt. “That depends on you,” he said, then winked and added, “Whacking does help one to clear the mind… after it stops stinging.” Great, I thought. Too bad this guy’s not old and frail. I just hope he’s not trigger-happy.
Comes the Test
Ever ready for a challenge and buoyed by my past success of four breaths, I was prepared. I heard the match strike followed by the sound of the gong. I brought my focus to center. One breath, in and out. Two breaths, in and out…in the corner of my vision appeared a bald, 5′ 6″ man in grey robes and slippers tiptoeing around the room and brandishing a stick like a baseball bat. Alex Rodriguez in his Yankee’s uniform holding a Louisville Slugger® would have been less obvious. The Roshi slowly crossed my field of vision moving left to right in front of us. My eyes stayed centered and unfocused. One breath, in and out. Two breaths, in and out. Three – is that Tom giggling? Is that me giggling? I struggled to stifle myself, but it was like laughing in church with my twin brother Vince back when we were five, only this time instead of a nun with a ruler there stood a monk with a great overhand swing waiting for me.
One breath, in and out. Back in control. Suddenly I glimpsed a movement to my right and sensed the monk next to me bowing. Then WHACK! a pause and WHACK! followed by silence. The monk beside me had obviously failed in his focus. Suddenly I wasn’t present-focused either. My thoughts had strayed to the future and whether I was next to be whacked. The visiting monk’s failure at reaching serenity was affecting my own attempts. One breath, in and out. The Roshi passed by me moving to the left. One breath in and out again. Two breaths, in and out. Focus inside, focus inside.
Again, I sensed movement to my left, then WHACK! It had to be Tom’s left shoulder – seemed even louder than before. Was that a whimper? WHACK! Tom’s right shoulder. Suddenly I was fully focused, not inside as I should be, but on the future. I was thinking I’m so out of here. I am not staying around for this.
My awareness immediately snapped to the present and there he was: the Roshi and his stick. Talk about fight or flight. I couldn’t very well punch a man whose life was dedicated to peace and nonviolence. Flight wasn’t an option either – after all I’d come here specifically to learn how to meditate. It wouldn’t do to kick him in the shins and run screaming out of the temple with a horde of angry monks (like a bad chop-socky movie) chasing me to the nearest Starbucks for a calming cup of healthy green tea.
I remembered I was expected to bring my hands up and bow to the Senior Monk in thanks for two things: first for bringing to my attention the fact that I wasn’t as focused as I believed I was, and second for the reminder to focus more thoughtfully. I bowed my head and then my body to the inevitable. WHACK! It stung like the dickens. WHACK! Okay, okay, it only stung for a minute.
I bowed again to the Roshi and resumed my open-eyed meditation. It was easy to find the middle distance when my eyes were full of water. One breath, in and out. Two breaths, in and out.
I Not Only Had Learned a Lesson, I Had Fully Accepted Its Meaning
Someone once told me, “Pain is inevitable, it is suffering that’s optional.” The pain of the stick came and went. Sure, I could have focused on the past and held a grudge. Or I could have focused on the future and worried about whether the Roshi would have time to circle the room again before that darn incense stick burned out. That’s the optional suffering, the wandering around in the wilderness of our thoughts. Instead, I focused on the present. Where I was and what I was supposed to be doing: meditating. I had learned a simple lesson taught the same way for hundreds of years.
The lesson to focus only on the present came home with me from Japan along with some cool placemats and the nifty electronic stuff Tom had to buy in Tokyo. As the weeks went by, I meditated periodically. Then suddenly I was whacked with a reminder. As I write this I’m on an airplane to Philadelphia. We left today, Friday, instead of Sunday, as Hurricane Ike blows in from the Gulf toward my home. The office is shut down, my employees are preparing for the storm and the airport will be closing.
Yesterday at work, everyone was focused on the future, the hurricane, the potential for damage. My friends and family were calling me to see how we were (fine – the storm wasn’t due for two more days). I found myself applying the lesson I’d learned in Japan. I was able to put aside the future – after all, I had no control over it. Tom and I had already cleaned the yard, secured the plants and protected our artwork. All I could do was focus on the present and the work at hand – the next Ezine, our recommended software upgrades, all the things I do in a day. While everyone else was running around worried about something beyond their control, I experienced one of my most productive days ever, and without a stick-wielding monk threatening me.
When things are blowing up around you, you may need to give yourself a whacking to get it under control. Remember that monk and remember to keep your focus in the present. Focus on what you can do now and on what you are doing now. Whack all distractions aside. By keeping your thoughts on what you can do now – not what you might do, hope to do or didn’t do, you’ll be the calm in the center of any storm.
I’m not sure how long I’ll retain this precious gift. But as long as I’m here in the present, I’m going to put my all into being here.
About the Author
Vickie L. Milazzo, RN, MSN, JD is the founder of Vickie Milazzo Institute, a legal nurse consultant training and certification company. Vickie is credited by The New York Times with pioneering the legal nurse consulting profession in 1982. The Institute also provides a directory that will assist an attorney in a finding a qualified expert medical witness for their case.
Lady Gaga Hair Bow question?
How would I make one of these?
http://foxylocksextensions.com/item_8/Gaga-Hair-Bow–Brown.htm
Not on my head out of MY hair but if I got some fake hair, how would I put a bow like that together? Instructions? I’m dumb.
Erhrhg I don’t want to buy one online I want to make sure it matches my hair color! Do they sell these in shops….?
I looked on google its all how to make it out of your own hair. ~_~
you can just buy then pre made… but if you want to do it yourself just search “lady gaga hair bow hair extentions” on youtube or something… just put hair extentions in whatever you search
“Crash” from Stimulus Map Package
