The Kenshiro Abbe 50th Celebration Event
July 4, 2009 by admin
Filed under Sports And Fitness
Henry Ellis Co-author Of Positive Aikido. asked:
THE KENSHIRO ABBE 50th CELEBRATION EVENT 14th May 2005 Crystal Palace Sports Centre London. UK By Henry Ellis
Henry Ellis, a direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sense, from 1957 describes the great event at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre, London, to celebrate this great teacher and his arrival to Great Britain in 1955 and the subsequent inception of Aikido. Tribute website to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei at www.KenshiroAbbe.com . . .
The Bushido ZaZen International Society Annual Dinner
In February 2004 Derek Eastman and I were invited as guests at the annual dinner of The Bushido Za Zen International Society by its Chairman Mr Arnold Davies Hanshi an old student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and a close friend of my own good friend Bill Woods Sensei. These names alone meant that this evening was to be something special with so much history and martial arts background between us.
As we arrived we were met by Mr Clive MacDonald, a member of the Bushido ZaZen. Mr MacDonald and Mr Davies had been instrumental in putting together many of the facts to help with the protection of the true history of British Aikido during the great British Aikido Board Controversy.
Memories of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei
Mr MacDonald immediately brought several pints of beer to our table and from then on the conversation flowed along with the beer. As we spoke of our memories of the legendary master, Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, I said ” Do you realize that it is 50 years next year since Abbe Sensei arrived in Britain ! “. We all discussed the importance of this date, I then suggested that, as we all belonged to the Essex Aikido Forum ( EAF ), which is a group of like minded people interested only in Aikido without its politics, we agreed that we should organise a celebration of such an important date. Mr MacDonald called over Mr Davies who, without a moments hesitation, gave the event his full support and financial backing.
The Organising Committee
Before the evening was over we realised that this event would be bigger than anything ever previously organised by the EAF or any other Aikido organisation for that matter. We decided there and then that we would need a working committee if we were to put this very special event together. Mr MacDonald approached two other senior EAF member, Mr Mike Leavy and Mr Eric Gillett, who agreed to join our organising committee. I then approached Mr David Humm the administrator of the very popular website the ” National Aikido Communication DataBase ” . Mr Humm had also been involved in our efforts to protect the history of British Aikido. He also became a willing committee member. Mr Rob Peck agreed to be the secretary We now had a full committee of seven members who were now totally committed and dedicated to putting together the greatest Aikido seminar ever in the United Kingdom. I don’t believe that any one of us on this night were able to grasp the enormity of the task we had pledged to undertake.
The Venue
As the word spread throughout the Aikido and MartialArts communities and, from the interest that was now being generated, we now knew that we would need a prestigious venue After much deliberation and following a visit to Crystal Palace Sports Centre, we soon realised that this was to be the final venue. This was to be a wise decision as, with its great hall and facilities along with the accommodation blocks and restaurants, It would later prove to be capable of hosting the planned event comfortably. The event attracted 430 students. 60 guests, 370 spectators and visitors totalling almost one thousand people on the day With students from all over the UK – USA – France – Holland – Germany, Czechoslvakia.
The Teachers of the Day
As this day was to celebrate the arrival in the UK of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955, and the subsequent inception of Aikido. It was decided to invite the five surviving direct students of Abbe Sensei from the 1950’s/60’s mentioned below.
I, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman had already agreed, now I had to approach my old friends, Sensei Ralph Reynolds and Sensei Hayden Foster, who willingly offered their support.
Sensei Ken Williams, first student of Abbe Sensei, was also approached. He had to decline due to prior commitments. He did however provided a letter of dedication to be read out at the event. I then approached Sensei Bill Smith Shihan MBE, who sadly had to decline due to health issues. His son Phillip attended to represent his father and the AikiKai. Now we had a full Aikido teaching team. The event was officially under-way. We also received a letter of tribute to the memory of Abbe Sensei from the Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba ..
The Guests
The guest list was a who’s who of the Martial-Arts world in the UK. There were 60 guests and, with respect, I am unable to mention them all but, the following will give some insight.
Mr F Motai of the Japanese Embassy – Sensei Bill Woods Aide / Secretary to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 1955 – Sensei Bill Stopps, Personal Aide to Matsutaro Otani Sensei from 1947. – Sensei Robin Otani, Pesident of the British Judo Council. – Mr P, Don of Sport England. – Sensei N Jones, my personal guest. – Ms Jenny Earle, World Judo champion.
Mr Ken Cottier Shihan, a member of the Aiki-Kai World Council. Mr Gigs Shouten, a special guest from Holland. Joe Curran Sensei who read a letter of tribute to Abbe Sensei from Kazuo Chiba Shihan.
The Budo Demonstrations
During the mid day part of the event there was a break for the students while the Budo demonstrations were carried out by some of the very best exponents of the various arts on display. This was a unique event where students were now able to witness many of the Budo arts that they had never seen before.
Aikido -Judo – Karate – Iaido – Kyudo – Kendo – JuJutsu – Ju Kendo
The Event and The Day
This was a very wonderful and special day for me after almost 50 years of practicing Aikido. On the morning of the event as I entered the great hall at Crystal Palace Sports Centre to the electrifying sound of the Taiko Drummers and masses of students around the mat area plus many more queuing at the door to register. I walked onto the concourse floor to see all the various stalls set out. Mr Don Baney a specialist in Japanese works of art had a fine display of Samurai armour and swords, for more information visit: www.geocities.com/britishaikido/japanese_swords.htm The atmosphere was fantastic, an indication of the great day ahead. I met so many people that I had not seen for so many years.
There was a raffle at the end of the day with a prized valuable ShinKen sword, presented by Nine Circles Budo Equipment Supplies. A hand made Tanto presented by Sensei Dave Rogers of New Mexic,o USA. Other prizes included the book ” Positive Aikido”, Gi’s, bokkens, shinai’s and many commemorative T-Shirts.
This was indeed a very special day.
I was privileged to be at the great event in 1963 held by Abbe Sensei at the Royal Albert Hall in London where I was assistant to Mikoto Nakazono Sensei. I never thought that I would ever see another event to equal that one. On this day of celebration and commemoration of the life of Abbe Sensei, I believe I saw the event to eclipse all others.
Henry Ellis Event Liasion Officer Co-Author of Positive Aikido Principal Coach Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido www.EllisAikido.org
THE KENSHIRO ABBE 50th CELEBRATION EVENT 14th May 2005 Crystal Palace Sports Centre London. UK By Henry Ellis
Henry Ellis, a direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sense, from 1957 describes the great event at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre, London, to celebrate this great teacher and his arrival to Great Britain in 1955 and the subsequent inception of Aikido. Tribute website to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei at www.KenshiroAbbe.com . . .
The Bushido ZaZen International Society Annual Dinner
In February 2004 Derek Eastman and I were invited as guests at the annual dinner of The Bushido Za Zen International Society by its Chairman Mr Arnold Davies Hanshi an old student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and a close friend of my own good friend Bill Woods Sensei. These names alone meant that this evening was to be something special with so much history and martial arts background between us.
As we arrived we were met by Mr Clive MacDonald, a member of the Bushido ZaZen. Mr MacDonald and Mr Davies had been instrumental in putting together many of the facts to help with the protection of the true history of British Aikido during the great British Aikido Board Controversy.
Memories of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei
Mr MacDonald immediately brought several pints of beer to our table and from then on the conversation flowed along with the beer. As we spoke of our memories of the legendary master, Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, I said ” Do you realize that it is 50 years next year since Abbe Sensei arrived in Britain ! “. We all discussed the importance of this date, I then suggested that, as we all belonged to the Essex Aikido Forum ( EAF ), which is a group of like minded people interested only in Aikido without its politics, we agreed that we should organise a celebration of such an important date. Mr MacDonald called over Mr Davies who, without a moments hesitation, gave the event his full support and financial backing.
The Organising Committee
Before the evening was over we realised that this event would be bigger than anything ever previously organised by the EAF or any other Aikido organisation for that matter. We decided there and then that we would need a working committee if we were to put this very special event together. Mr MacDonald approached two other senior EAF member, Mr Mike Leavy and Mr Eric Gillett, who agreed to join our organising committee. I then approached Mr David Humm the administrator of the very popular website the ” National Aikido Communication DataBase ” . Mr Humm had also been involved in our efforts to protect the history of British Aikido. He also became a willing committee member. Mr Rob Peck agreed to be the secretary We now had a full committee of seven members who were now totally committed and dedicated to putting together the greatest Aikido seminar ever in the United Kingdom. I don’t believe that any one of us on this night were able to grasp the enormity of the task we had pledged to undertake.
The Venue
As the word spread throughout the Aikido and MartialArts communities and, from the interest that was now being generated, we now knew that we would need a prestigious venue After much deliberation and following a visit to Crystal Palace Sports Centre, we soon realised that this was to be the final venue. This was to be a wise decision as, with its great hall and facilities along with the accommodation blocks and restaurants, It would later prove to be capable of hosting the planned event comfortably. The event attracted 430 students. 60 guests, 370 spectators and visitors totalling almost one thousand people on the day With students from all over the UK – USA – France – Holland – Germany, Czechoslvakia.
The Teachers of the Day
As this day was to celebrate the arrival in the UK of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955, and the subsequent inception of Aikido. It was decided to invite the five surviving direct students of Abbe Sensei from the 1950’s/60’s mentioned below.
I, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman had already agreed, now I had to approach my old friends, Sensei Ralph Reynolds and Sensei Hayden Foster, who willingly offered their support.
Sensei Ken Williams, first student of Abbe Sensei, was also approached. He had to decline due to prior commitments. He did however provided a letter of dedication to be read out at the event. I then approached Sensei Bill Smith Shihan MBE, who sadly had to decline due to health issues. His son Phillip attended to represent his father and the AikiKai. Now we had a full Aikido teaching team. The event was officially under-way. We also received a letter of tribute to the memory of Abbe Sensei from the Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba ..
The Guests
The guest list was a who’s who of the Martial-Arts world in the UK. There were 60 guests and, with respect, I am unable to mention them all but, the following will give some insight.
Mr F Motai of the Japanese Embassy – Sensei Bill Woods Aide / Secretary to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 1955 – Sensei Bill Stopps, Personal Aide to Matsutaro Otani Sensei from 1947. – Sensei Robin Otani, Pesident of the British Judo Council. – Mr P, Don of Sport England. – Sensei N Jones, my personal guest. – Ms Jenny Earle, World Judo champion.
Mr Ken Cottier Shihan, a member of the Aiki-Kai World Council. Mr Gigs Shouten, a special guest from Holland. Joe Curran Sensei who read a letter of tribute to Abbe Sensei from Kazuo Chiba Shihan.
The Budo Demonstrations
During the mid day part of the event there was a break for the students while the Budo demonstrations were carried out by some of the very best exponents of the various arts on display. This was a unique event where students were now able to witness many of the Budo arts that they had never seen before.
Aikido -Judo – Karate – Iaido – Kyudo – Kendo – JuJutsu – Ju Kendo
The Event and The Day
This was a very wonderful and special day for me after almost 50 years of practicing Aikido. On the morning of the event as I entered the great hall at Crystal Palace Sports Centre to the electrifying sound of the Taiko Drummers and masses of students around the mat area plus many more queuing at the door to register. I walked onto the concourse floor to see all the various stalls set out. Mr Don Baney a specialist in Japanese works of art had a fine display of Samurai armour and swords, for more information visit: www.geocities.com/britishaikido/japanese_swords.htm The atmosphere was fantastic, an indication of the great day ahead. I met so many people that I had not seen for so many years.
There was a raffle at the end of the day with a prized valuable ShinKen sword, presented by Nine Circles Budo Equipment Supplies. A hand made Tanto presented by Sensei Dave Rogers of New Mexic,o USA. Other prizes included the book ” Positive Aikido”, Gi’s, bokkens, shinai’s and many commemorative T-Shirts.
This was indeed a very special day.
I was privileged to be at the great event in 1963 held by Abbe Sensei at the Royal Albert Hall in London where I was assistant to Mikoto Nakazono Sensei. I never thought that I would ever see another event to equal that one. On this day of celebration and commemoration of the life of Abbe Sensei, I believe I saw the event to eclipse all others.
Henry Ellis Event Liasion Officer Co-Author of Positive Aikido Principal Coach Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido www.EllisAikido.org
Online Dating – First Date Ideas In Sydney
June 11, 2009 by admin
Filed under Sports And Fitness
Mark Date asked:
Online Dating brings you together. Chat, get to know each other then arrange to meet in arguably the most beautiful city in Australia, Sydney. But where to eat? Online Dating Sites suggests some first date ideas in Sydney.
Sydney, Australia, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Sydney is very much dominated by its enormous harbour and absolutely stunning beaches running for kilometres along the city’s eastern edge. Sydney is the oldest city in Australia and this is very much reflected in the “convict” architecture of the inner city. Due to the multiculturalism of Sydney, the city is very cosmopolitan, and has an astonishing array of foods and restaurants from around the globe. Sydney is also the second largest *** city in the world.
So many locations! So many styles of restaurants! We have compiled this article to make a first date restaurant selection a little easier. Move on from chat stage of the online dating process and hook up in person.
Expensive Restaurants. (Get out the Platinum Card.)
The inner city of Sydney offers plenty of choices for fine dining. Select from restaurants situated right on the world famous Sydney Harbour, or opt for a restaurant housed in a building featuring the rustic, sand stone colonial architecture. The Rocks is an area located right in the middle of Sydney City itself. This is a meeting place where the Harbour and old character buildings adjoin each other. Totally impossible to select just the one restaurant from this location.
Circular Quay is another ideal area to have dinner in Sydney. There is plenty of public transport and you are right on Sydney Harbour. We liked the Oyster Bar due to its helpful staff, fantastic views, and diverse menu. Why not take a ferry ride after your meal to finish off the perfect first date? Bistro Lulu in the inner city Eastern suburb of Paddington offers an intimate ambiance and a fantastic French menu. If you want to blow your date away with a superb vista over the entire city of Sydney, then Forty One Restaurant is the venue for you. This restaurant is open for dinner Monday to Saturday and is located in the Chifley Tower in the centre of Sydney city.
Cheap and Cheerful. (You won’t need an overdraft.)
Sydney is famous for its plethora of cheap and cheerful eateries. These are perfect for the financially challenged, and for those who don’t necessarily want to make their date uncomfortable by throwing the cash around on the first date. If you are going the cheap and cheerful alternative we recommend selecting a restaurant with plenty of character.
Radio Cairo definitely fits the bill with its ambiance and fantastic food. The menu for this eatery in Cremorne is based, not surprisingly, on North African cuisine. This restaurant gets a big tick for character and tasty food at an affordable price. Its location means that after your meal you can cross the road and catch a movie at the Orpheum, the only remaining Art Deco Cinema in Sydney. You can even grab a coffee or drink in this celebration of past architecture.
The Wet Paint Cafe in Bronte Beach, the eastern suburbs of Sydney also gets a big tick. This eatery features affordable Cajun style food with a touch of romance in the candlelit surrounds. One word, try and book a table for the front as the back of the cafe is a bit space challenged. Oscar’s near Darling Harbour is another great location as they have comfortable lounges you can settle back in with your date after your meal. This bar/restaurant/pub offers mid week specials with the bubbly and lobster being a steal.
Use this article for some great first date restaurant suggestions. Your online dating first encounter needn’t be a trial. Sydney, Australia offers a huge variety of restaurants for the new couple to select from.
Online Dating brings you together. Chat, get to know each other then arrange to meet in arguably the most beautiful city in Australia, Sydney. But where to eat? Online Dating Sites suggests some first date ideas in Sydney.
Sydney, Australia, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Sydney is very much dominated by its enormous harbour and absolutely stunning beaches running for kilometres along the city’s eastern edge. Sydney is the oldest city in Australia and this is very much reflected in the “convict” architecture of the inner city. Due to the multiculturalism of Sydney, the city is very cosmopolitan, and has an astonishing array of foods and restaurants from around the globe. Sydney is also the second largest *** city in the world.
So many locations! So many styles of restaurants! We have compiled this article to make a first date restaurant selection a little easier. Move on from chat stage of the online dating process and hook up in person.
Expensive Restaurants. (Get out the Platinum Card.)
The inner city of Sydney offers plenty of choices for fine dining. Select from restaurants situated right on the world famous Sydney Harbour, or opt for a restaurant housed in a building featuring the rustic, sand stone colonial architecture. The Rocks is an area located right in the middle of Sydney City itself. This is a meeting place where the Harbour and old character buildings adjoin each other. Totally impossible to select just the one restaurant from this location.
Circular Quay is another ideal area to have dinner in Sydney. There is plenty of public transport and you are right on Sydney Harbour. We liked the Oyster Bar due to its helpful staff, fantastic views, and diverse menu. Why not take a ferry ride after your meal to finish off the perfect first date? Bistro Lulu in the inner city Eastern suburb of Paddington offers an intimate ambiance and a fantastic French menu. If you want to blow your date away with a superb vista over the entire city of Sydney, then Forty One Restaurant is the venue for you. This restaurant is open for dinner Monday to Saturday and is located in the Chifley Tower in the centre of Sydney city.
Cheap and Cheerful. (You won’t need an overdraft.)
Sydney is famous for its plethora of cheap and cheerful eateries. These are perfect for the financially challenged, and for those who don’t necessarily want to make their date uncomfortable by throwing the cash around on the first date. If you are going the cheap and cheerful alternative we recommend selecting a restaurant with plenty of character.
Radio Cairo definitely fits the bill with its ambiance and fantastic food. The menu for this eatery in Cremorne is based, not surprisingly, on North African cuisine. This restaurant gets a big tick for character and tasty food at an affordable price. Its location means that after your meal you can cross the road and catch a movie at the Orpheum, the only remaining Art Deco Cinema in Sydney. You can even grab a coffee or drink in this celebration of past architecture.
The Wet Paint Cafe in Bronte Beach, the eastern suburbs of Sydney also gets a big tick. This eatery features affordable Cajun style food with a touch of romance in the candlelit surrounds. One word, try and book a table for the front as the back of the cafe is a bit space challenged. Oscar’s near Darling Harbour is another great location as they have comfortable lounges you can settle back in with your date after your meal. This bar/restaurant/pub offers mid week specials with the bubbly and lobster being a steal.
Use this article for some great first date restaurant suggestions. Your online dating first encounter needn’t be a trial. Sydney, Australia offers a huge variety of restaurants for the new couple to select from.
