Patricia Saotome Sensei, 6th Dan, of Myakka City, Florida at De-Ai Aikikai, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Nov. 10-12, 2000

Contributed by Selina Stevenson*

The De-Ai Aikikai in Ottawa, Ontario, had the pleasure of hosting Patricia Saotome Sensei, 6th Dan, of Myakka City, Florida, at our first annual Fall Seminar, during the weekend of November 10th - 12th, 2000. Sensei Patricia Saotome is the Executive Director of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) and contributed her talents as photographer and editor to Mitsugi Saotome Shihan's book, Aikido and the Harmony of Nature.

With approximately fifty participants in total over the course of this very momentous seminar, this occasion marks the first time Sensei Patricia Saotome taught in Canada. We feel this is a great honor and extend our heartfelt thanks for a wonderful learning experience.

There were a diverse group of students who traveled from Kingston, Québec, upstate New York, as well as representation from several of the local-area dojos, providing a good opportunity to work with a number of different Aikido styles.

Sensei's instruction was based on a few main themes, which were all inter-related. Concepts like focusing on the center - both that of uke and nage; maintaining good hanmi, posture, balance, awareness of oneself and our partners, and perfecting basic technique, which is, of course, the foundation of Aikido practice. Her friendly demeanor and quick smiles and laughter put everyone at ease, making this a positive learning environment for everyone.

On Saturday morning, we held sixty seconds of silent meditation in honor of Remembrance Day and Veteran's Day, giving us time to think about the sacrifices that have been made in search of peace, and the ultimate goal of Aikido, harmonious communication with our fellow humans and the Earth.

In the late afternoon, black belt tests were conducted. Sylvain St-Amour, from Montreal, Selina Stevenson and Robert Miller from the De-Ai Aikikai all passed their exams. Congratulations! The celebration was held at the De-Ai Aikikai, where a DJ supplied a few enthusiasts with dance music. On Sunday, Sensei spent the class dissecting the intricacies of the kumi tachi. Fond farewells were made as friends departed the seminar.

Our intentions are to continue planning and hosting both Spring and Fall seminars for many years to come. For those who would like to learn more about our dojo and upcoming events, please visit our website at: http://slayer.dragonlan.net/aikido/