19th Oct 2007
Memories of Kenshusei Past
by Luke Bahar
For the third time I have ventured out to a now familiar scene known as Tenshinkan Dojo in the Chicago, IL. For the third time my hunger for knowledge within Aikido, physically and mentally, has grown and surpassed what I thought it could. That is a lesson in itself: Knowing that there is always more to learn. That should always be kept in mind.
This time around, just as the previous two, I picked up new attributes that further my aikido. The first year I focused on technique, the second on learning how to teach and this third time more on gaining leadership qualities as younger students are coming through. This is important as I am an assistant instructor for the aikido class at the University of Houston. Granted, unfortunately due to summer school, my tenure at Tenshinkan as part of the summer kenshusei was dwindled down to one week instead of the month of July. However, during that time I tried to do everything better and harder to set examples. Examples to show that kenshusei never retreat. Kenshusei never surrender.
During my conscious efforts to break through my own limitations I encountered the timeless art of shugyo as I endured shikko until my knees bled. Unfortunately, this too was short lived as Batman sent me off the mat. I also found a bit of shugyo during, what Scott refers to as the purest form of torture known to man, zazen meditation. I took pleasure in watching the newer kenshusei unable to stay awake and seeing how they feel the pain for I remember it well. I also enjoyed the greetings from strangers who made the venture to kenshusei as they introduced themselves to me with memories of my kenshusei past, such as biting through my face during suwari waza.
Just as well, I took pleasure in sharing memories from the past couple of years and reminiscing with Alex. Watching her come full circle to a leadership role and start telling everyone what to do all the time was very enjoyable. It was also great for me to see some of the students I help teach at UH attend the kenshusei program. It shows their dedication and they, hopefully, got to see my dedication as they learn the difficulties of kenshusei.
As usual, the kenshusei experience, be it one week or the entire month, is very memorable and beneficial. Even just during that one week I gained many memories and valuable lessons I will not soon forget: Being inducted into the twenty minute club, meeting the closest real-life person to Batman, more dented arms, the depth chart/roster of the New York Yankees, Corn Cobb Assassins, Driving the Lac, Serenading passing cars in traffic, etc. Too many to list all of them. But the most important lesson I learned the week of this kenshusei experience was to watch my mouth while in ear shot of Father Steve.
Thanks to everyone for their help and generous hospitality.
Luke Bahar is a 1st kyu student and assistant instructor at the University of Houston Aikido Club in Texas.
