23rd Oct 2007
July in Chicago
by Adam Nelson
The last 30 days I spent as Kenshusei at Tenshinkan dojo under the instruction of Toyoda Sensei, Rehrauer Sensei, Casey Sensei, Parks-Casey Sensei, Shereyk Sensei, Garza Sensei, and Spies Sensei were enjoyable, painful, and rewarding. From the first day everyone treated me as an equal. Being the lowest ranked among all Kenshusei, I felt unsure from time to time what was expected of me. Sometimes I felt the expectations exceeded my ability. But that didn’t matter in the end, because I learned the only thing that matters is that I always offer 100%. Even through injuries and fears there is always some way to pushed forward.
There were so many new experiences in Chicago: from new food to new people; trains, shopping malls, and the enormous Sears Tower. The dojo felt like a world apart from the world I was comfortable living in. I really grew to like it. There were so many things I learned about myself. I had no idea how to do laundry, drywall, lead warm-ups, count to five, or sometimes even walk on my own feet. I also surprised myself a few times by being ambitious and cooking dinner for 11 people. In a way I felt obligated to return some of the thanks for everything my friends had given to me.
Drywall was a big surprise. I had not expected to learn the art of Aikido through screwing up large sheets of dusty drywall in the basement of the Japanese Culture Center. However, even that was a learning experience. I got to know each of my fellow kenshusei better, and learned how to work with them instead of working against them. Then, when we practiced, this state of mind carried over onto the tatami. I also found out that I had enough patience and understanding to handle getting my teeth knocked out of my mouth, which can be quite a surprising experience.
Few have the time or the ambition to do what is involved in the Kenshusei program. I am very grateful, and thankful to all who offered their experience, knowledge, wisdom, and their bodies to help me learn. The month of July 2007 will be important to me for the rest of my life. I am so glad for the opportunity, and that I was able to go to Chicago and make life-long friendships through Aikido.
Adam Nelson is a 4th kyu student at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in Whitewater, WI.
