Members of the Grand Marais Aikido Dojo gathered for a photo during the 25th anniversary of the local dojo. More than 50 people attended the three-day celebration. From L-R: Randy Spry, Josh Brandner, Steve Waver, Steve Frykman, Sensi Rev. Zenco N. Okimura Shihan, 7th Dan, from the World Aikido Aikikai Inc.; across the aisle L-R: Craig Waver, Chris Skildum, Joanne Smith, Westin Waver, and Mary Reichert.
Sensi Rev. Zenco N. Okimura saw a silver fox. He mentioned it to Craig and Cathy Waver, owners and operators of Trout Lake Lodge, and they said, “Oh, we have lots of fox here. Lots of red fox.”
But silver fox?
Silver fox are rare. Sensi said seeing one was a good sign. After all, Craig had invited Okimura to come and attend the 25th anniversary of the Grand Marais Aikikai.
And isn’t the 25th anniversary called the silver anniversary? asked Sensi Okimura to students and friends who were on hand to celebrate the Grand Marais Aikikai anniversary.
They agreed with him that silver fox were rare and Okimura smiled broadly, “Yes, I think that was a blessing,” he said.
More than 50 Aikido practitioners came from near and far to celebrate the Grand Marais Aikikai’s 25th anniversary.
The three-day celebration and class instructions were held at the Cook County Community Center from May 18 through May 20.
The students and instructors came from Washington, D.C.; Boulder, Colorado; Syracuse, New York; Lincoln, Nebraska; the Twin Cities; Wisconsin; and from the county to learn more about their craft and to fellowship with one another as they took part in Aikido training under the guidance and direction of Rev. Zenko N. Okimura, Shihan-7th Dan, from the World Aikido Aikikai, Inc., and Clyde Takeguchi, 7th Dan, Shihan, Capital Aikido Federation.
The Grand Marais Dojo is part of the World Aikido Aikika (WAAI) Inc., under the direction of the Rev. Okimura. It is also a member of the Aikikai Foundation that is based in Tokyo, Japan.
Under the direction of Craig Waver Sensei, the Grand Marais Aikikai has eight full time students. They practice at Craig’s house in a dojo he built on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
In 2006, 31 years after being introduced to Aikido, Craig Waver achieved one the second of three goals for himself. He earned his black belt. Earlier, in September of 1993, Craig opened Grand Marais Aikikai and Waver Sensi has been the instructor ever since.
According to the information provided, “Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art founded in the early years of the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883- 1969). He is now called O’Sensei which means Great Teacher.”
As a young man Ueshiba became an expert in a number of martial arts, jujitsu, (unarmed combat), kenjitsu (sword fighting) and sojitsu (spear fighting). He also became devoted to the growth of the human spirit, developing a deep compassion for and respect for humanity through martial arts.
“Aikido is not a technique to fight with or defeat the enemy. It is a way to reconcile the world, and make human beings one family,” wrote O’Sensi, who passed away April 26, 1969.
As a self-defense technique, Akido teaches throwing and falling techniques equally. Aikido, said Waver Sensi, helps to improve self-confidence, concentration, balance, coordination, strength and respect and concern for others.
Aikido practice at the Cook County Community Center
The men and women wore all white or white tops with black pants, all loose fitting to accommodate fluid movement, as they quietly slipped off their sandals, pushing them off on the heel of the mat as they stepped backward onto the mat, then turning to face the instructor while assembling in rows before kneeling, bowing in prayer and then waiting for instruction before getting up and practicing Aikido with a partner.
Watching from the sideline, it was like witnessing a rhythmic circular dance between the partners who were practicing throws and falls. No one was injured, but at times there were some pretty good “slaps” as people landed on their backs.
With no competition, tournaments, or sparring, Aikido would be considered more a way of life than a sport. Yet it gives all of the ingredients found in sport to the practitioners, self-discipline, increased strength and coordination, stamina flexibility etc.
It is said that Aikido is a metaphor for the way to lead your life. “I want considerate people to listen to the voice of Aikido. It is not for correcting others; it is for correcting your own mind. The only true victory, is victory over yourself,” wrote Master Morihei Ueshiba.
Craig Waver’s first Akido student in Grand Marais couldn’t make it back to this 25th anniversary, but instead sent a letter. Part of it reads, “I will never forget the first time we practiced at my restaurant,” wrote Joe Copeland. “It was magical experience for me. Over the years I have come to love this wonderful art that is Aikido, and I love to call you my brother…not just my friend or teacher.
“I’d like to think that we stuck through together through thick and thin,” wrote Joe Copeland to Craig.
As for his last goal stated in 2006, Craig, who now holds the rank of Shidon (4th degree black belt), is still working on that one. At the time he said he wanted to be practicing Aikido until he reached 80. The way he moved on the mat this past weekend suggests that even though he still has quite a few years left to reach that birthday, with the luck of the silver fox, he should make it.
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