Young People’s Aikido in Shingu, Japan
Notes from a Pilgrimage
Our group from Santa Cruz also had the honor of participating in an “offering demonstration” at the Kumano Hongu Taisha Shinto shrine, as part of a larger celebration on the anniversary of the shrine’s re-dedication. O-Sensei considered this shrine to hold the spirit of Aikido, and he made frequent pilgrimages there. Dojos from all over southern Japan were represented at the offering demonstration, as well as a few dojos from Europe. We were the only group from the US — the announcer introduced us as “…representing America…”. A wide variety of styles of Aikido was expressed, with a sense of mutual respect and celebration.
Members of the Santa Cruz group bowing at the end of our offering at the Hongu Shrine. Linda Holiday Sensei is bowing at left. The four people on the right are Jay Munyer, Beau Saunders, Sean McCurdy, and Devin Hammer.
There were also several groups of young Aikidoists offering their practice, as you can see here.
