SMAA Divisions

The SMAA has a number of separate divisions for many of the traditional Japanese martial arts. Each division is lead by one or more Directors, each of whom have 20 years or more martial arts experience and the minimum rank of sixth dan (or a classical equivalent).

Aikido Division

Aikido is a dynamic martial art and form of spiritual training that was created by Ueshiba Morihei Sensei (1883-1969). It focuses on nonviolent throwing and pinning techniques, and in some systems the use of the sword and staff is included as well. In many aikido schools, it is practiced in a noncompetitive environment.

Since Ueshiba Sensei’s death, a number of high ranking aikido experts have created their own versions of this martial art. The SMAA Aikido Division is open to all genuine forms of aikido with an authentic lineage that can be traced directly to a Japanese founder.

This popular division is lead by Karl Scott Sensei, SMAA Shihan and sixth dan. Scott Sensei studied aikido for many years under a number of notable and talented teachers, including Tohei Koichi Sensei (tenth dan), Kai Kuniyuki Sensei (ninth dan), Shiohira Hideki Sensei (seventh dan), Toyoda Fumio Sensei (sixth dan), and Walter Todd Sensei (sixth dan).

Goshin-jutsu Division
The SMAA Goshin-jutsu Division is focused on modern forms of self defense training (goshin-jutsu), which evolved from traditional Japanese martial arts like judo, jujutsu, karate-do, and aikido. Many martial systems today, which often indentify themselves as “jujutsu,” do not actually have a lineage traceable to this ancient Japanese martial art, and in Japan they would be known as goshin-jutsu.

The SMAA Goshin-jutsu Division allows SMAA members and the public, who have created a modern form of self defense, to receive ranking and teaching certification. Individuals offering rape prevention courses, military combative training, and police combat training classes may qualify for SMAA Goshin-jutsu Division certification. The SMAA, however, does not certify individuals practicing forms of goshin-jutsu derived from non-Japanese sources.

Iaido Division
Iaido focuses on the drawing and use of the traditional Japanese sword. It is widely regarded as a form of moving meditation, and it’s practiced in several different nations.

In the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten, Hayashizaki Jinsuke (Minamoto no) Shigenobu is credited with establishing an art in the sixteenth century that is practiced as iaido today. However, about a century before his birth, iaijutsu was developed by Iizasa Ienao, creator of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. Both older and modern forms of iaido and iaijutsu can be found within the SMAA Iaido Division, which is lead by Nicklaus Suino Sensei (Shihan and seventh dan) and Guy Power Sensei (Shihan and seventh dan). Suino Sensei and Power Sensei both lived in Japan for several years, where they studied under top iaido experts.

Suino Sensei’s background is in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, while Power Sensei practices Nakamura Ryu and Toyama Ryu. The SMAA Iaido Division, however, is open to any form of iaido with a legitimate lineage that can be traced to a Japanese founder. Among the prominent members of the SMAA Iaido Division are Mr. Dave Lowry (Yagyu Shinkage Ryu), Hunter Armstrong Sensei (Yagyu Shinkage Ryu), John Evans Sensei (Toyama Ryu and Nakamura Ryu), Wayne Murumoto Sensei (Takeuchi Ryu and Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu), Nyle Monday Sensei (Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu and Toyama Ryu), and Stephen Fabian Sensei (Hontai Yoshin Ryu and Toyama Ryu).

Judo Division
Kodokan judo, meaning “gentle and pliable way,” is a modern Japanese martial art and sport, which originated in the late nineteenth century. It was created by Kano Jigoro (1860-1938).

Its prominent feature is its competitive aspect, where the objective is to either throw the opponent, immobilize the opponent with a grappling technique, or cause the opponent to submit via locking the elbow or a chokehold. Strikes (with the hands and feet)—as well as weapon defenses—are included, but only in prearranged forms (kata), and they are illegal in competition.

Traditional judo, as advocated by the SMAA, encompasses all of these elements, along with a study of judo’s spiritual basis and its philosophical application to daily life. The SMAA Judo Division is lead by Nicklaus Suino Sensei, who began judo as a child, and who studied in Japan under several leading judo exponents. His judo lineage can be traced from Sato Shizuya Sensei (ninth dan) to Ito Kazuo Sensei (tenth dan) and Mifune Kyuzo Sensei (tenth dan), and finally to Kano Sensei himself.

Suino Sensei’s present SMAA judo rank in Shihan and sixth dan. The SMAA Judo Division has members throughout North America and in Japan. Prominent members include Mark Colby Sensei of the Kodokan and Ohsaki Jun Sensei, who has over 50 years of budo and judo experience.

Jujutsu Division
Jujutsu, the “art of yielding and gentleness,” is a collective name for Japanese martial systems including unarmed and armed methods. It is often regarded as the oldest Japanese martial art.

Jujutsu developed among the bushi, samurai warriors of feudal Japan, for defeating armed and armored opponents, predominantly without using weapons. Due to the ineffectiveness of striking an armored attacker, methods emphasized immobilizations, joint locks, chokes, and throws. These techniques used an attacker's energy against him, rather than fighting it.

There are numerous variations of jujutsu, with a variety of different approaches. Jujutsu ryu (“systems”), however, all utilize grappling to a greater or lesser degree. Along with jujutsu, many older styles (koryu) use weapons. Many jujutsu ryu also include philosophical and meditative aspects.

The SMAA Jujutsu Division is lead by Stephen Fabian Sensei (SMAA Shihan and sixth dan) and H. E. Davey Sensei (SMAA Shihan and seventh dan). Fabian Sensei lived in Japan for several years, where he studied Hontai Yoshin Ryu jujutsu directly under the 18th and 19th generation headmasters of this system. Davey Sensei began Saigo Ryu as a child and trained in Japan and the USA under top jujutsu experts. The SMAA Jujutsu Division is open to bona fide forms of traditional and ancient jujutsu, which have a lineage that can be traced to a Japanese founder. Senior members of this division include Wayne Muromoto Sensei, Kevin Heard Sensei, and Ohsaki Jun Sensei.

Karate-do Division
Karate-do is a martial art developed in Okinawa from indigenous fighting methods and Chinese martial systems. It is primarily a striking art using punching, kicking, as well as knee and elbow strikes. Grappling, joint locking, throws, and chokes are also taught in some styles (ryu). Karate-do means “the way of the empty hand,” although its original meaning was “Chinese hand.” Traditional karate-do contains elements of physical, mental, and spiritual training in most systems.

It was introduced to Japan by Funakoshi Gichin Sensei (1868-1957), where it developed sport aspects. Today, karate-do is practiced in nearly every nation, and a large number of Okinawan and Japanese versions have been developed.

The SMAA Karate-do Division is open to any form of classical karate-do, which has a linage that can be traced to a Japanese founder. This division is lead by Karl Scott Sensei (SMAA So-shihan and seventh dan). Scott Sensei has a lifetime of experience in Shorin Ryu and Shudokan karate-do. He trained in Okinawa under Shimabukuro Eizo Sensei (Shorin Ryu tenth dan), and in the USA under Ichikawa Isao Sensei (Doshinkan tenth dan) and Walter Todd Sensei (Wado Ryu, Shotokan, and Shudokan). Among the notable members of the SMAA Karate-do Division are Tom Kosslow Sensei, who holds as seventh dan in Wado Ryu, Joseph Rippy Sensei (Wado Ryu sixth dan), and Hunter Armstrong Sensei of the Goju Ryu.

SMAA Judoka Win in Michigan

Members of the Japanese Martial Arts Center and Institute of Traditional Asian Martial Arts judo classes attended the Michigan Open Judo Championships in Lansing, Michigan, on Sunday, March 21, 2009. Several of the JMAC and ITAMA students are SMAA members. JMAC is lead by Nicklaus Suino Sensei, Director SMAA Judo Divison and Shihan/rokudan in that division. ITAMA is lead by Daniel Holland Sensei, SMAA Judo Division shodan.

The tournament was held at the IM-West Intramural Sports Building on the campus of Michigan State University, hosted by the MSU Judo Club. The sponsoring organization was the United States Judo Federation (USJF), with its president, Neil Simon, in attendance. JMAC and ITAMA members competed in many of the divisions and did well in both individual and team competitions.

Results for the JMAC and ITAMA groups were as follows:

Stephen Morris (Sandan, SMAA Judo Division) and Daniel Holland (Shodan, SMAA Judo Division) - First Place, Nage no Kata Competition

Stephen Morris - First Place, Masters - Lightweight

Mark Altomare - Second Place, Masters - Lightweight

William Robinson - Third Place, Masters - Heavyweight

Lawrence Gross III - Third Place, Senior Men - Heavyweight

Erik Barbara - Third Place, Senior Men - Middleweight (6th Kyu, SMAA Jujutsu Division)

Andrew Bunker - Second Place, Senior Men - Lightweight

Raymond Pressley - Third Place, Junior boys 11-13

Briana Campbell - Third Place, Junior Girls 10-13

Tristan Butler - First Place, Junior Boys 11-14

Tanner Butler - First Place, Junior Girls 7-9

The SMAA would like to congratulate all of the tournaments participants and winners. To find out more about the SMAA Judo Division, drop by www.smaa-hq.com.

London Seminar

SMAA EUROPEAN SEMINAR!
On August 24 through the 29th, John Evans Sensei will present the SMAA European Seminar in London, England. Evans Sensei is a direct student of the late Nakamura Taisaburo Sensei, founder of Nakamura Ryu battodo, a form of Japanese swordsmanship. Evans Sensei is the head of the Battodo Fudokan Dojo in London, a seventh dan in Nakamura Ryu, and an SMAA Senior Advisor. The unique instruction he’ll be offering at our London seminar will be the result of his many years of training and living in Japan.

The SMAA European Seminar will focus on tanren (“forging”)—the Nakamura Ryu swordsmanship conditioning exercises that integrate internal and external power to forge the spirit and body. Evans Sensei will demonstrate how these exercises can be applied in kata (forms), kumitachi (sparring) and tameshi giri (test cutting). For tanren to be effective one must be able to access tanden breathing, special breathing exercises centered in the lower abdomen. As the result, morning classes will begin with abdominal cleansing and strengthening exercises. Internal energy (ki) will then be made to flow through the use of deep stance work together with tanren tools (tetsubo and tanrenbo). In the afternoon sessions, this increased awareness and access to the tanden—a natural center in the lower abdomen—will be utilized in basic kata, kumitachi exercises, and tameshi giri. For maximum benefit participants are asked to refrain from alcohol and heavy evening meals until the last day of the course.

Here’s some more information about the topics that will be covered in August at the SMAA European Seminar:

THE STYLE OF BATTODO
The practice of the sword in Japan has long been used to develop health, coordination, concentration, and equanimity. "Batto" refers to a quick drawing and striking with the sword. "Do" refers to a path of training that aims at full development of the individual. The Fudokan Dojo follows the principles set out by Nakamura Sensei, tenth dan and the founder of Nakamura Ryu. The teaching combines four kinds of training necessary to develop complete swordsmanship.

MISOGI-TANREN
Suburi (swinging of the sword) is practiced slowly with the heavy tanrenbo (practice pole) and with slow breathing in a sequence of movements and stances. This develops strong and flexible hips and legs. It also cultivates the coordination of movement, breath, and sword essential for effective sword technique. Misogi refers to the breathing and meditation techniques used to cleanse the inner energy system in order that the abdominal center (tanden) awakens.

KIHON/KATA
The eight stances, eight sheathings, and eight cutting techniques, which constitute the heart of Nakamura Sensei’s school, are practiced in basic flowing combinations (kihon) and then applied in the set forms, or kata, of the Toyama and Nakamura Ryu. Students also study five elemental forms derived from the Kurikara Ryu.

KUMITACHI
Maai (timing and distance) are learned through the partner forms (kumitachi kata) and through sparring exercises with bokken (wooden swords) and fukuroshinai (leather covered bamboo swords). Full sparring is done using shinai (split bamboo swords) and kendo armor.

TAMESHI GIRI
When students have become proficient with mogi-to (non-bladed practice swords), they are encouraged to practice the solo forms with bladed swords. They can then begin to master correct cutting technique through test cutting (tameshi giri) using straw and bamboo targets.

You can learn more about what will be offered at the SMAA European Seminar, and see videos of the topics outlined above, by visiting

http://www.battodo-fudokan.co.uk/style/index.html. Evans Sensei is looking forward making new friends at the first SMAA event ever offered in Europe.

When:
August 24th through the 29th

Where:
London Buddhist Arts Centre
Eastbourne House, Bullards Place
E2 0PT (Bethnal Green Tube)
London, England
http://www.battodo-fudokan.co.uk/
http://www.battodo-fudokan.co.uk/courses/index.html

Who:
John Evans Sensei (Featured Instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/evans.php)

Schedule:
Monday evening: Demonstration and lecture
Tuesday – Friday classes: 7:00 to 10:00 AM and 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Saturday class: 7:00 to 10:00 AM, lunch at Sasa Sushi, Islington

Required Equipment:
Keikogi/Hakama/Obi or loose clothing and shorts
Bokken (also iaito and katana if you have them)
Tetsubo (2 x 1 kilo steel rods) and tanrenbo (2-3 kilo training pole)
(Evans Sensei can make arrangement to sell you these items, or find weapons for you to borrow, if you contact him well in advance of your arrival in London.)

Cost:
Course fee: £250 pounds/ £125 students (Fee includes tameshi giri)

A non-refundable deposit of £100 is payable in advance to book a place, with the remainder to be paid by July 1st. This event is sponsored by the Shudokan Martial Arts Association. Paid up SMAA members will receive a 20% discount. Non-SMAA members will receive SMAA membership as part of their course fee.

Housing and Meals:
Contact Evans Sensei for help locating lodging and meals, or drop by www.visitlondon.com.

Registration:
Space is limited. Contact Evans Sensei soon to reserve your place.

Map:
http://www.mylondonmap.com/
http://www.the-london-map.co.uk/

Visitor & Tourist Information:
London Visitor Information: www.visitlondon.com

Airports & Transportation:
Go to www.visitlondon.com or contact Evans Sensei if you have questions about flying to the SMAA European Seminar.

Contact Information:
John Evans Sensei
0208-533-5553
info@battodo-fudokan.co.uk

Donations

The SMAA is a federally tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation. As such, your donations to our association are tax deductible.

Send your donations, in the form of a check or money order (made out to SMAA), to our headquarters in Michigan. We’ll send you a letter back acknowledging your contribution, which you can than use for tax purposes. We hope you’ll support the SMAA in our goal to preserve and promote traditional budo and koryu bujutsu.

More about April SMAA Seminar in Utah

Kicking off our SMAA Anniversary Seminar Series will be an extraordinary event in Utah, which will take place on April 10, 11, and 12, 2009. Special discounts will be available for SMAA members, who are up to date on their annual dues.

The seminar host is Max Roach Sensei, an SMAA certified teacher of iaido and aikido. Roach Sensei hosted the first SMAA Seminar & Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah back in 2005, and it was an outstanding success.

The featured SMAA instructor will be Nicklaus Suino Sensei, who will be teaching Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido, which he learned from the late Yamaguchi Katsuo Sensei, tenth dan. Suino Sensei studied budo extensively in Japan for several years, and he has received Shihan teaching certification and a seventh dan from the SMAA Iaido Division. An SMAA Judo Division Shihan and sixth dan, Suino Sensei will offer a class in classical Kodokan judo in Utah as well. Suino Sensei is also the SMAA General Manager and the Co-director of our iaido division. Moreover, he is the author of several popular books on budo and iaido.

Cyndy Hayashi Sensei will be a special instructor at the seminar, where she’ll teach Aikikai aikido. Hayashi Sensei, sixth dan and an instructor at Aikido West in California, began training at Aikido of San Francisco in 1977. She trained there under Frank Doran Sensei, Robert Nadeau Sensei, and Bill Witt Sensei. She then traveled to Japan to practice with the legendary Saito Morihiro Sensei. After returning to the USA, she trained and taught at the Aikido Institute of Oakland and at Aikido West in Redwood City. She later became a dedicated student of Frank Doran Sensei. She has taught seminars in the U.S., Israel, and France.

Here’s all you need to start making plans to attend the SMAA Utah Seminar, our first event to commemorate the SMAA’s 15th anniversary:

When:
April 10, 11, 12

Where:
Wasatch Academy's Yama Oroshi Dojo
120 South 100 West
Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
USA

Who:
Nicklaus Suino Sensei (Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/suino.php)
Cyndy Hayashi Sensei (California Aikido Association)

Schedule:
(a = iaido, b =aikido, c =judo)

Friday, April 10th

3:30 to 5:00 PM (a)

6:30 to 8:00 PM (b)

Saturday, April 11th

9:00 to 11:00 AM (a)

12:30 to 2:30 PM (b)

3:00 to 5:00 PM (a & b)

8:00 PM (Party with bonfire, music, food, and refreshments)

Sunday, April 12th

9:00 to 10:15 AM (c)

10:30 to 11:45 AM (b)

Cost:
$30 per session. $175 for the entire seminar. For SMAA members, an additional discount of $5 per session. If purchasing the entire seminar, SMAA members receive an additional discount of $20, making the entire weekend of classes just $155.

Housing and Meals:

Some housing for out-of-town guests may be available upon request. The Horseshoe Mountain Lodge is just two minutes from the training and dining facilities. (Horseshoe Mountain Lodge: 850 S Highway 89, Mount Pleasant, UT 84647-2400, Telephone—435-462-9330) Meal plans are available upon request.

Registration:
Space is limited for aikido and judo sessions. Contact Roach Sensei to reserve your place.

Event Locations:
(For location photos, see:

http://www.wasatchacademy.org)

1. State Street Gymnasium Dojo: 120 North State Street, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 USA
2. Roach Motel (Max Roach home): 120 South 200 West Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 USA
3. Dining Facilities: 120 South 100 West Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 USA

Visitor & Tourist Information:
Mt. Pleasant City—http://www.mtpleasantcity.com/index.html

Contact Information:
Max Roach Sensei
roach.max@gmail.com
(435) 462-1438

We’re looking forward to seeing many new faces, and old faces as well, in beautiful Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Attendance is limited and may sell out; so be sure to contact Mr. Roach soon to reserve a place. Don’t miss your chance to study with two of the top teachers of traditional Japanese martial arts living outside of Japan.

June SMAA Seminar in the SF Bay Area

SMAA CALIFORNIA SEMINAR!
On June 27 and 28, the SMAA will offer a special seminar in conjunction with the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts. It is one of several seminars commemorating the 15th anniversary of the SMAA, and the featured instructor will be H. E. Davey, SMAA Primary Director and SMAA Jujutsu Division Shihan and seventh dan. The theme of the weekend will be “Unification of Mind & Body in the Martial Arts,” and instruction will be offered in Shin-shin-toitsu-do, a form of Japanese yoga and meditation, along with Saigo Ryu, a traditional martial art emphasizing jujutsu and several weapons. The event will take place in quaint Albany, California, just across the bay from San Francisco. Instruction is open to anyone above the age of thirteen.

Through unification of mind and body, martial artists and average people alike can learn to manifest their full potential in a wide variety of situations. Instruction will emphasize how mind and body unification principles created by Nakamura Tempu Sensei in the 1920s lead to enhanced concentration, calmness, relaxation, and willpower in both life and budo. Since Mr. Davey will be showing how these principles relate to budo, attending the Japanese yoga and meditation training is required for this event.

Saigo Ryu training will focus on the wide variety of dynamic throws, unique immobilizations, powerful strangle holds, and rarely seen grappling methods that make up the unarmed portion of this Japanese martial art. Emphasis will be placed on how an understanding of ki (“life energy”) and the hara (a natural abdominal center) can lead to greater power, balance, and grace in any martial art. Students will also be introduced to the art of subtly influencing an opponent’s mind and ki (ki o michibiki), resulting in effortless throws and pinning techniques.

Classes will be offered in a time-honored Japanese atmosphere, and Mr. Davey’s classical dojo is traditional in appearance and intimate in size. Attending these classes as special guest teachers will be at least three SMAA Senior Advisors: Kevin Heard Sensei, Ann Kameoka Sensei, and Ohsaki Jun Sensei. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly suggested.

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Book your flight and make your hotel reservations early. Plenty of time has been built into the schedule to allow for sightseeing and fun.

Mr. Davey and the various attending instructors look forward to offering you a life-altering training experience in June, an event that will present new ways of approaching budo and daily living. Registration forms have been sent to most of our members via e-mail. Members without e-mail should call soon to request a registration form.

Mr. Davey and the various attending SMAA officials are hoping to make new friends and meet old training partners at the first SMAA event ever offered in California.

When:
June 27 and 28

Where:
The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts
1053 San Pablo Ave.
Albany, CA 94706
USA
www.senninfoundation.com
http://senninfoundation.blogspot.com/

Who:
H. E. Davey (Featured instructor for Japanese yoga/meditation and Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/davey.php)
Kevin Heard Sensei (Attending instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/heard.php)
Ann Kameoka Sensei (Attending instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/kameoka.php)
Ohsaki Jun Sensei (Attending instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/ohsaki.php)

Schedule:
Saturday, June 27
8:45 to 9:45 AM (Introduction to Japanese yoga and mind/body unification. Wear a t-shirt and loose pants.)
10:00 to 11:30 AM (Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu. Wear a white gi.)
11:45 AM (Sightseeing in the San Francisco Bay Area)

Sunday, June 28
8:45 to 10:15 AM (Mind/body unification in Japanese yoga, martial arts, and daily life. Wear a t-shirt and loose pants.)
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu. Wear a white gi.)
12:15 to 2:15 PM (Informal party at Ruen Pair Thai Restaurant:
http://www.ruenpair.com/)
2:30 PM (Sightseeing in the San Francisco Bay Area)

Cost:
General Public—$60 for all Japanese yoga and martial arts classes
SMAA Members--$40 for all Japanese yoga and martial classes (Save $20!)

Housing and Meals:

Albany is located in the East Bay, across from San Francisco, and next to Berkeley. Restaurants are widely available, as are hotels. A Holiday Inn can be found in nearby Berkeley, just minutes from the dojo (http://www.hiexpress.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/bekca?&cm_mmc=mdp=true, Telephone: 1-877-863-4780). The Hotel Durant is also located in Berkeley (http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/durant/, Telephone: 510-845-8981). Motels for almost every budget can be found by searching the Internet, so be sure to check around for the best possible deal.

Registration:
Space is extremely limited for all sessions. Contact Mr. Davey soon to reserve your place. The SMAA, the Sennin Foundation Center, and H. E. Davey reserve the right to close registration at any time, once all available spaces have been taken.

Your fee and seminar registration must be received no later than June 20. Checks or money orders should be made out to Sennin Foundation Center. It will not be possible to register in person at the first class.

Map:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=250&addtohistory=&address=1053+San+Pablo+Avenue&city=Albany&state=CA&zipcode=&submit=Get+Map

Visitor & Tourist Information:
Albany, California Visitor Information: http://www.albanychamber.org/
San Francisco, California Visitor Information: http://sfo.web.infoseek.co.jp/

Airports & Transportation:
San Francisco International Airport:
800-435-9736 or 650-821-8211
http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/index.jsp

Oakland International Airport:
510-563-3300
http://www.flyoakland.com/index2.cfm

Rental cars are available at both airports.

Contact Information:
H. E. Davey
hedavey@aol.com
510-526-7518

2009 Seminars!

SMAA 15th ANNIVERSARY SEMINAR SERIES CALENDAR
The following events are tentatively scheduled to take place in 2009. Check the SMAA website and blog for the latest information. Please be aware that some of the details may be subject to change at a future date, and more events may be added to the calendar. Attendance will be limited at many of these seminars, so reserve your place early via phone call or e-mail.

SMAA Utah Seminar—Dates: April 10, 11, and 12. Location: Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Featured Instructor: Nicklaus Suino Sensei (SMAA Primary Director, iaido Shihan/seventh dan, judo Shihan/sixth dan, jujutsu Fuku-shihan/fourth dan). Guest Instructor: Cyndy Hayashi Sensei (Aikikai aikido sixth dan). Subjects: Eishin Ryu iaido, Aikikai aikido, and Kodokan judo. Theme: “Aikido, Iaido, & Judo in Utah.” Contact: Max Roach Sensei (Telephone: 435-462-1438, E-mail: roach.max@gmail.com)

SMAA California Seminar (1)—Dates: June 27 and 28. Location: San Francisco Bay Area (Albany, California). Featured Instructor: H. E. Davey (SMAA Primary Director and jujutsu Shihan/seventh dan). Attending Instructors: Kevin Heard Sensei (SMAA Senior Advisor), Ohsaki Jun Sensei (SMAA Senior Advisor), and Ann Kameoka Sensei (SMAA Senior Advisor). Subjects: Japanese yoga/meditation and Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu. Theme: “Unification of Mind & Body in the Martial Arts.” Contact: H. E. Davey (Telephone: 510-526-7518, E-mail: hedavey@aol.com).

SMAA Michigan Seminar—Dates: July 25 and 26. Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan. Featured Instructor: Nicklaus Suino Sensei (SMAA Primary Director, iaido Shihan/seventh dan, judo Shihan/sixth dan, jujutsu Fuku-shihan/fourth dan). Subjects: Eishin Ryu iaido, kendo, and tameshi giri (“test cutting”). Theme: “A Weekend of Swordsmanship.” Contact: Nicklaus Suino Sensei (Telephone: 734-645-6441, E-mail: shudokan@smaa-hq.com).

SMAA Europe Seminar—Dates: August 24 through 29. Location: London, England. Featured Instructor: John Evans Sensei (SMAA Senior Advisor and Nakamura Ryu battodo swordsmanship seventh dan). Subjects: Nakamura Ryu and Toyama Ryu swordsmanship. Theme: “Tanren—Forging the Spirit & Body.’’ Contact: John Evans Sensei (Telephone: 0208-533-5553, E-mail: info@battodo-fudokan.co.uk).

SMAA California Seminar (2)—Dates: November 21 and 22. Location: San Francisco Bay Area (Albany, California). Featured Instructor: H. E. Davey (SMAA Primary Director and jujutsu Shihan/seventh dan). Attending Instructors: Kevin Heard Sensei (SMAA Senior Advisor), Ohsaki Jun Sensei (SMAA Senior Advisor), and Ann Kameoka Sensei (SMAA Senior Advisor). Subjects: Japanese yoga/meditation and Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu. Theme: “Meditation in the Martial Arts.” Contact: H. E. Davey (Telephone: 510-526-7518, E-mail: hedavey@aol.com).