2002 Riai Friendship Camp

How many chances do you get to train with over fifty people at one time? One chance every year. The Annual Riai Friendship Camp is open to all aikidoka in New Zealand; no matter how you bow in. This year was the 21st camp, held in Oratia, west Auckland from 4th - 6th October. Attendance was good with around 55 people coming from all over the North Island.

The first day was for Riai members, a chance for all three branches (Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton) to get together, train and play the infamous Aikido Board Game (not for the faint-hearted).

On Saturday the guest teacher (and editor of Hakama) Sensei David Lynch (6th Dan Yoshinkan, 3rd Dan Aikikai, 3rd Dan Tendokan and 2nd Dan Ki Society) shared his vast knowledge and experience of these schools in Japan, demonstrating techniques that characterized each style. After a hard day's training, which began at 8.30am and finished at 5.30pm, everyone was ready for a hoedown at nearby Kiwi Valley Farm. After a simple 'down home' meal and a few glasses of liquid refreshment it was show time. Following the Pistol and Bullwhip demonstration aikidokas were given the opportunity to show that when it comes to weapons, we have a lot of work to do.

The final day was understandably more relaxed but training still started at 9am with Sensei Henry Lynch (no relation) providing more chances to learn and refine our art. The next part of the session was lead by Jenny Kennedy not an aikido person but a highly regarded body worker from Auckland. Jenny not only gave practical and interesting advice and information about correct ways to stretch but also new techniques for dealing with stress and nervousness. Sensei Mike Ashwell conducted the final session of what was an interesting, fun and yes, friendly camp.

Will you be there next year? Robert Nadeau Shihan from California will be the guest teacher, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Catriona Carruthers, Riai Auckland