One of Steven Seagal’s highest ranking disciples to stage Aikido seminar
By Brian M. Boyce
The Tribune-Star
BRAZIL — The bodies made a resounding thump on the ground mats of American Aikido Institute’s dojo Friday night, as an average-sized man flipped martial artists twice his size through the air with a wrist lock.
And as humble as he was in demonstrating a variety of techniques to be taught at today’s seminar at North Clay Middle School in Brazil, Haruo Matsuoka Sensei’s resume and background offered the only explanation really needed.
“I’m just very humbled to have a martial artist of this caliber here training with us,” remarked AAI founder and instructor Garry Howard Sensei, as a circle of his instructors took turns advancing upon Matsuoka and being flipped through the air, one after another.
Matsuoka spent more than 20 years as one of Shihan Steven Seagal’s highest ranking disciples, training with the action movie star most commonly associated with the martial art of aikido.
Today and Sunday, AAI hosts a seminar at North Clay Middle School featuring Matsuoka and some of the art’s techniques, or “waza.”
“My father inspired me very much since I was a child,” Matsuoka said, explaining his passion for the “traditional aspect” of aikido stems back to the first demonstrations he attended as a child.
In 1983, at age 25, the Osaka, Japan native moved to Los Angeles and began his American teaching career, which currently finds him as the chief instructor of Aikido Doshinokai Dojo in Culver City, Calif., the Ikazuchi Dojo in Irvine, Calif., as well as the University of California Irvine’s Aikido Program.
And as such, he continues to teach annual seminars in Belgium, Brazil, France and Russia, as well as the one in Clay County he first visited in 1991.
“He travels all over the world and still makes time to come here year after year,” Howard said.
Scott Reynolds, a second degree black belt who has studied at AAI for 16 years, expressed his respect for Matsuoka’s training, noting, “it’s invaluable. He’s dedicated his entire life to perfecting this art all the while knowing he’ll never reach that point.”
Reynolds, an officer with the Bloomington City Police Department, teaches physical tactics to his department as well as the Indiana University Law Enforcement Academy and the Indiana State Police Academy and cited his martial arts background with great credit.
“It enhances the techniques that we teach new officers,” he said.
According to information provided by AAI’s Web site, aikido, literally translated, means “the way of harmony with the universe,” and is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes the concept of “aiki,” or blending and harmony.
The fundamental goal of the art is to use breath power and energy to neutralize an attacker, using a variety of movements including the joint locks made famous by movies such as Seagal’s.
Matsuoka said this weekend will be more about “sharing my knowledge” than a demonstration, per se, and added that it’s that sharing of the art that he most enjoys.
Brian Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
American Aikido Institute Seminar
North Clay Middle School, U.S. 340, Brazil
Saturday
10 a.m. to Noon: Training
Noon to 2 p.m.: Lunch
2 to 4:30 p.m.: Jo/Bokken (Staff Training)
6:30 p.m.: Dinner with Matsuoka Sensei
Sunday
10 a.m. to Noon: Training
For more information: www.americanaikido.com
By Brian M. Boyce
The Tribune-Star
BRAZIL — The bodies made a resounding thump on the ground mats of American Aikido Institute’s dojo Friday night, as an average-sized man flipped martial artists twice his size through the air with a wrist lock.
And as humble as he was in demonstrating a variety of techniques to be taught at today’s seminar at North Clay Middle School in Brazil, Haruo Matsuoka Sensei’s resume and background offered the only explanation really needed.
“I’m just very humbled to have a martial artist of this caliber here training with us,” remarked AAI founder and instructor Garry Howard Sensei, as a circle of his instructors took turns advancing upon Matsuoka and being flipped through the air, one after another.
Matsuoka spent more than 20 years as one of Shihan Steven Seagal’s highest ranking disciples, training with the action movie star most commonly associated with the martial art of aikido.
Today and Sunday, AAI hosts a seminar at North Clay Middle School featuring Matsuoka and some of the art’s techniques, or “waza.”
“My father inspired me very much since I was a child,” Matsuoka said, explaining his passion for the “traditional aspect” of aikido stems back to the first demonstrations he attended as a child.
In 1983, at age 25, the Osaka, Japan native moved to Los Angeles and began his American teaching career, which currently finds him as the chief instructor of Aikido Doshinokai Dojo in Culver City, Calif., the Ikazuchi Dojo in Irvine, Calif., as well as the University of California Irvine’s Aikido Program.
And as such, he continues to teach annual seminars in Belgium, Brazil, France and Russia, as well as the one in Clay County he first visited in 1991.
“He travels all over the world and still makes time to come here year after year,” Howard said.
Scott Reynolds, a second degree black belt who has studied at AAI for 16 years, expressed his respect for Matsuoka’s training, noting, “it’s invaluable. He’s dedicated his entire life to perfecting this art all the while knowing he’ll never reach that point.”
Reynolds, an officer with the Bloomington City Police Department, teaches physical tactics to his department as well as the Indiana University Law Enforcement Academy and the Indiana State Police Academy and cited his martial arts background with great credit.
“It enhances the techniques that we teach new officers,” he said.
According to information provided by AAI’s Web site, aikido, literally translated, means “the way of harmony with the universe,” and is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes the concept of “aiki,” or blending and harmony.
The fundamental goal of the art is to use breath power and energy to neutralize an attacker, using a variety of movements including the joint locks made famous by movies such as Seagal’s.
Matsuoka said this weekend will be more about “sharing my knowledge” than a demonstration, per se, and added that it’s that sharing of the art that he most enjoys.
Brian Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
American Aikido Institute Seminar
North Clay Middle School, U.S. 340, Brazil
Saturday
10 a.m. to Noon: Training
Noon to 2 p.m.: Lunch
2 to 4:30 p.m.: Jo/Bokken (Staff Training)
6:30 p.m.: Dinner with Matsuoka Sensei
Sunday
10 a.m. to Noon: Training
For more information: www.americanaikido.com
