Trip to Shingu!

Hi all. Brandon, Jon W. and myself are in Japan right now, all on our third trip over here. We went to Shingu to train in the Kumano Juku dojo with Anno-Sensei. Anno-Sensei took over the dojo after Hikitsuchi-Sensei`s death.

Let me tell you, the humidity was oppressive to the extreme. Modesto is quite a bit hotter, but as the saying goes: "It`s the dry heat!" Towards the first night of training, I couldn`t stop hyper-ventilating for thirty minutes. Needless to say, I recovered, but it was quite an experience.

Anno-Sensei and all the other instructors and aikidoka were extremely gracious and helpful. Anno-Sensei personally drove us to Natchi Falls and then showed us some of the many shrines nearby.

I`ll hopefully put up photos of our trip in a few days.

Mata ne,

Jon B.