Carolina Van Haperen, Sensei, 4th dan, is an Aikido Instructor I have been in touch with for some time via Facebook. She is a member of the California Aikido Association (CAA) that is based in Redwood City, CA and is part of Division 3, the Division that is under Robert Nadeau Shihan. Her dojo is Intregal Aikido located in Amsterdam.
Carolina has taught and traveled with Miles Kessler Sensei and was a soto deshi at Kayla Feder Sensei’s dojo, Aikido of Berkeley. So she has deep roots in the Bay Area.
There was an exciting seminar this past weekend (Carolina was a co-instructor) based on the concept of Evolutionary Aikido-- that I am sure will be coming to the Bay Area. It is called, “Nomad Seminar.” Patrick Cassidy Sensei, 6th dan, whom many readers are familiar with, created this approach to Aikido. The vision for the seminar is (in Cassidy Sensei’s words):
"[An] exploration and inquiry into the awakening, transformational and developmental process of the Art of Aikido, the implications for the individuals involved in its practice, and the impact that Aikido has on the world as a whole."
Carolina added the following, “My own dojo I have called ‘Integral Aikido Amsterdam,’ which includes this evolutionary perspective as well as technical basic training and principle orientation.” She adds, "I'm one of the instructors that link with and [join] Cassidy Sensei in meeting aikidoka's from an evolutionary perspective."
On Evolutionary Aikido’s web page, readers will recognize many other names including Jack Wada Sensei, Dave Goldberg Sensei and Richard Moon Sensei, all senior Greater Bay Area teachers. And City Aikido and Aikido of San Jose are listed as participating dojos.
It is clear that this is the evolutionary path Aikido must take. Rather than stay focused solely on techniques, it is imperative that those involved in Aikido (and all other martial arts) see what they do as part of what is happening outside the dojo— how this can and does influence events in a positive and powerful way their communities. This inclusive approach, also promoted by the Western Aikido Association, is the future.
For more information on the Nomad Seminar coming up, please go to their web site. Information on when the Nomad Seminar will come to the Bay Area will be posted here.
Thank you Carolina for letting me know about this. You are a martial artist who is making a difference!
Comments