Classical Aikido Association

05/13/2026

Going through my deceased teachers (John Stevens Sensei) library, I found a remarkable quote of Koichi Tohei Sensei (1920-2011) in his revised book “This is Aikido” 1975:

O Sensei said: “The God of the Universe turned into purple smoke and came into my body.”
It made little sense either to my understanding or techniques.

After training with Tempu Nakamura Sensei, who taught the philosophy of mind and body, I realized that in order to lead the opponents mind freely, we must control our own minds and bodies freely.
After i realized this, there was no difficulty nor mystery. It is not necessary to wait for God to turn into purple smoke and enter our bodies!

04/21/2026

03/01/2026

Today we had a nice combined Seminar with 3 Aikikai Groups:
-Nishio Group, Albert Stevense Sensei
-Tissier Group, Siavash Derekshan Shihan and Joop Leduc Sensei
-Classical Aikido Netherlands for which I had the honor to instruct.
We all tried our best on ways we usually don’t practice in an atmosphere of friendship- it was a great day!

02/28/2026

Today we celebrated classical aikido Belgiums Staf Kostermans 50 years in Aikido. Staf also made Sidney Daniels Sensei the new dojo-cho of Aikido Sangen Zelem. Different friends of Staf Sensei helped him teach at this wonderful day. Paul de Gruiter Sensei taught Sho Chiku Bai (pine bamboo plumblossom) sword supported by his “ikebana piece” and a bottle of the famous sake with the same name!

02/22/2026

175+ years of training in the lineage of Shirata, Nishio and Tissier Sensei’s Aikido. Please feel free to join!

01/14/2026

12/31/2025

As the New Year dawns, may we remember “Ichigo Ichie”, “one time, one meeting”: every encounter is unique, unrepeatable, and worthy of our full presence.
May the warmth of the season soften our hearts, helping us savor the people in front of us, the words we choose, and the quiet gifts woven into ordinary moments. And as we step into the New Year, may we carry this spirit forward meeting each day as it comes, grateful, attentive, and awake to the sacredness of the present moment.
Wishing you a bright New Year filled with meaningful meetings, deep appreciation, and moments you’ll remember as “Ichigo Ichie” every moment, every meeting is precious.
Happy New Year! John Zenkewich Classical Aikido USA