6th kyu Aiki-ken/Aiki-jo - Bj Becker, M. Becker, Carl Lodge
4th kyu Aiki-ken/Aiki-jo - Hans Andersen, Danielle Ippolito, Stephanie Song
2nd kyu Iaido - Frederick Fourie
2nd kyu Aiki-ken/Aiki-jo - Charles Maxwell Boyd, James Smith
Congratulations!
In Memorium
Yoshimoto Trent Sensei
Kendo Nannadan Kyoshi - Iaido Nannadan Renshi
1934-2009
Dear Tsubomi Dojo friends,
At 11:02am on Thursday, June 18, our friend, teacher, and mentor, Don Yoshimoto Trent Sensei (Kendo Nannadan Kyoshi, Iaido Nannadan Renshi) passed and went on to the big Dojo in the sky. He fought a courageous battle following an incapicitating stroke the week prior. His thoughts - even in the utmost extremity - were upon us: he asked Yuri Sensei to maintain the dojo in Japan and care for all of us.
I cannot overstate the importance of the place Trent Sensei held in my life. He was a quintessential warrior, teacher, and friend, a role model of a Good Man, and the singular inspiration for the founding of our dojo. Without his confidence in us, and his encouragement, we would not have been able to establish our own, independent organization. Through countless hours of conversation, he helped us define a higher purpose for our practice, and affirmed our desire to seek the highest principles of Japanese martial arts.
Behind the gruff exterior of this retired Chief Master Sergeant (United States Air Force) lay a generosity of spirit and kindness seldom seen: he took in all sorts of strays that came to his door - 13 cats, 4 dogs, 2 ducks, 10 chickens, a frog, a spider, and sword students from all over the world, including yours truly. When we asked the All Japan Kendo Federation for help in 1999, Trent Sensei stepped forward without hesitation and offered to take us in. At enormous personal cost, but also with great joy and energy, he guided my career through momentous changes.
Trent Sensei lived large. A veteran of the Korean War and Viet Nam, he served as a bayonett instructor, and eventually rose in the ranks of the armed forces to the highest non-commissioned rank, Chief Master Sergeant. He married Yuri Trent Sensei, the daughter of a sword master (who is an inspiration herself, an accomplished swordswoman, and mother to us all), and immersed himself in the intense disciplines of Kendo and Iaido. His abilities were recognized by the Kendo Federation, and he was commissioned to serve on the International Kendo Committee, helping to promote and popularize Budo worldwide. His enthusiasm and generosity of spirit are legendary; I have been enormously blessed to call him "Friend."
Don Yoshimoto Trent Sensei was one of the best of his generation: an accomplished swordsman, a patriot, a friend to all in need, and an example of the best in humanity. He is survived by his lovely bride, Yuri Trent Sensei (Iaido Nannadan Renshi), and his children, Midori and John. We wish them the best that the world has to offer, for their own sakes, and in tribute to our departed father, Don Yoshimoto Trent Sensei.
Jonathan Bannister, Kaicho
Edmonds, WA USA
Congratulations to those who achieved rank promotion in Aikido, Aiki-ken/Aiki-jo, and Iaido on June 18, 2009. We're very proud of you!
Sakura-Con - April 11, 2009
Aishinkai gave an excellent hour-long presentation of Iaido, Aikido, and Aiki-Weapons practice to a large and appreciative audience of over 100. Fourteen members, including two members of the Children's Aikido program - Joshua C. and Jasmine O. - participated. Great job everyone!
Children's Aikido Testing - April 9, 2009
Congratulations to the members of the Aikido for Children class who successfully passed their rank promotion tests. We look forward to your continued progress.
Aikido Spring Seminar 2008
Members of Aishinkai and Tenzan Aikido join Bannister Sensei and Buce Bookman in a lively joint seminar that offered insight into our common roots and different approaches to Aikido practice. Let's do this again!
Hachioji Iaido Taikai
Bannister Sensei with Don and Yuri Trent Sensei and members of the Tsubomi Seishin Kan Iaido Kai at the Hachioji Iaido Taikai (Tokyo, Japan). Sensei Bannister won Bronze in the 4th Dan division.
Japan in the Schools
Bannister Sensei continues to vist numerous elementary school classrooms in conjunction with the Japan-America Society and Pacific Northwest Budo Association outreach educational programs. He shares information about Japan, its people and culture, and has given martial arts demonstrations for over 600 public and private school children.
Saori Ueda Visits from Japan
Tsubomi Seishin Kan Iaido Kai member Saori Ueda (AJKF yondan - third from the left, front row) visited our dojo while in the States on business. We thoroughly enjoyed a week of spirited practice with her.
Nikkei Heritage Association Bowling Tournament Fundraiser
Members of the Aikido and Iaido programs formed a team and joined in a fun competition with more than 20 other teams from area cultural arts organizations in this Nikkei Heritage Association fundraiser. In addition, the Aishinkai provided nearly $1,000 in prizes for the tournament winners.
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