Kayla Feder Sensei began
training in 1973 at the age of 9 and has been training continuously for over 30 years. She started teaching children's classes
at age 13, and founded her first Aikido dojo in Benicia, California in 1980. Feder Sensei studied directly under Morihiro
Saito Sensei in Iwama, Japan. She has taught seminars to students throughout the US, Europe, and Israel.
Feder Sensei's teaching style supports the individual growth of each student. She also studies yoga and meditation
and includes yoga and meditation as part of the curriculum taught at Aikido of Berkeley (www.aikidoofBerkeley.com)
Feder Sensei was promoted to the rank of 6th Dan in 2004 and is one of a small number of women worldwide to
attain that rank.
Demo at Annual Aiki Expo 2002:
Kayla Feder Sensei with Brandon WilliamsCraig and Eric Winters:
(April, 2007) An Aikido demonstration and interview with Kayla
Feder Sensei, 6th Dan, Dojo Cho of Aikido of Berkeley. Taking ukemi are Brandon Williamscraig, Ben Hayunga, and Justin Neubaum:
Interview with Kayla Feder Sensei Aikido of Berkeley, Berkeley, California
I began my training in Aikido in 1974 with Bruce Klickstein in the children's class at the Aikido
Institute in Oakland, California. My sister studied ballet next door to the dojo. One afternoon I went to her ballet school
to pick her up from her class. Noticing the children's Aikido class I felt immediately excited and intrigued. It just so happened
that a school friend was studying at the Aikido Institute, and let me come with her to watch a full class. I went home elated,
knowing that this was something I had to begin learning immediately. I am blessed to have parents who supported me in whatever
I felt passionate about learning. I began training the next day, and I haven't stopped since then.
Shortly after I
began, I went to a seminar at the Turk street dojo in San Francisco. To a ten year old, it seemed like there were hundreds
of people on the mat. I remember how much energy I had, and how much joy I felt training with all these people who were smiling
and having fun together. The dojo was run by three senseis, Bill Witt Sensei, Frank Doran Sensei and Robert Nadeau Sensei.
Although I had no idea that they would all become important teachers for me, and that twenty seven years later I would still
be learning from them, I felt an urgency to meet all three of them. I made sure on that day that I was either introduced,
or introduced myself to them. Since then I have had many opportunities to learn from these three gifted teachers. Bill Witt
Sensei took over the Aikido Institute for two years while my first instructor went to Japan to study with Morihiro Saito Sensei.
The
first time I went to Japan to study with Saito Sensei I was sixteen. I arrived at the Iwama train station already wanting
to go home. I was homesick after one day. Saito Sensei was very welcoming and warm to me. As soon as we began to train he
seemed like a different person. He was very hard on me, and I felt like I should go home and never do Aikido again. My friend
Bernice Tom Sensei was also in Iwama at that time. I went to talk to Bernice who told me that the reason he was so hard on
me was because he liked me. That helped a bit, but I was still so homesick, I cried whenever I wasn't on the mat. One afternoon
I went to the Aiki shrine to sit and try to collect myself. I had been studying Vipassana meditation, so I knew how to quiet
my mind. After about a half an hour I felt very light and almost unable to feel my physical body. After I got up I no longer
felt homesick, only a burning desire to learn as much as I could from Saito Sensei. After that experience, I knew that a huge
part of my life would be dedicated to the discovery of Aikido.
I had not planned to be an Aikido teacher, but soon
after I returned from Japan, a group of people asked me to come and teach them Aikido in Benicia, California. It felt right,
although I was seventeen and had only received my shodan two years before. I taught most of the ten classes a week at Aikido
of Benicia for thirteen years. The Benicia dojo was successful, especially the children's program , which had forty children
when I decided to close the dojo. I lived in Oakland and wanted to teach closer to my home, so I turned the dojo over to one
of my senior students, who turned it into an Aikido club. I began Aikido Of Berkeley six years ago in 1995. Finding a space
large enough for Aikido, and affordable, in Berkeley has been a great challenge. At the moment we share a space with two other
martial arts schools. We have over twenty Aikido students. I have been told that Aikido of Berkeley is a supportive, loving,
and challenging environment. We have four evening adult classes per week which I teach, and one Saturday afternoon class which
is taught by myself and one of my senior students. We have two children's classes per week, and soon will have four, when
we add another age group.
My most Memorable Aikido Experience It's difficult to choose my most memorable
Aikido experience, since Aikido has brought so much richness and beauty into my life. As many Aikidoka would agree, the training
that we do on the mat changes the way we relate to our whole lives, and especially to the way we deal with confrontation.
I have been attacked verbally and physically , and each time it has felt to me like there was a specific aspect of Aikido
that I was being shown. I was shown that it worked!
For a number of years, I lived in what was considered a dangerous
neighborhood in Oakland. I had a dog who was part Labrador and part Pit Bull; his name was Jasper. Jasper and I would take
runs in my neighborhood. On one of our runs, a man blocked the side walk and told me that I had to give Jasper to him or he
would hurt both of us. Without thinking, I immediately got into a hanmi, bent my knees and stood firm and grounded while looking
the man directly in the eye. Amazingly, I did not feel afraid, standing in hanmi, only a few feet away from this large man
who had threatened to hurt me and my dog if I didn't give him my cherished Jasper. I felt enveloped by compassion, and that
my gaze only expressed compassion. In that moment, he got something, lowered his fist and walked away. What came to me right
after he walked away was that I had just done a perfect Aikido technique. I was firm in my hanmi, which expressed the yang
or positive part of the technique, at the same time I felt completely compassionate toward my aggressor, which expressed the
yin aspect or receptive part of the technique. I had just been focusing on feeling the balance of positive and receptive,
and working on teaching these in my classes, and there was the opportunity to experience it, and to feel the effectiveness
of the spirit of Aikido. (May 2001)
R. Nadeau with O'Sensei
ROBERT NADEAU, SHIHAN
Robert Nadeau ,7th Dan, began his martial arts training in the 1950's,
studying judo, karate, and defensive tactics as a police officer in Redwood City, Ca. In the 1960's he left police work, traveling
to Japan to study with Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. Over several years he received personal guidance from O' Sensei in
the philisophical and energy aspects of Aikido. Throughout the 1970's and 1980's his work brought Aikido concepts into the
fields of psychology, body work, and the healing arts. Nadeau Shihan has been a major influence in the development of Aikido
in the United States and on many of today's Aikido instructors. His approach to martial arts training transcends technique
to give students something applicable to life and and aid to self transformation.
Nadeau Shihan gives periodic seminars in meditation and energy awareness at the Esalen Institute and at other
Dojos. He is particularly interested in the spiritual aspects of the art, or using Aikido as a process of expanding consciousness.
Nadeau Shihan co-founded the Aikido Association of Northern California, which is affiliated with Hombu Dojo,
World Aikido Headquarters. He teaches at City Aikido of San Francisco and at Aikido of Mountain View. He also teaches seminars around the world.
Background & Vision of Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros (6th Dan)
Started studying Judo from 13th year and Karate (Shotokan Karate under
Enoeda Sensei, 8th Dan, London, UK) from 17th.
Began Aikido in '84 and subsequently studied in Japan, Iwama under the
late Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) from '86 to '94. Also trained Kyudo(Japanese Archery) for 8 years while in Japan (3rd
Dan) as well as meditation in the Soto school of Zen.
Since returning to Europe have been busy teaching and developing the
basic understanding and foundation that was laid down while in Iwama.
"I see Aikido as a multi-dimensional discipline that engages us
on the physical, mental and energetic levels and as a 'Way', challenges us to go beyond our habitual positions of reactivity,
both within the dojo while practicing and beyond in the greater dojo of everyday life.
My interest is in a balanced approach to both form (technique) and
no-form (principles), with the understanding that while the basis of Aikido is 'non-resistance', an awareness and understanding
of 'resistance' itself (on all levels) during the process of training is the the best feedback and teaching we can have for
freeing ourselves from habitual positions of reactivity and for developing true responsiveness.
It is from this open enquiring approach to practice that Aikido can encourage,
among other things, a deepening of our sensititvity to the relational process and an openness to becoming aware of our tendency
to take positions (resistance) regarding that process.
It is my understanding that true freedom and appropriate responsiveness
lies beyond the domain of the 'known' and of 'personal positionings'. The techiques are expressions of this responsiveness
beyond the polarities of 'winning or losing' and the challenge of the practice is not so much to just copy and learn techniques,
but to understand the non-resistant relationship of 'no-position'(being 'with' versus being 'against') which they imply and
are expressions of)."
- L.B. de Quiros, Februari 2004 -
______________________________________________
Miles Kessler Sensei
" Why we practice
By learning the form through one's body and movement, gradually
an intuitive understanding of Aikido's inner principles will arise.
However, though the
form may contain the principles, it is not enough to practice the form alone. True understanding of the art does not come
from one's intellect, nor from blind repetition of the form.
Rather, it is through
direct experience of these principles that an intuitive understanding of ability can arise.
Each one of us must
discover for ourselves the truth of these qualities.
They are the very
key that unlocks the door to a creative and joyful expression of this art."
Background of Miles Kessler Sensei: Miles Kessler, Aikikai 5th Dan, spent 8 years in Iwama, Japan, studying under the late
Morihiro Saito Sensei. Miles began his Aikido career in 1985 in Dallas, Texas, where he studied for 4 years. He moved to Japan
to study Aikido full time from 1989-1997 under Saito Sensei. Miles founded the Mito International Aikido Club in Japan where
he was the chief instructor until his departure in 1997. Also during this time he instructed Aikido at the Mito Social Welfare
Center from 1994-1997. Since leaving Japan in 1997 Miles has continued his exploration by teaching and conducting seminars in
Europe, Asia, Middle-East and America. In addition to his Aikido background, Miles is a practitioner of Mindfulness and
Insight meditation (Vipassana) under the guidence of Sayadaw U Pandita of Burma. Since 1998 Miles has visited
Burma yearly to undertake extended intensive meditation retreats. Miles is
committed to the exploration of the human condition and its relationship in the world.
INSTRUCTORS OF AIKIDO MONTREUX:
Background of Patrick Cassidy Sensei
Cassidy Sensei studied Aikido in Iwama, Japan, the small country town
where O Sensei created the art of Aikido. Cassidy Sensei, a 6th degree black belt, spend seven years in training in Japan
with the late Saito Morihiro Sensei, former head instructor at the Iwama dojo.
Cassidy Sensei works to create an environment which presents Aikido true
to it's original inspiration and roots.
Since 2003 Cassidy Sensei is running a new fulltime dojo in Montreux, Switzerland.
More about this dojo on the webiste www.aikidomontreux.com.
My most Memorable Aikido Experience "It is
difficult to point to one experience as being the most memorable. The training process seems like one non ending moment. But
if I had to point out some experiences, my time with Saito Sensei before I left Japan was very special. I had the chance to
sit with him in his "tea room" near his son's home. He stopped for a moment and spoke of how great it was to sit, be still
and enjoy this chance to relax. That expressed a lot for me. Another experience that sticks in my mind was a class taught
by Richard Moon during an AANC gathering. He had spoke of feeling, listening, and sharing. His demonstration expressed a spontaneity
that I had never witnessed before. The final memory that I wish to mention is about a time during a class that I was teaching.
A realization ocurred for me that I will never forget: the desire to protect ourselves is what stands in our way of being
fully able to respond. From this place outside of fear, there seems to be a greater movement that takes care of the moment
without conscious control. This hit me with a tremondous strength and clarity." (From interview with C.A.A.; spotlight January
2001 at www.ai-ki-do.org.)
Dominique Cassidy, nidan aikikai
Dominique Cassidy
Aikido Montreux also has Dominique Cassidy M.D. 3rd dan Aikikai as an instructor. Dominique has devoted herself to the
Arts of Aikido, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Tea Ceremony for the last 10 years. She has spent over 2 years travelling and studying
throughout India, Tibet, Nepal and Japan. She is pursuing the practices with the aim of discovering the path of self healing.
Being also a medical physician, she has a unique perspective of both the Western approach to Health in contrast to the Eastern
approach to Healing.
Durward Burrell, sandan aikikai
Durward Burrell
Durward Burrell is currently a third dan in the art of Aikido and is also an instructor in Sunyata Yoga. He has been
studying Aikido and Yoga since 1998 and has spent two years as a full time apprentice under Patrick Cassidy in the United
States. After his apprenticeship, he spent over two years leading the yoga program and teaching as an assistant Aikido instructor
at Aikido of Fresno in California. Along with his work at Aikido Montreux, Durward supervises the classes at the club, Aikido
Vevey.
Sura Ruppel
Sura Ruppel has been fulltime uchideshi at Aikido Montreux for the last 2 years. During this time she has received
her Shodan (1st degree black belt). She is committed to the Art of Aikido with the vision of becoming a professional instructor.
She is inspired by the looking into the relationship between Life and the practice of Aikido. Sura loves to share the beauty
of the Art, and explore the deeper questions that the practice brings up.
M. Saito Sensei, 1994 (right)
M. Saito sensei & L.B. de Quirós in Rennes
SaitoMorihiro Shihan
"Morihiro Saito began his study of
Aikido in Iwama as a student of O-Sensei in 1946. Prior to his start in Aikido he had practiced Shito-ryu karate, Judo and
Kendo. Saito Sensei lived side by side with Ueshiba until the Founders passing in 1969 for 23 years. Saito Sensei and his
family took care of the founder and his wife during this entire period. Due to his work schedule, Saito Sensei was able
to be taught by the Founder every day, oftentimes on a one-to-one basis. The Founder used Saito Sensei for testing and refining
the techniques when he was developing his Aikido. Saito Senseis relationship was not only as a student of Aikido but also
as a full-time apprentice in all aspects of O-Senseis daily life. Thanks to this special close relationship, Saito Sensei
became an important part of the development process of Aikido. Saito Sensei assisted O-Sensei not only by being his Uke (training
partner), but also by helping to systematize the teachings in order to make the techniques more accessible for practitioners
of the art. It should be pointed out that this systematization was performed under the supervision of, and with the acceptance
of O-Sensei. In film footage taken in Iwama (Aiki News video series) Saito Sensei can actually be seen teaching class while
O-Sensei looks on." (Text from www.iwama-ryu-europe.org).
"Contemplate the workings of this world, listen to the words of the wise, and take all
that is good as your own. With this as your base, open your own door to truth. Do not overlook the truth that is right before
you."
