Aikido of Hilo will host its annual Labor Day seminar from Aug. 31-Sept. 2, with acclaimed practitioner and Buddhist scholar John Stevens as guest instructor.
Stevens is a seventh-degree black belt in aikido and a world renowned master instructor. For 30 years, he was a noted professor of Buddhist studies at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan, and has written more than 30 books about aikido, Buddhism and Asian culture.
Stevens’ lessons will include the philosophy and spiritual aspects of the peaceful and harmonious art of aikido and its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, osensei.
Practitioners from throughout the Big Island will come to Hilo to practice aikido and learn some of the deeper teachings of the art.
“It’s an honor for us to receive instruction in Hilo from someone like Stevens sensei,” said Aikido of Hilo student Andrew Arakawa.
Developed early in the 20th century, aikido principles were so profound and its martial art techniques so effective that there was tremendous public demand. In the 1950s, aikido teachings were made public, and they have spread to become popular worldwide.
“Aikido is an art of peace and reconciliation,” said Hilo sensei Barbara Klein. “It’s important to have teachers like Stevens sensei reinforce principles that we can all practice in the dojo and our daily lives.”
For more information about aikido, visit www.AikidoOfHilo.org or contact Klein at 935-2425.