reply to post by E†E
Hi E†E,
I'm not sure of the point of the post. Has something happened to Steven Segal?
I have studied Aikido and other martial arts over the years, and while I haven't trained with Steven Segal, I have friends who have. My impression
has been that there are a number of dedicated Shihan deserving of praise, some that I've trained with who seem much more humble in a positive way.
Since I haven't personally met him, I realize my opinions are only based on his public interviews and statements.
The best masters (shihan) I've trained with include Aoyagi Sensei from Honolulu, Bookman Sensei from Seattle, Saito Sensei from Iwama Dojo in Japan,
Saotome Sensei from Japan, and Ikeda Sensei from Colorado.
Out of those, my favorites, and also the most open teachers I've ever had the honor to train with have been Aoyagi Sensei and Bookman Sensei, both
incredibly memorable experiences.
I've trained with other instructors in Hawaii and Seattle, but both Aoyagi Sensei's and Bookman Sensei's training had authenticity that you never
had to question. Where I felt that some instructors (not those on my list) feel they must prove the value of their techniques, with both of those
masters, you simply realize very quickly that they are pushing you to your limits, which are very different from theirs. Another similar thing about
them both is their humble approach and willingness to explain the why of particular techniques, something often missing from other instructors,
especially those in the lower black belt ranks.
So, back to the question, while I agree that Aikido can bring a lot of positives to the world, is there another point to the post specifically
regarding Steven Segal? Thanks.
