Sensei’s Writings

by Gaku Homma Nippon Kan Kancho Nippon Kan’s AHAN staff receives inquiries from many countries around the world. One of our goals is to teach the principles of AHAN in dojos everywhere. One of the basic premises of AHAN is that the revenues our Aikido community can produce through seminars and other activities belong in the host community, and should …

A Tribute to Shigeru Kawabe Shihan By Gaku Homma March 22, 2003 Having just returned from a twelve-day visit to Japan, I sit at my desk going through the pile of mail that has accumulated during my absence. With a sense of heaviness I set about to address the task at hand. My thoughts drift to my last visit with …

Morihiro Saito: Following the Founder into History By Gaku Homma January 30, 2003 Authors note: Portions of this article were written soon after the passing of Morihiro Saito Shihan, but in keeping with Japanese traditions for mourning, were not released until after the beginning of the following New Year. On February 7t through 9th, 2003, Hitohiro Saito Sensei will be …

December 20, 2002 Dear Nippon Kan Members and Friends, The year 2002 is drawing to a close, and looking back it has been another busy and productive year. This year Nippon Kan received many honors, including a resolution passed by the Denver City Council for service to the community. The first declaration of the resolution passed was in acknowledgment of …

By Gaku Homma 11-17-02 Shuji Maruyama Sensei was on his way once again, this time to Seattle. We drove to the airport in the early morning light. The car was silent as he looked out the window, studying the passing scenery. Softly, almost to himself, he spoke. “The best thing about Denver is the clouds. Like that cloud over there. …

By Gaku Homma Sensei Nippon Kan Kancho Click on any image for a larger version and more information. The Memorial Remembrance of the passing of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba is coming soon. At Hombu dojo in Tokyo, on April 26, 1969, the Founder passed on to heaven. The week before, I had returned to my hometown of Akita …

Iwama, Japan April 29, 2002 This article was written a few days after the passing of Morihiro Saito Shihan. The Tai Sai Festival, held April 29, 2002, was the last official public activity conducted by Morihiro Saito Shihan. With this article, I pay tribute to his final days. By Gaku Homma Nippon Kan Kancho On April 23, 2002, I received …

Story Gaku Homma This article first appeared in Aikido Today Magazine #47 Morihiro Saito Shihan (Aikikai 9th dan) began practice of Aikido in 1946 under Aikido’s Founder, Morihei Ueshiba, at the Ibaragi Iwama Dojo. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his dedicated practice of the art of Aikido. He has published many books, including the five in the classic …

Written by Gaku Homma A formative figure in the history of Aikido has gone from us to heaven. His life, while short in comparison was not without impact. Especially for the development of Aikido in the United States, Fumio Toyoda Sensei’s life is a very important testimonial to the first generations of pioneer instructors in this country. Fumio Toyoda Sensei …

A New Year Message from Gaku Homma Sensei January 1st, 2002 To Aikidoists around the world, I send my wishes for a New Year of good health, happiness and fulfillment. This year I began my New Year as I have for many years-by conducting Toshi Koshi Geiko, or “New Years Eve Practice”. This special practice begins at 11:30 pm. on …

December 20, 2001 Dear Nippon Kan Members and Friends, The year 2001 is drawing to a close. As a people, around the world this year we have learned a new depth of shock and sadness. There were many victims of the events of September 11th, the most tragic being the survivors; family and friends who will carry the scars of …

By Gaku Homma Sensei, Nippon Kan Kancho One can never tire of visiting St. Andrews, so rich in its history, so picturesque in its setting. This visit was no exception, as upon my arrival, I was greeted with a warm and friendly welcome from the St. Andrews University Aikido Club. I have always been impressed with the high level of …

Why Aikido Nippon Kan is the largest Aikido dojo in the Rocky Mountain Region. Nippon Kan offers four different sessions of beginning Aikido classes six times a year. Our January sessions for 2001 have now ended successfully with over 120 new beginning adult students participating in the four sessions offered. The March sessions are now beginning and over 100 new …

Welcome new martial arts challengers for 2001! My name is Gaku Homma and I am the founder of Aikido Nippon Kan. This message is for all of you who are thinking about trying a martial art in 2001. I would like to explain what we offer here at Nippon Kan. Nippon Kan, (which means Japan House in Japanese), was founded …

Nippon Kan has been an ongoing growing organization for over twenty-two years. For all of us, each year contains 365 days but for an active organization such as Nippon Kan, each and every day is busy with new projects and activities. This past year has been very busy, and now that it is drawing to a close, it is a …