25th SMR Spring Seminar of Jodo, Iles de Lérins (Cannes-France)

2nd and 3rd of April 2011

24 participants coming from Grenoble - Bastia - Nice - Cannes gathered for the 25th time at the beautiful location Iles de Lérins off the coast of Cannes during the Spring Seminar organized by Jodo Club Côte d'Azur.

The goal of the seminar for which I had chosen the subject "ICHI GO ICHI EI" was that every participants was able to develop a certain awareness of his absolute presence not only when practicing but during the whole seminar. This sound self-awareness should become part of the training with partner in order to be able to experience perfectly the present moment. For this purpose, respecting Metsuke is absolutely indispensable to add a certain density, reality and consistancy of one's own presence. Concentrating only on the present situation allows Shi and Uchi to establish a certain dialogue the feeling of which is passionate. Among others, this allows to detect the intentions of one's partner and thus train according to one's capactiy to adapt to the current situation.

Thanks to our calligraphers Jacky and Marie whom I had asked to prepare a Shomen realized with their hearts.
Thanks also to Maïté who joined us despite a knee operation and who had made a superb photo report.

During these two days we practiced Kihon Sotai and the Omote series in detail and in the spirit of Ichi go Ichi ei.
The 6 o'clock training on Sunday morning was led by Dominique Boetti who, as every year, has taught us a lot: the readiness in holding one's KEN allows us to be ready for one's partner and for one's own practice

As for the more advanced participants we had time enough to practice the other series, and it was interesting to see that, when the rhythm is accelerated, it is not always easy to keep eye contact and to maintain the "dialogue" during the present moment!

This means we still have a lot of work to do.... and that's why we will meet soon again on other tatamis.

See you next year, Gilles

Kamiza

Group

Keiko



Records