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Ethan Weisgard Biography - 3
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After my first trip to Iwama I started to study Japanese
(a life-long pursuit, as is Aikido!), to be able to
understand not only the details and technical points of my
teacher, but also to be able to get to know him as a person
as well. Saito Sensei shared his knowledge generously, not
only in regards to Aikido but in so many other aspects of
life as well. He was especially gracious in teaching about
Japanese customs, etiquette and traditions.
I have, during my time with the Copenhagen Aikido Club,
helped to host
seven international week-long summer camps in Denmark with
Saito Sensei as well as three weekend camps. The summer
camps, because there were five full days of practice, were a
special opportunity to learn from Sensei – not only during
the classes but also during our free time. I had the
opportunity to spend time with him from the morning to late
evening. He would often share special points about
techniques and tell about training in the olden days in Iwama and many other important and fascinating subjects.
This has provided me with a clear understanding of his
teachings as well as allowing me an even deeper insight into
the life of this fascinating man.
I met my wife on my first visit to Japan. She comes from the
same prefecture that Iwama is situated in, Ibaraki. She has
helped me to understand even more of what Sensei had to say,
both directly and between the lines, in technical matters as
well as many others.
Sensei would sometimes be a little strict with me because he
knew I had a Japanese family, and he expected me to
understand more of the culture because of my family ties.
Sensei knew that I was born in America and had grown up in
Denmark.
He once said to me “Ethan, your are half American and half
Danish, but your center is Japanese!” With my life long love
of Japan and its beautiful culture, I consider this to be a
great compliment. I incorporate the many things I have
learned about Japanese etiquette and culture in my classes.
I believe this is an important part of learning a Japanese
martial art.
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