Chakai for 10 th Anniversary of AikiLife Aikido Dojo
Kyoko McKay
On 1 September, the first day of Spring, the Sydney Association Canberra Group
was invited by aikido sensei Ann Reekie to celebrate the 10 th anniversary of the
founding of her dojo by holding a day of chado demonstrations for aikido students
and their families at the dojo.
The Canberra Group made use of the dojo’s beautiful tatami room to conduct
So Kazari temae. We displayed a kakejiku that read ‘Nichi, nichi, kore koujitsu’
(Every day is a good day) and Kyoko Sensei made kangori (寒氷) and gyuhi (求肥).
Members set up a mizuya in the training area and the sound of martial arts was
temporarily replaced by boiling water and tea-talk.
We held four sessions and served a total of 66 guests. Host and assistant duties
were performed by Takako Mizogami, Megumi Eddison and Dirk Staunton; MC was
conducted by Dirk and Chika Staunton; kitchen assistants included Letha Chang,
Rumi Brown and Nobu Ohashi; while Kyoko Sensei kept everything running
smoothly.
The guests were impressed with the demonstration and enjoyed matcha with
Japanese sweets. Although most were familiar with Japanese culture from their
aikido studies, none had previously seen chado. The guests enjoyed the atmosphere
of tea and asked many questions afterwards. We received excellent feedback from
Ann Sensei following the chakai, who was very happy that her tatami room had been
used for a traditional Japanese practice.
Thank you to the helpers for giving up their Fathers Day and putting so much
enthusiasm into this event. It was a fantastic way to usher in Canberra’s finest
season.
