Homma Sensei at St. Andrews University in St. Andrews, Scotland
December 3-11, 2002

Gaku Homma Sensei visited St. Andrews University in St. Andrews Scotland this past December 3rd through 11th for the fourth consecutive year. St. Andrews University students are famous internationally as high level thinkers and future leaders; even Prince William, son of Princess Dianna attends his studies at St. Andrews. While demonstrating Nippon Kan’s teaching method of bokken and jo relationships to open hand techniques, Homma Sensei presented his message with an intellectual overtone. He talked to students about AHAN, the Aikido Humanitarian Active Network of which he is founder, and the need for world wide awareness and a global spirit. He encouraged students to widen their horizons, and to remember that there are aikido students around the world that do not practice their Aikido in the same conditions as found in St. Andrews. “You all have the ability to reach all parts of the world through your studies. There are so many that I have seen this year that cannot even afford to buy a uniform to practice in. Use your resources wisely, not only to educate yourselves, but to give back to others as well”. At the end of the seminar, Captain Zoe Africa presented Homma Sensei with fees for teaching and travel expenses. These funds, Homma Sensei donated back to the University Aikido Club with instructions for the club to find ways to support activities that helped others either in St. Andrews or abroad.

Homma Sensei was accompanied on this trip by Eric Farnsworth, Nippon Kan Staff Assistant Instructor. “I learned a lot” says Eric of the journey. “This was my first experience practicing with students in another country. It has been an excellent opportunity for me to be able to assist Homma Sensei. It is a trip I will not soon forget”.

Emily Busch
Nippon Kan Vice President