pamelonian

The National Ki Conference this year is in Las Vegas. That, to me was hardly a draw, even though I love getting to see other aikido friends from all over. You build acquaintances after going to a few of these. Plus, many of these people were in Japan when I was there. The main aikido intstructor from Japan (the founder's son) and his wife will be there.

I was waffling about going for months, actually. It is a lot of money to pay for a trip to somewhere I am not that interested in seeing. I just found out, though, that Sensei wants me to test at the Conference. It is for the rank of Shoden, which is a ki development rank. It is a rare opportunity to receive a test from the founder's son. Some of my friends actually went to Japan for this test.

Here is the deal: Sensei already sent my name in. I HAVE to go, now. I would not want him to lose face by not following through. (Losing face is an unthinkable horror in Japanese culture) I would be on the shit list for quite a while, and I would have let Sensei down, which I cannot do. I have benefitted personally and spiritually so much from the training that I have received from him and from his dojo. I can't even begin to explain how Ki-Aikido has changed my life.

Looks like I will be searching for cheap flights to Las Vegas.