Interview with a Uchideshi

Name: Gavin Toft
Age now: 28
Age at time of course: 24

1) Tell us a little about your background?

G.T. Originally from Cheltnam got 2 sisters: one older one younger. I’m a chef by trade. I’ve always felt drawn to martial arts. I was doing ‘Tae kwon do’ back then but it didn’t suit my size and weight (i.e. I’m quite short). I Moved to Stafford looking for work as a chef. Read up on other martial arts. Aikido sounded like it suited me and fortunately there was a dojo in Stafford.



2) What initially attracted you to Yoshinkan Aikido?

G.T. It just resonated with me. Being small and not particularly strong, the prospect of finding a martial art that really worked on the basis of body mechanics alone sounded like a dream. Plus I saw the pictures of the guys wearing Hakamas and thought they looked cool!



3) What made you want to do the Deshi course?

G.T. I was already training a lot anyway. Sensei asked me and it felt like the right thing for me so I signed up.



4) What did you enjoy about the course?

G.T. I’d have to say the intensity of it. It moved at a very fast pace. I learned a lot more about myself, my body and its capabilities.



5) What did the course entail?

G.T. Well about 14 hours training a week broken down into: two one on one sessions with Sensei, training and instructing during the kids classes with more intense training during the adult classes. You had to watch the other students helping them to learn and understand the techniques better. I used to have to put the mats out twice a week and clear them away. (They have permanent laid mats now)! As well as doing cleaning and maintenance duties.







6) What was most challenging about the course?

G.T. Probably waking up in the morning stiff as a board aching and having to go to either go to work or back to more training. Maintaining the energy and attentiveness…

Can you explain what you mean by attentiveness?

G.T. ‘Explain what I mean’. Being ready all the time to be called up as Uke to perform or demonstrate a technique. Being in tune with Sensei knowing what technique he’s going to do before he even does it. Not screaming like a girl when pressure points are being demonstrated on me.



7) How had it changed you as a person? (i.e. what qualities within yourself are stronger; better, do you now perceive things differently?)

G.T. I feel more centred as a person more rounded. More confident within myself and my abilities. A lot more relaxed in tense situations should they arise. I have learned and nurtured the teaching qualities within myself.



8) What advice would you give to anyone who was thinking about doing the course?

G.T. Just go for it! You must have genki its essential. Being in good physical condition before you begin the course helps. Make sure you can commit to the requirements of the course. It is very intense but life changing.
Read ‘Angry White pyjamas’ before you sign up. Make sure you get your rest time in and look after your body (make sure you take the time off specified in the contract (I didn’t and believe you me you need it).



9) What is your favourite technique and why?

G.T. Any Kokyu nage (Breath throw) because it’s effortless. It just requires perfect timing.



10) What is your strongest memory about the course?

G.T. The one on one Jiyu waza session with Sensei that lasted for an hour. Which is like constant ukemi but with the added force of good technique on top.



11) What is Jay Savery like as a Sensei?

G.T. He is understanding. He sees things from a lot of different perspectives which I think enables him to explain things as well as he does. He draws upon his own personal and practical experience to explain techniques.



12) What is life like as a Deshi outside of the dojo? (in evenings and social occasions?)

G.T. Your duties as a deshi continue much the same inside as outside the dojo. You must be a good example to other students. I was most of the time apart from when I was on the karaoke in the local night spot. You continue to anticipate the needs of Sensei…

What do you mean by that exactly?

G.T. Just small things really like having a cup of tea waiting for him before he even thought about wanting one.



13) Any other comments or observations that you’d like to make about being a Deshi?

G.T. Yes just one – OSU!