After searching for something I can really get into, I finally found aikido at Aikido Yoshinkai Burnaby.

I was looking for some kind of martial arts training, and aikido was one of them in my mind; although I had never actually had a chance to see it while I was in Japan . I found some aikido dojos near my home and went there to see what aikido was all about and to see how the training was. I had heard about Mustard sensei from some people before, so I also decided to go watch a class at his dojo despite the fact that it was quite far from my home (I do not have a car). On the way to the dojo, I was secretly thinking that I would not be able to commute this far several times a week for training.

I still clearly remember the day I met Mustard sensei and his students. As soon as I opened the door and stepped into the dojo, I immediately felt something special there and my heart started pounding remembering my martial art (kendo) days in high school. Sensei was very friendly and nice to me, but it was hard not to notice his martial artist's eyes looking straight into my eyes (in a nice way!).

Soon after that first visit and one trial class, I joined the dojo. I have now been training for about three and a half years, four days a week. What I have learned and gained there was not only aikido itself but some other important things for my life.

In our dojo the students take care of each other while they train very hard, and I feel perfectly safe and comfortable training there. Mustard sensei is truly one of the greatest teachers on the planet, and he gives you everything he knows if you are willing to try your best.

People say that martial arts training is good for kids to learn about discipline, confidence and respect along with physical and mental strength. It is also true to adults, but you can not gain these things at just any dojo. In this dojo, you certainly can!

My favorite Japanese proverb is, “Ichigo Ichie”. I always remember this proverb every time I talk about or think about Mustard sensei and our dojo. I feel very lucky to have found this dojo, and I am so proud of being one of Mustard sensei's students. I think it is necessary for anyone to have something important and precious that makes them strong, and when they have tough times in their life, they can get through them because of that “something”. To me, this dojo is it, thanks to sensei and my fellow students, and I am so grateful for that.

I would truly recommend anyone – kids, women, men, the young and the old – to come and see this dojo. If you are looking for something special in your life and have the right attitude, this may be the place for you too.

Yoko Davies (September 2006)