I heard about Sensei Mustard's technique when I was just a white belt in London, Ontario (1992). My instructor at the time (Chuck Bates) and my seniors were astonished at the level of expertise and knowledge that Sensei Mustard possessed at that time. On the weekend of November 5, 1995, I was fortunate to experience his technique and personality for the first time. I still tell my students and fellow aikidoka about that weekend. Front strike first control pin number one was introduced to me with a power that I had never experienced. Sensei Mustard was able to take the most basic of techniques and make it almost magical. In just a couple of clinics, he left many others and me with a thirst for more of his teaching.

The following year I witnessed who he had learned this magic from. During a clinic with Takeno Shihan, I saw Sensei Mustard take uke like I have never seen (until later in videos). Each time he was thrown or taken down, he rose with enthusiasm (and a grimace) to spread the wisdom. He not only translated for Takeno, but he helped instruct other students with Takeno's approval.

The following 2 years, he did the same with Chida Shihan. How many have the knowledge and the blessing to assist with their teachings? This privilege speaks for itself. What is even more interesting, is that when the mats are cleared at the end of the clinics, the more serious students tend to gravitate towards Sensei Mustard for additional instruction.

Under the advice of my instructor Sensei Kimeda, I have visited Sensei Mustard on a number of occasions for training. Over the last seven months, I have been privileged to have Sensei Mustard's continued instruction during my monthly trips from Seattle. Many other students have flown to study under Sensei Mustard for weeks at a time. One student, Curtis Seeger, has completed the foreign instructors course, been exposed to Yoshinkan Aikido worldwide, yet chose to move to British Columbia to continue his study under Sensei Mustard.

Just as we must look beyond the tangible movements of a technique, we must also look for the subtle strengths within our instructors. I strongly feel that we must look well beyond the credentials or Dan-level of our teachers. For me, the recommendation from my instructor, the actions of those who fly across the country for his teaching, and the technical expertise of his students speaks volumes worldwide. I invite those to experience Sensei's Takeno, Chida and Kimeda's spirit and teaching joined in unison, yet emanating from one individual. I find that with each visit, this amalgamation of Yoshinkan Aikido resonates in concert with the love he shares for his wife Carol and their daughter Emily. For serious Aikido students in North America, I feel his teachings are mandatory.

Todd Shewman (August 1999)