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Osamu Obata

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Osamu Obata

Certificate

Biographical Summary

  • Began aikido in 1972 with Bruce Stiles at Toronto Aikikai (shihan: Yoshimitsu Yamada, Mitsunari Kanai), received shodan in 1978.
  • After Stiles Sensei left (c. 1982), was among senior yudansha who set up teaching schedule and ensured dojo had administrative structure and officers as required by provincial government and Ontario Aikido Federation.
  • Moved to Nova Scotia in 1987, practiced at Halifax Aikikai (shihan: Yukio Kawahara).
  • Chief instructor at Halifax Aikikai 1988-98, then returned to Toronto (practicing at Aikido Hokuryukai).

Achievements/Contributions

  • Toronto Aikikai board member.
  • Participated in planning and carrying out many aikido demonstrations over the years.
  • Strove tirelessly to expand reach of aikido in Atlantic region, e.g., worked with Halifax Aikikai and Antigonish Aikikai to organize local teaching events with Kawahara Shihan and other guest instructors.
  • As CAF president 1996-98, succeeded in collaboration with vice-president Shin Chin in getting a thoroughly revised non-profit federal constitution passed by CAF and approved by government of Canada.

Personal Philosophy

  • One of the first values aikido taught me was dojo etiquette: respect for the founder with a bow, respect for others by bowing during class.
  • Aikido teaches us how to breathe as we move and this leads to developing calmness, which helps handle stress in everyday life.
  • During practice students are being thrown to the mat or spinning around. This chaos teaches us to be aware of what is occurring around us, part of the mind and body harmony we learn in each technique.
  • The other part is uke learning how absorb a fall through the art of ukemi. During my life I have used ukemi in a number of ways.
  • I certainly learned about humility, e.g., when nage properly applied wrist techniques on me.
  • Patience as an instructor is important, students learn at their own pace. If they need help after class, stay and work with them.