Sensei Tim Buswell Q&A
When did you start Aikido and why?
I started my Aikido journey in 1981 at the Poole Aikido club my first teacher was Sensei Paul McGlone who at that time was shodan.
Why I started, well there are more reasons than I could write on this CV, but I can write of one occasion that intrigued me enough for me to want to find out more about Aikido
I used to play squash with a friend every Saturday morning, he was a judo player of shodan level, we had got changed after our match and were going for some refreshments when I noticed a group of men that seemed to be wearing long black skirts I asked my friend and he told me they were Aikido students. They were going to train so I decided to watch I did not know at the time that the hour and a half I spent watching was going to change my life.
The teacher that day was Sensei Hayden Foster who I grew to respect greatly over the years to follow, the course was hosted by Sensei Paul McGlone who became my first teacher in Aikido, a little while later I attended one of his classes and knew that I had found something amazing that I wanted to do.
What are some of your memories of Aikido?
I have so many wonderful memories some amusing some poignant, there is one about the first time I saw Saito Sensei .
It was the end of May beginning of June 1985 at Brunnel university at that time my rank was 3rd kyu we were all knelt waiting for Sensei the feeling in the hall was both tense and exiting we sat straight, still and very quiet, Sensei entered the room we bowed in he then stood and introduced himself he told us who he was and then said “if your knees hurt please sit more comfortably, you can not listen if you are in pain”
His first concern was for the students, there was a great lesson in this for me and one which I shall never forget, we then went on to have a great seminar and my direction was set, in 2001 I finally got to walk on to Sensei's mat in Iwama which was a fantastic privilege and honour.
What are your personal goals in Aikido?
To remember every day to practice being a happier, healthier and a more helpful human being to those I come in contact with in my life.
To pass on the teachings of those who have taught me as accurately as
possible
To, through example, show the joy and rewards of training and how you discover
that the lessons apply 24 hours a day on and off the mat .
To be less self absorbed and more in tune with the needs of others on and off the mat.
For me this will be a lifetimes work, or more.
Why do you think Iwama Aikido is so unique?
The short answer is the lesson of nature is everything is unique, but looking at the methods of training passed on to us by Saito Sensei there are some obvious differences with other aikido schools, such as the strong emphasis on basic static training and the amount of weapons training we do.
It is my belief that these methods of training lead to a deeper level of understanding that might not be found in just open hand techniques executed in motion.
O-Sensei created Aikido and his dojo was in Iwama that is reason enough for me to follow the Iwama way.
What can Aikido offer people, in your opinion?
On a practical level it can teach you tactics for self-defence it is worth noting that Aikido techniques are taught to the police and armed forces of many different countries.
It will improve your fitness on many levels, stamina, strength, suppleness, even the way you breath will change, you can gain confidence if you need to or learn to be honest with yourself about some of your own motives for the actions you take, you will meet people, make new friends.
Surely, this is one of the most important things because as your friendships grow so does your trust and tolerance, and fear and suspicion can be removed.
In my personal experience the Aikido journey is a very joyful one and I intend to carry on with that journey into my future whatever that may be.
How long have you been training, were have you travelled to and when?
I am in my 27th year of training and would welcome another 27 years.
In my desire to train I have visited the USA, Russia, Holland, Japan and in the UK, Wales, Scotland and Jersey. The warmth that I have been shown by fellow students and friends in all these places makes me feel a very fortunate person and I have tried to show the same warmth back when it has been my turn to be the host.
The debt that I owe my teachers and friends can never be repaid but I hope that by passing on the teachings and friendship that were passed to me, in a small way I will be worthy of their warmth and trust.
