Donovan Waite 2019

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@bencole3616 9 ай бұрын

I also was also lucky enough to attend three of his seminars in England back in the late 90s early 2000s. Fantastic Aikido. I base my breakfalls & approach to ukemi off of his teachings. Inspiring just watching this video. Sorely missed.

@lopezb Жыл бұрын

Very nice video, August, thanks for posting! Very sadly Donovan passed away in 2021: Donovan Waite (1958 - Feb 21, 2021) I had the good fortune to do a couple of his seminars. Life is unexpected and we must value and give thanks and gratitude for every moment. He struck me as a kind and cheerful spirit and excellent teacher. As far as I know, he more or less invented that quiet way of falling which he was masterful at teaching and which has spread widely since then. (which I could never learn, partly because of an old shoulder injury). As I understood it, as Yamada Sensei's uke, at NY Aikikai, he had to take a lot of Koshinage falls so this technique helped him survive. Some people don't like it because if the throw goes straight down, it's much safer to do a breakfall, trying to grab on to flip over. I suppose if someone is very talented at it, they could do both, as appropriate, but I have seen someone get a serious shoulder injury doing that fall. However, if done correctly, it saves the body a lot of shock. Unfortunately, everyone needs to learn Koshinage (both throwing and falling) to protect themselves if visiting other dojos, even if your own sensei doesn't emphasise it!

@hughgallagher6372 Жыл бұрын

i was lucky enough to study Aikido while Donovan was teaching at NY Aikikai in the 90s. A gentlemen of true excellence, tremendously generous with his knowledge. Beyond that- - just the coolest, most rad dude. Everyday was a master at work-- essential knowledge with a sense of humor and play and gravity all together. what an incredible opportunity it was to study with him. Plus those speakers he had, playing raggae at the holiday party... I feel blessed to have known the best. RIP, Sensei. Your passing is our loss.