Christian Tissier's first seminar in the United Kingdom

Saturday the 3rd of March 2007 was the date of the very first Aikido seminar conducted by Christian Tissier Shihan within the United Kingdom. The organisation responsible for making this event happen is the Brighton Aikikai and this seminar marks the twentieth year collaboration between this group and the French Aikido Federation (FFAAA). This event was a magnificent opportunity for over 230 practitioners originating from multiple styles and organisations to practice together. We came especially from Ireland in order to share this moment with our British friends and we did well because this event was inspiring on many levels.

The first thing that strikes us as we enter the complex is the size of the practice area. An impressive 400 square metres of tatami have been spread in the sports hall. This quite remarkable to see this in Great Britain where the conditions of practice are very often a lot less comfortable than what they are on the continent, especially in France. Another element that we notice is the enormous diversity in the affiliations and passports handed in during registration. there are of course many members of the British Aikido Federation and of the United Kingdom Aikikai, two of the main federations affiliated to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, but also many other non-Aikikai groups such as Koichi Tohei's Ki Society, Gozo Shioda's Yoshinkan and Kenji Tomiki's Shodokan. The practice in Great Britain is indeed very diverse and the styles cited previously are just as well established there as the Aikikai. In spite of this, it is great to see that a Sensei such as Christian Tissier can gather people from such different horizons.

Christian Tissier and Guillaume Erard

Once we exit the changing rooms, we can spot a few familiar faces but given the number of groups represented, it is sometimes difficult to put a name on each individual. People from all across the United Kingdom have come including Scotland and Ireland as well as further countries such as Spain and France. We can also see Pascal Durchon on the tatami, he has been coming over to England for the past 20 years to teach at the Brighton Aikikai. the organisers admit that they owe a great deal to his work and dedication. We finally spot Christian Tissier who kindly agrees to a few pictures with practitioners that come to solicitate him.

Christian Tissier and Guillaume Erard

The seminar kicks in at 1 pm sharp, after the usual presentations. Sensei first apologies because he has been injured a few weeks before even though it does not seem to undermine the proficiency which made him famous. He alternates techniques with ease and virtuosity and his explanations, even though delivered in English are as clear and efficient as in if he was using his mother tongue. The seminar is only going to take place over one day and Mr Tissier will not spare his injured knee as he is going to display a large array of his skills while managing to remain at a level that all can understand and work on. The Aikido that he demonstrates if of a precision and a technicality which are incredible, yet he uses as Uke practitioners of all levels and origins.

The group of Aikidoka from Ireland

We can see the expressions of surprise and inspiration on the faces of the practitioners. Everybody is working hard at reproducing the techniques demonstrated by Christian Tissier in spite of the restricted mat space. Aikido is also about adapting oneself to the environment. One thing is pretty certain from the smiles exchanged during the practice: people are happy to be here. Christian Tissier develops his class around fundamental principles that he just adds to each other in order bild his techniques. He insists that one should never forget the basics underlying the construction, however how complex or advanced the technique might be. Today's theme is the respect of the fundamentals; posture, attitude distance, whatever the application. The practice is intense and focused but always in good spirits. The seminar finishes at 5.30 pm but we could go on for much longer.

Video of the seminar in Brighton

After the usual presents and group pictures, everybody is getting ready to return home, the head filled with the principles that Tissier Sensei explained today. This seminar had a very special meaning as it was really placed under the sign of plurality. We enjoyed a great moment of sharing and discovery of one another. As we head back to Gatwick airport, we are already looking forward to next June for Christian Tissier's first seminar in Dublin...

• Brighton Aikikai, official website