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Voice of the Fox
The Newsletter of the Martial Arts Training Service

A Can't-Miss Seminar
by Susan Lazar
Spring 1999

In October 1998, several cars carrying Fox Valley Aikikai members traveled north to our sister dojo, Great Lakes Aikikai in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a memorable seminar with guest instructor Lizzy Lynn Sensei. I had been told that this would be a "can't miss" seminar taught by someone who loves to teach and teaches well. I'm glad I listened to that advice.

Lynn Sensei, chief instructor at Eastshore Aikikai in El Sobrante, California, is a 5th dan shidoin. She has studied aikido for 25 years and has taught it for 17 years.

Lizzy Lynn engenders enthusiasm on the mat. Her clear instructions included word pictures that cemented concepts for me. Her manner of teaching reverberated with a sense of joy in the art of aikido. During technique practice, she discerned the levels and abilities of different students and geared instructions to fit each one. She stressed ukemi technique. During irimi nage practice, she came over to me and showed me how to follow nage's movements. I was impressed by her powerful technique and her patient, kind, and effective way of teaching.

At the end of the two-day seminar, Lynn Sensei sat down and answered questions from participants. One questioner asked what goes into making a good aikido teacher.
Lynn Sensei answered that it requires sacrifice and dedication to the art of aikido. She then urged us to be grateful for our own senseis and to appreciate what it means to set aside a life as one who teaches a martial art.

Lizzy Lynn also writes fiction as Elizabeth A. Lynn. Her books include Dragon's Winter and the Chronicles of Tornor.

Lizzy Lynn will be teaching a seminar at Martial Arts Training Service on September 18-19. This is a can't miss seminar. Run, walk, skip, jump, do what you have to do, but be there!

For more information on Lynn Sensei and Eastshore Aikikai, visit the dojo's Website at http://eastshoreaikikai.com/.

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