Remembering T.K. Chiba Sensei

By Suzane Van Amburgh, June 5, 2022

June 5 is the anniversary of Chiba Sensei’s passing.

At this time I encourage my students to read Sensei’s writings, watch videos of his teaching, reflect on what he has given us, and renew your commitment to come practice regularly in the dojo.

Reading

Chiba Sensei encouraged his students to practice Shoshin (beginners mind).

• Let’s revisit sensei’s 1989 article on shu ha ri and shoshin:
  http://biran.birankai.org/?p=2502

• Here is a link to the video of his final interview where he again advises his students to “keep up your Shoshin”:
  https://youtu.be/4fY1orKqCMI

• We have an article on the topic of Shoshin by dojo member Martin Yonn here on our Dojo News blog dated April 2022:

  https://www.multnomahaikikai.com/dojo-news/reflections-on-shoshin-beginners-mind

Read articles by and about Chiba Sensei on the Birankai blog “Biran Online.” A search by topic “Chiba Sensei” produces these results: http://biran.birankai.org/?cat=13

Chiba Sensei taking ukemi for O Sensei

Video resources

I have curated a playlist of selected videos of Chiba Sensei on our dojo’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpq42dxj1po&list=PLXw7XpRIGeEZYlgUxxv1urIKkMhbwb2Yk

Birankai North America Aikido and Iaido YouTube channel hosts videos of the 1994 summer camp which includes profound aikido and iaido demonstrations by Chiba Sensei. Look for the video series at the bottom of the videos page: https://www.youtube.com/c/BirankaiNorthAmericaAikidoIaido/videos

Birankai North America is highlighting Chiba Sensei videos on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/BirankaiNA/

Power and Grace is an excellent compilation of his contribution to the art of aikido, including videos, photos, biographical information. Published by Aikido Journal and available through the Living Well store: https://academy.aikidojournal.com/power-and-grace-portrait-of-a-master-t-k-chiba-bna

For those who knew him, it is upon us to carry his spirit forward in our own practice.

Here is a commemorative slideshow of photos of Chiba Sensei:
https://youtu.be/OGYtWnWgI7s