The year of 2014 is going to be a big and meaningful year for me. I will be the half-century anniversary of my time in the United States and of the NY Aikikai. I know that neither you or I want to miss such a great opportunity to have a big party and celebrate together.

I had a few ideas to make this celebration an enjoyable one for everyone.
One idea was to use summer camp for the time and location of the celebration, but unfortunately, that will not work out. It will be impossible to accommodate the many people who might come from all over the world.
My second idea was to have a big seminar in New York City. It seemed like a good idea at the beginning, until we found out that there were no big spaces that could handle such a big crowd and provide us with the services we would need, like changing rooms and showers. There were also safety issues and regulations that both public and private places would impose on us and make the number of people who could participate very limited. I would not want to have many people shut out because of such restrictions. I’m very upset about these circumstances but we really have no choice.

So here is my solution: In 2014, I will still conduct my yearly major seminars so I can see you all. Whenever and wherever you see me, just give me a big hug and warm words.
Anyway, we will have a drinking party at the NY Aikikai sometime in June of 2014 and you will all be welcome to attend. I’ll let you know the exact date later in this year.

Thank you for your understanding, your concern and your wish to help me celebrate.
Y. Yamada

Year of 2013 will be again a busy year for me and it is always nice to know that I am wanted by people. It gives me strong motivation and push me keep on going. I know that I still have to put more efforts to make Sansuikai a better organization for you. It will be my resolution of 2013.

Wishing you to have a wonderful holiday season.
Y. Yamada

During the seminar in Barcelona on 23 – 25 March 2012, there was a meeting of instructors belonging to Sansuikai International. Sensei Yamada clearly emphasized the aim of establishing this organisation:
 

Sansuikai can be thought of as an “agreement” aimed at supporting my European students in terms of organisation. However, it is a non-political and non-profit organisation and does not constitute competition to national federations. That is why, instead of using the word “organisation” I prefer to use “agreement”, which should be based on four principles: Friendliness, Fairness, Freedom and Flexibility

Sensei Yamada emphasized that only those dojos in which instructors are his direct students and regularly participate in his seminars (at least three times a year) can become members of the organisation. Participation in seminars and commitment to training are the main conditions set by Sensei for his students.

During the meeting in Barcelona, Sensei awarded Fukushidoin (up to 3rd Dan) and Shidoin ( 4th Dan upwards) certificates to Sansuikai instructors.

More information on the subject of Sansuikai International and the requirements which Sensei sets for his students can be found here.