This article describes a French journey through Aikido. Adam de Lichana, representative of the Ki Federation in Paris, France (AFKA) has kindly provided us with his story.
In 1992, during a period of depression, my psychologist advised me to start praticing aikido again. I had started at the age of 17 at the Aikikai, with a teacher trained by Noro Sensei. A practice that I had to stop, a few years later, after breaking my leg while skiing.
An actor friend told me about the very young French Association of Ki Aikido (AFKA) which Sensei Saleem had just launched. It was located right next to my house; most of its members are actors. Excellent idea! I joined his group, followed by my friend Christine, also seduced by the discovery of Ki Aikido.
At that time, Saleem was a blue belt. He had barely two years of practice and regularly went to Burnham-on-Sea to follow Sensei William’s teachings. Each time, he returned to Paris with the answers to the technical questions that we had asked ourselves. These answers were like precious little treasures for us because of the wait to access them.
The principles of body and mind coordination fascinated me. Saleem, who worked in professional training, knew how to talk about it very accurately. Not only in the dojo, but also afterwards at the café. We had quite a few parties at each other’s houses too… And all of this contributed to our pleasure and general good humor.
My first Summer School, at Mark Village Hall in 1993, was three weeks of pure happiness for me. To meet Sensei Williams and Sensei Margaret was decisive. Not only the precision and universalism of their teaching, but also their open-mindedness, their kindness and code of conduct. I came back from this first Summer definitely won over by this second family. And by the charms of England and its inhabitants, and also their differences too.
Subsequently, in Paris, Saleem asked me to assist him from time to time on the tatami. Then later to become his regular assistant, and one day to replace him at the head of AFKA. I was then 2nd Dan. He wanted to leave our association to devote himself entirely to training in Non-Violent Communication. This method of communication is close to Ki Aikido, from which it incorporates certain principles (including “Put yourself in your partner’s place”). It contributes to resolving the conflicts of daily life, whether emotional or professional.
It was 1998. Sensei Williams and Sensei Margaret then asked me to replace Saleem as representative of the Ki Federation in Paris. I accepted with pleasure, knowing the responsibilities that this implied and the time it would take. I found myself, overnight, in charge of AFKA as the new President of the Association. I was also the sole teacher in charge of three lessons per week. I also handled communication and relations with the sports services of the Paris town Hall. So, a full time job, in addition to my job as a journalist and editorial director.
Other Presidents have followed one another since (Dominique, Daniel Derrien, Christine, Françoise and today Marc) as well as other teachers who enabled the creation of our AFKA College of Teachers : Françoise Desportes (former assistant to Sensei Margaret who gave us weapons lessons), Françoise Lorente, Daniel, Christine, Thomas, Vincent, Léon, Jean-Claude and Lionel.
The years have passed. My body must adapt today, but the practice remains for me a physical and mental lifestyle, a way of being and behaving on a daily basis. In the dojo of course, but above and beyond all else, “in daily life”, as Sensei Williams recommends. It allows me to stay centred, to keep good reflexes and to promote a sharing and communicative mentality.
As a representative of the Ki Federation, I always strive to transmit what Sensei Williams, Sensei Margaret and the other Senseis of the Ki Federation have taught me. I try to remain as close to their teaching as possible, without distorting the philosophy, and all the while, keeping my own personality.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the mat
Adam de Lichana