Interviewer: I would like to do this interview in a natural way, just like a conversation. Is that ok?
Chris: Ok
Interviewer: Just pretend we are not recording as best as possible.
Chris: Haha
Interviewer: So thank you for letting us do the interview, that’s very nice. And also thank you for the seminar. We have some questions, we are very curious about you Aikido and your journey. If you can answer the questions for us.
Chris: Sure
Interviewer: Which Aikido technique do you like the most?
Chris: Maki Otoshi! Because it’s fun.
Interviewer: How fun.
Chris: So much fun
Interviewer: What let you to this favorite technique?
Chris: Kanai-sensei was a big influence in my training and he loved it.
Interviewer: How many times have you done this technique in your Aikido career?
Chris: I don’t know but probably longer than you have been alive
Interviewer: You think it has been like a majority of things you do, or do you reserve it for special occasions?
Chris: Mostly reserved for special occasions or special classes.
Interviewer: Why did you choose to begin Aikido?
Chris: My boyfriend at that time was taking it and I wanted to know why he was never home. The boyfriend didn’t last but the Aikido did.
Interviewer: And thinking back how has Aikido changed for you over the different years?
Chris: My personal Aikido is less about throwing and more about the journey to find out how to do the throw.
Interviewer: More being the journey than the physical part of the technique, do you think it is more on the inside or on the outside or an combination?
Chris: Combination definitely.
Interviewer: What would be your tip for other Aikidoka’s for their journeys within Aikido?
Chris: Practice and more practice.
Interviewer: What do you want to share with other Aikidoka’s during your seminar?
Chris: Have fun and enjoy while you practice. Enjoy your partner and keep everyone safe.
Interviewer: Could you give us a hint as to how your are going to do that during our seminar.
Chris: Ow no, if I did that I would have to kill you
Interviewer: That would be a great way for us to close the interview and for me to run away while I can.
Thank you for the interview.
Chris: Thank you too.
Interviewer: Just one more question if you will. What do you like most of Michelle Feilen-shihan’s Aikido?
Chris: She is just so special, just the way she moves. And the way she practices. It’s a thing of beauty to watch.
Interviewer: For how long have you known each other?
Chris: About 25 years probably.
Interviewer: How would describe her style?
Chris: It’s beautiful, its her own style. She has really taken Aikido and made it her own.
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