East Bay Aikido - Oakland, California

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Gambell Sensei's 6th Dan Promotion

February 24, 2001

A group of 30 people showed up from EBA to participate in the CAA Division 2 Friendship Training and to see Sensei receive his 6th Dan Certificate. Everyone was quite impressed with the show of loving support.

After crawling across the mat, Gambell Sensei reaches for his certificate which Doran Sensei has put just out of his reach. If Gambell Sensei can grab the certificate before Doran Sensei claps his hands, he gets to keep it. If not... 6 more years...
It looks like Gambell Sensei is either giving himself the "thumbs up" for a job well done or telling everyone who doesn't agree with his teacher's decision to promote him to take a hike. You decide... Cyndy Hayashi, Tom's good friend, looks on.
Realizing that their bodies are numb from sitting while Gambell Sensei gave his speech, the crowd decides to eagerly cheer in order to get some feeling back into their hands. Gambell Sensei obviously thinks they are cheering for him.
After the presentation, the group makes the usual circle at the end of class to thank their training partners. Suddenly Linda and Kalani knee walk out and Kalani unfolds a beautiful package that he has brought with him as a surprise. Wrapped in leaves are two magnificent leis that Kalani's family has sent from Hawaii at his request.
Linda then comes forward a places the intricately woven ginger lei around Gambell Sensei's neck. The fragrance of the flowers fills the air around them. Gambell Sensei is surprised...
Kalani then comes forward and places a second lei around Sensei's neck. This one is made of tightly braided leaves. Gambell Sensei is very moved by this gesture. Everyone in the circle is sitting in complete silence during this very special moment.
After the certificate presentation and the lei presentation, Gambell Sensei and Doran Sensei pose for an official photograph. Gambell Sensei is one happy guy. Doran Sensei was also promoted at this time. He was awarded the rank of 7th Dan by the current Doshu ("Way Leader"), Moriteru Ueshiba, O'Sensei's grandson and the Head of Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.
Linda Andersen and Gambell Sensei pose for an official photo in front of the shomen at Aikido West. If you look closely, you can see all three of them are smiling... Linda, Gambell Sensei and O'Sensei. They are all happy that the spirit of aikido is being passed on from generation to generation.
Dino Mitchell, Gordon Teekell Sensei, Gambell Sensei and Kalani Iwiula after the presentation at Aikido West.

Thank you, Doran Sensei, for you constant support and encouragement. You exemplify honor, integrity and "right action" to all of us who love you and are priviledged to call you our teacher.