by Peter Haase

This calligraphy depicts the kanji »Sho Shin« which means »beginner's mind«.

To learn with a beginners mind is to be open to »the new«. In Aikido there is no progress when learned forms are simply repeated. Aikido is a way, a process, that demands a widening of those learned forms in the effort of evolving one's self. The two jubilees this year should prompt us to reflect on our starting point - and to renew our »beginner's mind«. We have made much progress, but we won't try to preserve it. Everything must be experienced anew - the bad and the good.

Because experience is like clouds, never staying, but coming and going forever. This is what Shimizu Sensei teaches us.