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| SENSEI JAIME CALDERON |
Sensei Jaime Calderon
who is well knowns Senior Student of Steven Seagal Shihan.
He has been training in
aikido since 1993. He has taught aikido classes at CSU, Chico and Butte Community College.
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| STEVEN SEAGAL SHIHAN & SENSEI JAIME CALDERON - LA (2001) |
He is the chief instructor at
TenShin Aikido Dojo located In Chico Ca. He tested for his Shodan (blackbelt) from Steven Seagal Sensei in spring
of 2000 in which he passed on his first time through.
He has been training in the physical form of aikido for the past twelve years, although, he feels
as if he has been training for the last 27 years. Also he has been studying the philosophy of aiki.
(irimi nage & kotegaeshi)
Though, he was not aware of it at the time, through sports at a young age he was already
influenced by the path of aikido.
A Little interview with Sensei Jaime Calderon with me :
Q- When did you start aikido ?
A- Well, I started Aikido in 1993. But, I started
the philosophy at a very young age.
Q- Why have you selected aikido ? Does "Actor" Steven Seagal have a part
in your selection ?
A- There was a time of my life when basketball meant everything. I traveled
parts of the world representing our country in basketball. I also had pro contracts to play in these countries but decided
to stay here (USA) and attend College. When my life in basketball soon came to an end I discovered a great void in my
heart. This was a very difficult time of my life. Not just because of basketball but because within a year I lost three
grandparents that I was very close to.
Then I found Aikido and that void was soon filled with so much hope.
I guess when one door closes in your life another door opens. This was why I chose Aikido. But I also feel there was even
something greater in
the workings.
In 1988 or somewhere around there when "Above The Law" - (Steven Seagal's
debut film) came out I went to check out this movies with this Steven Seagal. Remember, at the time Basketball was my
number one priority and I never even thought of training in any martial arts. Well, during the opening scene something wonderful
happened.As I was watching, I remember seeing pictures of this old man ( which was O'Sensei) and then watching Steven Seagal
do his Aikido. Everything at that moment was silent and I remember saying to myself "he is going to be my teacher". How weird
was that! Then about five years later, he was !.
Q- I guess you are lucky because you are student of Steven
Seagal Shihan but how did you become a student of Take Sensei (Steven
Seagal Shihan) ?
A- I started with Howard Stimaze Sensei and then about
ten months later became a student under Larry Reynosa who was one of two senior students under Steven Seagal Sensei. I felt
very lucky because I was given many opportunities as a beginning student to train with Sensei. As my level of Aikido progressed
so did my relationship with Sensei and I soon found myself being one of his senior students. In 2001 Larry Reynosa Sensei
departed from Steven Seagal Sensei for his own reasons but i remained by Seagal Sensei's side. From then on, I remained very
close to Sensei, and I made sure to train with him every chance he would give me.
Q- What does it takes and the criteria
for becoming a student of Take Sensei ?
A- Alot of hard work,
discipline,and respect. It takes alot of DISCIPLINE!! You have to be willing to train hard and not be afraid to look bad.
You have to dedicate yourself. You just can't walk around and say you are one of Steven Seagal's students. It takes
work and actual training with him. I know this may be hard for some people to do and this is why it's not easy. This is why
I feel I was blessed to live so close to him and have the connection that I do.
Q- You are one of the well known students of Take
Sensei, how do you describe his aikido ?
A- Powerful !! But, very
misinterpreted. This is why spending time with him and training with him is so valuable.
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- Thank you very much Sensei !!
- Thank you.
by Suzi
PLEASE VISIT OFFICIAL SITE
CHICO
by Sensei Jaime Calderon
Chico - California
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