“If you are willing to learn, he is willing to teach”

May 10
2009
Masa
Kokoro

I have been practicing Aikido since 1988 in Guelph, Ottawa and Calgary. The past five years or so I have been practicing with Ben Sensei and my only regret practicing at Masa Kokoro is that I didn’t find Ben Sensei sooner.

I never fail to be impressed with Ben Sensei’s skill and insight and the man is incurably good humoured! There hasn’t been a practice where Ben Sensei was in a grumpy mood or not in the mood to teach. He is always respectful of students, no matter what their level of skill, and he is always respectful of other teachers.

The effectiveness of a technique is foremost in Ben Sensei’s mind. He encourages his students to practice at other dojos so they can see a technique performed slightly differently or with a different emphasis. You have to make a technique your own. You may be taller, shorter, stronger, weaker or differ physically in other ways from the person demonstrating a technique. You may have to subtly alter the technique to make it work for you. The final arbiter on whether you are doing a technique correctly is whether it is effective for you; can you actually throw this person whether he wants to fall or not…  Ben Sensei is always willing to spend time with you to perfect a technique. If you are willing to learn, he is willing to teach.

It has been a pleasure to practice with Ben Sensei. I hope to practice with him for many years to come. Thank you Ben Sensei.

Rudy Gelderblom

This is from: Student Comments

“bright outlook and happy disposition”

Apr 18
2009
Masa
Kokoro

I first met Ben Sensei in 2007 when he occasionally taught at the Calgary Aikikai. His enthusiasm and expertise left a lasting impression on me, so much so that I joined SAIT Aikido. Ben always focuses on the positive and instils a “can do” attitude among his students. This applies to life’s challenges too and I always find myself reacting in a positive way, or trying to, when things get difficult. He continually emphasizes the practical aspects of Aikido, protecting vulnerable areas and pointing out aspects of the techniques that increase effectiveness. Another compelling characteristic is his bright outlook and happy disposition – life is too short not to be! Lest we forget, we should savour the time on the mat and enjoy the journey.

Weapons training with Sensei was certainly an eye-opener for me. I’ve been practicing now for about five years (in US, Indonesia, Japan & Canada) and instantly Ben Sensei made me aware of shortcomings of my technique, areas where I was vulnerable, the importance of timing and real intent. It helped me focus and strive to improve areas of weakness. It guided me back in the right direction.

For those of us who have had the privilege of training with Ben Sensei, I am sure we have all benefited in some way from his teachings, whether it be technical and/or philosophical. If you haven’t trained with Ben yet, please consider it an opportunity not to be missed!

Congratulations Sensei on your well-deserved promotion to 4th Dan.

- Andy Morton

This is from: Student Comments

“Ben Lim Sensei has done an incredible job…”

Apr 18
2009
Masa
Kokoro

If I could offer anything it would be that Ben Lim Sensei has done an incredible job introducing me to the engaging world of martial arts and Aikido. His knowledge of both Karate and Aikido are very thorough and he promotes an enjoyable and fun approach to training that also stresses elements of self determination and discipline.   Ben Sensei’s focus on self improvement lay the foundation for building one’s confidence and spirit in Aikido and in life.  His associations with other dojos in Calgary make for very well rounded approach to Aikido as he encourages training with other Senseis and at various seminars and workshops. Overall my experiences at Masa Kokoro with Ben Lim Sensei have been very rewarding.

- Marc Schaller

This is from: Student Comments

  • Shikko


    The practice of Shikko (or “knee-walking”), which has become an integral part of Aikido training, was originally developed when Japanese feudal lords required that all their followers remain on their knees while in the lord’s presence. It later developed into a formal movement in many Samurai ceremonies.

  • Objective of Aikido


    The main objective of Aikido is to attain harmony of body, mind and soul to show the attacker the irrationality of his own actions. It means a way of energy unification within and with the opponent. However, like other martial arts, the objective of Aikido is not to defeat or hurt or achieve victory over the opponent. It aims at winning over oneself than on someone else.

  • Aikido History in Japan


    The year 1942 is often cited as the beginning of modern aikido. It was at that time that the Dai Nihon Butokukai, desiring to achieve a standardization in teaching methodology and nomenclature for modern Japanese martial arts, reached an agreement with the Kobukai representative Minoru Hirai to call the jujutsu form developed by Morihei Ueshiba aikido. Thus, AIKI BUDO joined the ranks of judo, kendo, kyudo and other modern martial arts.

  • Aikido Kobayashi Dojo


    Aikido Kobayashi Dojo is an organization founded by Kobayashi Yasuo Dojocho (head of the dojo) in April 1969 at Gakuen-Higashi-cho in Kodaira-city, Japan. With the ideal of spreading aikido to many, they strive to instruct aikido to many. Also, the uchideshi (live-in training) program of the dojo fosters many aikido instructors. Masa Kokoro Aikido and Ben Lim Sensei are directly affiliated with them.

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