Aikido:
My first exposure to Aikido was when I went to work for the Utah State Hospital back in 1989.
A great man, who I believe was a master, came and began teaching how to take the balance of a patient, which emptied them of leverage and strength. He then Psych Techs how to hold another without harm. It was amazing training, which I WAS NEVER PRIVILAGED to be a part of. I was in the 1st group after his training was finished. If I am correct, his name was John Lamont, and he also trained hostage negotiations, which was an intense training. Mike Parkenson, the Chief of Security up at the Utah State Hospital, became an instructor, and taught the groups after that.
There was Psych Tech by the name of Jon who worked the East and West Forensics Unit of the Utah State Hospital. He was a 2nd degree black (2nd Dan) in the art of Aikido, and so he helped with the training. Jon was a legend at the hospital. People admired and trusted him. To me, he was a god (small case G). He was not flashy. Jon was quiet spoken, and never bragged, or showed off. I will tell a couple stories of him in action after I get this page flushed out.
I never heard of him accidently, or stupidly', harming a patient. He was incredibly smooth in his holds. I was so incredibly impressed with him that the art of Aikido imprinted into my mind, never to fade. Over the years, I find myself looking back on Jon's example, and it drives me on to honor. Because of Jon, I follow The Way, as I termed it long ago. I believe my first Aikido Sinsei challenged me to read the book, "The Way of The Peaceful Warrior". And so, I did, and was instantly enthralled.
I heard a rumor a number of years ago that its practice was canceled due to a Psych Tech breaking the arm or a patient. It had to be pinned on something, and someone, I suppose. I learned a long time ago: It is not the art, nor the training, or the application of a martial art, boxing, wrestling, Etc., that ends up in the harming of another, whether it be accidental or deliberate. I patient cannot possibly have his arm broken by another if another is careful/mindful. Of course mistakes happen, but the point is simply this: A knive has NEVER stabbed a person on its own. The axe cannot wield itself against the one hewing therewith. A gun cannot kill anyone, and a bullet cannot harm a living soul. We do. I recall a patient attempting to escape. He was highly depressed, highly emotional (his wife served him divorce papers while he was in the hospital, which made things 10 times worse for him. I recall getting him down on the fl g or on his stomache. His left hand was extended, and he was trying to get leverage to get up. I placed my hand over the back of his to get a control grip on him. As I did, I felt him instantly freeze. At that point, I merely pressed down and did not grip more than lightly. I could feel something was wrong, even before he stated in a panic [my wrist has 6 pins in it). He then complied, giving up the struggle. I patted his hand and said, "It's okay, you're good, you're good". But the Tech that was helping me hold this man (this airborn medic), had the patient's right arm up behind his back. This Tech was, oh how would I describe him in this situation, determined not to give up and to subdue the patient. At that moment, I had no idea the man's background. The other Tech did, and was either scared, or did not care, or both. One thing I instantly noticed was he was going to break the man's arm. I called out, "Ease up! You're going to break his arm!" The Tech wrenched his wrist and arm harder, bearing down on the patient without stopping, snapping back at me, [He's airborn military, he's dangerous]. Without hesitation, I let go the patient and with both forearms I stcuck the Tech across the upper chest. I hit him with a blunt force that would not hurt him, but kocked him back off the patient. Instantly, he jumped up and turned on me, suddenly angry. I honestly thought he was going to attack me for what I did. I glanced down at the patient, who was laying flat on the floor and not moving. He knew what had just happened. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I said, "You're okay, your good. Please don't move." He did not, but lay there, I'm sure, in wonder at what was happening.
first teacher was Sinsei Jones (David Jones), who was a purist in every aspect of not only Aikido, but in life. Only a full biography about this great man could give you a clear and respectful description of his honor, his character, and his dedication to the martial and spiritual art of Aikido.
I learned of the Salt Lake City Aikikai from David Jones, my first Aikido instructor (1992).
Sinsei Jones taught the softer style of Hombu Aikido. I think I've either walked or driven by this dojo since 2019, when I first arrived in SLC UT. Each time I've gotten off work, I've looked to see if anyone was inside as I drove by. All I saw was a floor just into the left of the front door, where set a rectangualar podium, or wooden box and a stick (broom?) laying on the floor. I always look for that stick to be moved, but it was always in the same place, as if merely collecting dust. The front windows this dojo are hazy, as if they are very old. Now I know it's merely the structure of the building.
Journal Entry: September 8th, 2025:
As I came home today, I got off the bus early. I wanted to take a look through the front window of this seemingly empty dojo.
