Messages from A.K.I.
Bob Gibbon was a founding member of AKI in the 1980's, he established dojos in Newcastle, Canberra and Brisbane, made many trips to Japan, and was a leader in developing Aikido Kenkyu Kai in Australia.
After founding Newcastle dojo in the late 1970's, Bob moved to Canberra where he founded Erindale dojo and developed Turner dojo after Stewart Letford moved to the Gold Coast. In 1995 Bob moved from Canberra to Brisbane and followed a path of Aikido, Kyudo, Karate, and Zen. Bob recently received his 5th Dan in Aikido.
He led a remarkable budo life, fusing many concepts and always challenging those around him to look for more in their daily training experience. He has touched many and was loved by all who strived for genuine understanding. He will be sorely missed.
Just understand that birth-and-death is itself nirvana. There is nothing such as birth and death to be avoided; there is nothing such as nirvana to be sought. Only when you realize this are you free from birth and death.
Dogen, "Moon in a Dewdrop"
Bob had a driving passion to find the 'way'. His infectious enthusiasm for training and life in general will be missed by all who knew him.
Bruce [Bruce Lowes, Canberra ACT, Australia]
Memories of Bob Gibbon
I first met Bob close to 20 years ago at Turner PCYC Dojo in Canberra, and thinking back now, to a stranger his concentration on the mat and his serious dedication to practice was a bit daunting. But, once you got to know him, his smile, his belly laugh and gregarious nature quickly dissolved any apprehension.
Even then he had a depth of training experience he was willing to share. Having spent several years training in Sydney with Australian Aikikai while also fostering an Aikido club at Newcastle University later joining with Stewart Letford, Ralph Pettman and Stephen Seymour to support the formation of what is now known as Aikido Kenkyukai under Takeda Sensei. Not long after I met him he established the Erindale PCYC Dojo in Canberra. The training was first conducted on acro mats in Richardson Primary School for months while the current club was built.
Bob pursued his training with a passion, often spending weekends driving to Sydney, Newcastle and later Gold Coast or Melbourne to conduct general training and support all the Summer or Winter School events. I remember his trademark silver Mazda 323 he carefully drove for so many years, he always had a dogi and a couple of bokkens in the back along with a container of oil to top the motor up. In those days there was a bunch of us who got together for adhoc lunch time training, there were backyard dojo's and the occasional Sunday afternoon training in the forest. Bob was always had a big part in those.
At his own personal expense in time and money Bob visited Japan on many occasions to attend training events and maintain our link with senior teachers. When Japanese Aikido visitors came to Australia, Bob extended selfless hospitality to teachers or students alike. He liked to entertain and socialise, always keen for a coffee or drink after training with a desire to chat with his students to know them personally rather than just relating to them as training partners.
His search for inner development also led him to pursue other 'dos': shin taido, iaido, karatedo, kyudo and zen. Bob was always prepared to expand the boundaries of his practice by mixing his training with other arts and attending training schools by visiting masters. However, this search was not just a selfish pursuit, Bob was always keen to share his insights and discoveries and apply these back to Aikido. His classes were famous for the unexpected. He influenced and cultivated many new students and those that were inspired by his practice have continued to train and in turn take on the responsibility of teaching themselves. There are a surprising number of 'new generation' Dan grades that first started training with Bob.
Bob's dedication was demonstrated in his practice, he trained with a solid harmonious feeling ever mindful of his movement and despite his tendency to the unpredictable always careful with his partner. I always had complete trust training with him knowing that he would never exploit a fully committed attack. I expect I'll never train again without him coming to mind.
Bob often worked on bringing his practice out of the dojo, which he did in so many ways. Not just by the outdoor classes or training in a pine forest but into his spiritual life, into his workplace and into the community. Bob gave more than he received. Many people have benefited from his spirit and although he may now have left a hole in many peoples heart, through his generosity he has left behind a depth of lasting feeling.
The last time I spoke to Bob he rang me a few weeks ago to invite me up to his house in Brisbane for a few days, it was something I had always intended to do for years. Now with sad regret I wish I had made more effort to do so. I can still clearly remember his farewell party when he left Canberra, but counting back that must have been at least 7 years ago. How could those years have just slipped away?
I would like to believe (perhaps naively) that there must be something positive to come out of death. For me this has been another hard reminder of how easy it is take our lives for granted. The everyday things we tend to loose sight of like our health, food on the table and those who care for us.
Bob, you were a loved and trusted friend, you were an advanced teacher yet you treated me like a peer. I'll surely miss you and never forget you, may your spirit now be totally free.
Bruce Lowes, 19 June 2002 [Canberra ACT, Australia]
Dear old bobbington. how can it be that we won't see him again?
a number of people have shared memories, and i have been very heartened to read them.in return i would like to share one or two as well. for example, when i left australia bob presented me with a pair of red braces as a going away gift to keep my trousers (and my spirits) up. it was a wonderful gesture, and i'm really sad now that i never got to tell him how much i appreciated it.
thinking back on the early training days i also remember "mad dog" gibbon, as he used to be known at that time. to take bob's wrist in training then was to hit a brick wall, and it went on like that for years and years. one day, for no discernible reason, i took his wrist during a training session in canberra, and got a real shock. instead of being confronted with the usual defensiveness i felt the complete opposite. there in my hand was a hollow space, with a little thin spirit running down the middle of it like a stick of peppermint rock. i asked him what had happened but he didn't want to talk about it. he never did. over the next few weeks, however, that little brittle stick gradually expanded until it filled out the entire space inside bob's wrist and became more flexible. at which point bob was entirely present. why, i will never know, but he had come to join us at last. he was "mad dog" no more.
he was dear old bobbington instead, spiritual explorer, aikido pilgrim, and true friend to the world. "vici ergo estes: I conquer, therefore you exist." bob conquered us all, and therefore we exist. thanks, bob
Ralph [Ralph Pettman, Wellington, New Zealand
How does one speak of the loss of someone so dear. He was as much a part of my life as Aikido itself. The two are inseparable to me. We started under Sugano sensei together and my progress to Takeda Sensei was nurtured and shared by Bob.
My first foray to Japan was with Bob and my entire aikido life developed along with Bob. He was always one step ahead because of his drive and discipline. He was a wonderful friend and brother who shared all that he had, both mentally, emotionally, physically and economically. His spiritual pursuits were always to the fore in his life and his discoveries were there to share with those who were interested. He was a shoulder to lean on and a smiling face amongst the apparent pain that I encountered. He was always available even though at times he appeared tormented himself. A generous man who had an infectious and lovable laugh and a great sense of fun. He was a pioneer in many ways especially the way he broadened his study of aikido through zazen, karate, kyudo etc. Out of that came a freedom of movement which was really the freedom that he sought within so seriously. In that respect he was a man driven by the desire to be free, at peace, and to understand. He was certainly not satisfied with what life had dealt him.
He collected for a while the name Budo Bob by our senpai who really became his big brothers and confidantes. Over the years this love and respect broadened, and Bob became more loved by our aikido family both in Japan and Australia. Whenever I visited Japan everybody asked of Bob's wellbeing. His character was known and treasured. One could fill a book on stories and anecdotes of time spent with Bob.
Here in Australia, Shonan Aikido Renmai was developed with a huge input from Bob which eventually became Aikido Kenkyu Kai and is as much a product of Bob's input as it was Stewart's. Bob moved to Canberra in the early days to be near Stewart Letford, Ralph Pettman and Yasuyuki Suzuki Sensei. This was the beginning of the group. Bob then moved to Brisbane again to be near Stewart and to assist in the development of the Art under Takeda Sensei. Bob was always there for the people and for the Art. Bob has left a hole that can not be filled. The hole in our hearts will only be filled with memories and a lost love which are a poor substitute. Treasure those memories as they are so rich and full of a wonderful human being who has enriched us all.
Bob you were a brother and a dearly loved and treasured friend. Part of my life has passed on with you though I know we'll meet again. But I miss you NOW. Through your discipline and desire I'm sure your next embodiment will be to your advantage, but MY sadness is deep and difficult at this time. May you be at peace.....Farewell, Dear Dear Bob, Farewell
Stephen Seymour [Sydney NSW, Australia]
I was deeply shocked to hear the sad news of Bob's passing, not only because of his youth but for the energy he had to put into the important things in his life. Bob was truly unique, as a person and in his Aikido. Who for so many years put his whole heart into AKI Australia as well as his own Aikido. Bob was never afraid to experiment with his Aikido and to share that with us. For me, my memories of AKI Australia will always have Bob right up front.
My heartfelt thanks to you Bob for sharing your time with us.
Chris Guthrie [Japan]
I clearly remember some years ago, in Barry Lind's house in Canberra, where I was living, and Bob was staying for an extended period. He and Michael Horan would be sitting up at 1am drinking beer and laughing outrageously. I missed my sleep at the time, but I will miss that laugh far more.
I will also miss the opportunity to practice 'Bob-waza', which we all in Canberra have missed since he went to Queensland.
Tony Butt [Canberra ACT, Australia]
So much already said of grief and loss.
Of qualities, of relationships, of ways of Bob's
That bore a gift;
Subtle trip to make us stumble.
Find new balance.
Mark our past
What person Death to 'issue' the ultimate atemi
must have smiled at Bob's ukemi.
In that roll a role is left.
A model of grace,
of giving.
Gentle Bob.
A tear should not seal that one life's archives
'read only' - no - they are working files.
Creative conflicts,
open awareness.
The Bobness
in each of us.
Mike MacGregor [Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia]
Bob, I will always remember your loving kindness, gentleness and generosity over the years.
Julie [Julie Manley, Canberra ACT, Australia]
We will all miss Bob, his unique style and energy. Bob's contribution to our group has been huge over the years in Canberra and more recently in Queensland. We will remember him.
Tony Cooke [Canberra ACT, Australia]
Bob touched so many people and left a lasting impression, even if people only met him once. I will miss him deeply, he was a great teacher and a beautiful soul. Bob is my reminder that I lived in a dream (and often still do): I was asleep, and Bob came along and woke me up. His intensity and sheer presence showed me what it means to live.
I will always remember the intense sessions at Turner dojo - ones where I was sometimes afraid to go! But I always did, because I was searching for true awakening, which Bob kindly gave me! Even though Bob's methods were often intense and bewildering, he strived through true love of his students to help them become real.
Thank you, Bob, for making me real....I will always continue to strive to awaken.
the bokken strikes
I move without thinking
Bob is already there
Love, Nigel
Nigel Carruthers-Taylor [Canberra ACT, Australia]
... the "In Memoriam" page ... It's a great idea and one important way of acknowledging Bob's life and immense contribution to his Aikido family. I feel I've lost a loved family member and every now and then another wave of sadness and regret surfaces.
The process of looking through [photos of Bob] brought to mind many memories:
* Training with Bob in our lounge room at Rozelle ... and the souvenir bokken hole left in the lightshade.
* Training with Bob 'under lights' on Birchgrove oval.
* The feeling of release from habitual patterns that Bob's teaching brought with it.
* Bob's infectious laughter and loving smile (which often seemed tinged with an inner sadness).
* Bob's regular exhortations for us to strive for more from our training and to not settle for self satisfaction.
* Training with Bob under his house at Brighton and walking with he and Christine along the boardwalk (just over 12 months ago) - a time when he seemed as settled and happy as I have ever known him.
* A short but memorable conversation I had with Bob at the Newcastle camp in January - the last time I saw him.
Thank you Bob - my life has been immeasurably enriched for having known you.
Stephen [Stephen Nugent, Orange, NSW, Australia]
Steve's poem to Bob:
BOB
You burned brightly
but way too briefly
even in passing
you teach us
reminding us of life's big lessons
Huge of heart
wide in vision
long in loyalty
deeply spiritual
solid as The rock
our family's Uluru
You dwelled on the fringes
as explorers often do
but remained at our centre
feeding us
even when hungry
teaching us
even when tired
leading us
while putting yourself last
Friend and inspiration
teacher and student
laughter and tragedy
strength and vulnerability
you enriched our lives and remain with us
and we with you
I don't know what to say. There's a hole in my chest and a whirlwind of thoughts, memories and regrets in my mind. I feel that I want to write something and in someway connect with our Aikido family. I need to grieve with you all. Now is the time to tell you all that I love you and you are so important to my life - it's too late for me to tell that to Bob. I should have done so years ago.
I didn't understand half of what Bob said about life and Aikido, but he spoke from and to a deeper understanding. I am deeply marked by him. I don't know what to say. Thanks Bob. I love you and I'll never forget that half mast hakama.
Fiona [Fiona Hawke, Orange, NSW, Australia]
I was driving to work at the University of Wollongong on Wednesday when Stephen Seymour called me to tell me the news of Bob's death. I think I spent most of the rest of the trip screaming to myself as I drove to work - for the sad lost of a dear friend.
Thanks be to Bob for blessing this earth and our aikido community with his love and spirit, his crazy complexities and even crazier and occasionally more wonderfully irreverent training practices. He was a formidable teacher in our dojo for years in Canberra and then again throughout Australia and his contribution to Aikido in QLD.
I have always felt honoured and blessed to be among those who Bob held as friends.
It was great to spend time with him at summer camp in Newcastle, sad to miss him at Easter in Canberra.
Deepest sympathy to all who new and loved him. Particularly his family, who he loved so dearly.
Adam Kronenberg [Wollongong, NSW, Australia]
Bob became an early and much respected teacher of mine soon after moving to Canberra (15 years ago). Patience, enthusiasm, joy, generosity and curiosity were hallmarks of his teaching. He encouraged us to extend our practice, to "go inside", to let go, to "just move", and to work and look beyond the obvious. He was authentic - he walked the talk.
I often draw on movements and practices which Bob taught. We were doing a "leaning heavily" example in Adelaide just last week.
His legacy is just such as this. I wish I could have done more to repay the generous sharing of his time, knowledge, wisdom and home. Bob's well centred answers from "left field" will also be sorely missed ;-) They caused us to think and look at things in new ways, and to acknowledge and value difference.
He was my teacher and I loved him.
David Dempsey [Adelaide, SA, Australia]
I'll go along with everything Dave says about Bob. I started Aikido in Bob's sensitivity classes on Saturday mornings at Turner - my wife still stirs me about coming home with a black eye after walking blindfolded into a wall - and it was only when I started weeknight classes a couple of years later that I realised that the throws and locks actually had names that I had to learn.
I learnt a lot about being with the world from Bob and, even though I haven't seen him for some years, I find myself feeling the loss of a great spirit.
Ray Hunt [Canberra ACT, Australia]
Bob scared the hell out of me. He was so honest and real. In his presence I felt like a liar and a fake. Whether facing him on the mat, or chatting over a beer, Bob's intensity - his presence - was the same. When Bob was there, Bob was there.
Bob stood in the world, awake and open-eyed. He faced his own fears and foibles, and encouraged others to do the same. When my attention wandered, when my intention was vague or absent, Bob would pounce. It took me a long time - too long - to learn to welcome that.
To learn that when he did something that scared me, angered me, humbled me, confused me (or all of the above), he did it out of love.
Thanks Bob.
For being scary
For being honest
For just being.
Scot Burns [Canberra ACT, Australia]
I haven't made sense of it yet.......bob gone.....
Stanley Dupont [Australia]
The members of AKI Pennsylvania, USA, are very sad to hear of this loss. We never got a chance to meet Bob, but we feel connected to all of you in this sad time. We announced this news tonight after our keiko. Our dojo is quite small here, but we always feel very close to AKI members everywhere. We always tell our new members stories about Takeda Sensei, Seino Sensei, Yasu Sensei and other members, and their adventures in Australia. The Australia AKI members are very famous to us here in Pennsylvania USA.
We want you to know that you are very important to us as we continue to train aikido. We hope you are all well and out hearts are with you.
AKI Pennsylvania, USA: Matt Bridi, Ian Trinkle, Steve Trinkle, John Smythe, Gene Buryakovsky, Daniel Folkinshteyn, Rob Fisher
Fudoshin Aikido Dojo sincerely regrets the passing of Robert ( Bob ) Gibbon.
The memory of the Man and His deep searching through the Beauty of His Aikido will echo in the Spirit of All dojo. He will be respectfully remembered always, and the Nature of His Personality will be forever missed.
May God Bless You Bob Gibbon
Chicko Xerie and Fudoshin Dojo [Noosa QLD & Sydney NSW, Australia]
My heart is heavy at the realization that we will never see Bob-san again. It is almost impossible to grasp. What a warm-hearted, large-spirited human being he was.
It had been many years since I had seen him, but his brief e-mail message of April 8 "Hope things are well" instantly brought back the memory of a charming man. How can we know that our delight at the kindnesses of someone, the smile that comes to our lips when we think of him or her, is actually a feeling of love?
Perhaps it was only on one trip he made to Japan that I talked and practiced with him. I remember his keiko feeling so well -- full, heavy, rounded, sensitive; challenging but with no hard edges. The first time we met he was standing at a ticket machine somewhere in Yokohama, trying to figure out what to do. He and his friend were dressed in very short shorts and T-shirts, and they stood out from the crowd. I helped them get their tickets, and Bob made me laugh. Then I hurried off. What a surprise to see him enter the Kanazawa Hakkei dojo later on! It was during that visit perhaps that he took a dan test. We were sitting in seiza next to each other at Higashi Totsuka, having a pleasant and lighthearted chat -- he was very relaxed, and I remember so well a feeling of happiness -- until he was summoned to take his place in the middle of the dojo.
Dear Bob, I hardly knew you but always thought we would meet again. But we can never know when death will come. Each moment is a gift. Each moment could be our last. With your passing, I realize how precious were those minutes spent in camaraderie, laughter, and conversation; that such simple and mundane events could now take on an inestimable value -- inspiring gratitude to the Fates who let our paths cross, and grief that they have taken you from this world -- is a testament to your pure and generous spirit. Be free and glad on this next journey, Bob. Be filled with joy and light. You were well loved by many, and you always will be loved.
My heartfelt condolences to Bob's family, friends, and fellow Aikidoka.
Meg Seaker, British Columbia, Canada
This is terribly sad news, and though I didn't know Bob all that well (or thought I didn't), I couldn't help but weep out loud for his passing and our loss.
Aikido Kenkyukai has become one of the treasures of my life, and Bob was right in there, a rare gem near the centre where he shone, together with my other irreplaceable teachers. I will miss him and I will always remember him.
Requiescat in pace, Andrew Bettison
I'll miss Bob doing early morning meditation in an empty dojo at aikido camps. I'll miss him cornering me at bbq parties to muse about the hidden significance of basic stances. I'll miss the way he looked off in the distance like he was looking at something none of the rest of us could see.
I'll miss his constant presence at the heart of our aikido group and his generosity of spirit. He extended his whole self when he trained and taught and talked. He was inspiring and funny and passionate. I'll miss Bob but I'm sure now he has found what he was looking for, and his spirit will live on in each of us.
Tasha Sudan [Kamakura, Japan]
On Saturday, June 8th, at the end of keiko, I recounted to my students a story, which I hoped would be motivational. I told them how when I would say to Suzuki Yasu Sensei that so-and-so trained so hard and with such enthusiasm, he would often reply in his dry style, "Of course. Soon he will die."
I told my students how he usually said this not of elderly people, but of those in their 30's or 40's. This surprised me and made me laugh the first time I heard it. Then I asked my students if they found out that they had only 6 more months to live, what would they do. Would they train everyday...? Would they take time off from training and spend every last minute with friends and family...? Would they try to combine the two...? What...? "Whatever your answer,", I concluded, "when we DO train, let's try to train as if 'soon we will die." Then we bowed out, did some ato geiko, and went for a beer.
We trained again on our usual Tuesday. I tried to keep this idea in mind while I was teaching and it seemed that my students were doing the same. I got home feeling invigorated and refreshed. Then I checked my email.
I couldn't stop crying for quite some time and more tears have caught me off-guard quite a few more times in the past week. The man who always trained as if "soon he would die", died at 45.
Lia Suzuki [California, USA]
... a sad and very unexpected occurrence ... I was one of Bob's very first students in Canberra. I remember many happy, if totally exhausting, sessions when there was just Bob and me. Rarely have I meet anyone so committed to and enthusiastic about his Aikido, or in fact most things in his life. Although I lost contact when we moved to the UK his memory has always lingered. He was always kind and tolerant towards me. My life is most certainly better for having known him ...
Best Regards, Doug
[Doug Mein, UK]
I only met Bob twice and spoke briefly to him on both occasions. In reading all the tribute Emails, I am amazed the influence Bob had on his fellow aikidoka both on the mat and in everyone's hearts. It's an irony of life that one doesn't realise how much someone is loved until something like Bob's passing hits us.
Jason Nyilas
It's now been a week since I heard of Bob's passing, and it still seems all too surreal. In the twelve or so years since I first met Bob, I never lived in the same town so I was used to only seeing him on the odd occasion. Those occasions will now seem very odd indeed without Bob there. I have found reading and sharing everyone's memories and impressions of Bob very cathartic - thank you to all. I relate so strongly to those feelings of being daunted by Bob's intensity (especially at first), overwhelmed by his training - (I don't know what he was doing, but I want to be able to do it) - inspired by his level of dedication and commitment to "the way", touched by his warm smile and genuine interest in me at a personal level whenever we were reunited, and humoured by his quirky eccentricities. Although I have feelings of great loss and opportunities missed for myself, I have a feeling of peace for you now Bob. I trust you are reaping the rewards of many years of committed hard work.
I love, miss and thank you Bob. I shall cherish the memories.
Jeff Standen [Sydney NSW, Australia]
Bob was my first Sensei. I recall his love of broadening his student's understanding by introducing them to related arts. I remember clearly two classes at Erindale - At one Bob started by introducing us to a Karate teacher who then took our class. The second occasion was when Bob introduced a friend of his, who was a full blood North American Indian, and she taught us a traditional indian dance and song to welcome in the spring - it was truely delightful. With Bob training always had unexpected dimensions.
Diana Wright [Canberra, Australia]
I am saddened to the core, and can not write anything that is satisfactory. Attached is some history about the Newcastle dojo, which I wrote 2 years ago but never completed. I want to share it now to show the absolute importance he is and the fact that without him, there would have not been such a group. This aside from all the other aspects he brought to our lives which I cannot express here. My apologies for any inaccuracies or omissions. He was my mentor and good friend.
Chris Rodgers
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