A Visit from Chuck Mensh

A Visit from Chuck Mensh: A Master Aikidoka Brings Wisdom to Shoshinkan Las Vegas

This week, the Aikido community at Shoshinkan Las Vegas is buzzing with excitement as Charles “Chuck” Mensh, a renowned Shidoin and one of the most accomplished practitioners from the New York Aikikai, graces us with his presence. Not only is he here to share his vast knowledge this week, but he’s also gearing up for an upcoming seminar on March 22, 2025—an event that promises to be a cornerstone for our continued learning and growth in Aikido. As one of the greatest uchi deshi (live-in students) of the legendary Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei, Mensh brings a wealth of experience that is both rare and invaluable. Here’s why this opportunity is a must-seize moment for anyone serious about their Aikido journey.

A Legacy Forged at New York Aikikai

Chuck Mensh’s credentials speak volumes. With decades of dedication to Aikido, he has earned his place as a Shidoin within the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), a testament to his technical mastery and teaching prowess. His journey began under the direct tutelage of Yamada Sensei, a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. As an uchi deshi at the New York Aikikai—one of the most prestigious dojos in the world—Mensh immersed himself in the art, living and breathing Aikido alongside some of the most influential instructors of our time, including Seiichi Sugano Sensei and Donovan Waite Sensei. This intensive training environment honed his skills and deepened his understanding of Aikido’s principles, from the fluid execution of techniques like iriminage to the philosophy of harmony that underpins the art.

Mensh’s time as an uchi deshi wasn’t just about physical practice; it was a transformative experience that shaped his approach to teaching and learning. Living at the dojo, he absorbed not only the techniques but also the spirit of Aikido—discipline, humility, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. That legacy is what he carries with him today, and it’s what makes his visits and seminars so crucial for practitioners looking to connect with the roots of traditional Aikido.

This Week at Shoshinkan Las Vegas

During his visit this week, Mensh is already making waves at Shoshinkan Las Vegas. His classes are a masterclass in precision and insight, offering students a chance to refine their techniques under the guidance of someone who has spent years perfecting them. Whether it’s the subtle adjustments in posture for a more effective throw or the timing needed to blend with an attacker’s energy, Mensh’s instruction bridges the gap between theory and practice. His ability to break down complex movements—like the iriminage with hard falls he demonstrated in a 2019 video with Eric LoPresti—makes Aikido accessible yet challenging for all levels.

But it’s not just about technique. Mensh brings a perspective that emphasizes Aikido as a lifelong journey. His stories from the New York Aikikai, where he trained alongside giants of the art, remind us that mastery is a process of continuous learning. For Shoshinkan students, this week is a rare chance to tap into that lineage and see how the principles of Aikido translate from the mat to everyday life.

The Upcoming Seminar: March 22, 2025

Mark your calendars—Mensh’s seminar on March 22, 2025, at Shoshinkan Las Vegas is shaping up to be a highlight of the year. Building on his visit this week, the seminar will dive deeper into the nuances of Aikido, offering an intensive experience that’s essential for anyone committed to their growth in the art. While details are still unfolding, we can expect a focus on foundational techniques executed with the precision and dynamism Mensh is known for. Given his history of co-teaching with luminaries like Blue Spruell Shihan (as seen in their October 2024 seminar at Shoshinkan), this event will likely blend traditional rigor with practical application, making it a vital opportunity for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

Why is this seminar so crucial? In Aikido, learning from someone of Mensh’s caliber—steeped in the New York Aikikai tradition—connects us directly to the source. His knowledge isn’t just theoretical; it’s battle-tested through years of practice and teaching. Seminars like this push us beyond our comfort zones, challenge our assumptions, and inspire us to refine our craft. For a community like Shoshinkan, it’s a chance to elevate our collective understanding and keep the art alive and evolving.

A Special Bond with Fulvio Mateo, Chief Instructor of Shoshinkan Las Vegas Aikido

Adding to the significance of Mensh’s visit is his deep connection with Fulvio Mateo, the chief instructor of Shoshinkan Las Vegas Aikido. Like Mensh, Mateo was a deshi under Yamada Sensei at the New York Aikikai, training directly under one of Aikido’s most revered figures. While Mensh served as an uchi deshi, living at the dojo and immersing himself in its daily rhythm, Mateo also dedicated himself as a committed student, absorbing the same teachings and traditions. Their overlapping time at the New York Aikikai forged a bond rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to preserving Yamada Sensei’s legacy.

Mateo, now leading Shoshinkan, brings his own formidable experience to the mat, blending the New York Aikikai’s traditional approach with his unique teaching style. Having Mensh visit is more than a guest appearance; it’s a reunion of two aikidoka who’ve walked parallel paths under the same master. Their relationship enhances the learning experience at Shoshinkan, as Mateo’s familiarity with Mensh’s methods ensures a seamless integration of his teachings into the dojo’s culture. Together, they represent a living link to Yamada Sensei’s era, making this week and the upcoming seminar a powerful convergence of past and present.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Opportunity

Chuck Mensh’s presence at Shoshinkan Las Vegas this week and his seminar on March 22, 2025, are gifts to our community. His status as one of Yamada Sensei’s greatest uchi deshi brings an authenticity and depth that’s hard to find. For students, it’s a chance to learn from someone who’s not just mastered the techniques but lived the ethos of Aikido. For instructors like Fulvio Mateo, it’s an opportunity to collaborate with a peer whose insights enrich their own teaching.

Taking advantage of this moment is about more than improving your Aikido—it’s about honoring the tradition and pushing yourself to grow. Mensh’s visits remind us that learning is a continuous process, and exposure to masters like him keeps our practice vibrant and relevant. So, whether you’re on the mat this week or planning for March 22, seize this chance to train with a legend. Your Aikido journey will be all the richer for it.