In Memory of Bob Gibbon Sensei

Bob is gone. My job was scold him. I lost job. What shall I do?

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.

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 Sensei, Wellington, New Zealand]

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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]

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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.

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.

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]

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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]

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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]

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