Aikido's topics - tribe.net

The 2008 Kufferath Masters Seminar

benjiman — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:30:54 GMT

The Kufferath Masters Seminar is the premier event of the year for Kilohana Martial Arts Association. We have gathered together some of the finest teachers available for this year's event, and we hope that you will want to join us for a day of intense training. We invite you to spend Saturday, June 7 with us at the Campbell Community Center in Campbell, California for an unforgettable day of martial comradery. Please check out our website at www.Kilohana.org to see more about this and other events, and to pre-register.
Instructors scheduled to appear include: Great Grand Master Ming Lum, Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu, Professor James Muro, Grand Master Arthur Gonzalez, Sensei Charlie Robinson, Professor Michael Esmailzadeh, Hanshi Anton S.A. Muhammad, Professor Bob McKean, Sensei Hans Ingebretsen, Kru Pornsak Luerngchaimongkol, Sensei Scott Merrill, Sensei Jack Carter, Sensei Joa Schwinn, Senior Instructor Poh Kheng Loi, Great Grand Master Al Novak, Master Jeff Speakman, Master Bill Chun, Jr., Grand Master Max Togisala, Suro Jason Inay, Shihan Richard Pietrelli, Sifu Andy Ching, Sensei Dale Kahoun, Sensei Al Ikemoto, Kyoshi Russ Coelho, Guro Jena Inay, Sigung Don Togisala, Sean "Hellraiser" Bassett, and Sensei Sauveur Soriano.

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Aikido in Portland

TAW — Tue, 13 May 2008 05:26:48 GMT

I'm looking for a good aikido dojo in the Portland area, Does anyone have suggests and experiences that they would share?

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

Suginami Aikikai hosts Christian Tissier

none11111 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:49:38 GMT

http://www.sfaikidoproject.com/

Suginami Aikikai is extremely proud to host Sensei Christian Tissier and Sensei Bruce Bookman, for our third annual San Francisco Aikido Project seminar intensive.

Instructors will include (http://www.sfaikidoproject.com/instructors.html)-
Christian Tissier 7th Dan
Bruce Bookman 6th Dan
James Friedman 5th Dan
and
Clovis Silva 4th Dan Brazilian JiuJitsu & four time Brazilian BJJ Champion

We are also very excited to have Jack Kornfield back at our dojo for a meditation session during the workshop.

The seminar runs from Thursday, June 19th through Sunday, June 22nd.
The current schedule can be found here (http://www.sfaikidoproject.com/schedule.html)

We are holding the enrollment to a maximum of 60 participants and currently have 48 signed up. Act soon to grab on of the remaining slots!

Last years seminar was a big success with plenty of hard training, sweat, and smiles. We would love to have you join us this June!

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

Aikido Friendship

nfeileacan — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 05:34:18 GMT

Everyone has been so quiet in this tribe of late... a sensei in my dojo organization just wrote this article about cross-style Aikido friendship and I'd like to hear all of your reactions: http://www.takemusu.org/PDF/2007-02-26-goldsmith.pdf .

Do you think it's important or confusing to train in other styles of aikido?

Have you been a part of an Aikido Friendship gathering? Would you like to be?

If Aikido requires harmonization, why are there so many issues surrounding the politics of affiliation?

I'm just curious what everyone has to say.

posted in Aikido - 16 replies

Mary Heiny Sensei needs help

budobabe — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:59:36 GMT

One of the most highly ranked and respected aikio instructors in the USA is in desperate need of a hip replacement AND of financial assistance (can anybody say "single payer helathcare"?)
For details/to help go to http://friendsofmaryheiny.org/

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

What is aikido improving for you?

Mark — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:49:28 GMT

I recently got back on the mat after a fairly lengthy hiatus, peppered with a month on, 4 months off, 2 weeks on, a year off, etc. I've decided that moderation and consistency will best aid me in getting back on the mat. Now that I've been back a bit I'm finding a few things are improving in my life. Physically, I've had some issues with my neck, lower back and knee. The rolling around seems to be helping the back and neck. My teacher described the effect of this as kind of a constant massage of those areas. I'm actually feeling better now and am not having to constantly shift my weight when I sit or roll around restlessly at night because of lower back pain.

There also seems to be a connection between my frequency on the mat and how I relate to people and situations in general. Training helps me by keeping me honest and gives me a format to not train with preconceived notions about an attack, the technique or the outcome. This translates into being a bit more grounded and connected with people in general, allowing me to think in the moment and be in the moment as it were and thus, giving a more honest and heartfelt conversation to those I come in contact with.

I've also taken up ballroom dance and can't tell if the aikido is helping my dance, or dance is helping my aikido, or if both are complimenting each other. No matter though, it's all fun, right?

So I'm curious, my aiki tribester friends, what has aikido improved for you?

Regards,
Mark

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

Aikido in Mountain View

simon_p — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:59:49 GMT

Does anyone attend this school? Good or bad experiences? thoughts? Looking for a good and convienent to me school, tough combo I know.

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

SHRINE/AIKIDO INTERN POSITION AT

Rev. Koichi — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:04:00 GMT

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America is accepting applications for the SHINTO/AIKIDO INTERN. This full time position can be approached as a 3 month to 2 year commitment. The position includes all training, private quarters in shrine guest house and a stipend. Please contact Rev. Barrish (Shrine Priest)

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America
17720 Crooked Mile
Granite Falls, WA 98252
USA
www.TsubakiShrine.org
Kannushi@TsubakiShrine.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tsubakiko
(360) 691-6389

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Yoga & aikido

Mon, 23 Feb 2004 02:38:03 GMT

I have been told that yoga is very complimentary to aikido, and that it's been helpful to many people who have made shodan.

Thoughts?

posted in Aikido - 25 replies

I tried Aikido, but had some problems...

Devilock79 — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 02:06:28 GMT

I joined a club about two years ago, but quit after three months. I have some problems with the way it was being taught. I'm hoping this was just a bad club, and I'd like to know if I should try it again. I am attracted to the spiritual side of the art, as well as the physical benefits it promotes. My problem is the classes seemed very rushed and I had trouble remembering the movements. We had a very limited space to train in which made it difficult and uncomfortable. The instructor showed us the movements and only gave us a very short amount of time to figure them out. I quickly became discouraged and eventually gave up. Is this typical of most Aikido clubs? As beginners we trained with intermediate students and I just felt like a practice dummy. Please let me know what you think, as I would love to continue my training with a proper club.

posted in Aikido - 35 replies

aikido at burning man?

msdeb — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:15:33 GMT

Is anyone going to Bman this year, by any chance? i haven't been in 6 years, and will be going this year. i've been asking around in various forums if anyone knew if there will be a camp who will be bringing tatami mats.. I've been training for only about 3 years and for the last two years i've been going to early morning classes, and would LOVE to do some training when waking up each day in the desert. i figured it might be worth a shot to see if that was possible due to the spectrum of possibility on the playa..

thanks!

d.

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

morning humor

qatana — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:00:46 GMT

I just stole this off of Aikiweb. Need a definition for "rotfl"

Aikido Definitions
Aikido: The way of blending energy. The Aikidoka (one who practices Aikido) attempts to become one with the mat by being thrown into it repeatedly in the hope that s/he will merge with the mat. This usually doesn't happen, so the process must be repeated. Frequently.

Matte: "te" = hand, "mat" is obvious, so "mat" "te" is the art of hand-stands and walking on hands. Sometimes this results in unsuccessful blending with the mat which causes the Aikidoka to have to blend with the mat while wearing a cast. This is much harder, as the cast prevents the Aikidoka from reaching the mat.

Kiai-do: Dyslexic Aikido. Also known as "drunken Aikido", this is usually practised in bars, accompained by much shouting.

Ukemi: The art of hurling yourself at the Earth for no good reason.

Slapping out: This is the sign of an unsuccesful blending with the mat. The Aikidoka is so frustrated at not blending with the mat that s/he will hit the mat in a futile attempt to blend. It is futile because all Aikidoka know that true blending with the mat only occurs at high speed.

Nage-waza: The art of helping others to blend with the mat - the other part of what Aikidoka study.

Randori: Mispronunciation of "runned away". This is the optimal method of blending with multiple attackers.

Shodan(male): A male who is so adept at blending (and helping others to blend) that he can wear a skirt to class and nobody in class will laugh at him because he might help them learn to blend with the mat. At high velocity.

Hakama: What shodans call a skirt so they don't have to teach quite as many people to blend with the mat (see Shodan(male)).

Atemi: What you use to convince uke that your Aikido is strong enough to deal with their attack.

Shihans: Can't live with 'em; can't throw 'em.

Alternative Technique Definitions
Ikkyo: Grab their arm, affect their center.

Nikkyo: Grab their arm differently, affect their center.

Sankyo: Grab their arm differently, affect their center.

Yonkyo: Grab their arm differently, inflict pain, affect their center.

Gokyo: Grab their arm differently but a lot like Ikkyo, affect their center.

Rokkyo: A confection made with almond paste. If you eat too much it will affect your center.

Irimi nage: Don't grab their arm, affect their center.

Shihonage: Kotegaeshi on steroids.

Kotegaeshi: Sankyo on the wrong hand.

Kaiten nage: Sankyo while rotating the z axis to the xy plane. Countergrab their arm, affect their center. Alternately known as "cheap date waza".

Tenchi nage: Iriminage on both sides at the same time.

Koshi nage: Iriminage for those with ADS (Altitude Deficit Syndrome).

posted in Aikido - 4 replies

Mitsuo Tasaka Shihan Seminar - Recap

yogi4peace — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:03:40 GMT

This is my personal re-cap on the seminar I had the opportunity to participate in this last weekend at The Aikido Center in Sacramento. Enjoy

~~~

I was able to attend the Sunday portion of the seminar with Mitsuo Tasaka Shihan (aka Master, beyond rank, from my understanding thats what Shihan means).

Needless to say it was awesome! I had the opportunity to take ukemi from him for a few techniques, such as nikkyo and kokyo doza. His nikkyo was so relaxed, so gentle, and it hit LIKE A BRICK! It was a great opportunity to feel what that was like from a Shihan.

Tasaka Shihan had a joyful manner about him, and he made many jokes to illustrate what he was trying to teach. I got a lot of helpful pointers on many different techniques, and we spent a fair amount of time on kotegaishi pin's as well.

Tasaka Shihan also told stories about his training. He said that in 1995 when he was feeling really comfortable and confident with his technique, he decided to 'start again' as a beginner, and try to learn what his sensei was actually teaching. I'm pretty sure the implication was the softer, more ki-full form of Aikido. I thought this was a wise concept and apparently it worked well for him.

He said his sensei used to tell him not to harmonize his ki to his partner's ki - that this waqs incorrect. He should unite / harmonize his ki with the ki of the universe. Tasaka Shihan said he does not think it is wrong to harmonize your ki to your partners ki, but it is wrong if that is the only harmonization you are working on in the long run.

He talked about nature, and observing nature to the point that you make it part of you. Then you will find your purpose in the world.

He also talked about how O'Sensei said the purpose of Aikido was to unite the world as one family. The purpose of Aikido is to bring joy to the world. Every day bring joy into your life, and he said that this is easy to understand intellectually, but very different to experience constantly.

Some training points of interest he spoke about and we practiced were:

ENTERING:

- When entering, he said do not push off from your back foot. He said it is too slow and you will get hit. Lead with the front foot and/or hand. If you stand still in an even stance (as if standing casually) and bring your arms up, you will notice your body will move slightly and slowly forward. Lowering your hands, you will notice your body's center of gravity will lean slightly back. We tried this slowly a few times and he said to practice on your own and get the feeling of that, and it will help you be able to enter faster and more effectively due to using your body's natural motion instead of power and muscular strength (from the back leg). The importance of this is speed, as well as lessening the chance your entering movement is "tracked" by the attacker (thus still getting hit even though you may move off the original line of attack).

- Another practice on entering was to keep your head and face straight, and let the body/hips move off the line. If you need to move the head to blend/enter/evade an incoming attack, the full blend should be completed with the body and the head should move very last, just before the strike makes contact. This is another magic trick to practice to avoid being tracked by an incoming attack and having the aggressor's line of attack follow your attempted blend. Very helpful for me, and to see Tasaka Shihan do this was supremely effective and amazing to witness. Don't look at your hands. =)

- Enter. That was part of his advice and practice as well, just enter!! When extending a hand out for a katata tori or cross hand grab, it is ok to let someone grab when practicing kihone (pardon my incorrect spelling haha) but as your training progresses develop a habit of entering before or at the moment they think about the grab. This is also a very useful practice for randori.

ENTERING - Practical Application / Practice:
**** NOTE that Tasaka Shihan had extreme control over the bokken when doing these excersizes and if someone did not enter correctly, he was able to stop mid swing to avoid anyone getting hurt. *****

- SIDE TO SIDE: To practice entering he took a bokken and started swinging it from one side to the next. The class lined up in a single file line and took turns entering as he swing the bokken predictively left to right etc. We went through three different speeds of this, and the third was pretty fast. It definately introduced a certain level of fear factor which is awesome for training in my opinion.

- STRIKE: Same as above, but he did a shoman sword cut (my apologies if thats not what its officially called in sword) over and over. Slow at first, everyone tried, and it got increasingly faster. He said to enter in, and try to strike him in the rib as you did.

- STRIKE 2: Same as above, however, instead of striking consistantly and predictably one after another, this time the practice was to feel when he was going to strike, and he would only do it once. you either entered and didnt get hit, or you died. =)

OPENINGS:

- Train as if your partner is aggressive and skilled. Leave no opening. Obviously extension is important here. Something he said that I picked up on regarding this is to keep hands about chest level, if your hands are lower someone can just come up and punch your face and you may be expecting them to take the hand haha. He demonstrated different openings over and over and said to always ask yourself where your openings are and try to find them to improve your practice time on the mat. Leave no openings.

POSTURE:

- Keep your spine straight and elongated. Our school is very good about emphasizing this as well, but it was highly reinforced to an almost ridiculous degree by Tasaka Shihan (hey it has to be if you want to do real aikido). He used the metaphor of the string through the spine, pulling up through the crown of the head. This includes also kokyo doza, in which he corrected me specifically on my posture (which really wasn't bad aka i wasn't slouching, but it wasn't 100% actively extended upward).

BLENDING:

- Don't push or pull. Be active, and he used the term "spread the energy" a lot. Keep hands in front of center. We all know this intellectually, remember to practice it with your body and mind though =)

- Be relaxed. He talked a lot about how when you use strength/force, it actually gives strength to your oponent to play off of.

EMOTIONS:

- Check your emotions and intentions several times during class. Even a highly advanced aikidoka's waza can become ineffective if he is having unsettling emotions, intentions or thoughts. Emotions can also lead to unwanted openings. =)

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

Seminar @ Aikido of Berkeley this weekend

qatana — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:25:05 GMT

With Mike Lasky (6th dan, ASU) and Jim Sorrentine (5th dan, ASU)
Details in tribe event listing:
http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/event/Aikido-of-Berkeley-Seminar/san-francisco-ca/9b9f6558-a4cf-4ec4-98a0-7f6a27832a95

I'm going Friday evening...

posted in Aikido - 2 replies

The Power of O'Sensei

PaulaC — Wed, 23 May 2007 09:28:35 GMT

Okay so bear with me. I have a ponderance and wanted to query you guys here.

There have been disagreements in the past about whether O'Sensei had 'supernatural powers'. Did he or did he not dodge a bullett, did golden shafts of light emit from him during moments of enlightenment, did he derail a train with his kiai? These are not my questions though. I can't say either way and it isn't in my nature to decide on that issue.

My question to you is, does he have to be a supernatural man in your view for you to practice aikido? Is his epiphany intrugal to your motivation in training? Would the techniques or even the tennets merely be enough? If not, why? If so, why?

posted in Aikido - 41 replies

SUPPORTING WOUNDED WARRIORS - action alert Dan Millman the Peaceful Warrior

ToxicReverend — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 22:48:09 GMT

Please forward & post the attached message from
Dan Millman, "The Peaceful Warrior"
http://www.danmillman.com/ :>
_____________________________________________

SUPPORTING WOUNDED WARRIORS

MOST OF US share a love of peace, and are saddened by
war in Iraq or elsewhere. We look forward to an end to violence,
hunger, cruelty. But the reality of today's world is that thousands
of young men and women have returned home with physical,
emotional, and mental wounds.

If you feel a personal connection to support our wounded
soldiers, check the following link to a website fully dedicated
to this cause:
http://www.veteransandfamilies.org/WarriorTransition.html

A SIMPLE WAY TO HELP: Last week the Presidents
Commission on Returning Wounded Warriors issued
their recommendations, which include:

1. The immediate creation of comprehensive recovery plans
to provide the right care and support at the right time in the
right place;

2. Completely restructure the disability and compensation
system;

3. Aggressively prevent and treat Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI);

4. Significantly strengthen support for families;

5. Rapidly transfer patient information between DoD
and VA; and

6. Strongly support Walter Reed (WRAMC) by recruiting
and retaining first-rate professionals through 2011.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Whether you are a
liberal or conservative, a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian
or any other political affiliation, CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
to send President George Bush an email in support of enacting
all of the recommendations of the Presidents Commission on
Returning Wounded Warriors.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

Good journeys,

Dan Millman

The Peaceful Warrior
http://www.danmillman.com/

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

If you are looking to add a koryu weapons art...

budobabe — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:13:55 GMT

After having to stop aikido training due to multiple joint problems, I finally got myself in shape enough to do weapons training and for a couple of months now have been very happy with this group I found.
Suio Ryu is a true koryu art with lineage to the early 1600s and a Soke who travels to the US once a yr to hold a seminar. I have found the art itself and the atmosphere of the local group to be exactly what I have been looking for and invite anybody else who may be looking for a classical sword art to check it out. A few notes:
Prior martial arts experience is NOT necessary.
The class is led by a man and a woman (a couple) and there is a good gender balance in the group.
You start with the wooden sword (bokuto or bokken), learning forms for drawing, cutting, sheathing the sword both in solo and in paired practice.
The things I really appreciate about this art/group is that the focus is on martial application; the standing kata I"m working on (I am unable to do kneeling forms) is defensive and always done with a very specific attack/opponents in mind. That and of course the attention to detail, which is the thing that you have to enjoy to love weapons work.
If you email them you plan to attend, they will make sure there is extra weapons on hand for you to borrow (you do NOT have to spend a bunch o money on equipment ahead of time)
The only cost is, for ongoing studies, a modest contribution all make towards space rent.
Meets Wed evenings Divisidero/Bush.
General websites on the ryu:
www.suioryu-usa.org/
www.suioryu-bu-rai-an-dojo.org/
If you wish to email the person who runs the local study group directly, swordscholars@yahoo.com

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Aikido in Albany NY?

TAW — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 18:28:34 GMT

Does anyone know any good aikido dojo's in the Albany NY area?

posted in Aikido - 2 replies

Aikido Uchideshi (live in apprentice) /Shrine Assistant Position to become available at Tsubaki America Jinja 8/07

Rev. Koichi — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 23:35:37 GMT

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America will have the opening for the full-time Shrine Assistant and Aikido Apprentice from late Summer 07. The position includes all training, a large private room in shrine guest house and a stipend. Please contact Rev. Barrish (Shrine Priest)

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America
17720 Crooked Mile
Granite Falls, WA 98252
USA
www.TsubakiShrine.org
Kannushi@TsubakiShrine.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tsubakiko
(360) 691-6389

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

aiki/reiki

qatana — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:04:14 GMT

Any reiki practitioners out there? How does it Blend for you? We do lots of Energy work in our dojo so it was pretty simple to grasp when I got my Reiki I cert this week. Very much like Bob Nadeau's Energy systems.

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

doldrums

droll-yankee — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:09:41 GMT

Hi All,

So I'm told that many aikidoka go through a period of low energy and enthusiasm during their training, finding it tough to muster the fire and intensity needed for serious training. For the sake of argument, let's call it 'burned out'. I find myself in such a state. My questions that I put out to all of you are:

1) Have many of you experienced this?

2) How did you snap out of it? By doing something in particular, or doing nothing at all?

I'm curious about other people's experiences...

regards
D-Y

posted in Aikido - 14 replies

Was Morehi Uyeshiba Shinto

Zstar — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 01:01:25 GMT

I've heard the power of God flowing through him gave him power.

The current Aikido shrine is dedicated to several gods, would Sensi incorporate the supreme one to direct the lesser?

Any views on the spiritual aspects I would greatly appreciate.

posted in Aikido - 17 replies

new to SF...where to practice?

tastymorsel — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:58:57 GMT

I am new to SF and new to Aikido and wondering where the best place is to learn.
I am intersted in a rigorous but not too formal atmosphere, good community, attention to the non-physical aspects of the art form and for classes or mat time to be fairly affordable.
thanks
peace

posted in Aikido - 7 replies

Takanari Sensei in Santa Rosa, CA

nfeileacan — Tue, 15 May 2007 02:16:05 GMT

Please mark your calendars for a special event that will be held Sunday, June 10th from 10am to 4pm in Santa Rosa. The cost will be $25. Takanari Sensei, 7th dan, from Kyoto, Japan, will be passing through with 5 senior students, and will be teaching a full day seminar. Takanari Sensei has been involved with Aikido for 40 years, including having received his Aiki Ken Hiden Mokuroku (master's degree of Aiki sword) from Saito Morihiro Sensei in 1997.

http://www.interq.or.jp/silver/sinomori/takemusu/takemusu.career.htm

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

Playing Favorites

Echo_Unit — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 03:07:10 GMT

What's your favorite Aiki related technique?

Mine is plain old shomen iriminage.

Normally, when some one attacks you, your first instinct is to get away, block, or do anything but get closer to the attack.
Iriminage is the complete opposite.
It is the pinnacle of confidence.
It's borderline arrogant and most definitely insane.
To charge *into* the attack? You must have a death wish or a god complex.
I absolutely love it. Especially when the timing right on and it feels too good to be true (though, unfortunately that doesn't happen as much as I'd like).

So, what's your favorite Aiki related technique?

posted in Aikido - 8 replies

Aiki Presidential Candidates

yogi4peace — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 06:11:52 GMT

I know there is an Aikido Activism tribe, but this is less about activism and more about Aiki in the leaders that are running to represent the people of the united states - or any other country.

Do you know of any candidates that you would say embrace the spirit and essence of Aiki - harmony with the universe ?

I can think of only one, but i'd like to hear from everyone else!

Gassho

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Aikido Seminar: Birmingham, AL, April 20-21

tansau — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:16:00 GMT

USA Martial Arts Federation
USA Aikido Association, Southeast Region
presents
Spring Fling 2007

April 20 and April 21, 2007
Retsushinkan Dojo, Birmingham, AL

Training under the direction of Shihan Kevin Blok
8th Dan World Kobudo Federation, 6th Dan Yoshinkan Aikido
(www.chudokai.com)

For more information, contact Retsushinkan Doji
sensei@usamartialarts.com
(205) 822-1671

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

anybody here from new school aikido?

Alchemystique — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 06:23:46 GMT

Hi everybody,

I just joined this tribe. I was just wonder if any of you trained in my school, John Smarte's New School Aikido. Over in East bay and Stockton.

posted in Aikido - 30 replies

Anyone know of a dojo in Bolinas or nearby?

jynelle — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 22:09:10 GMT

I am moving to the area and would like to train. Thanks

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

New Member

Esoteric_Refugee — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:07:26 GMT

Hey everyone, I just started the whole Tribe thing and I am really looking forward to meeting a ton of cool people and learning all I can from them. I still have to fill my profile out but here's a little bit about me. I am male/23yrs. old from Houston Tx. and I am pretty much the understood type of person who can be classified as eccentric. I personally dislike labels and use them as infrequently as possible. I am pretty varied in my interest and tend to be the jack of all trades type. Anyway, look forward to talking with everyone and I hope to find some others in Houston or nearby to hang out with/party/etc. Peace!

posted in Aikido - 7 replies

Sonoma County Seminar

nfeileacan — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:42:59 GMT

Hi,

I don't post here too often but I try to keep track of all of the exciting discussions! We have a seminar coming up in March so try to make a day trip to the wine country and check out our dojo:

Sunday, March 4th (Seika Ryu Martial Arts, Santa Rosa)
We are set for a Sunday Seminar March 4th from 10am to 3pm. Guest teachers, and former students of Dennis Tatoian Sensei when he taught in the 80’s in Sebastopol, will be:
• Noel Kennedy Sensei, 4th dan from Traditional Aikido of Sonoma State University
• Pete Breeland Sensei, 4th dan from Bay Marin Aikido & Aikido through City of Cotati
• Ginny Breeland Sensei, 4th dan from Bay Marin Aikido & Aikido through City of Cotati

Cost is $15 for Traditional Aikido of Sonoma members and Students / $25 for all others. All proceeds will go to help build Tatoian Sensei’s new dojo in the Philippines. Please note the date and try and make it! A map to the dojo is available on the Traditional Aikido of Sonoma website: www.Traditional-Aikido.com .

See you there!

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

Self Defense

Aleman — Thu, 27 May 2004 23:51:34 GMT

I know that Aikido is a peaceful art but when it comes down to it could a practioner defend themselves against a boxer, or striker as well as a practioner of Brazilian Jiujitsu?

posted in Aikido - 43 replies

Aiki Summer Retreat Coming!

budobabe — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:16:27 GMT

We happily invite you to join Shihan Ikeda, Doran and Nadeau to our annual Aiki Summer Retreat and we warmly welcome our Guest teacher Mary Heiny Sensei, 6th Dan.
Menlo College, Atherton CA (south of SF), June 10 - 16, 2007. Informational flier at
http://www.cityaikido.com/Camp_flyer.pdf

posted in Aikido - 2 replies

Without understanding the Sword, you can never understand Aikido - Shoji Nishio Sensei

0-A-Zen-Pin-Head-0 — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 21:45:23 GMT

I've been blown away with Nishio Sensei's DVDs! One of the many interesting things he said was: "Without understanding the Sword, you can never really understand Aikido!" I love practicing Aiki-Ken! What are your thoughts on Nishio Sensei's statement?

:D

SA

posted in Aikido - 75 replies

Christian Tissier (7th dan) seminar in San Francisco

none11111 — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 21:00:00 GMT

Hello all,

Suginami Aikikai is proud to present the San Francisco Aikido Project (http://www.sfaikidoproject.com/).

We wil be hosting a seminar on April 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th in 2007.

The featured instructior is Christian Tissier Sensei, 7th dan - Chief Instructor Circle De Tissier, Paris France (http://www.christiantissier.com/).

"Christian Tissier was born in Paris, February 7, 1951. He started studying Aikido in 1962 with Jean-Claude Tavernier, then soon afterwards with Master Nakazono."

There will also be Aikido classes taught by Pat Hendricks Sensei (6th Dan, http://www.aikido-sanleandro.com/), Howard Hoa Newens Sensei (6th Dan, http://www.aikidoinstitutedavis.com/), and James Friedman Sensei (5th Dan, http://suginamisf.com/).

The schedule of the event can be found here -
http://www.sfaikidoproject.com/schedule.html

Information about all of the instructors is here -
http://www.sfaikidoproject.com/instructors.html

In addition to Aikido, the seminar will also offer classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Clovis Silva (4th dan and 4 time Brazilian BJJ Champion), and a meditation class led by Jack Kornfield of Spirit Rock (http://www.spiritrock.org/).

The seminar costs $385 for all four days. Full pricing insformation can be found here -
http://www.sfaikidoproject.com/cost.html

Attendance applications are located here -
http://www.sfaikidoproject.com/SFAP_2007_eform.pdf

Attendance is limited to 50 people. There are 10 slots left, and they are going fast.

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

where to train in aikido in east bay, soon to be black belt from new school aikido,

Alchemystique — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 04:25:08 GMT

I have the same question as the other thread. I live in east bay, will be getting my black belt sometime this year, and will want to look for another dojo relatively close to east bay I can go after work. Right now my dojo is 40 mins drive in San Ramon, and starts at 8:30 pm.

I am interested in schools which are close to our new school aikido philosophy, in terms of not being so formal, flexible late time, having a friendly relaxed culture, and heavy on spirituality.

I would train in our home dojo in stockton, but thats too far for me, and not times I can go.

I had thought of going to mil valley to train with Sensei George Leonard, but looking at their web site, it doesn't seem feasible. I would also like to get ur feedback on that if any.

thanks a lot for all the info! u can post here or PM me if u like, either way.

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

OT: the nature of darkness and its connection with Chaos...

Alchemystique — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 20:35:57 GMT

the nature of darkness and its connection with Chaos...

I just posted this article in my tribe Every day Magic

http://tribes.tribe.net/collidoscope?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5Bce5e3b87-81b3-47ca-9a8f-528c9fc5e055%5D

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Kaz Tanahashi Workshop

satyrbuddha — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:17:58 GMT

hello friends,

I will be attending a calligraphy and zen workshop from jan 5-7 at the great vow zen center. The workshop is being taught by Kaz Tanahashi, who was a student of O'sensei in Iwama.

He is also, and more importantly for this weekend, one of the foremost authorities in the world on zen calligraphy practice.

it will be a great opportunity to see how O'senseis teachings have been translated into other arts.

please let your friends and dojos know that there are openings for this training-

the link is here:

http://www.zendust.org/brushcreativity.htm

The cost is $225 for non members of the zendo community (a year long member ship is $35, and will afford a $25 discount on this event. There are dozens of events like this annually, so it may be worthwhile to see if other events are of interest and pay a member ship fee for the benefit of this and future discounts).

I also have mats at the zendo, and though the free time is sparse, the abbots have been very accomdating in allowing me to share training during the 'off hours'.

and the food they serve up is PRIMO!~

arigato,

SB

Deston Denniston,
Cheif Instructor, Crooked Branch Dojo

posted in Aikido - 2 replies

Aikido in Hua Hin, Thailand

Dewi — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 12:46:33 GMT

http://huahin.kamppailu.info/rissanen_fi.htm

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Martial Arts Friends

tomoe — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 05:11:45 GMT

We have started a new web site for martial artists world-wide: The MartialArtsFriends.com Online Community.

http://martialartsfriends.com/

The "Martial Arts Friends" web site is designed to help people of all martial arts get to know each other on a more personal level than possible on online discussion groups and web sites. The personal profile pages allow individuals to present their martial arts background, as well as other dimensions of their life, such as family, career, interests, endeavors, philosopy, etc. This is also a "community" so that people will be able to interact with each other, conducting dialogue publicly or privately. This is a community that will continue to evolve, based on needs and desires.

Please come join us

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Aikdo in Hawaii Recommendations?

tsukikusan — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 20:18:21 GMT

O hai o!

I am going to Hawaii for the first week of November.

Anyone have any recommendations for Aikido dojos or Shinto temples?

Thanks.

( *

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

Aikido Blog

The_Living_Body_Studio — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 16:10:03 GMT

http://www.aikidoofalamo.com/blog/

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

Atemi waza poll

Echo_Unit — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 19:21:04 GMT

Hello all,

I'm interested in the relationship between Atemi (striking) and Aikido. I've heard reports that O-sensei stated "90% of Aikido is striking", though I never see it in videos of him, and rarely in demonstrations by modern day Aikido practicioners.

Do your school emphasize striking as part of Aikido?
If so, what types? Kicks?
Do you think striking is fundamental to Aikido or a crutch for beginners?
Any other thoughts on atemi?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

posted in Aikido - 22 replies

kototama - Spiritual Aikido Practices necessary?

0-A-Zen-Pin-Head-0 — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 15:10:18 GMT

O-Sensei stated: "Masakatsu-Agatsu-Katsuhayabi In order to master the mysteries of Budo, one must return to the source of things and unite oneself with the Divine; the only way to be invincible is to overcome one's base passions, to defeat the mind of contention with- in, and to achieve complete clarity of mind. Then one can anticipate any attack and escape unharmed"

Do you think you need to take up Aikido Cosmology to really understand and master Aikido?

Take a look at this page: http://www.aikiwest.com/cosmology.htm

A-O-U-E-I I-E-U-O-A
;)

SA

posted in Aikido - 19 replies

Winter school 2007

ghostcat — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 04:31:33 GMT

Anyone planning on being in Australia next June?
Wanna come play?

http://www.ioaikido.com.au/resource/winterSchool.html

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

San Antonio, Texas school recommendations?

Noman — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 22:38:56 GMT

Hello--
Please could people recommend places in SATX to train in Aikido / Aikijutsu?
Thank you.

posted in Aikido - 2 replies

Rank

0-A-Zen-Pin-Head-0 — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 16:35:33 GMT

Interesting experience last night when Satome Sensei and another very high ranking Iaido instructor led the class.
There was a complete shift in behavior of brown and black belts last night from friendly to snooty. Couldn't figure it out. If anything I'd think that they'd try to help the lower ranks more to impress Satome. Oh well.

;)

SA

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

No Harm

0-A-Zen-Pin-Head-0 — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 16:21:09 GMT

I had an interesting discussion at class last night. The question was: can you use Aikido in the street without harming your attacker without being a very high ranking practitioner?

Or do you alway have to use strikes and take your opponent out with extreme force?

:D

SA

posted in Aikido - 18 replies

Chinkon Ki Shin, Furitama: "soul shaking", Torifune: "rowing the boat" and Ibuki Kokyu: "deep breathing"

0-A-Zen-Pin-Head-0 — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:42:01 GMT

I found this great site that has a nice explaination of these Omoto-Kyo practices:

http://www.theaikidodojo.com/articles/chinkon.htm

Enjoy,

:D

SA

posted in Aikido - 10 replies

video

satyrbuddha — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 20:15:21 GMT

just had this pointed out to me.

I think thats kashiwaya sensei...any other gueses?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6509898498587420820&q=aikido+duration%3Amedium

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

Trying To Start An Aikido Club In Hattiesburg, Mississippi

David — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:44:59 GMT

Bobby's dojo was destroyed by Katrina and it was disbanded when most of the members moved away and did not return to the area. Now this college student and Shodan needs your help to start an Aikido club at a local fitness center. The Hattiesburg Wellness Center will allow Bobby to begin his Aikido club if he can veryfiy "nonprofit status." I believe this means that he must register as a non-profit. Can anyone from this group help with this? If so, please contact Bobby at <bobby58747@yahoo.com>. You can check out his posting for assistance at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/GLBTAikido/message/224

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

Breathing

0-A-Zen-Pin-Head-0 — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 14:30:56 GMT

What are your suggestions on breathing during a technique as well as falling? Gozo Shioda talks about breath power however, I'm confused on how to apply it?

:D

SA

posted in Aikido - 6 replies

Falling suggestions

0-A-Zen-Pin-Head-0 — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 14:19:21 GMT

I just started studying at the Butternut St Dojo in Washington DC and wanted to know if anyone has any suggestions on how to get up faster from falling. I do the roll really well however, getting up over and over again during class wears me out. Maybe I'm doing it wrong.

:D

SA

posted in Aikido - 28 replies

Aikikai Framingham

Rich — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 14:26:39 GMT

Anyone been? I used to go on a daily basis, but between work and school (and girls) I have trouble finding time in my schedule! David Halprin is the sensai and he's probably the nicest guy I've ever met. Any other aikikai members out there??

posted in Aikido - 4 replies

Dojo Grand Opening Sept 16th, Bend Oregon

michael — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:54:17 GMT

Takayama Dojo/Bend Aiki Martial Arts announces our new public dojo space with a grand opening demonstration on September 16th at 1pm. All are welcome to come and observe. This will be a demonstration for the Bend community of our style as well as the principles and benefits of Aikido. Reitan Sensei has been teaching privately in Bend for the last 8 years, and our new public dojo will allow us to expose our community to the excellent instruction Sensei provides.

Bend Aiki Martial Arts is dedicated to a peaceful and balanced world through the practice of Aikido. Please call (541)317-9696, or visit our website http://bendaikido.com , for more information.

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

Anyone going to Hiroshi Ikeda Seminar in Milwaukee?

africk — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 14:51:02 GMT

Milwaukee Aikido Club is promoting this seminar, but I haven't been able to find any info about it, except for the days posted in the website.

Does anybody have any info about this?

Thanks.

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

aikiweb?

qatana — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 13:59:27 GMT

Anybody know what's going on at aikiweb? I haven't been able to log on for threee days!

posted in Aikido - 11 replies

Close Work

Echo_Unit — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 05:13:57 GMT

Hello aikidoka,

I'm curious as to what training techniques are in use for close in fighting. Allow me to explain: typically in my dojo when learning a technique uke executes a large attack (suki or shomenuchi etc. often with a full step in) and nage has a large space to move in. I believe this is essential to learn the basics of the technique. However, I often find myself in closed spaces (between tables, in hallways etc), and I have witnessed attacks that are not large movements, are not as easy to see coming, and are followed quickly by other attacks. I imagine that in these situations one must wade through the storm to find the critical grab, atemi, or unbalancing movement. What training tools do you use to prepare for these situations?

Thanks

+e

posted in Aikido - 6 replies

aikido schools in NY or long island

999 — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 15:31:49 GMT

anybody know of any??

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

what should I know before starting aikido training

tehb0tt — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 22:07:10 GMT

I've looked into many forms but I like some of the fundamentals written about aikido. What should I do or know before I get into a dojo? There's only one in town, so choice is not an option.

posted in Aikido - 36 replies

Boston/Cambridge Aikido

kathe — Sat, 06 May 2006 13:34:29 GMT

Hi all,

I just moved to Cambridge. Any recomindations/reviews for dojo's in the area?

-Kathe

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

Aikido Uchideshi and Shinto Shrine Apprentice/Assistant Position to open at Tsubaki Jinja

Rev. Koichi — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 21:54:58 GMT

Hello Aikido Tribe members. Tsubaki Kannagara Aikido and Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America will have the opening for for the full time staff member..
AIKIDO/SHINTO APPRENTICE OPENING TO BECOME AVAILABLE --SUMMER 2006

we will have the opening for the live-in Shinto/ Aikido apprentice from summer this year...full time work at shrine (assisting all aspects of shrine operation-- lots of cleaning, welcoming and caring for sanpaisya [shrine visitors] and assisting in Shinto Rituals as well as training in Aikido and Misogi-shuho) salaried-position, large private room at Kaikan, etc..please contact Rev. Koichi Barrish at Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America if you have interest or questions...............(360) 691-6389 kannushi@tsubakiShrine.com

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

Anyone ever train with George Lyons Sensei?!

Ryan — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 03:28:36 GMT

He's my Sensei! He's good!

Bucks County Aikido representin! Heh...

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Stephanie Yap Sensei in Denver, Co.

africk — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 21:10:05 GMT

I had the pleasure of attending a two days seminar with Stephanie Yap Sensei from South Florida in Denver, Co.

The seminar was promotted by the Aikido Humanitarian Action Network (A.H.A.N.) and hosted at the Nippon Kan dojo in Denver.

It was two days of intense Aikido, 6 hrs. the first day and 5 1/2 the second. I was very impressed by the dynamic teaching style of Yap Sensei and her technical knowledge and form and also most impressed by the reception and treatment we (Wisconsin people) received from the dojo members in Denver.

If you get the opportunity of trainning with Yap Sensei I very much recommend it, but be ready for a good workout!

I have to indicate that the reason for this seminar was to raise funds for the monthly homeless meal services which made the whole seminar even better as all the money was for a good cause

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Is the goal of aikido - ultimate attunement?

willat — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 23:52:38 GMT

Aikido, to me, is blending with the energy of the universe.
It can take many forms:

Maybe it's being tuned into the street traffic around you, and leaping out of the way just in time from a run-away wreck - in one of those slow motion - "I got to see that again" real life action scenes.

Or maybe its an athlete, running, springing into the air in a spiral, catching the impossible pass, slipping a tackle as he lands; all in fluid self-assured movement . . . (the kind of experience described in The Ultimate Athlete, by George Leonard - aikido yudansha).

To me aikido is "being in the zone"; connected to everything; feeling like anything is possible. It's as if you are tapping into some "universal knowledge" that allows you to do just the right thing, with perfect timing - spontaneously.

It could be a brilliant free flowing jazz performance.

It could be one of those jaw-dropping public moments, where someone says or does something, perhaps to diffuse a crisis, in such a way as to make you wonder, "Where did that come from?"

Please share any examples of "perfect attunement - the right action in the right place - being in the moment" experiences you know of. (Or, of course, you can also correct my interpretation.)

ps- for more along these lines - check out William's topic/thread - Secret of Aikido
http://aikido.tribe.net/thread/763e595e-0c00-45d7-a8ee-22d27d85b807

posted in Aikido - 11 replies

Aikidoist from Milwaukee, WI

africk — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 19:54:13 GMT

Hi there,

just wondering if there are any other aikidoist from Milwaukee area around here.

Also, does anybody know of any Iaido dojo in South Milwaukee?

posted in Aikido - 6 replies

Aikido in Asheville? (cross-post)

Mizilca — Mon, 29 May 2006 01:38:39 GMT

Hi there!
I just joined this group. I'm a professional bellydancer and spent a handful of years (long ago now) studying GoRu Karate and Tai Chi and have been feeling a strong need to get back into the martial practice. My choice of art-form would be Aikdo. Does anyone know of a good AIKIDO teacher in the Asheville/ Hendersonville/ Black Mtn/ Western NC area??? Thank you! ~Mizilca

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Sacred Warrior

Jake — Tue, 02 May 2006 16:32:13 GMT

Thought I'd tell you guys about my new group exploring Sacred Warriorship within the martial arts.

http://tribes.tribe.net/sacredwarrior

Explore conscious living, prayer, meditation, etc.

posted in Aikido - 9 replies

Four-Way Friendship Seminar --Anyone from SF going?

kotori — Mon, 08 May 2006 16:34:46 GMT

There's a seminar in Santa Cruz this Saturday (May 13th) taught by Kayla Fedder Sensei, Pat Hendricks Sensei, Linda Holiday Sensei, and Danielle Smith Sensei. Four amazing female rokudan in one place at one time! We are so blessed to live in a place where such a thing is possible.

Anyway, my brakes are shot, and there's no way I'm taking my little car on the freeway until I get them replaced. Anyone heading down there from SF(ish)? Want to carpool?

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

Kidikido

ghostcat — Sun, 07 May 2006 03:01:15 GMT

I taught the kids class yesterday. It was great fun! They are on the whole a good bunch of kids, with a couple of happy little monsters about 2 feet tall that cannot concentrate for more than 2 seconds. Quite endearing little monsters. When the started to really lose it, I'd get them to do 'techniques' on me. That meant, getting them in the right starting posture and then throwing myself about in a most dramatic manner.They loved this and would kep it up for long enough that the bigger kids actually got a chance to train :-)

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Aikido 3D

PatrickMuldoon — Wed, 03 May 2006 21:23:18 GMT

I stumbled into this site today. I'm going back to look at it some more after I post this. I'm not sure what I think yet - or the advantage over videos for reviewing techniques. Pretty trippy though.

http://www.aikido3d.com/

posted in Aikido - 12 replies

Bando Dallas

Thu, 04 May 2006 03:30:22 GMT

Anyone have good information on a Bando Dojo in Dallas?

Thx,
R

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

new dojo website

qatana — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 02:04:31 GMT

My dojo just got a new website with slideshows and video (if you have Quicktime). Not a lot of action shots but some really nice pictures. Please check it out!

http://www.aikidoofpetaluma.com

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

Aikido, spirituality & sexuality

yogi4peace — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 10:18:35 GMT

I do not recall hearing O'sensei ever write or speak about sexuality and its place within spirituality. Since Aikido is the art of peace, and the path of harmony, I think that sexuality definately has its place. I feel it is taboo in society and religious and spiritual belief systems.

Some yogi's will say that to be abstinant is the best.
Other new agers and practitioners of Tantra say that sexuality can be a path to higher consciousness and higher understanding.

How does your spirituality and sexuality blend?
Do you see any relation to aikido spirituality and sexuality?
Any other comments? Thoughts?

posted in Aikido - 12 replies

4th Kyu now

Petersworld — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 16:11:37 GMT

On Friday night I tested for and earned my Green belt in Aikido (4th Kyu for you traditionalists). The Test was nerve wracking. Was I perfect? No... But I was successful and Monday before class my Sensei handed me my new belt and offered a quiet congratulations. I'm very aware that with the 4th Kyu comes a whole new ball game. New techniques to learn and a steady refinement of all I've learned up to now are in my future. I'm now on the path to 3rd Kyu (1st in 3 stages of brown belt). Can I do it? I think so, the art becomes considerably more physical from here on but I'm up to it.

posted in Aikido - 8 replies

My Sensei is the best

none11111 — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 21:06:21 GMT

Heh. Got your attention. ;-)

'The best' is, of course, a matter of opinion. If I didn't think my teacher, Kato Sensei, was the best I would be training under a different teacher. But, he is 8th Dan and has been practicing since 1952. At that level all the Aikido teachers I have seen are so far above my level that I can't help but learn something. My opinion, therefore, is more based on 'flavor' than anything else. I like Kato Sensei's flavor a lot more than any other Sensei I have seen. That is why I am proud to call myself his student.

He is in town, and this weekend we held a seminar at my dojo. Saturday and Sunday, 11 - 12:30 and 2:30 to 4. LOTS of GREAT training! Kato Sensei was in rare form (I have been studying at Suginami Aikikai, which is his branch dojo here for just under 10 years now), and his AIkido was particularly clear this trip. I am looking forward to going with him up to Seattle next weekend.

What I like best about him is how clear it is that he is still learning, still uncovering deeper levels of the art. I have been to see many Shihan over the years and across the board they are all sincere seekers and it comes across in there sharp techniques. But, to me, none of them has quite the sense of childlike exploration that Kato Sensei has. He truly plays with this stuff and it's easy to see that the words he uttered in an interview long ago, "Even now, when I practice, I visualize the founder in my mind.", are 100% true.

-Peace

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

San Francisco Visit

satyrbuddha — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 20:04:28 GMT

WOW! There are more dojos in the San Francisco/bay region than hairs on my head!

First, thanks to our moderator, Chris, for his generous invite to attend RWC Aikido with Doran Sensei. I am afraid it is too far from my center of activity for me to make it this time, but as I will be making more trips to the bay please expect to see me.

Here is my somewhat fixed schedule.
Maybe you will see me in my black denim skirt and Luke Skywalker undergarments!

Below is a tenative schedule of my Aikido minitour of the San Francisco area.

* indicates class I will attend; others are tenative. I am definitely willing to let you twist my arm (just this once!) and draw me out for even more if you see an opening; I will certainly consider changes if I am invited to other close in SF classes!

Thrursday
12-1 pm
Suginami Dojo

*6-9 pm
Shugenkai Dojo

Friday
7:30 – 8:30 am
Suginami Dojo

*7:15-8:30 pm
City Aikido

Saturday:
*10:30-11:30 am
Aikido Center SF

Sunday
10-12:30 am,
City Aikido
(I will have to ask permission to attend this class at Friday class)

5-8pm
Heart of San Francisco Aikido

Monday
7:10- 8:10 am
City Aikido

6-9 pm
*Shugenkai in Fremont

please drop a line if you know of a class that I might slip into sideways here, or if you want to go for R&R with a visiting Doka!

posted in Aikido - 10 replies

Austin Aikido (cross post)

kotori — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 04:06:07 GMT

I expect to find myself in Austin sometime in April, overworked and stressed. Does anyone here train in that area, or know of a good Aikido dojo nearby?

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

4th Kyu and me

Petersworld — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 21:00:52 GMT

Well,
I was informed by my Sensei last night that I will be testing for 4th Kyu (Green Belt at my Dojo)at the end of the month (March 31st). The test is pretty huge (between 35 and 45 Techniques depending on my Sensei's mood) and I'd be lying if I said I was not a bit stressed about it. I know the things I need to know, but I just hate being tested. I'll update as it draws near, and will of course share the results after. Wish me luck (well wait a couple of weeks and then wish me luck..)

-Peter

posted in Aikido - 3 replies

Oomoto

willat — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 21:44:16 GMT

O'sensei's spiritual background in Omoto-Kyo had a major impact on his life.

Great resources from your post to Qatana's thread satyr.

Ah yes, the IT age.
I'm thinking this aspect of aikido deserves its own topic.
I was pre-internet when I first had interest and time to explore this, trying to research in small libraries was a real pain.

links, courtesy satyr:
http://www.oomoto.or.jp/English/index-en.html
http://www2.plala.or.jp/wani-san/oniphoto.html
http://www2.plala.or.jp/wani-san/whoisoni.html

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

oomoto.or.jp's links page alone is great.

Check the drawings of the old compound:
http://www2.plala.or.jp/wani-san/photo-omoto.html

These folks made the Japanese govt very nervous.

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

what would you ask?

qatana — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 15:48:15 GMT

Once a year or so the dojo gets together to watch old videos of O'Sensei.I always find it fascinating as every time I watch them I come just a little closer to having a clue. This year Sensei has given us a homework assignment-bring with us the question we would most like to ask O'Sensei, and to see if we can see the answer in the "show".
So aside from "how do you DO That?????", what would you ask O
Sensei if you had the opportunity?

One of mune:
Where does Learning Happen?

posted in Aikido - 4 replies

A psychological test

Bo — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 16:47:33 GMT

http://extremehonesty.tribe.net/thread/b46a3fde-6299-47ab-b19c-3f3c11b52862

Post your answers in this thread not the above thread. I want to compare answers from different tribes.

posted in Aikido - 7 replies

heyho...

Tue, 28 Feb 2006 21:12:36 GMT

hey all

just found the tribe....

i've recently started training in Nelson....

check us out at www.kootenayaikido.org

peace
dma
d:b

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

The Perfect Dojo

willat — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 01:23:00 GMT

If you could wave a "magic sword" and create your ideal dojo . . . what would your dojo be like:

What style of aikido (or vision of aikido) would be taught?
Sense of community (inside/outside)?
Attitude towards training and partners?
Describe your ideal instructors.
The physical structure?
The kinds of training (weapons, meditation, spiritual, energy,?)?
Affiliations?
Approach for beginners classes? Children?
Class schedule?
? ?
?

Answer this any way you like.

posted in Aikido - 10 replies

redwood city / menlo park

satyrbuddha — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 17:38:32 GMT

Hi all, Thinking about coming down for a few days in earty march to visit a friend.

any of you train at aikido west or other dojos in that area of south bay?

posted in Aikido - 15 replies

Taking care of your uke

phoenixavathar — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 01:41:54 GMT

So, don't you think when training with a junior student, a black belt (especially) should be a little more careful with a 5th kyu??? Tonight this black belt in my class decides to change a technique that we were doing without me knowing, ... and he ended up swinging me out of control and jammed my thumb into his foot. And what did he say??? "Wow...good thing you don't have finger nails". I was like..yeah, great but now my thumbnail is black and is throbbing like crazy. Why don't you just stick to the technique that we're SUPPOSE to be practicing??!?!!?!?!?
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

posted in Aikido - 29 replies

Aikido of Norfolk

eric — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 10:13:25 GMT

Hey all. Just wondering if any one in the Hampton Roads area had ever been to this school and had any praises or warning.

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

Hello

yogi4peace — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 03:09:32 GMT

I've been on tribe.net for about 10 minutes and i found the Aikido group!
I love Aikido!

posted in Aikido - 6 replies

Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido in the SF Bay Area

Will — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 07:07:37 GMT

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knows of a Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido dojo or similar in the San Francisco Bay Area. My wife and I have trained with the Hawaii Ki Society, but we haven't found anything similar here. We are actually in Santa Clara, but we can go north or east as required.

Thanks,

Will

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

and a seminar in Concord CA too!

budobabe — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 18:42:17 GMT

Dennis Hooker, Rokudan, Chief Instructor at Shindai Aikido in Orlando, Florida (a very senior student of Saotome Sensei and a really gifted instructor) be teaching a weekend seminar March 31st to April 2nd, 2006 at Aikido of Diablo Valley in Concord, CA.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of affiliation or style. I have had the opportunity to train with Hooker Sensei a few times over the past 8 years and have always come away with much to ponder. And the folks at ADV are GREAT to visit and train with!
March 31 - April 2, 2006
Fri. 6:30 - 8:30 pm - $20
Sat. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - $45
Sun. 10 am - Noon - $20
Whole Weekend $75

posted in Aikido - 0 replies

Kato Sensei in SF

budobabe — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 20:16:41 GMT

one of my favorite instructors will be back in SF this spring:
Kato Sensei will be teaching at Suginami SF Sat., & Sun. April 1 & 2
I've attended several seminars at Suginami over the yrs and always found them a very welcoming bunch, nice to train with. http://www.suginamisf.com
I will have to check my schedule, but hoping to make the Sat classes.

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

How has Aikido changed you?

0-A-Zen-Pin-Head-0 — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 16:47:33 GMT

How has Aikido practice changed you before you took up Aikido and now?

:D

Satsangi

posted in Aikido - 10 replies

New to Aikido

Tony — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 07:07:55 GMT

Hey all,

I am just about to join a dojo in so cal (OC Aiki) and yeah. Just saying hey

posted in Aikido - 1 reply

Baltimore Area

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 00:09:52 GMT

Anybody here from the Baltimore, MD area? I'm looking for a good dojo in the area.

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

Joyfull announcement

satyrbuddha — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 18:28:32 GMT

there are alot of things going on that are really starting to look good in my life, among them a web page for our dojo.

please take a gander at

http://www.crookedbranchaikido.com/

there are some typos & other errs to be adressed, but
its a start.

its a skeleton just yet, no fancy flash images or sexy
nudes to draw the crowds, but in time...

we hope to have some pictures (in our training pyjamas
no less) up in jan/feb.

I'd love to hear your feedback, witty or wise.

I hope the holidays find you all well and healthy,

Deston

posted in Aikido - 7 replies

Anyone here from Colorado?

Quddus — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 05:07:52 GMT

i'd like to get to know anyone whose from Colorado. I'm living in Metro-Denver, myself. And just started taking classes at the Nippon Kan Dojo.

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

Why did you take up study of Aikido in the first place?

0-A-Zen-Pin-Head-0 — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 15:54:21 GMT

I've been studying Aikido for 5 1/2 years now and was just curious why others started studying and practicing?

:D

Satsang

posted in Aikido - 19 replies

Shiatsu Class at Harbin

The_Living_Body_Studio — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 17:27:23 GMT

It has just been confirmed that I will be the teacher assistant for Shinzo Fujimaki when he teaches Shiatsu 1 & Shiatsu 2 in Late November and early December at the School of Shiatsu and Massage at Harbin Hot Springs. I would like to encourage anyone interested in Asian bodywork to consider joining the class. Shinzo is a world renowned Shiatsu Master and teacher and black belt in Aikido.

posted in Aikido - 8 replies

Structuring classes

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 20:17:11 GMT

Hi all,

I'm excited - my Sensei has asked me to teach once a week next year! I've taught classes before, but not regularly.

For those of you who teach: how do you structure your classes? Do you have something like a 'lesson plan'? Do you tend to do an an hour of technique then an hour of weapons? Do you include longer weapons kata? Meditation? Ki training?

For those of you who don't yet teach: how do you like classes to be structured? Are there particular classes that stand out as being great for you and your fellow students? If so, what made them stand out? Anything you do every now and again that you'd like more regularly? Any recognisable steps that take you to those 'light bulb' moments?

Cheers,
ghostcat.

posted in Aikido - 5 replies

Biomechanics, skill acquisition, and neuromotor control

PaulaGanger — Tue, 25 Oct 2005 19:09:55 GMT

Hi all,
I've created an alt for the sake of blogging and getting feedback on my work. I have a BS in Kinesiology and have done biomechanical and other research geared toward aikido. Thus far it is only on the case-study level with regard to ukemi. I'm hoping to expand to cover a larger population in order to have a better quantitative definition of effective ukemi.

I will be applying to grad school and hoping to carry my work into a PhD if all goes well.

I am also looking in to other aspects of aikido, but would like to know from others what they are interested in so that I can put together a larger framework for a book/DVD done with a friend who has a much higher rank, more experience and better skill-set than myself.

If anyone is interested in reading and/or giving feedback/asking questions, please just click on this profile. If you'd like to be updated on blog entries, just add me as a friend and I'll accept.

Hope to hear from you. :)

posted in Aikido - 21 replies