Aiki Notes

The Purpose of Judo

2012-02-14T21:53:00.000-05:00

As an art and a philosophy the ultimate object of Judo is the attainment of

harmonious unity of opposites in tune with life's realities; in short,

unity of Man and God or Nature.

G. Koizumi,

Foreword Higher Judo, M. Feldenkrais

Ultimate Black Belt Test Training Journal, John Zenkewich January 11, 2012 - The Ultimate Black Belt Test

2012-01-13T21:29:00.000-05:00

Ultimate Black Belt Test Training Journal, John Zenkewich January 11, 2012 - The Ultimate Black Belt Test:

'via Blog this'

One of the joys of practicing Aikido is the chance to meet other practitioners from all over the world. You can travel anywhere visit a dojo and immediatley have a new friend.

One of the highlights of training in 2011 was attending summer school (Zomerstage) in Belgium and staying with friends from the Netherlands and Belgium in a summer house sharing meals and stories.

Click here to Read more.......

Classical Aikido Embu at summer school (zomerstage) 2011

2012-01-10T21:20:00.000-05:00

The demonstrations at the Embu were great. I will post more as I can.

The Meaning of Budo

2011-12-22T14:49:00.001-05:00

“The supreme excellence is not to win a hundred victories in a hundred battles.

The supreme excellence is to subdue your enemies without fighting them.”

Sun-Tzu

Video: Rinjiro Shirata — “A Catalog of Prewar Aiki Budo Techniques”

2011-12-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

Video: Rinjiro Shirata — “A Catalog of Prewar Aiki Budo Techniques”

blog.aikidojournal.com

In this video, you will discover many Aiki Budo techniques you have never seen before. As with the Kanemoto Sunadomari book we released a few days ago, the techniques covered are closer to Morihei Ueshiba “Aiki Budo” film than to modern aikido.

http://blog.aikidojournal.com/2011/12/15/video-rinjiro-shirata-a-catalog-of-prewar-aiki-budo-techniques/

Thanks to Aikido Journal for posting this.

Question From a Zen Master

2011-12-13T02:26:00.001-05:00

"Throughout the universe, one thing, and one thing only

is manifesting; what are you if not that?"

(Yasutani Hakuun Roshi, Zen-master)

Purpose of Aikido

2011-12-06T14:23:00.000-05:00

With Aikido,

we learn to sweep away evil with our breath

instead of a sword;

as human beings we find our true purpose,

our true activity on this earth; and

we open our hearts to the spirit

of loving protection of all things.

Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido

When is Aikido not Aikido?

2011-10-15T18:50:00.001-04:00

“When is Aikido Not Aikido?,” by David Lynch

By Editor | Recommended Reading

5 Comments

by David Lynch
Aikido Journal #120

Arguments about the “martial effectiveness” of aikido are a popular feature of Internet bulletin boards. Unfortunately, many posts show an abysmal ignorance of the premises on which the art was founded by making comparisons with various systems of fighting.

Aikido is not a system of fighting, but a way of not fighting, intended not to protect or enhance the ego but, potentially, to eradicate it. Its value lies in promoting qualities diametrically opposed to those advocated for use “in the street.” Read More..............

The Still Mind

2011-05-09T20:50:00.000-04:00

The moon does not think to be reﬂected

nor does the water think to reﬂect

in the Hirowasa Pond

-Tesshu

O'Sensei

2011-04-19T14:46:00.001-04:00

Some nice video of O Sensei with musical background.
Enjoy.

Message from Aikikai

2011-03-28T21:21:00.002-04:00

2011/Mar./14

...

We have received many messages from all over the world to question about the earthquake. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to overseas Aikido people and groups for their concern and kind words.
Although the situation of many cities on the Pacific Ocean coast is very sirious, in Tokyo there was no damage to buildings and houses, and we at Hombu Dojo are continuing daily activities.
Thank you again for your concern and mental support extended to us.
Aikikai

John Stevens seminar @ Bay Marin Aikido

2011-01-21T14:03:00.000-05:00

PR Training: Aikido, Calligraphy and Kototama

July 7th, 2009 8:39 am PT

John Stevens Sensei & Susan Harrow
doing calligraphy at Bay Marin Aikido

This weekend John Stevens, a 7th dan Aikikai and Buddhist priest came to our dojo, Bay Marin Aikido. Stevens, who has written over thirty books on Buddhism, Aikido and Asian culture, is considered one of the foremost authorities on Aikido. The experience was enriching, wild-hearted and intense.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: PR Training: Aikido, Calligraphy and Kototama - San Francisco Marketing and PR | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/marketing-and-pr-in-san-francisco/pr-training-aikido-calligraphy-and-kototama#ixzz1BhLC7DdD

Shojio Nishio Yokemen Uchi & Aikiken-Aikijo

2011-01-02T18:05:00.000-05:00

Enjoy this video of an Aikido Shihan;
Thanks to Stanley Pranin for allowing the video to remain on You Tube.

2010-12-29T17:56:00.001-05:00

Enjoy this brief video review of the Art of Peace by Miriam Knight of New Consciousness Review

Saturday January 8th 2011: John Stevens Reception and Book Signing Honolulu

2010-12-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

Saturday January 8th 2011: John Stevens Reception and Book Signing

Mon, 2010-12-27 15:21 — Administrator

John Stevens, Opening Reception and Book Signing

Scholar, Author, Martial Artist, Calligrapher, Curator, Collector, Rascal!

Saturday January 8th 2011, 1:30pm - 5pm

See www.robynbuntin.com

Classical Aikido Facebook page

2010-09-29T21:40:00.000-04:00

We've started a Facebook page for Classical Aikido, Check it out. Let's put up some info & media of Shirata Sensei, Stevens Sensei, and of course Morihei O'sensei

Aiki Notes: John Stevens Sensei in Pennsylvania-October 1-3, ...

2010-09-29T20:15:00.000-04:00

Aiki Notes: John Stevens Sensei in Pennsylvania-October 1-3, ...: "Big Brush Zen Calligraphy' Workshop and Zen Scroll Exhibit/Sale by John Stevens. Oct. 1-3 in Philadelphia, PA. See the article titled '..."

Ueshiba video clip

2010-09-22T21:52:00.001-04:00

A Martial Artist Making a Difference

2010-09-21T21:33:00.000-04:00

A Martial Artist Making a Difference - The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba - Part VIII

Paul Rest, San Francisco Examiner

September 21st, 2010 12:07 pm PT

The periods during the war and after found O Sensei living Iwama. Kisshomaru Doshu writes that O Sensei believed that “fighting and farming are one” (Heino-ichinyo). It was during this same period of time that he made the rural location the “new home of Aikido.” No doubt this was partially because there was a possibility that the dojo in Tokyo could be destroyed during a bombing raid.
On a historical note, the war years saw Aikido co-opted into a national bureaucratic structure that governed all martial arts in Japan. O Sensei, it would appear, quietly stepped back from this. As the Doshu writes, “He did not openly oppose the actions of the government, but his integrity would not allow the art he had built in his own lifetimes, through blood, sweat, and tears, to be subsumed for convenience into a mere section of a large, bureaucratic organization.”
Like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor and theologian who began an underground church to avoid becoming part of the national Protestant church created by the Nazi government, so too O Sensei continued on his path outside the state's sanction. A small Shinto altar was built in an old barn on the property in Iwama. O Sensei told one and all that this was the “birthplace of Aikido.” Read More

Aikido Celebration 2011 - Feb 18-21, 2011 in Hawaii

2010-09-21T17:31:00.000-04:00

Aikido Celebration 2011 - Feb 18-21, 2011 in Hawaii

"Aikido Celebration 2011" is an organization composed of more than 20 Aikido dojo throughout the state of Hawaii dedicated to the public celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first and only visit made to Hawaii by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.

A commemorative seminar and banquet with Sandai Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba is being planned for February 2011.

I've started an announcements only mailing list for those who are interested in attending the event (or are just curious). It is intended to be a low traffic list to update interested parties as plans for the event develop.

Those interested can subscribe at http://www.aikidohawaii2011.org

Best,

Chris LI

John Stevens Sensei in Pennsylvania-October 1-3, 2010

2010-09-14T18:19:00.001-04:00

Big Brush Zen Calligraphy" Workshop and Zen Scroll Exhibit/Sale by John Stevens. Oct. 1-3 in Philadelphia, PA.

See the article titled "Pure Movement, Aikido, and "Big Brush Calligraphy" in the General Forum Section of aikidojournal.com

Schedule-

Friday Oct 1

10am-1pm. "the Spiritual Techniques of Aikido"

United Martial Arts & Fitness Center

109 Allison Rd.

Oreland, PA 19075

$30.- per person

5-7pm. Opening Reception

Nakashima Woodworkers

1847 Aquetong Rd.

New Hope, PA. 18938

Lecture: "Friendship: Acquire, Comprehend Zen Art Scrolls

Introduction by Mira Nakashima

Sat. Oct. 2

10am. Special Nakahsima Tour

$20.- per person

Informal open calligraphy session

n/c

1-4pm. Exhibit/Sale

1pm. lecture

Open to public, n/c

Sun. Oct. 3

10am. Big Brush Calligraphy Workshop

$45.- per person

1-4pm. Exhibit/Sale

1pm. lecture

Open to public n/c

Note: Friday evening, Sat. and Sun. events are all at Nakashima Woodworkers in New Hope.

Registration/Info:

homeikandojo@aol.com

Joe- cell 215 901 9115

HIghlights form O'Sensei'l Life and Message event

2010-08-31T15:00:00.000-04:00

Highlights from the Aikido demonstration and lecture at the O'Sensei's Life and Message event. One of the demonstrators was Dr. Rober Frager, founder of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.Mary Heiny is also a demonstrator.

The lecturer, John Stevens, is an internationally acclaimed Aikidoka and one of the foremost authorities on Aikido and Buddhist studies. Professor Stevens taught Eastern Philosophy at Tohoku Fukushi University in Japan for 35 years and has written over thirty books on Aikido, Buddhism and Asian culture.

Love is the Guardian Deity

2010-06-22T22:36:00.000-04:00

"Love is the guardian deity of everything.

Nothing can exist without it.

Aikido is the realization of love."

Morihei Ueshiba

Dr. Frager discusses the new Aikido Photo Archive

2010-06-14T21:27:00.000-04:00

ITPEducation —

True Victory is Self Victory.

2010-06-02T18:39:00.002-04:00

True Victory is Self Victory.

Tie yourself to the divinity within

to find the salvation

that is in your very body and soul.

From The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemusu Aiki

Bear in Japan does Aiki Jo?

2010-05-29T15:44:00.002-04:00

Bear in Japanese Zoo does Aiki Jo.

The Power of Kokyu Ryoku

2010-01-18T21:42:00.001-05:00

Translation: Kokyu - breathe, respire, Ryoku - power

In the following translation of an excerpt from Aikido no Kokoro - Kokyu Ryoku (合氣道の心ー呼吸力) Sunadomari Kanshu describes the meaning of power of Kokyu Ryoku in Manseikan Aikido and how the term Kokyu Ryoku carries a much deeper meaning than it's simple translation of breathe power.

Kokyu Ryoku in Manseikan Aikido

Within the spirit of Aikido, which begins “Aiki is love....”, the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba said that, “this martial art is the supreme way and call to unite our body and spirit under the laws of heaven,” however what was meant by “the laws of heaven”. In short, these laws are nothing less than those, which bind all things together that exist within nature. Morihei Ueshiba often referred to Aikido as Takemusu Aiki (武産合気）, which means the spontaneous generation of martial techniques by remaining in accordance with the power and structure of nature. It was said that Aikido offers us a way to teach the “basis” for creation of such techniques and therefore an understanding this “basis” is clearly an essential requirement for the generation of infinite techniques. This “basis” is the power to unify, this is the power of Kokyu Ryoku.

Morihei Ueshiba 1960

2009-12-13T19:06:00.001-05:00

I hope you enjoy this video. thank you to Michael Rogue for sharing it.

The Purpose of Aikido

2009-04-13T15:44:00.002-04:00

From Aikido no Kokoro an Aikido DVD

Fall Seminar with John Stevens Sensei

2009-04-04T16:51:00.003-04:00

Homeikan Dojo has scheduled a fall seminar in Pennsylvania.
Here is the preliminary info. I'll post more details when I receive them.

Sept. 26-27 Sat/Sun new students for Classical Aikido

Oct 1-2 Thurs/Fri Only returning students for Classical Aikido

Oct 3-4 Sat./Sun Zen art like other years.

Take Care, In AiKi, Gary

In aiki

John Z

Marathon Monks

2008-11-02T12:10:00.003-05:00

Today is the New York marathon.

Here is a link to a video about the marathon monks. Sensei Stevens appears

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S06oMxdt40A

shirata Sensei 1978

2008-08-12T21:44:00.003-04:00

Shirata Sensei in 1978

2008-07-13T09:47:00.002-04:00

Budo Zen Art Grand Opening Festival in Claremont, CA: Sept 19-21, 2008!!

Curator: John StevensGallery

Director: Susan PerryS

ponsored by: Aiko Institute

Budo Zen Art is an online gallery of Japanese Zen Calligraphy.

BZA is a new site operated by Susan Perry and John Stevens who both have practiced Aikido for over 30 years. Old time friends who love the Eastern calligraphic arts, they have made this website to bring scrolls to others. John handpicks the scrolls in Japan and Susan manages the website, telephone calls and sales.

Please visit regularly!
Call Susan Perry anytime at 909.624.7770, leave a message. Gallery Office Hours: Tues & Thursdays (9:00 AM to 5PM PST).
To leave a message for Susan Perry, you can email her at info@budozenart.com.

Holland Summer Camp

2008-07-05T15:48:00.003-04:00

This year is the 20th anniversary of the Classical Aikido Summer Camp or Zomerstage as they call it in Holland for Classical Aikidoists with Sensei John Stevens.

Aikidoists from all over the world travel to participate.

This is a short video of the highlights of some of the activities in 2005.

I hope you enjoy it.

Click here to see it. I wasn't able to embed it.

John

Yoseikan Aikido clip

2008-06-24T21:08:00.003-04:00

This is from a TV show segment on Yoseikan Aikido. It gives some interesting history and has some cute kids in it.

There aresome philosophical dfferences in their training from what we do but the clip has some good info on the history of Aikido & the connection with Onisaburo Deguchi the founder of Omoto Kyo.

enjoy.

John

John

Classical Aikido Kototama

2008-06-11T22:27:00.003-04:00

Here is a video of John Stevens Sensei performing Kototama.

Enjoy!

Aikido & Diet 1

2008-06-05T09:42:00.003-04:00

If we applied the principle of Aiki to our diet how would we eat?

Keeping Colon Cancer At Bay: Diet Matters
What about after you’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer? Does what you eat matter?
Home » ePerspective » Keeping Colon Cancer At Bay: Diet Matters
Numerous studies have linked dietary factors, such as high intakes of red meat, with a higher risk of getting colon cancer, but scientists wanted to know: “What about after you’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer? Does what you eat matter? Can a healthier diet keep the cancer from returning?”
Quite possibly, indicates newly published research in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Scientists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston assessed the dietary habits of 1,009 men and women recently diagnosed with stage III colon cancer and six months after completion of cancer treatment.
Western Diet
The researchers then followed the patients for more than five years to see who suffered a recurrence of colon cancer – and who didn’t. They found that patients who most closely adhered to a Western dietary pattern (high intakes of meat, fat, refined grains, and dessert) were 3.25-times more likely to see the cancer return or to die from any cause compared to patients least likely to follow a Western-style diet.
“This is the first study, to our knowledge, in a potentially cured population of colon cancer survivors to address the effect of diet,” noted lead investigator Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, and colleagues.
“The data suggest that a diet characterized by higher intakes of red and processed meats, sweets and desserts, french fries, and refined grains increases the risk of cancer recurrence and decreases survival.”
JAMA. 2007; 298: 754.

Saito Sensei from 1991

2008-04-01T09:01:00.002-04:00

Here is a video of a Demo for Kanagawa University Martial Arts clubs 30 year anniversary, filmed by Tom Huffman in early 1991.

Aikiken On the Beach

2007-12-30T15:19:00.000-05:00

One of things I enjoy most is practicing Aiki Ken on the beach.

Saito Sensei- 1989

2007-12-30T15:05:00.000-05:00

I was cleaning up some things and came across this photo with saito sensei taken with my friend matty at a seminar we attended.

I was fortunate to have some private time with Sensei and we discussed my original teacher Imazumi sensei about whom he said very many complimentary things.

It's too bad the photo isn't clearer.

Shirata Sensei

2007-11-11T13:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a photo of Shirata Sensei from the Aikido Journal website. They have some short video of him as well.

Check it out @ www.aikidojournal.com

Aikido class visited by a camera club

2007-10-13T22:22:00.000-04:00

Classical Aikido in Belgium

2007-07-27T14:30:00.000-04:00

This is a video on you tube by my friends in Belgium.
(Click twice on the play button)

John Stevens Sensei article

2007-07-20T14:41:00.000-04:00

In looking at a copy of Shambhala Sun Magazine I saw an article by Sensei Stevens. You can read the article here. If you can check out a copy at the library you can see some pictures and Sensei's special hakama.

Enjoy it.

Shambhala Sun March 2007 issue

Workshop with John Stevens 7 Dan

2007-06-21T14:55:00.000-04:00

Workshop with John Stevens 7 Dan
Dates: October 18-21, 2007
Venue: Nakashima Woodworkers
Address:1847 Aquetong Rd., New Hope, PA 18938 (Map)
Phone: (215) 901-9115
E-mail: homeikandojo@aol.com

Notes: Aikido/Zen Art/ The Sword and Brush

Principles in Action

2007-06-07T15:59:00.000-04:00

I saw this video and thought it made a great statement for the martial arts.

Enjoy!

Sho, Chiku, Bai

2007-04-23T16:24:00.000-04:00

Study the teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo and the plum blossom.

The pine (sho) is evergreen, firmly rooted and venerable.

The Bamboo (chiku) is strong, resilient, unbreakable.

The plum blossom (bai) is hardy, fragrant and elegant.

Morihei Ueshiba

Sensei John Stevens In Pa. October 2007

2007-04-17T11:17:00.000-04:00

Rumor has it that Sensei Stevens will be in Pa. in October 2007.
Stay tuned for further developments.

The Purpose of Aikido

2007-02-19T19:52:00.000-05:00

"The primary purpose of Aikido is spiritual development. "

Moriteru Ueshiba as quoted in The Empty Mind video

click on th words empty mind to go the you tube segment.

Happy New Year!!! 2007

2007-01-01T13:24:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

Will you make any resolutions this year?

The tradition of the New Year's resolution goes all the way back to 153 B.C. when Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar.

With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.

This month our training will focus on the theme of Zenshin & Ushiro.

Our training begins January 2nd. I look forward to seeing you there!!

John Z

A Moment of Meditation

2006-11-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

The moments of sitting before and after a class is a link to the practice of Morihei Ueshiba the founder of aikido.

Kisshomaru Ueshiba the son of the founder shares this memory with us.

"The Founder's training was not merely limited to the dojo. It was in his daily life and, especially before and after entering the dojo that its true significance lay. This attitude that may be described as the purification of mind and body (misogi) should be deeply appreciated.

Before practice he would sit in front of the altar preparing himself psychologically by calming and controlling himself and seeing that his refreshed spirit was gushing forth like a fountain… then he would begin. Likewise, at the end of practice he would sit upright before the altar, settling and controlling his mind, once again absorbed in sustaining his "ki." "

Zen & Aikido 1

2006-11-18T13:28:00.000-05:00

our practice cannot be perfect, but without being discouraged by this, we should continuue it. this is the secret of practice.

shunru suzuki

The Five Principles, as Taught by the Founder #1

2006-09-27T07:32:00.000-04:00

The Five Principles, as Taught by the Founder

1. Aikido is the path which joins all paths of the universe throughout eternity. It is the Universal mind which contains all things and unifies all things.

Isn't it interesting that when the founder lectured about Aikido he discussed philosophy rather than technique.

If you were to explore the relationship of aikido and your actions or attitudes in life as part of your shugyo, how would it change the way you "practice" aikido?

Good Training!!

John

These principles were passed down by Kisshomaru Ueshiba for our consideration.

Quote of The Week

2006-08-15T15:23:00.000-04:00

"The most perfect technique is that which is not noticed at all."

Pablo Casals

Sumikiri (Perfect Clarity)

2006-07-28T11:11:00.000-04:00

Focus on stillness rather than motion

in order to master Aikido techniques.

For a heart instantaneously at one

with the clear and serene sky,

all existence appears in crystal clarity.

When the founder Morihei realized that state of mind, he felt bathed in golden light, and perceived the true mission of Aikido. The center of a spinning top appears to be completely still. That kind of stillness, rather than the rapid motion of the top, is where we should focus. It is where the secret of perfect clarity can be perceived. That stillness also lies at the heart of Aikido techniques. When speaking of the mysteries of centripetal and centrifugal forces, Morihei said “Large has no outside; small has no inside.”
This is a maxim we need to reflect deeply.
Kisshomaru Ueshiba

How can you apply this concept to your life?

When you are being stressed by the activities of your daily life what would happen if you stopped and did nothing for a moment?

Be Still.

Quote July 1, 2006

2006-07-01T14:40:00.000-04:00

"The purpose of today's training ...

is to defeat yesterday's understanding."

Miyamoto Mushashi

Happy July!!

John

Fudoshin # 3

2006-06-12T16:23:00.000-04:00

Left & right avoid all cuts & parries.

Seize your opponents’ minds and scatter them all!
Morihei Ueshiba
Founder of Aikido

The immovable mind cannot be seized.

That is why we train the mind in Aikido.

"True Victory, Self Victory, Right Here, Right Now!"

(Masakatsu Agatsu Katsuhayabi)

John Zenkewich

Student of Aikido

Fudoshin # 2

2006-06-10T17:20:00.000-04:00

The key to good technique is to keep your hands, feet and hips straight and centered. If you are centered, you can move freely. The physical center is your belly; if your mind is set there as well, you are assured of victory in any endeavor.

The Art of Peace
Morihei Ueshiba
Translated by John Stevens

Fudoshin-Immovable Mind

2006-05-22T21:51:00.000-04:00

Fudoshin- Immovable Mind

True FUDOSHIN is not a rigid, immobile state of mind, but the condition of stability which comes from the most rapid movement. In other words, like the steadiness of a spinning top, the state of perfect spiritual and physical stability arises from movement which continues infinitely and is so infinitely rapid that it is imperceptible.

This movement is condensed at the one point in the lower abdomen. By putting everything into the one point, we can experience FUDOSHIN and not lose our stability no matter what happens.
Koichi Tohei

I was first introduced to the concept of Fudoshin when I first began studying Aikido with Imaizumi Sensei. At the beginning of the “Ki Class” we would read from a small book the topic for the day.

Stay tuned for further discussion of the concept of Fudoshin.

Understanding the Essence of Aikido

2006-04-24T11:37:00.000-04:00

In order to understand the essence of Aikido we must consider the state of mind of the Founder. Otherwise, the essence of Aikido cannot be understood. When we demonstrate techniques in the dojo we should explain that this is kotodoma... We must show ki in realistic terms as well as that this is not a budo for competition.
Rinjiro Shirata

Have you considered the state of mind of the founder today?
What is your state of mind?

The Search for The Essence of Aikido

2006-04-24T10:13:00.000-04:00

In order to understand the essence of Aikido we must consider the state of mind of the Founder. Otherwise, the essence of Aikido cannot be understood. When we demonstrate techniques in the dojo we should explain that this is kotodoma... We have to show ki in realistic terms. We have to show that this is not a budo for competition.

Rinjiro Shirata

Have you considered the mind of the Founder today?

Keiko Shokon

2006-03-28T13:09:00.000-05:00

Keiko Shokon

"Reflecting deeply on the past, illuminate the present.”

Aikido & the Path

2006-02-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

Of the many martial arts aikido is the one which places the heaviest emphasis on a pursuit of the Path. Practice in the dojo, training in daily life and demonstrations where practitioners display the results of their training all form part of the art. We are dedicated to carrying forward O-Sensei's principles of training one's ki, mind and body through a search for truth based on aikido while enjoying a state of freedom wherein all things in nature and the flow of ki are combined into one. This, moreover, involves creation of a seed to protect Absolute Truth through achievement of a state of harmony with all living things.

Kisshomaru Ueshiba

Take Musu Aiki

2006-01-23T12:12:00.000-05:00

“You and I and everything in this universe exist as a part of the endless flow of God’s love. Realizing this we recognize that all creation is bound together by the same benevolence.

To harmonize with life is to come into accord with that part of God

which flows through all things.

To Foster and protect all life is both our mission and our prayer, and we call our path

‘Take Musu Aiki’”.

Morihei Ueshiba
Founder of Aikido

John Stevens Sensei Awarded 7th Dan

2006-01-14T14:15:00.000-05:00

John Stevens Sensei was promoted to 7th Dan at the Kagami Biraki celebration held January 8th 2006.

I know I speak for all his students and friends in saying we are happy and proud of this well deserved recognition and honor.

Sensei Stevens continues to support the study of Aikido and its spiritual roots through his writings, seminars and workshops.

Congratulatiions and Happy New Year!!!

Subscribe to Aiki Notes

2006-01-07T21:47:00.000-05:00

If you would like to receive an email when a new post is made to the blog just put your email in the box and click on subscribe. You will receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription. Thanks for your support.
John

Aikido: Practice, Purpose, and Potential

2006-01-07T17:54:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of the year it is natural for us to consider the purpose of our training.

Sensei Patrick Augé, Shihan of Yoseikan Aikido has written a thought provoking essay as a New Year's message. He discusses his relationship with his own teacher and the relationship of a student to other students in the dojo as well as a student's personal development during training. Check it out; I think it will give you something to think about. Click here to see the essay.

Classes Resume January 3, 2006

2006-01-02T20:36:00.000-05:00

Aiki Ken & Aiki Jo classes resume January 3, 2006 at Aikido School of Self Defense @ 7:15 pm.

See you there!!!

The Four Gratitudes

2005-11-24T18:14:00.000-05:00

As we celebrate thanksgiving we remember & give thanks to all who have contributed to our lives.

In Aikido we are reminded of this daily. In our training we consider the principle of the Four Gratitudes.

Gratitude toward:
I. The Universe/Divine-the source of all life.
II. Our Ancestors & Parents who are responsible for our existence.
III. Nature which provides daily sustenance.
IV. Other human beings who help us in our daily lives as contributors to our society.

Thanks to all who have contributed to my life.

John