Classical Aikido in Belgium

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

John Stevens Sensei article

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Sho, Chiku, Bai

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

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

The Purpose of Aikido

"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

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

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

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

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

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

Pablo Casals

Sumikiri (Perfect Clarity)

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

"The purpose of today's training ...

is to defeat yesterday's understanding."

Miyamoto Mushashi

Happy July!!

John

Fudoshin # 3

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

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

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

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

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

Keiko Shokon

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