The ultimate aim of the art of karate

“ The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies

Not in victory or defeat,

But in the perfection of the character of the participant ”

Gichin Funakoshi, founder of shotokan karate

What is Shoshin, the mind of Aikido, Kyudo......

"Even if we dedicate a lifetime, we will not be able to master it. 

If we keep this in our mind we can continue further.

 This is one of the things I was taught by my Sensei and

 I will not forget. I strive to practice everyday feeling like a beginner.

ONE SHOT. ONE LIFE.. For more information visit www.emptymindfilms.com

First Step in Meditation

"The first step in meditation is concentration. Whatever you do--whether you are an accountant or a dancer--you have to be able to concentrate.... The first step in meditation is concentration, and you can attain that depth of concentration if you train yourself. Never give up! Accept meditation as part of your life, just as you eat, sleep, and do other things; make it a prominent goal to have a calm mind, to have a one-pointed mind, to have a tranquil mind. Do not give that up.

John Zenkewich Lessons in Meditation 

The Purpose of our Study...Our Motto

1. OUR MOTTO

Let us have a Universal Mind that loves and protects all creation and helps all things grow and develop. 

To unify mind and body and become one with the Universe is the ultimate purpose of our study.

Koichi Tohei Ki no Kenkyukai

Be True to Your Heart

2014 Resolution #1 Practice in a Joyful Manner

Aiki Taiso Rule #1
Practice in a Joyful Manner!

A Way to Develop The Heart

The purpose of Aikido is not to create opponents or to engage in win lose competitions with others. It is a way to develop the heart:to cultivate, together with others,a heart of harmony,a heart of love,and a heart of gratitude.The true purpose of Aikido is to make a contribution to the world with this spirit.

Motomichi Anno Sensei

Aiki is Love

Aiki is love.It is the path that brings our hearts into oneness with the spirit of the universe to complete our mission in life by instilling in us a love and reverence for all of nature."

Morihei Ueshiba, The Founder of Aikido

Life: The Ultimate Black Belt Test: Fall Seven times, Stand up Eight!

At a recent Aikido seminar four Aikidoists were called up to give a brief demonstration and were then presented their Godan (Fifth Dan) Certificates. An observer was heard to remark “that was an easy test.”

The Godan rank is actually the first rank to be awarded not by a “test” but upon recommendation by the student’s Sensei (teacher). The Sensei must write a letter of recommendation to the leader (the grandson of the founder of Aikido) of Aikido’s International Organization explaining why the student is deserving of the honor.

The student’s first Aikido class may have been 25 or 35 years ago and yet their time on the mat is not the only factor in receiving this honor. As one can imagine during this time of Aikido practice perhaps even the lifetime of other students on the mat, the Aikidoist has received injuries and disappointments both on and off the mat and yet they return to practice and share with others what they have experienced through the art of Aikido.

They are living examples of the Founder’s exhortation to:

 “practice in a joyful manner!”

It is this dedication to the art of peace and their ability to harmonize the demands of everyday life and Aikido training that earns them the right to receive the Godan certificate.

It is their ability to experience the sorrows of life and yet live life in a joyful manner, to as the old Japanese Proverb states “Fall Seven times, Stand up Eight” that allows them to successfully participate in the ultimate black belt test, which is life itself.

The Source of Aikido Techniques

He told us: "Aikido originally didn't have any form. 

The movements of the body in response to one’s state of mind became the techniques." 

(Rinjiro Shirata Sensei discussing Aikido instruction from O' Sensei)

Gozo Shioda 2

Here is a nice video collection of Gozo Shioda Sensei. Enjoy!

Thanks to Stan Pranin & Aikido Journal for hooking us up.

Aikido's Ultimate Technique

“So then, what do you think Aikido’s ultimate technique might be?

 It is the ability to be at peace with your opponent 

by inducing him to abandon his animosity toward you.”

 Gozo Shioda

Voice of Aikido

I want considerate people to listen to the voice of Aikido.

 It is not for correcting others; it is for correcting your own mind. 

This is Aikido. This is the mission of Aikido and should be your mission.

Morihei Ueshiba

Aiki Quotes: Shoji Nishio

“Stand naturally so you can enter immediately 

when your opponent is about to move."

Shoji Nishio

And his mysterious power moves all things.....

God dwells in the heart of all beings, Arjuna.

 And his mysterious power moves all things. 

~ Bhagavad Gita (18:61)

An idea I think the founder would agree with, do you?

The Founder

This is a nice video of the Founder. Enjoy

Anita Kohler

Here is a very nice video of Anita Kohler

AIKIDO MANNHEIM / ANITA KÖHLER from VERSAL STUDIOS on Vimeo.
Anita Köhler is a 5th Dan Aikidoka who teaches Aikido in Mannheim, Mainz and Darmstadt / Germany. She started Aikido in the late 80's and since then her passion for it kept her traveling multiple times to France, Japan and China to learn from some of the greatest masters of this beautiful martial art.

Visit her site at
www.aikidomannheim.de

Purpose of Aikido continued

"The true purpose of Budo is God's love for all beings.

 My creative Budo exists to harmonize, care for, nurture and protect life." 

Morihei Ueshiba

What is Kaizen?

What is Kaizen?

1. A Japanese form of martial arts
2. A type of sushi
3. A method of getting things done by taking small steps and making continuous progress

Forty percent of the year is gone. Is there something important that needs to be done? There’s no time like the present. Ever. Take a small step. Don’t just think. Take Action!

Aiki Quotes

"Budo is a fine art.
 If you do not want to obtain the mind of a buddha 
you will never make a true martial artist."
Saburo Minaki 1906-1988