2020 Summer Study, Aiki Ken as Misogi

O'Sensei has said that Aikido is Misogi. One of our core practices is Aiki Ken with a bokken. How can we approach this practice as Misogi?

Let's start with a look at Shirata Sensei's Misogi no Ken a 45 count Bokken Kata.

How deep is your Aikido?

What do you think Saotome Sensei means when he says,

"If Aikido is just dancing for you, then your Aikido is shallow, and 

it has no ability to either defend or heal"

"My purpose is to guide Aikido students away from the “dancing mindset’, from training in a comfortable way mentally and physically. I want to make them think about the real meaning, the real application of “harmony” – it comes from the moment of being in front of an enemy who can destroy you, who is not going to participate in your harmony. This is the essence of O Sensei’s Aikido meaning, and without this understanding Aikido is missing something important. I often ask my students, “can you defend your life?” Because if your answer is “no”, then your Aikido has no real meaning and you have no real understanding of Aikido principle. If Aikido is just dancing for you, then your Aikido is shallow, and it has no ability to either defend or heal". - Mitsugi Saotome Shihan

Hikari, Light

Hikari Light by Morihei

Katsu hayabi]

Katsu hayabi (勝速日, victory at the speed of light) is a highly developed state in which an aikido practitioner has reached spiritual and moral perfection, and becomes immune to violence. "Victory" occurs at the speed of light -- meaning instantaneous—because an opponent cannot even begin an attack. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido_concepts

Five Minutes with Master Rinjiro Shirata

Can you hear Shirata Sensei giving instruction?

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