Click on the image above for a great set of illustrations depicting our common visualizations of “feeling” stressed. The original article is by from Huffington Post by Lindsay Holmes & Alissa Scheller. A second article depicts a set of representations of panic.
Rigid cultural practices are often looked at as inhibiting individual expression but in traditional martial arts “rei” is a way of stepping up into an identity or spirit, working towards goals of self-improvement. Continue reading Rei; Manifesting the Spirit
Why are you at practice today? Aikido can be a practice of a variety of skills; practice leading, supporting someone in crisis, reducing opposition and conflict, being less of a jerk, being more assertive, best intentions, adaptive response, non-verbal communication…. Aikido can be a practice of your personal goals if you can focus on your goal as a theme of practice. This brings the benefits of practice into relevance for the rest of daily life rather than needing to walk out the door into a fight on the street. Thanks to Joaquin Phoenix for wearing his dogi (uniform) on the street. Dude, that’s not okay… Continue reading Aikido can be more than a Martial Art
Paul Linden works with victims of trauma to develop resources that support post-traumatic growth. The main focus is on how to change the roles a person plays when comes to conflict. The attached video asks the question what do you do so that someone can’t push you? Continue reading Don’t Get Pushed Around; Blending vs. Opposition
Aikido is not an individual practice but you can practice at home. Breathing is a great place to start. It is helpful to see what we talk about when explaining meditational breathing but most instruction just shows a very relaxed person telling you to breathe deeply, expecting you to automatically find it easy and relaxing empty out all of your air and hold your breath without passing out. Continue reading Breathing Basics
Aikido is largely about moving everything that is not pinned down. We are almost always free to move our wrist and fingers because if someone is attacking they are not likely trying to hold hands with you. Cognard Sensei demonstrates the power in our smallest parts. Continue reading Andre Cognard Shihan with a flick of the wrist
Above quote from The Journey to the Heart of Aikido by Linda Holiday
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/186624806#t=14:35″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]Frager Sensei trained directly from O’sensei but didn’t realize until studying the Lathi staff (11:30) that Aikido must be practiced with strength of heart, not just strength of “hara” (core) Linda Holiday Sensei reminds us to get back to basics to get to the “Heart of Aikido” and Paul Linden talks about how approaching an aggressor with an open chest, arms, and heart makes for stronger, more balanced, and more effective technique. Continue reading O’sensei said “I completely envelop my opponent’s heart with the heart of love.”
Steven Seagal explains the philosopy of Aikido but his Aikido has a very different feeling. Talking the talk, maybe not walking the walk? Continue reading It still sounds like Aikido…
Standardized testing season begins in the Spring students will be placed in “high stakes” scenarios that produce “test-anxiety” which is shown to dramatically affect performance. We all face anxiety in our day to day lives but the practice of Aikido can reduce the impact and support performance that reflects our best abilities. Continue reading Performing Under Pressure and the Cost of Anxiety
Continuing from last week’s post this is a great video of Endo Sensei leading a seminar demonstrating how breathing, looking, and moving is the foundation for “being” an aikidoist. I will also mention that last time Endo Sensei was in the states I had the opportunity to get harshly criticized for being one of “those people” who don’t attack like an aikidoist. There are plusses and minuses to that as well. Continue reading Endo Sensei teaches how to act like an aikidoist.