Getting to know O’sensei
Category Archives: Books and Materials
Growing up on Zen…and the silken maiden.
Looking across the river the young monk asks the master, “How do I get to the other side.” The master replied “little monk, you are on the other side.” My favorite story is different story about two monks but as I remember it involved a drowning maiden. Continue reading Growing up on Zen…and the silken maiden.
“Technique is no special thing.” Saotome Sensei instructs on practicing “Aiki Principles.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA6rWT2Lpd0]
“Aiki Principles in Aikido” is a seminar on DVD with Saotome Sensei that focuses on what the feeling, intent, and purpose of Takemusu Aiki. He focuses on several insights which are important to realizing the benefits and substance of aikido.
Continue reading “Technique is no special thing.” Saotome Sensei instructs on practicing “Aiki Principles.”
Calligraphy, Characters, and “Magic Paper”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxd-4oQAXnQ]
Samurai, monks, rulers, and schoolchildren are taught the way of the brush as a way of understanding the deeper meaning of culture and language. That being said, this is an amazing way to start learning about the characters central to aikido practice. Continue reading Calligraphy, Characters, and “Magic Paper”
Terry Dobson; Aikido through the eyes of relationships
It’s a lot like dancing is one of the first books published by an american aikidoist that conveyed the potential for unifying physical and philosophical peacemaking in the practice of a martial art. Continue reading Terry Dobson; Aikido through the eyes of relationships
Beyond “aikido 1,2,3…”
Anno Sensei successfully gives the reader the feeling of aikido, moving beyond anecdotes and ideas into sharing the internal experience of the aikidoist. If you are not feeling this in your aikido practice, look for it.