Is Aikido really the only non-violent form of self-defense and what does Aikido do with the rabid dog that just won’t back down? Aikido is a path pursuing “a way.” Whether this or that aikidoist is nonviolent or whether or not they could be nonviolent with a rabid dog does not change the fact that, yes Aikido is nonviolent. Humans have limitations but Aikido is a journey towards an ideal. Continue reading Aikido and the “Rabid Dog” →

A recent study shows how practicing being our “best self” may change conflict more than the expectations and opposition we impose as parents. This study shows investing being less stressed, more free, and less oppositional improves behaviors even with our children with “behavioral disorders” This comes from a focus on mindful practices instead of telling our kids to mind your parents. Continue reading Aiki-parenting and “Correcting Our Own Mind” →

I asked my son what he was building and he said, “a Sukkot” which was a part of the celebration at the Jewish preschool he attends. I shared this with a fellow aikidoist from Israel when I was abroad; what brought us together was a shared practice of Aikido but what was celebrated was the shared practices we were surprised to discover. Continue reading Beyond a Shared Practice; Sukkot in the Living Room →

Saotome Sensei speaks of the martial arts as having evolved out of warrior practices who’s original intent was to overcome our primal fears to pursue higher ideals. He goes on to explore Aikido’s uniqueness in the constant focus on de-ai or “the moment of encounter” to “secure vitality in the face of death… in favor of action based on compassion and affinity for all things.” . Continue reading “Entering into Harm’s Way;” Confronting our Primal Self →

Aikido, non-violence, and conflict resolution is not about being nice. They are about compassion, live-giving, and joy… I realized Aikido could be about practicing joy when I was able to be in class with Sidali Selloum Sensei. Continue reading It’s not about being nice… →

Sarete was featured in this month’s Aiki Extension newsletter. The article highlights a recent pilot program where residents participated in 7 weeks of Sarete. One resident explained his experience by saying, “I don’t know if this sounds weird,” said one resident, his eyes opening wide, “but I felt like the ground was shaking beneath me and I realized that I had always thought my power came from the ability to strike. I just realized that my power can come from my resolve and my resilience.” Continue reading Sarete at the Richmond City Justice Center →

This calligraphy by O’sensei can be translated as

In the dawn of a new era,
True victory
Is victory over the self.
The victory is dawning.
Infinite peace
Abundant peace

This concept is central to the philosophy of Aikido; looking deeper into the characters can be a source of deeper understanding of how this concept applies. Continue reading True Victory is Victory over the Self →

Emma Block is an illustrator who has provided a great example for how different cultures prioritize concepts via the words available. How would we describe the space inside of a hug and what it feels like? The Welsh would say “cwtch.” Words are a concrete way to move experience into our understanding but all language is limiting.
Continue reading When there are no words… →

Coming back from Greece and Training Across Borders I was amazed to see how happy we were practicing Aikido. This was serious business I thought…. Aikido must be really fun. Continue reading The Joy of Aikido →

Coming back from Training Across Borders there is a quote from O’sensei that sums up the purpose sought by Aikidoist coming to Greece from areas of conflict around the world: “In Aikido we do not train to become powerful or to throw down some opponent. Rather we train in hopes of being of some use, however small our role may be, in the task of bringing peace to humankind around the world.” Continue reading “We train in hopes of being of some small use…” →