Thoughts on the martial art “aikido” and the continuing search for peace in the face of conflict…
A cold shower is synonymous with suffering as if one has entered a apocalyptical path to darkness. This is an example of how narrative can equal automatic reactivity. Cold showers as are available to us in the 20th century are actually a healthy chance to build self-regulatory skills while giving us a nice push toward wakefulness.
Continue reading Death by narrative and the primal response
“Timing is Everything;” doesn’t tell you what timing is right but to seize an opportunity initiative is the key. In Aikido it is called Sen Sen no Sen; which refers to connecting to your partner before their thought of attack becomes action. Continue reading Initiating change, not opposition
This is a basic collection of the sarete concepts represented in japanese calligraphy from a font created by living “shodo” practitioner Norio Nagayama. The picture above is by kukaishodo.jp. representing “breathing.” An image of rhythmic breaths being drawn through the nose into the heart.
Continue reading Sarete Shodo
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cwl65wFBJw]
Saito Sensei says Aikido is a “logical art,” each movement has mechanics and intent. In this clip Saito Sensei demonstrates the basic tenet of aikido and conflict resolution: let go and take a different perspective. Continue reading Movement and Intent; Saito Sensei being specific
These donuts are from the Sugar Shack in RVA and they are amazing but could they be a source of aggression in Richmond? This seems silly but research demonstrates that simple choices make emotional control more challenging. Continue reading Donuts and Agression?..Self-Control is Energy Dependent
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJeIb1CQjqI]
This is a treasure found after being unseen for decades, depicting O’sensei at the end of his life teaching at Hombu Dojo. Basics, sword-work, and even “secret techniques” on film but more importantly, it shows how O’sensei practiced, how he related to students (beginners as uke…), and a bit of what his aikido looked like at the end of his life. Continue reading 7 more minutes with O’sensei…and the new generation of aikido
Research contradicts the theory that “letting off steam” reduces anger and aggressiveness. It also demonstrates that martial arts and physical activity meant to add discipline to aggression prepares you to be aggressive rather then to be in control. Continue reading Letting off steam is not the “ki.”
[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.”
Traditional and competitive martial arts approaches as dramatized in “The Karate Kid” claim positive effects on teen development but Michael E. Trulson was the first to study actual outcomes in relationship to confidence, aggression, and other social behaviors. Continue reading “The Karate Kid” and Initial Studies of Outcomes for Teens in the Martial Arts.
A good class is the basis for building insight for development, but there are many aspects that could be the focus of instruction; instructors tend to focus on teaching how to do, how to move, how have more power, how to use less strength, etc. The focus can also be, What can we learn about ourselves on the mat? How, in the “doing” of aikido can we develop and explore meaning beyond the motions? Continue reading Teaching What Aikido Teaches