tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91256432024-03-08T06:34:12.538-05:00The AikiPenguin"Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything."
-- Morihei UeshibaAikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-66530880006617120412010-10-03T23:20:00.001-04:002010-10-04T00:06:05.738-04:00In memoriam<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p4RCgj6_2cM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p4RCgj6_2cM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Today was the Seiichi Sugano Sensei Memorial Seminar at the New York Aikikai with <a href="http://www.aikido-yamada.eu/">Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei</a>, <a href="http://www.aikidocentercity.com/27.html">Donovan Waite Sensei,</a> and Jikou Sugano Sensei (Sugano sensei's son).<br />
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With relatively short notice, over 150 aikidoka came out to honor Sugano sensei in the best possible way -- the joyful practice of aikido.<br />
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During the seminar, I could almost feel the spirit of sensei in the dojo -- particularly during Jikou sensei's class. His teaching was very reminiscent of sensei, both in method and manner. Jikou is every bit the soft-spoken, modest gentleman his father was.<br />
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As I'm sure most of you reading this know, Sugano sensei died August 29 from complications of a long illness.<br />
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He was surrounded by his senior-most students from New York and Australia, as well as, of course his family, including his son, Jikou.<br />
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There was a very touching memorial service the following week, led by <a href="http://www.smibert.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=1">Tony Smibert</a>, Sugano sensei's senior student and head of the Australia Aikikai.<br />
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Smibert sensei's eulogy was very heart-felt and touching, as were remarks by Harvey Konigsberg and Yamada sensei.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyFJ58AOZbkQO5a9fKGfCDzjD2AFlmqiaDjDP43kJ3hmhaT4zmyZjBIWmB6YlR7lLLDfYCZV9zAwuxztyf0Eps1YWkqN7vAzmVP-BD4B4IgdMohEid6bclt_AL7dwTxatYUhZ/s1600/sugano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>In the days and weeks following these events, it seemed everyone had a story or recollection of Sugano sensei. I was glad to realize sensei meant so much to so many people.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyFJ58AOZbkQO5a9fKGfCDzjD2AFlmqiaDjDP43kJ3hmhaT4zmyZjBIWmB6YlR7lLLDfYCZV9zAwuxztyf0Eps1YWkqN7vAzmVP-BD4B4IgdMohEid6bclt_AL7dwTxatYUhZ/s320/sugano.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="224" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Aikido is a Way</b><br />
There is commitment and there is obligation<br />
Do not abuse or misuse the art of Aikido<br />
Study carefully, honestly and humbly<br />
Respect your seniors and look after your juniors<br />
-- <i>Seichi Sugano Sensei</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>He meant more to me than I even realized when he was alive, but that's what always happens after a person dies, isn't it? We suddenly realize we loved the person we lost.<br />
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If even I, a relative new student, who was hardly on intimate terms with sensei, felt that way, I can only imagine how so many others must feel.<br />
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But that was Sugano sensei. He was able to make each student feel he cared. It is only natural that we should care back.<br />
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Sensei's ashes will be scattered on Mt. Banks in the Blue Mountains near Sydney during Australia’s Winter School in July.AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-78988912131702276552010-08-11T07:41:00.000-04:002010-08-11T07:41:48.767-04:00Bringing on the heat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGzNI4QlwJcUpfCwCiW-T7gaH_fCo7D0TWY2Oh-9Cma7Jg3eLamiCFRUPfuLJxBi5kXGTZRJK5p0cvC06fpIlv7_G2KXPGd2SjwyeAwX6xc9T6AgJctyk02n4UwQlaMxNGW4H/s1600/sweating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGzNI4QlwJcUpfCwCiW-T7gaH_fCo7D0TWY2Oh-9Cma7Jg3eLamiCFRUPfuLJxBi5kXGTZRJK5p0cvC06fpIlv7_G2KXPGd2SjwyeAwX6xc9T6AgJctyk02n4UwQlaMxNGW4H/s320/sweating.jpg" /></a></div>As the summer heat drags on, time seems to stand still at the dojo, at least for this penguin.<br />
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In some strange way, the ability to deal with the heat seems to mirror a person's martial ability. It seems the very experienced just don't sweat that much! I on the other hand, will look like I've taken a shower on the mat on a humid day.<br />
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I've been thinking a lot lately about basic principles and really trying to apply them on the mat. Things like relaxation, keeping centered, keeping weight down, etc. Tohei sensei called this sort of thing "mind-body unification," or "energetic coherence," as my friend and tai chi instructor <a href="http://throughthewesterngate.blogspot.com/">Rick Barrett</a> would call it.<br />
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At an aikikai dojo, we don't talk much about Tohei sensei, yet I have to say his four principles are very handy to keep in mind. They are not any different than what all aikidoka teach, but they are clearly and concisely articulated.<br />
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They are:<br />
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<a href="http://unofficial.ki-society.org/Four.html">Four Basic Principles of Mind and Body Unification</a><br />
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<ul><li>Keep One Point</li>
<li>Relax Completely</li>
<li>Keep Weight Underside</li>
<li>Extend Ki</li>
</ul><div>An interesting point Tohei makes about these principles is that if you are really doing one of them, you are doing them all at the same time. Therefore if I can remember one at an appropriate moment, the mind and body should be coherent.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The question is, will it help me to stop sweating so much?</div><div><br />
</div>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-74189356183071515762010-05-20T14:12:00.000-04:002010-05-20T14:12:30.023-04:00The art of falling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OPQLuq2NwUX9Md6yBmGX3zRMbJBlp1GaKIafAGfbI5v2cvEYk7841V2J71hLygnQg9khs_2ewlsjlbKNKcX1wJARU4Ih3I5K-nAP7mPbQyG4pxr5FMLxPsolja1qGGO8Btfs/s1600/sankyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OPQLuq2NwUX9Md6yBmGX3zRMbJBlp1GaKIafAGfbI5v2cvEYk7841V2J71hLygnQg9khs_2ewlsjlbKNKcX1wJARU4Ih3I5K-nAP7mPbQyG4pxr5FMLxPsolja1qGGO8Btfs/s320/sankyo.jpg" /></a></div><br />
OK, so I've never had the most graceful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukemi"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ukemi</span></a>. Over the years, it's become functional, but not the smooth, noiseless variety a few of the (younger) folks have developed.<div><br />
</div><div>The other day, I was taking a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">sankyo</span>, when Ruth told me to keep my center even when my balance is compromised. She took <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ukemi</span> from me, first like I was doing. This seemed to be like the <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ukemi</span> everyone else does at that moment when <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">nage</span> is unbalancing <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">uke</span> in a typical <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">sankyo</span>. Then she showed me how she can relax. Even though I still had control of her, I was suddenly connected to her center. She felt like a coiled spring, ready to unleash into a reversal if I tensed up. Her shoulder, her footwork, everything became unified. It was kind of amazing.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Among other things, this showed me the <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Aikido</span> ideal. One should retain that relaxed awareness, even when being thrown around. A lot to play around with...</div>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-19972912180719105902009-11-01T07:19:00.003-05:002009-11-01T07:29:24.875-05:00Same blog, new siteI'm starting an experiment with Wordpress.<br /><br />I've imported this blog to a new site at:<br />http://aikipenguin.wordpress.com/<br />to see how it goes.<br /><br />I may maintain both sites for a time until we see which performs better. Any comments are welcome.AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-28441882780785580342009-10-19T05:25:00.005-04:002009-10-19T07:49:46.426-04:00Just training<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJktkNuNVDMzU6XzJmuKEDslgV1gfTLe-6pgb-rFYWlxPzaRm74ihPuvRgJfU1HMIMuDIk2_4iRDoUVoss1WOgXTTqquDrvg0CtBCV9CBEolD0IFjbSyJGN3e4FuL4Td2DwcdD/s1600-h/Dogen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJktkNuNVDMzU6XzJmuKEDslgV1gfTLe-6pgb-rFYWlxPzaRm74ihPuvRgJfU1HMIMuDIk2_4iRDoUVoss1WOgXTTqquDrvg0CtBCV9CBEolD0IFjbSyJGN3e4FuL4Td2DwcdD/s400/Dogen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394276563794017474" border="0" /></a><br />I've been thinking a lot about what we do in aikido and why we do it.<br /><br />When I first became interested in aikido, I went around to various dojo in NY to choose one. I spent over a month looking around. I finally choose the New York Aikikai because it was more martial looking than some others.<br /><br />After three-plus years, things look decidedly different Not that it isn't martial, it is, but the concern I felt for that aspect of training has changed.<br /><br />Aikido is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">martial art</span>, there is no question about that, but that is a loaded term these days, which requires some thought.<br /><br />In many people's minds, one studies a martial art to become a proficient warrior -- a fighter if you will. Many people who think that way don't stick with aikido very long, however. The methods of aiki, blending with one's opponent, are devilishly difficult to pull off. If you want to just protect yourself, better study boxing something.<br /><br />No, one studies aikido for something else. But what? Why do we train?<br /><br />I suppose the answer can be different for each person, however, at its most basic, there really is only one answer that I can see. <span style="font-style: italic;">One trains to train.</span><br /><br />There really isn't any other reason or any other reward. Sure there are many ancillary benefits to training. Better health, stamina, a sense of confidence, ability, a social activity. Whatever. The list is as varied as there are practitioners to answer it.<br /><br />However, the training is the thing. If that weren't true, no one would do it.<br /><br />It's a bit like the Soto Zen idea of <span style="font-style: italic;">Shikantaza (just sitting</span>). The practice of zazan meditation is it's own "reward." As soon as one think in terms of getting something from the practice, one has lost. Aikido is like that.<br /><br />Just practice, whatever your level, whatever your ability, without any thought of a goal. Even the hope for "improvement" is a step off the path, I think. Of course, when one practices, one will improve, which is as it should be. However, if that's the focus of our attention, then we're missing the best aikido has to offer.AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-46934838456382884682009-04-28T07:44:00.005-04:002010-10-03T23:29:20.394-04:00Hard, soft aikidoRuth Peyser has always been one of my favorite instructors at the <a href="http://www.nyaikikai.com/default2.asp#">NY Aikikai</a>. Her classes are dynamic, fun and instructive. A pretty good combination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDaex7A587udvcOkd6YQsd7sQW95Y6EgbscRp65XbtMe1zySd_zdjCLkg7axcu13SUFp3-UIF-MPOhImBPk9KyitSCEpt5wrbNlvkh9v2M_S9sss9zV1_zf2vhm8wQjWkgWbk/s1600-h/Ruth_p.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329709215285449218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDaex7A587udvcOkd6YQsd7sQW95Y6EgbscRp65XbtMe1zySd_zdjCLkg7axcu13SUFp3-UIF-MPOhImBPk9KyitSCEpt5wrbNlvkh9v2M_S9sss9zV1_zf2vhm8wQjWkgWbk/s320/Ruth_p.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 180px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 135px;" /></a>Ruth's aikido has a certain quality to it. It is generally very soft and clear, but there is a power there that can be sensed under the surface. Sort of like a muscle car cruising at 30mph. Though it isn't being utilized at that moment, one can feel the power under the accelerator.<br />
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Her ukemi is also first rate. She's not one for flashy break falls or even those super soft rolls that some others have, but she always keeps her center under her and keeps the connection to nage. Of all the things I try to emulate from her technique, her simple ukemi for, say, ikkyo is the biggest challenge.<br />
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It must be something with me, but I generally prefer ladies' aikido. I'm not sure exactly why, but I think it has something to do with understated elegance, as opposed to over-the-top force. Of course, this is a generalization which is not close to true in all cases. All the same, the few female instructors at the dojo never disappoint.<br />
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The other day, Noriko Oba taught a class. Though she is eminently qualified, she rarely teaches. Well, that was also a treat. I tried to take full advantage of the opportunity by asking a lot of questions, and I'm glad I did. Another class of grace and poise.<br />
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It's not that I don't like hard aikido, I do. But sometimes it's very helpful to ease things up a bit and really concentrate on the subtleties of aikido, instead of only "effective technique," which is a misnomer. It's those subtle qualities, refined to a high level, that make the techniques effective.AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-28584849972790385532009-04-20T07:12:00.008-04:002009-04-20T07:45:45.793-04:00Simplicity of the "basics"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUxEFRbkFbv2JrLPUp21JWPAerbPI_pILgCeBvaf3fG8ish_Ep9wMEKFS8VqqBqXJcvw9sX1NAjuwzbTEtH3RVZL84QZ6ItM3PuxwYlqHR9_q1vy9mayr2xFYctvFTaTrRSuj/s1600-h/hanmi.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUxEFRbkFbv2JrLPUp21JWPAerbPI_pILgCeBvaf3fG8ish_Ep9wMEKFS8VqqBqXJcvw9sX1NAjuwzbTEtH3RVZL84QZ6ItM3PuxwYlqHR9_q1vy9mayr2xFYctvFTaTrRSuj/s400/hanmi.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326736493814436786" border="0" /></a><br />Well, the aches and pains are easing, if not completely gone. I still am having some trouble with my elbows, but my shoulder/back pain has abated, thank God. I'll make any deal with any devil not to get that back again.<br /><br />Things at the <a href="http://www.nyaikikai.com/default2.asp#">NY <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aikikai</span></a> are merrily moving along. For the past few months, there have been extra black belt classes held on a few Saturdays. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aikipenguin</span> couldn't attend those, but I did watch most of them, hoping to see some secret, high-level techniques.<br /><br />Well, there weren't any. In fact, I can't say they have done anything we all haven't done many times before. I'm sure there is a point to it that I'm not getting.<br /><br />This month, basic classes were also added to the schedule. This was great news! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Yamada</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sensei's</span> basic classes are legendary. I eagerly anticipated the class.<br /><br />Well, I wasn't disappointed! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sensei</span> spent the hour almost totally on footwork and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tai</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">sabaki</span> (body positioning.) It was all very simple, but I have to say I think I learned more in that one hour than I have ever learned before. He just has a way of demonstrating and explaining that is very clear.<br /><br />What does he say that is so different? I don't know. I can't put my finger on anything. Maybe it's the authority he inherently possesses. When <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sensei</span> says something, one needn't wonder if it's right or not (as sometimes happens...). Perhaps that makes the whole learning process more direct. Just a guess.<br /><br />A lot of upper <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">class men</span> seem to also understand the value in these classes. I was surprised at the number of black belts who attended the "beginner class." I bet if these continue, there will be more and more of them.<br /><br />This week, Steve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Pimsler</span> will teach another one. I'm very sad to say I won't be able to attend. I have a rare commitment on Saturday. Steve is also a fabulous teacher.AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-88243308343589232472009-03-29T05:02:00.002-04:002009-04-20T07:40:55.919-04:00Aikido body armor?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFeINbuSpHplhS0JuDK4kd3WispcGVX30t8Ykk651alFQK-8ZaBlhCPgN4bMeGbuYcp1C8XRSPXxArwDMxDS-qQ5fKL_3Kh67XDVM3EpmZbb80dwfK-l7Re89EJEJjZnu4QXc/s1600-h/body-armor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFeINbuSpHplhS0JuDK4kd3WispcGVX30t8Ykk651alFQK-8ZaBlhCPgN4bMeGbuYcp1C8XRSPXxArwDMxDS-qQ5fKL_3Kh67XDVM3EpmZbb80dwfK-l7Re89EJEJjZnu4QXc/s320/body-armor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318908857874639698" border="0" /></a>I've wondered before when did I get old, but it seems like the process is accelerating.<br /><br />I remember when I started aikido, I noticed the older guys in the dojo had a series of taping, bracing and padding they would go through before any class. I remember thinking at the time, "Boy, if I'm a careful student, that won't happen to me." Of course, this can only be seen now as <span style="font-style: italic;">quaint</span> sentiment.<br /><br />It all started with some mild repetitive stress in my elbow, ironically, not aikido related (those computers will kill ya), and I applied an elbow brace to combat it. Unfortunately, I think I over used the brace for a few days because suddenly, I developed upper back pain in that arm's shoulder.<br /><br />Unlike the elbow pain, this was completely debilitating. It felt like someone had inserted a knife in my shoulder blade. Those of you familiar with back pain will know how ever-present it is, but for me it was a new experience.<br /><br />After a course of acupuncture, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tui_na">tui na</a>, electrical stimulation of the meridians and -- most importantly -- rest, I've managed to subdue the pain, but it was tough going for a while.<br /><br />I was able to return to the mat on Saturday, and the shoulder held up well, but I immediately tweaked my knee! Just poor footwork on my part. I'll plead the 2-week hiatus took me out of proper form.<br /><br />So Sunday I found myself dressing for class, I put on a fairly heavy duty knee brace on my left knee, and a lesser on on my right. Elbow pad on one arm and tape for my bruised finger on my other. I suddenly realized I'd become one of the "old guys" I derided early in my aikido career.<br /><br />The next step is <span style="font-weight: bold;">total body armor</span> -- maybe a kind of modern-samurai with a dash of medieval...AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-4916736818822723902009-03-09T04:38:00.004-04:002009-03-09T05:11:08.279-04:00Kaiten nage<object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NwYh5AHHuPY&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NwYh5AHHuPY&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object><br /><br />I haven't hasn't been blogging for a while -- and that's to my detriment.<br /><br />Blogging helps helps to solidify the concepts learned in the dojo. Giving them some sort of expression, or rather <span style="font-style: italic;">the process</span> of giving them expression, seems to clarify and reinforce the lessons learned.<br /><br />A lot has happened in the past few months, but I'm at a loss to list them now. Well, I passed my third kyu test. That's an easy one.<br /><br />As usual, I was nervous and overanxious before the test. I was particularly worried about kaitennage ura (see above video) for some reason. I had prepared, but not as much as I would like and felt a bit overwhelmed. Even so, I decided to go for it and see what would happen.<br /><br />For the test, I was partnered with a guy from Michael McNally's <a href="http://www.hobokenaikikai.com/">dojo in Hoboken</a>. I was lucky to get partnered with someone who knew the techniques and ukemi! (The memory of one fellow's test about a year ago kept haunting me. He just didn't know the techniques and Sugano-sensei stopped the test to call him out on it.) I can't remember my partner's name now, but he did well.<br /><br />One scary moment, though, was when I was thrown during kaitennage. I came within an inch of the table Sugano and Mike Abrams senseis sit at when conducting the test! I just saw it go by out of the corner of my eye. The next day, I ran into Mike. He said some nice things, to which I answered, "Well, the best thing I did was not hit the table!" He said he put his hand over the corner to offer some protection as I went by. Honestly, I hadn't seen it. Just thinking about it makes my temple hurt!<br /><br />Anyway, getting past that, things seemed to have gone well for everyone. The second and first kyus looked pretty good. Soon-jun, in particular, impressed the Aikipenguin.<br /><br />After the test, as I do after every test, I swore to myself I'll prepare better next time. Maybe this time I will.<br /><br />A check of the calender tells me I can test in November if I go over 5 days per week. We'll see if I can make that happen!AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-11942941699289858922009-01-02T01:32:00.004-05:002009-01-02T02:03:33.982-05:00A goalless goal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAmfLlqNUw-kSpMJCrgH4R_vEhDQE3au2KHO01e2rLp8NUGE9LHaKtQDeCsUMRjdBMPfRfHE9OP9VyYXbDbY9Y-j6rOkll5AkNsaYyvSI1U7ffUrcsxRQbNXQmsGfGeBdBuG0/s1600-h/ganbare.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAmfLlqNUw-kSpMJCrgH4R_vEhDQE3au2KHO01e2rLp8NUGE9LHaKtQDeCsUMRjdBMPfRfHE9OP9VyYXbDbY9Y-j6rOkll5AkNsaYyvSI1U7ffUrcsxRQbNXQmsGfGeBdBuG0/s200/ganbare.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286586245621314818" border="0" /></a>All my life, I've always been driven to be the best at whatever I took seriously. Sometimes I even made it, or pretty close, but at least I always strove to work as hard as I could. When the Japanese are about to do something, they don't wish each other luck, they say rather, "Gambate!" which means to "Do your best!" I admire those who always strive for perfection.<br /><br />Of course, there's nothing wrong with being driven and I don't plan on changing my ways any time soon. However, this sort of thinking can be over done and lead one into the trap of competitiveness.<br /><br />I no longer care for being "the best" at something. I only care that I am doing <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> best. Which is a subtle but significant difference. One promotes the ego, the other may take it down a few pegs.<br /><br />I know I should strive to not only do my best, but rejoice in the accomplishments of others. There is no need to prop myself up by putting others down.<br /><br />Of course, I don't always succeed in this, but when I fail and catch myself with envious thoughts, I'm able to center my mind and bring myself back to a more quiescent state about the whole thing.<br /><br />For a guy who has lived his life in unbridled desire <span style="font-weight: bold;">to win</span>, this is an improvement.<br /><br />There is a peace and beauty in letting the other guy have his moment in the sun, too...<br /><br />The famous motto of Osensei, "Masakatsu Agatsu", contains the essence of the spirit of Aikido: "True victory is victory over the self."AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-53337759745143551412008-12-16T02:49:00.007-05:002008-12-16T06:45:50.063-05:00Forging the sword<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilRffwbFSI-SLTw2f_6PRq8uNpBzeCZJX4HNFwDeBAkTQmNLfaaFAiCx7BDJs7ZZeVtTGwae-zp3PFNwgreRI72_DyQF0AxDQrVDB1gHBsV_bOKXzWaJd6G1WZ723xx4k7uv5/s1600-h/fsword.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilRffwbFSI-SLTw2f_6PRq8uNpBzeCZJX4HNFwDeBAkTQmNLfaaFAiCx7BDJs7ZZeVtTGwae-zp3PFNwgreRI72_DyQF0AxDQrVDB1gHBsV_bOKXzWaJd6G1WZ723xx4k7uv5/s400/fsword.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280352800625693634" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"></span><blockquote><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Iron is full of impurities that weaken it; through forging, it becomes steel and is transformed into a razor-sharp sword. Human beings develop in the same fashion.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />-- Morihei Ueshiba</span><br /><br /></blockquote>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-5346787604206919832008-12-07T02:12:00.007-05:002008-12-07T02:42:10.271-05:00NY Aikikai Christmas seminar 2008<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A few folks have asked for a detailed schedule for the upcoming Christmas seminar at the NY Aikikai, which will take place on Saturday Dec. 20 and Sunday Dec. 21. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One day, $50. Two days $80.</span></span></span><div><br /></div><div><table border="1"><tbody> </tbody><tbody> <tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Time</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Rank</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Instructor</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Saturday</span></td> <td></td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>10-11</td> <td>Mixed</td> <td>Steve P.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>11-12</td> <td>Kyu</td> <td>Yamada</td> </tr> <tr> <td>12-1</td> <td>Dan</td> <td>Yamada</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1-2</td> <td>Dan</td> <td>Sugano</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2-3</td> <td>Mixed</td> <td>Sugano</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3-4</td> <td>Mixed</td> <td>Harvey</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4:15</td> <td>Dan Tests</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>7:30</td> <td>Party</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sunday</span></td> <td></td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>10-11</td> <td>Mixed</td> <td>Yamada</td> </tr> <tr> <td>11-12</td> <td>Mixed</td> <td>Yamada</td> </tr> <tr> <td>12-1</td> <td>Mixed</td> <td>Sugano</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1-2</td> <td>Mixed</td> <td>Sugano</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2-3</td> <td>Mixed</td> <td>Donovan</td> </tr> </tbody><tbody></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-1656090466927858292008-12-02T03:59:00.013-05:002008-12-02T06:45:26.807-05:00Atemi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrZCt1WBk6ZyWG6WSzmfe9eFWXRsFULmKCq6qglONxC5DrG3MZ3BSuaq4mKIwb22dxRCNBY8CuitAnipczL-jQ5gRgRRMworTsg6Kk6hAz38RkPFdrxV5AEjjcRSAcwrYOlo_/s1600-h/atemi5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrZCt1WBk6ZyWG6WSzmfe9eFWXRsFULmKCq6qglONxC5DrG3MZ3BSuaq4mKIwb22dxRCNBY8CuitAnipczL-jQ5gRgRRMworTsg6Kk6hAz38RkPFdrxV5AEjjcRSAcwrYOlo_/s400/atemi5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275138858070684898" border="0" /></a><br />The vast majority of aikido techniques have an atemi (strike) in them somewhere. (I've heard it said that there is <span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >always </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">an atemi available somewhere.) Often we allow the atemi to be de-emphasized in the dojo. I think this is a serious mistake.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />The raison d'être of atemi is usually given as a "covering" move for nage. Especially in irimi moments, nage may be open to attack. The atemi, then, gives uke something to deal with instead of having the opportunity to reinforce his attack.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">This may very well be true. </span>However, I think it's less than half the story.<br /><br />The compelling reason for an atemi is to disrupt uke at the moment nage will apply a technique. This is crucial against a skilled opponent.<br /><br />Aikido is usually described as a "blending" with the opponent's attack. The matching <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjF2kRAbj1WppL7hBA2y0awmHbqtyGe3bnG31vDvL4s5uc5F-1uzCPHq9ZltcYMFJPE_wRkfvbYu8sd9IWlCXMug2O1XY_0VMknadLdhoQ_I_jdOD0_04DzfuJhAptDeDLNba/s1600-h/atemi3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjF2kRAbj1WppL7hBA2y0awmHbqtyGe3bnG31vDvL4s5uc5F-1uzCPHq9ZltcYMFJPE_wRkfvbYu8sd9IWlCXMug2O1XY_0VMknadLdhoQ_I_jdOD0_04DzfuJhAptDeDLNba/s320/atemi3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275139059098527634" border="0" /></a>of uke's direction, speed and timing is meant to unbalance uke and allow a technique to work. True as that may be in theory, this pollyannaish approach wouldn't hold up under all conditions. Even if an aikidoka executes a perfectly timed technique at speed, there is one other consideration not often dealt with in the dojo: What if the attacker has a stronger center, is much more firmly rooted and possesses a superior ki flow than the aikidoka? What if he is more relaxed, calm, and focused? In other words, the attacker is a high level martial artist.<br /><br />Well then, without something to change the equation, blending with that punch and pulling off an effective kotegaeshi would then come down to which one has the most ki happening at that moment? (Of course, we are assuming the aikidoka can execute a perfect technique, with enough speed and perfect timing -- leaving the Aikipenguin out of the discussion entirely.)<br /><br />I don't think this is an acceptable state of affairs. After all, if we are practicing a martial art is designed to peacefully end conflict, we should be able to do that with a degree of confidence.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt62SiLE_gtZSu-OMM-Rk7zn2-G_OWBzjuhTT_WD5s3W6jyYUMLZHas9fztmfRydPIR1Z7j_dOQMEBtCGTdmVG9F3LLVGgNK8vkCl65eGSjV4HHxu0csUVvsXLoU0JfBYDRMJ4/s1600-h/atemi1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt62SiLE_gtZSu-OMM-Rk7zn2-G_OWBzjuhTT_WD5s3W6jyYUMLZHas9fztmfRydPIR1Z7j_dOQMEBtCGTdmVG9F3LLVGgNK8vkCl65eGSjV4HHxu0csUVvsXLoU0JfBYDRMJ4/s320/atemi1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275139446548411570" border="0" /></a><br />The solution, ironically enough, is a bit of aggression! A well placed and timed atemi will disrupt the opponent's <span style="font-style: italic;">energy flow</span> as well as his concentration and attention. This is very important as that will then allow the now <span style="font-style: italic;">more energetically coherent </span>aikidoka to successfully apply the technique.<br /><br />Note the difference between a skilled attacker and one who simply resists the technique. An opponent who resists is not all that unusual, even in an aikido dojo. It often takes years for uke to soften up, in the meantime, resistive partners offer plenty of opportunity for practice, even in the best dojo. By definition, a skilled aikidoka will have more energy at his disposal than a resistive attacker and should be able to handle him with relative ease.<br /><br />Osensei has been quoted as saying "Atemi is 90 percent of aikido." <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpGtUoJtmwMc3TW2v-YsGiF2rdROplrDSKRkGflXfcHtM23wOpT1sQ30XeZtpHUSJ9ZNZn8rsqu8npeY7pd-S1FKas3QzCC5pMHWSU-DozUUSEVWcVVw_CzS6090cZUrboRZT/s1600-h/osensei_ATEMI.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpGtUoJtmwMc3TW2v-YsGiF2rdROplrDSKRkGflXfcHtM23wOpT1sQ30XeZtpHUSJ9ZNZn8rsqu8npeY7pd-S1FKas3QzCC5pMHWSU-DozUUSEVWcVVw_CzS6090cZUrboRZT/s320/osensei_ATEMI.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275138578345509426" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I think to many people, as it was to me, that seems to be just another one of Osensei's perplexing statements and is soon put aside without making much sense of it. I now am not so sure about that. I think a man with his martial experience and skill would know as a matter of course how vital it was to disrupt his attacker's flow and rhythm. (It is also said he had a devastating kiai.)<br /><br />By the way, this discussion shouldn't presuppose a passive nage who just waits for the attack -- but that is a discussion for another day.</span>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-70066835183504172862008-11-28T08:02:00.003-05:002008-11-28T08:17:23.752-05:00A link?Well, about a bazillion things to say, martial arts wise, this week. I'll spare you most of them.<br /><br />Aikido gives me the framework to address taiji and taiji gives me lots and lots of new ways to think about aikido. It's a very cool kind of reciprocal relationship.<br /><br />As posted earlier, I'm finding the hip joint (kua) to be more and more related to what's going on. I'm playing with it and testing it daily.<br /><br /> On the one hand, it seems to be a source of power. This makes sense for, among a number of reasons, it's pretty close to the Dan Tien. On the other hand, I'm also starting to feel the kua as merely a link between my center and the ground.<br /><br /> Briefly, during push hands the other night -- just a moment or two -- I felt absolutely rooted. Looking back on it now, I seem to sense that the center (Dan Tien/Kua area) was not the source of power but the conduit of it (if that makes any sense). In my mind's eye at least, the source of power seems to have been the earth. My center, which I had always thought as the "main thing," was just my main link in that chain.<br /><br /> That would mean we don't ever really own this ki, we just make use of it. Even if, on one level, we produce it or store it. On another, we are just manipulating the energy that is available in the universe. The better we are at doing that, the more ki we seem to "have," but in fact, we don't possess it at all. I guess we just make use of it for ever longer periods of time as we improve our skills.<br /><br /> In aikido, I am also feeling more in the flow of things. I think during these moments, mindfulness of the balls of my feet starts to take over from mindfulness of the center. It's sort of like the feet are at one end and the torso/head are at the other and the center connects the two and makes them come alive.<br /><br /> I'm not sure if this idea is correct or even really important, but it was a flash of something, anyway. I'll figure it out sometime.AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-6430193563964800852008-11-23T06:46:00.000-05:002008-11-24T07:32:11.887-05:00Confluence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLC6OU5f1g9KEnrizPiApdXoy-v1OigazM48bEJoUSYp3zETxLEai3sXVcoObvkP6T6FvrwPyuCnB9YvFL6-e9CDMtl_p-NJurtunGRBVtY7-1LhpU0qGGVIkfzD3CdAvoxkQ/s1600-h/confluence.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLC6OU5f1g9KEnrizPiApdXoy-v1OigazM48bEJoUSYp3zETxLEai3sXVcoObvkP6T6FvrwPyuCnB9YvFL6-e9CDMtl_p-NJurtunGRBVtY7-1LhpU0qGGVIkfzD3CdAvoxkQ/s400/confluence.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272194207800440466" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Things are starting to come together.<br /><br />I decided to start tai chi because I believed and hoped it would improve my aikido. The fact that I am starting to love it as a marvelous art in it's own right is a bonus.<br /><br />Practically every day I'm gaining new insights into aikido from tai chi. Now that I'm starting to understand the kua (hip joint/region) a little and how to "energize" and "release" it, I am wasting no time putting this knowledge into aikido to the best of my ability.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTj6DnAjV5yDsKVCvBA4r2hfRLMQbYyEM0yGUQ1ObOot_7e_UcbMebKxZvl0t51-sAybY9-C_cgWfmB8B6CMhNJjEUnan46Lrgh-U8zT53AigPYmhphAopC88VU4uJEYPSMFw/s1600-h/kua.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTj6DnAjV5yDsKVCvBA4r2hfRLMQbYyEM0yGUQ1ObOot_7e_UcbMebKxZvl0t51-sAybY9-C_cgWfmB8B6CMhNJjEUnan46Lrgh-U8zT53AigPYmhphAopC88VU4uJEYPSMFw/s320/kua.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272197956849945314" border="0" /></a>This joint/area is not one we pay much attention to in the West. According to Rick Barrett, there are not many nerve receptors in this area so we may not be as aware of it as other joints. I also heard this area is not easily injured, making it even easier to ignore.<br /><br />Releasing the kua occurs in the moments when one wants to send the ki/qi down. It's basically relaxing and closing the joint. Now that I'm looking for it, I'm finding lots of such moments in aikido -- and not just the obvious ones.<br /><br />This is how the sempai are able to create that drawing power, I think. It's the kind of thing that, once you are caught in it, you can't get out. These moments are extremely brief and easy to miss, which is probably why I had missed them up until now. In tai chi, the time over these moves is expanded, which makes the subtle points easier to notice and focus on. (Note I didn't say easy.)<br /><br />Energizing the kua is just the opposite. It is done in moments when the energy is activated (used, extended) in the body and technique. CC Chen says this starts from the toe. You know, it works in a kind of cool way? Thinking of a throw coming from the "center" certainly has helped me. But now, the energizing of the kua has begun to make it more powerful. It gives the throw a rotational quality that is pretty powerful. I think this is how guys like Luke Machado can throw with such explosive force with out much lateral movement, which had always stumped me. I'll be working with this more to find out for sure.<br /><br />Speaking of CC Chen, he was explaining about switching the energy from the toe, energizing the kua at a point in the form, when he said, "Of course, this is how it looks in the form." Then he walked over to the wall. "On the street, it's like this," and he gave a vertical mat some pretty explosive punches -- <span style="font-style: italic;">fa jing</span>, the explosive expression of energy. It would be impressive at any age, but I believe the man is 73. Wow.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-91219309613905808022008-11-19T07:14:00.005-05:002008-11-19T07:49:21.014-05:00Irimi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvunXHHXM5V1NbqcPBgGvREg5UehDd4eLtpo4_UwjakR8jiPW1dvWZXTuHdZQToo_08dgfeKxA6AlEh9VekhLpG1U0p6fWBVip2NIF767rPXwHFHcfHr9aPpKSfM0S5fcyoZ07/s1600-h/irimi-santo-mirco.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvunXHHXM5V1NbqcPBgGvREg5UehDd4eLtpo4_UwjakR8jiPW1dvWZXTuHdZQToo_08dgfeKxA6AlEh9VekhLpG1U0p6fWBVip2NIF767rPXwHFHcfHr9aPpKSfM0S5fcyoZ07/s320/irimi-santo-mirco.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270348115309148530" border="0" /></a>We've had a string of very excellent classes at the Aikikai. In the past three days, I took classes with Keith, Sugano-sensei, Donovan Waite and Junya.<br /><br />We did lots of weapons work over the weekend, which I'm coming to appreciate more and more. Whatever we do with our hands (taijutsu) has an innate heritage in weapons technique. So the practice reinforces basic aikido fundamentals with the added benefit of extending ki a bit farther out than one's hand. (Which should be done anyway!)<br /><br />We did a henkawaza in Sugano-sensei's class which I hadn't done before -- reversing nikkyo into sankkyo. That was interesting. A technique can be reversed when it is not being applied properly, often with some degree of "muscle" or tension. I need to figure out when nikkyo can be reversed and when it can't so I can be sure to do it correctly. That case didn't seem to be about tension as much as clean technique. I have to work more with this.<br /><br />Donovan's class was just fun. Surprisingly, he kept it pretty basic. The man is just amazing to watch. Great form and power! I wound up in a group with Indra, she's always a pleasure to work with. We did some good ukemi practice, too. At one point, I had misunderstood what we were to do and he grabbed my by my shoulder to manhandle me into the correct position. The man is strong.<br /><br />I was partnered with a visiting student from Europe in Junya's class. We were doing lots of yokomenuchi-irimi. My partner had an odd sense of timing and distance for it. He just came in too close and too soon. It is interesting how these things have become part of my nature. When something isn't done properly, it just doesn't feel right and the counter just appears.<br /><br />He was pretty new, so I tried to mention it to him, but he seemed rather enamored with his approach. I even showed him once or twice how I hadn't even begun the attack yet, so I was in no way committed to the yokomen. I even threw him when he came in yet again too soon. Nothing I did, though, made a dent in this guy's irimi, so I gave up. I tried to be helpful, but I'm not the instructor. In fact, I'm talking less and less these days. Someday, someone who he may listen to will show him and that's fine. I never had that attitude, though, and I think it has served me well in the dojo. Even if I initially disagree with something someone tells me, I will think twice about it. The thought process is usually "So-and-so has been here many years longer than me. There must be some reason he said that." So, I'll try to find it. If I can't, I'll ask someone I respect about it (like Mike Jones). I won't just ignore it when someone is trying to be helpful.<br /><br />European guy was a nice enough, otherwise, and it was a good practice. I'm feeling pretty good these days.AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-60345813589281229472008-11-17T04:15:00.000-05:002008-11-17T04:16:20.539-05:00I'm not the only one who has bad days...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jj.am/gallery/d/62560-1/roofsurf.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 242px;" src="http://jj.am/gallery/d/62560-1/roofsurf.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-2244545843166937812008-11-15T20:26:00.006-05:002008-11-17T04:59:51.763-05:00Aikijo and Iron<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8ZiAVA_Y7Hf9UpNqXM58k48vfSOARwCrZ2BF81kMvsu9zwl7B4LhutELteb8ON8j6UuNLdrAmwa9LMJXI0qIPF1UBV9maB7nui77B7O0E9EOtLliK78CvKzAt5_hob7VbRMi/s1600-h/Jo_Osensei.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8ZiAVA_Y7Hf9UpNqXM58k48vfSOARwCrZ2BF81kMvsu9zwl7B4LhutELteb8ON8j6UuNLdrAmwa9LMJXI0qIPF1UBV9maB7nui77B7O0E9EOtLliK78CvKzAt5_hob7VbRMi/s320/Jo_Osensei.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269562592169773602" border="0" /></a><br />I woke up late and came horribly late for Doug Firestone's class on Friday. I can't seem to get the knack of Fridays, never on time.<br /><br />I hadn't seen Doug for a few weeks, so I was surprised to see he had a full beard. He said he grew it for Halloween. He should keep it.<br /><br />We did some jo work, which was very good -- especially the shihonage. An excellent class, though it was too short for me!<br /><br />Saturday began as a typical morning. I slid in next to Mike Jones to get a good practice. For the second time Chris came later and joined us, which was fine. Then Mike Abrams arrived and fetched me, the odd man out of the trio at that moment.<br /><br />I really like practicing with Mike Abrams. He's always very helpful and a good sport, all around. However, sometimes I have to say, he just doesn't know his own strength.<br /><br />Don't let me exaggerate too much. He's been around a very long time and would never hurt a fly. So there is no fear. However, the man is made of iron. And he can be a lot to handle. If he doesn't like what nage is doing -- say he feels some tension in his partner -- and decides not to move, <span style="font-weight: bold;">nothing </span>on this earth can move him.<br /><br />I've been thinking a lot about rooting lately. Well, He just puts roots <span style="font-style: italic;">deep </span>into the ground. On the other hand, if you have a hold of him, and he wants to put you somewhere, good luck trying to stop that. An irritable force. Like trying to pull a moving locomotive to a stop. Good luck with that.<br /><br />Despite all of that, or perhaps because of it, it is always a treat to partner with him. He's invariably generous and helpful with his advice, though sometimes he'll make you work for it.<br /><br />He had me in katatetori, and I just couldn't budge him. I tried several times, until I finally said, "Well, I tried relaxing, extending and turning... I'm out of options." Sure enough he showed me my error (hard to describe) and then I was able to do the technique. He's always great for that.<br /><br />After a while, Luke came in, so we were three again, and that was also good. It was interesting alternating between the two partners: Iron Mike and a bit softer, but still tough (and fast) Luke. Had to make adjustments...<br /><br />A good class all around.AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-44837652357185422012008-11-13T07:16:00.009-05:002008-11-13T08:20:31.927-05:00Restoring balance to the universe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUE0AnNpWlkAWI51C5COqkStKnsAsm5HzTGJkpPs5n7BSith2TlBjFXchH8s14sPgI05oFmzjcG8ZrRyMDCTF4pTCIg3qhEtRXZ-9jRRa7kB_1q_s3GMFoscrZ1ri1ST6GD5c/s1600-h/universe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUE0AnNpWlkAWI51C5COqkStKnsAsm5HzTGJkpPs5n7BSith2TlBjFXchH8s14sPgI05oFmzjcG8ZrRyMDCTF4pTCIg3qhEtRXZ-9jRRa7kB_1q_s3GMFoscrZ1ri1ST6GD5c/s400/universe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268128209903037682" border="0" /></a><br />I didn't bring my A-game to tai chi class yesterday.<br /><br />Things started off OK. I woke up early and ate properly. Took my vitamins and hydrated myself. (I have a routine to prepare for aikido class everyday. Usually, lack of sleep or food will wear me down.) But when I got to class, I just couldn't start the engine. Oh well, someday it will be like flipping a switch, but not today...<br /><br />Even so, it was a good class. <a href="http://www.taichialchemy.com/">Rick Barrett</a> is one of those guys who was born to teach. He just loves it. He also has the ability to see the humor in life -- a very important and underrated skill, especially in the internal arts; it means he's on to something.<br /><br />And it may be a strange set of coincidences, but the guy just seems to read my mind. I've noticed whenever I have some kind of realization or "significant" thought, he will invariably bring up the topic, with no prompting from me.<br /><br />Over the past few days, I've been thinking a lot about yin and yang and how it applies to what I practice. In aikido, we're very good at teaching the yang aspects of the art: Lots of extensions, projections, flowing energy, movement, etc. But we're a bit less articulate on the yin side. I've noticed some higher-ranked sensei absorbing energy (not just moving around it), but it is rarely explicitly talked about.<br /><br />I remember I asked Eran Vardi about something he was doing to lower his center while in seiza (where one doesn't have the option of bending the knees), and he showed me a kind of sinking thing he did with his center. I thought it was kind of cool, and I knew it was important! I tried to do it a few times, sitting and standing, but promptly forgot it until recently.<br /><br />Now that sinking thing is something I'm trying to work into my tai chi form. I can see how that would be very applicable to aikido, too. Often we lower the center and I usually accomplish that (when I remember to do it) by bending my knees. That is fine. But I think if that's accompanied by this tai chi energy sink, it'll be a lot more effective.<br /><br />I was also thinking about the yin side of every technique we do. Basically, I think most times when we take uke's balance, we are doing it with yin to counteract the yang of the attack. Once kuzushi (<span class="style1809">the principle of destroying one's partner's balance) is achieved, the aikidoka then goes yang and applies a technique or throw.<br /><br />Think of a simple tenkan. Uke comes in. That's <span style="font-weight: bold;">yang</span>. Nage gets off line and pivots, that's <span style="font-weight: bold;">yin</span>, isn't it? It's a different dynamic, a different flow of energy. Once uke is off balance, he's now <span style="font-weight: bold;">yin </span>and the technique applied is <span style="font-weight: bold;">yang</span>.<br /><br />A properly executed aikido technique, therefore, restores balance to the universe. :) I'm sure this is the same for push hands or tai chi applications, but I don't really know those yet.<br /><br />So this is how my mind was ruminating over the past few days, when Rick made pretty much the same point in class last night (sans the <span style="font-style: italic;">balance-to-the-universe</span> part). It's not the first time such a thing has happened.<br /><br />Either Rick's picking up my wavelength, or I'm just making "obvious" conclusions as led by his instruction. I'm not sure which, maybe a bit of both. </span><span class="style1809">I'm just not going to be too surprised by it anymore. </span>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-64236714617358125132008-11-12T06:07:00.000-05:002008-12-12T06:08:08.124-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdVDIFpvdsbie8Zjw4tE_2QFaLHiWbjKqiDYoIaVW-dPo9uxl32e2ULOssJWT1DN_T22pcbLUiP03dhfhaSUgHoif_tQlhfm9j3SdbeaGtzkbq4foGRtbyjYwmTgQymR7mkto/s1600-h/Chakras2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdVDIFpvdsbie8Zjw4tE_2QFaLHiWbjKqiDYoIaVW-dPo9uxl32e2ULOssJWT1DN_T22pcbLUiP03dhfhaSUgHoif_tQlhfm9j3SdbeaGtzkbq4foGRtbyjYwmTgQymR7mkto/s320/Chakras2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278858705142654818" border="0" /></a>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-34668183772638330952008-11-10T06:42:00.008-05:002008-11-15T20:25:38.339-05:00In the Zone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwycSukucp6eQYbaofYLvZyV_mGFVzakCC6gZPGlF_8L_6fnnuvzXG1AbcP8mZjwkqsngnIw2T1DGQXHxTKz7CSuJOI_NO3Bg_Zz_CP5AXN8uMkdDYGo7hk4zLgmVY_wtkAt8j/s1600-h/tiger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwycSukucp6eQYbaofYLvZyV_mGFVzakCC6gZPGlF_8L_6fnnuvzXG1AbcP8mZjwkqsngnIw2T1DGQXHxTKz7CSuJOI_NO3Bg_Zz_CP5AXN8uMkdDYGo7hk4zLgmVY_wtkAt8j/s320/tiger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267009001441758130" border="0" /></a><br />A very busy weekend. Friday night, I attended a seminar by Rick Barrett entitled "From the Inside Out: Deepening Your Martial Arts' Practice" at the <a href="http://www.opencenter.org/">New York Open Center</a>.<br /><br />Rick is a popular tai chi instructor in New York and a renowned push hands champion. He has put all his years of experience into his very fine book, which was discussed earlier, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583941398?ie=UTF8&tag=theaikip-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1583941398%22%3ETaijiquan:%20Through%20the%20Western%20Gate%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=theaikip-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1583941398%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Taijiquan: Through the Western Gate</a>." Rick's seminar went through much of that material, with practical demonstrations and lots of class participation.<br /><br />Right off the bat, Rick told us how he liked to "give it all away," and not make a student suffer for many years before he'll share his insights.<br /><br />He then went through several demonstrations on what he calls "energetic coherence," which is basically the aligning of the otherwise chaotic energy flows in the body/mind. This is easily demonstrated by various push tests, which are similar to the routines the Ki-Aikido folks use to demonstrate the power of ki. I forgot to show Rick aikido's "unbendable arm," which is right in line with his methods. I'll have to mention it to him sometime. I'm sure he'd appreciate it if he hasn't seen it already.<br /><br />Participants learned how to use energetic coherence to increase their ability to hold their arm against opposing pressure. There was also much talk of rooting, with everyone learning how to use proper posture and energy flow to become much more stable. This is a sure way to be a hit at martial arts parties.<br /><br />All in all, it was a very enjoyable and instructive evening. Everyone seemed pleased with it.<br /><br />The next day, Ruth taught a nice class as usual. We focused on ushiro ryotedori attacks. I was able to use extra time needed going around nage to really stay focused.<br />Sunday's class was a real treat. Tobias taught in his clear, strong style, as always, and we again spent most of the time with ushiro ryotedori. I was partnered with a fellow who is a very good aikidoka, though he likes to practice a bit on the slow side.<br /><br />I have to say, that was just what I needed. Slowing up allowed me to put all the principles I've been trying to work on into practice. I was able to make sure I was centered, relaxed, extending with connection. Most of all, I'm having a great time on the balls of my feet! It has made a world of difference (at least in my own mind).<br /><br />Of course, I wouldn't want to practice that way all the time, but it's good to practice at varying speeds. The slower practices allows me to use my energy more in the way I'm supposed to (coherently, we might say), rather than being scattered when I am trying to control a maniac uke. Also, I am able to use my energy properly, rather than just trying to keep up the pace.<br /><br />Though I hate to say it out loud, I find myself a bit more "in the zone" these days. I think the tai chi is helping, just as I hoped it would. I'm looking forward to the future!AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-24614100809592181052008-11-05T06:54:00.005-05:002008-11-19T07:50:51.392-05:00SickThe Aikipenguin's not been himself. Since I took the sweaty class immediately followed by the drafty one I've been sick. I know, I'm a wimp. What can I tell you?<br /><br />Actually, I had just recovered from a cold, so that wasn't going to help. I will probably not make it into the dojo until Thursday... See you guys then.<br /><br />I know I'm hooked when even a few days away drives me nuts!AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-6899984246409102402008-11-03T04:36:00.004-05:002008-11-15T20:25:38.341-05:00A busy day in the cold<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ddv0uh8-H6Q&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ddv0uh8-H6Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />A hectic day at the dojo. It was a kyu testing day, and that means lots of people -- especially for the second class, which is immediately prior to the tests.<br /><br />The Aikipenguin didn't get to test, though. With the time off I took for injury, I was just a few classes short. That was a bummer, let me tell you. Well, the next tests are on February. I'll be there with bells on.<br /><br />Keith taught the first class. I had a great time in it. Jon was an excellent partner and we had a good time exploring the slightly unusual techniques together.<br /><br />We spent most of the time with <a href="http://www.aikiweb.com/wiki/Henkawaza">henka waza</a> (changing from one technique into another). Mostly katatetori. Though we did drift into yokomenuchi and shomenuchi. As an exercise, we did yokomenuchi shihonage to kotaegaeshi with just one hand. Which was quite interesting and instructive. The idea was to keep the connection, of course, and nage and uke both certainly have to for that to work. It was very cool.<br /><br />Lately, I've been reminding myself more to keep relaxed, centered, with good posture and just generally in the zone. I had some success during the class. Hopefully as time goes by, I won't have to remind myself so much and it will just happen naturally. That's the idea, isn't it?<br /><br />I was going to call it a day, but then I saw that Sugano-sensei was ready to teach the second class. Of course, he would be there to conduct the testing. So I decided to stay.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the mat was so crowded I spent most of my attention just trying to not smash into the people on every side of me.<br /><br />In addition, at some point during the class, I guess because it was so crowded, the windows were opened and the fans turned on. Now, there may have been a lot of bodies warming up the mat, but it is still November. Of course, I was standing right under a fan, and I found the draft very cold! I was just getting over a mild cold and I already feel it coming back, so it's straight to bed for me later today.<br /><br />After class, I caught a glimpse of the testing, but couldn't bring myself to stay for the third kyus. I knew I'd be green with envy. Whaddayagonnado? ;)<br /><br />Actually, I would have stayed if I could, but I had to get going. I hadn't even planned to stay for the second class as I had a busy day ahead.<br /><br />I guess I can't complain too much. At least I'm not like the poor guys in the video above doing aikido in the snow!AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-61159261483347205202008-10-28T07:08:00.012-04:002008-11-15T20:25:38.342-05:00Osensei and Lao Tsu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtwDe54EFv_lcCrpm2mOM1nvEy8WkR4ewoIZTH1dWifDk3ohEw0fDK6TQyTu60BJ0vvLNR4WczOUs1AZ24YRanJY4HYulqfK0xF_-KK4WMwd93w4XCDIzYZVkIMLrboAwT5ps/s1600-h/osensei_pray.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtwDe54EFv_lcCrpm2mOM1nvEy8WkR4ewoIZTH1dWifDk3ohEw0fDK6TQyTu60BJ0vvLNR4WczOUs1AZ24YRanJY4HYulqfK0xF_-KK4WMwd93w4XCDIzYZVkIMLrboAwT5ps/s320/osensei_pray.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262170344807668770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjErzowlX6Usk84tQTRdZf9dATewMu7F1UN6Sw4SDP3GY5jTC_ru68fTXneQ6cLYdzrJjBavZEOXPEcJ2jnJHW9eaAKFfGA8L5Xu5FVX7zk9jwGHzhFjNq7HGYQJ3N4Y1rla7/s1600-h/Laozi.PNG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjErzowlX6Usk84tQTRdZf9dATewMu7F1UN6Sw4SDP3GY5jTC_ru68fTXneQ6cLYdzrJjBavZEOXPEcJ2jnJHW9eaAKFfGA8L5Xu5FVX7zk9jwGHzhFjNq7HGYQJ3N4Y1rla7/s320/Laozi.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262169922383995634" border="0" /></a>I've been having lots of fun recently interpreting my aikido practice in relationship to t'ai chi ch'üan (henceforth "tai chi") principles. The more I try it, the more I'm sure there is nothing unusual about this approach.<br /><br />Aikido is littered with allusions to tai chi and Taoism. Both on the physical level of the waza and the philosophical level.<br /><br />Osensei's commentaries makes a lot more sense when viewed from the viewpoint of the Tao. I've been reading Osensei's quotes for a few years, Taoist philosophy for a lot longer than that, yet I never made the connection until I tried tai chi.<br /><br />Almost at random, I quote here from Osensei and from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Te_Ching">Tao De Jing</a>, written by Lao Tzu or the "Old Master."<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Osensei</span>:<br /><blockquote>"All things, material and spiritual, originate from one source and are related as if they were one family. The past, present, and future are all contained in the life force. The universe emerged and developed from one source, and we evolved through the optimal process of unification and harmonization."<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lao Tzu</span>:<br /><blockquote>Empty the self completely;<br />Embrace perfect peace.<br />The world will rise and move;<br />Watch it return to rest.<br />All the flourishing things<br />Will return to their source.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Osensei</span>:<br /><blockquote>Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.</blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lao Tzu</span>:<br /><blockquote>The sage experiences without abstraction,<br />And accomplishes without action;<br />He accepts the ebb and flow of things,<br />Nurtures them, but does not own them,<br />And lives, but does not dwell.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Osensei</span>:<br /><blockquote>All the principles of heaven and earth are living inside you. Life itself is the truth, and this will never change. Everything in heaven and earth breathes. Breath is the thread that ties creation together. When the myriad variations in the universal breath can be sensed, the individual techniques of the Art of Peace (aikido) are born.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lao Tzu</span>:<br /><blockquote>There was something undefined and complete, existing before Heaven and Earth. How still it was, how formless, standing alone and undergoing no change, reaching everywhere with no danger of being exhausted. It may be regarded as the mother of all things. Truthfully it has no name, but I call it Tao.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Osensei</span>:<br /><blockquote>Consider the ebb and flow of the tide. When waves come to strike the shore, they crest and fall, creating a sound. your breath should follow the same pattern, absorbing the entire universe in your belly with each inhalation. Know that we all have access to four treasures: the energy of the sun and moon, the breath of heaven, the breath of earth, and the ebb and flow of the tide.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lao Tzu</span>:<br /><blockquote>The ancient Masters were profound and subtle.<br />Their wisdom was unfathomable.<br />There is no way to describe it;<br />all we can describe is their appearance.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Osensei</span>:<br /><blockquote>Those who practice the Art of Peace must protect the domain of Mother Nature, the divine reflection of creation, and keep it lovely and fresh. Warriorship gives birth to natural beauty. The subtle techniques of a warrior arise as naturally as the appearence of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Warriorship is none other than the vitality that sustains all life.</blockquote><br />At first I tried to find quotes that can be directly compared with each other, but I realized that was trying to exert a force upon the process that wasn't necessary...<br /><br />If I ever feel really industrious, there is a paper in here somewhere.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Osensei</span>:<br /><blockquote>If you have not<br />Linked yourself<br />To true emptiness,<br />You will never understand<br />The Art of Peace. </blockquote>AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9125643.post-77013916438649581062008-10-23T03:23:00.009-04:002008-11-24T06:46:18.603-05:00The Tao of Budo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYu_jyXSGIYdgLlBA-miZPUwbfD5eLW60KTdoY38z8NUkHVk1PNkF0kEdAAcqOc0-J4ubpS8cVko8kRKvh9s0ttnJusqakQTYaCjht-8XrRCuA6DeXa-7eVk8_SDvtoFSesOj/s1600-h/Yin_and_Yang_smaller.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYu_jyXSGIYdgLlBA-miZPUwbfD5eLW60KTdoY38z8NUkHVk1PNkF0kEdAAcqOc0-J4ubpS8cVko8kRKvh9s0ttnJusqakQTYaCjht-8XrRCuA6DeXa-7eVk8_SDvtoFSesOj/s320/Yin_and_Yang_smaller.svg.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260249654125013394" border="0" /></a>It is interesting where the path will take you if you let it.<br /><br />I'm always looking for ways to improve my budo practice. One way I do this is to always be on the lookout for good books or other information. Now I know, no one ever learned a martial art from a book, but sometimes one can find good ideas.<br /><br />On this blog just last week, I had commented on ki cultivation and development and how I thought it was sometimes neglected in aikido practice. A few days later, I happened upon "Taijiquan: Through the Western Gate," written by <a href="http://www.taichialchemy.com/">Rick Barrett</a>. Well, this book addressed all the things I had been thinking about recently and a lot more, too. Though I'm "familiar" with a lot of the basic tenants of tai chi/qigong, "Western Gate" presented them in a very practical, down to earth manner that I found very useful.<br /><br />I usually look in these books to find some sort of "trick" I may be able to add to my repertoire. A new method of meditation, a phrase or two to get me thinking along new lines, etc. I was not prepared for Mr. Barrett's book, which was the kind of work that upends one's viewpoint and puts it down in an altogether new place.<br /><br />I say it's a new place, but at the same time, it is also a familiar one. Time and time again, while reading the book, I found myself thinking, "I always thought so," "I suspected as much," or even better, "I never thought of that, but it completely fits!" It is a rare treat when a book resonates to such a degree.<br /><br />Now here's where coincidence gives way to something else: Looking up Rick Barrett on the Net, I found that he teaches just a few minutes from my home. When things just come together like this, I suspect karmic forces are at work. I had to go to a class.<br /><br />At the very beginning, Rick began talking about qi flow, relaxation, and body alignment and posture. Sound familiar? Readers of this blog will know I've been hammering away at these very points. But he didn't just say, "do this" or "not like that," but he took the time to demonstrate the whys and wherefores of all the points he was making. Although I was very aware that all these things are correct, I can't say I understood the reasoning behind them until a few light bulbs went off last night.<br /><br />For example, I was amazed at the difference in my stability when I aligned my head properly; all the talk of posture lately, and I never even worried about my head. Also the dramatic difference in posture when standing on the balls of my feet -- and I thought I was standing on them already! We are always told the ball of the foot is the way to go in aikido.<br /><br />But the really great moment was when we were working on the form a bit. We were transitioning the weight from one leg to the other, keeping grounded. Suddenly I realized I was in the middle of a perfect aikido throw. (You know, the thing which has been driving me crazy lately?) I've blogged about poor posture and not being grounded more than once during the past few weeks.<br /><br />In the final analysis, aiki principles and tai chi principles are the same. I think this allied study will be very beneficial in a lot of different ways.<br /><br />I am reminded of something I heard Henry Kono-sensei say once. He got the chance to ask Osensei, "Why can't we do what you do?" Osensei simply answered, "That's because you don't understand yin and yang."AikiPenguinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18091691564527735637noreply@blogger.com1