Linda Eskin Writes About Aikido, Learning, Training, Discovery, and Connection
I happened to stumble onto this video via iTunes today. It’s part of a video podcast series on culture in Spain. It simply and elegantly answers “what is Aikido?” in terms anyone (non-practitioners) can easily understand. Nicely done. I recommend Full Screen mode (click the little monitor icon).
Make your own OSensei!
I’ve never “reblogged” anything, but this is too much fun to pass up. It’s a very cool little project from the Argentinian Aikido Organization, aikidoargentina.org. It was posted on a very cool blog, Zanshin Art. I can’t believe I wasn’t already following her posts. You might also want to. Enjoy.
“Your form was fine.” Sensei said when he came to discussing my 4th-kyu test. He was giving us each feedback in the post-exam circle of … Read more …
I keep forgetting and remembering important events on my Aikido path, and our organization doesn’t use kyu books. So before I misplace any entirely I … Read more …
Congratulations to everyone who tested today!
Here’s my 4th kyu exam. Plenty of hiccups and room for improvement, but I’ll take it. There’s always 3rd kyu, and 2nd, and … ;-)
Many thanks to Dodge and Jay for being my ukes, to Bill and R.A. for being such helpful and dedicated training partners, to Yuumi, for lots of jiyuwaza practice, to Jason Lim for being our mentor, and to Dave Goldberg Sensei. <rei>
Video, and generous moral support, by Michael Eskin. :-)
One of the aspects of Aikido we are constantly exploring is that if an attacker or body does not perceive a threat (such as a strong grab or hard block) they will naturally not react defensively (or at all). Staying relaxed and soft can help the other person become relaxed and soft, too.
This football play is a great example of this idea in action. The guy with the ball doesn’t tuck his head and charge through the line, instead he walks through like he has no place special to be. It’s so soft, relaxed, and casual the whole opposing team fails to perceive the threat – until he starts to run, and then it’s too late. Freaking brilliant. (And legal, too.)
My exam for 4th kyu is one week from today. I’m excited, and starting to feel almost ready. I have gotten so much from my practice … Read more …
