Checking In and Catching Up
A bit about Aikido training, teaching, writing, coaching, throwing, travel, nature, and ADHD. More in coming posts.
Linda Eskin - Grab My Wrist
From Nidan To Sandan — A Winding Path
Note: I do write actual books, both about Aikido and about fitness. But this isn’t a real book. There’s only Chapter 10. The rest is … Read more …
My 13th Aikiversary
May 5th, 2022 – Celebrating 13 years of Aikido. I started training on May 5th, 2009. It’s been a mind-blowing, breathtaking, life-changing, awesome experience. Endless … Read more …
FREE Aikido Technique Notes Worksheet
As I’m preparing for my upcoming sandan demo (third-degree black belt test) I’m reviewing all the blends and techniques I can think of. I’ve created … Read more …
Folks are Flocking to Aikido. This Could Be Why.
As we emerge from our long pandemic hibernation, stretching and blinking at the sunlight, many folks are taking up Aikido. New participants are trying classes, … Read more …
Pause… Settle… Presence and Patience Overcome Hurried Distraction
I recently revisited one of my very early posts, where I wrote about my experience in my first 6 classes. That reminded me of the … Read more …
Presence — Being in the Moment
This is the current draft of the chapter “Presence” from my upcoming book Aikido to Zanshin —26 Essays on the Martial Art of Peace, based … Read more …
Words for Aikido Weapons Take-Aways and Throws
The names for weapons take-aways in Aikido can be perplexing. The take-aways, or -dori, are easily confused with another set of techniques, throws, which end … Read more …
Outdoor Aikido Training, Part 2 — Dressing for Comfort and Safety
This is the second part of a two-part article. The first, from May 2021, was about options for shoulder pads or padded shirts, to make … Read more …
“New,” Not “Young” Students and Teachers
I humbly suggest that we do not need fewer earnest people teaching Aikido in the world. We should not be discouraging or excluding anyone who is eager to put in the work, develops an appropriate level of competence, and wants to share the art.
