Linda Eskin Writes About Aikido, Learning, Training, Discovery, and Connection
Linda Eskin - Grab My Wrist A few days ago I posted a note to myself on preparing for my upcoming 3rd kyu exam. My test is tomorrow morning. Here’s how … Read more …
Recently a teacher wrote a frustrated blog post about their students not training enough to really improve, not participating in seminars with visiting instructors, and … Read more …
Test Date: Saturday, 9 July, 2011,Test Time: Immediately following a 9 a.m. class Dear Self, You will have a happier day, and a more successful … Read more …
Training with Adam Fong at the Aiki Retreat, 2011. The whole week was amazing. Great training, great people, a great experience. Already planning to go next year.
You can see the whole Aiki Retreat Slideshow, by photographer Alex Kolbosov, here.
Saturday was very busy! Class, packing, brunch, a hundred hugs, and more packing. My hall-mate, Deb, and I finally got out at 3:00… only two hours late. I’m taking the two-day option, driving home – in Paso Robles now. Will be posting a lot more about the retreat after I get home (where I don’t have to post from my phone). Already looking forward to the 2012 Retreat!
[Added later: The return trip, down highway 101, with a few stops along the way, was 562.9 miles.]
Thursday, during Nadeau sensei’s class.
Another great day of training, plus rehearsing for the Aiki Follies, dinner off campus with friends, and hanging out way past bedtime taking about Aikido people, history, and teaching/learning. Tonight’s guest instructors were Denise Barry Sensei and Michele Simone Sensei. I really enjoyed their class.
Wednesday at the Retreat – the Aiki Store
The Aiki store is an informal open-air market that springs up for a few days in front of the dining hall at lunch time. One can buy videos, t-shirts, books, and a few other Aikido-related goodies.
Way too tired to write much! Enjoyed a great day of training, a hot shower, more good food, plotting some Follies fun for Friday,, and Nadeau Sensei’s energy class in the evening. Ran into some familiar faces after class and spent a couple of very pleasant hours chatting about training, what Aikido means to us.
Off to bed while I can still get 6 hours of sleep!
Tuesday
Long, fun, amazing day. Here’s the quick version: Eat, train, train, eat, train, train, laundry, eat, train. Then stay up ‘til the wee hours talking with dorm-neighbor and evil twin, Deb, and plotting Aiki Follies skits with her and David.
Tonight’s guest instructors were Calvin Koshiyama Sensei and Jack Wada Sensei.
I’d write more, but it’s after 1:00, and 7:00 comes early! G’ night!
