Linda Eskin Writes About Aikido, Learning, Training, Discovery, and Connection
Linda Eskin - Grab My Wrist 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 …
I ran across this quote recently, and quite liked it, especially in light of some recent conversations about Aikido. At first it seemed in line … Read more …
I was benched by a cold tonight. Darnit. And Tuesdays are my favorite nights, too. Waah! Not too a big deal, I know. It will … Read more …
I am posting this one, also by “mdejoya”, especially for Sensei, who has observed that (ahem…) some of us talk too much. I promise I will keep this in mind when training. ;-)
This is brilliant. I haven’t run into anyone quite like this yet, but a few who definitely reminded me of this scenario. Kudos to “mdejoya” on YouTube, who created this.
I don’t go out with the idea of seeing an elk, bear, mountain lion. If I go out and keep my expectations in check I always see something interesting … It’s a huge country. It’s just unimaginably rich with what you can see hear, smell and remember if you open yourself up to the adventure.
