Linda Eskin — Writing About Aikido Since 2009

Instant coffee in a rinsed out yogurt cup. This is what happens when you’re up way too late talking with everyone about teaching ideas, Aikido politics in general bullshit.

I slept in this morning, unfortunately skipped the first class with Russell (which I was really looking forward to, darnit), and skipped going to breakfast, too. Working on finishing my song lyrics for tonight’s Aiki Follies, and then off to the first session with Frank Doran Shihan at 10:00. It’s supposed to be hot today (high of 91F), so drinking lots of water!

Robert Nadeau Shinan, Discussing Aikido in front of the gym/dojo at Feather River College, at the Aiki Summer Retreat, 2013.

Had the privilege of participating in an after-class discussion with Robert Nadeau Shihan, in front of the gym. Topics included the history and future of Aikido, what’s truly important about the art, dimensionality, potted plants, and much more.

Michael Friedl Sensei, doing an exersize very much like the “NO!” exercise we do it our dojo. He shared a great story about the younger sibling of one of the kids in his children’s class, using this technique on the kid’s mother, who was trying to catch the kid to change his diaper.

Friedl Sensei has a wonderful infectious enthusiasm. Very expressive teacher!

It’s going to be sunny and warm today — a high of about 75°. Should be lovely, with everything still wet from the rain the past few days. Temperatures go up between now and Saturday, it’ll be in the 90s then. So we’re going to enjoy the lovely weather while we can.

Lovely energetic, flowing class this morning with Linda Holiday Sensei. It’s cool this morning, but we’re already dripping sweat.

Time to head to breakfast, and to get some real coffee, not the instant stuff I added to hot tap water in the room.

Just finished a wonderful informal discussion with Francis Takahashi Shihan, About openness, curiosity, vulnerability, support, and beginner’s mind.