Video-recording a class

We have started to record our randori and some of the throws. I feel it helps in seeing others and yourself. Sometimes you think you
did the technique wrong. But, after seeing it you realize you did it correct....

your one point...

how do you know you when you have your one point? ask yourself the following questions. are you more relaxed in all aspects of your life? is your aikido getting much better? are you dealing with stress better? you will know. i feel your one point continually grows stronger. it can sometimes regress. we need to constantly to be aware of our one point and constantly trying to improve it.

ki and shoveling your roof

with all this snow, i needed to remove some snow from my roof. at first i didn't want to get out on my roof, but when i couldn't find a roof rake. i knew i had to get up on it. i was lucking that i had good "ki". you need to be relaxed to do this dangerous task.

Sensei Tohei's "The Arts of Self Defense"

I just finished reading Sensei Tohei's book "The Arts of Self Defense". What a great book. If you take Aikido, you must read this book. It will provide you with a great insight into Ki and how it is used with Aikido. Even if you do not practice Aikido, you will enjoy the book. A true classic...

how many moves are there...

Last night at class, I was counting the techniques for a simple hand grab from a uke. I counted at least 9 different techniques. I think it's unlimited...

koichi tohei...aikido the arts of self-defense

i am currently reading a book written by tohei senesi. the book serves as the roots of aikido. my sensei studied unter tohei sensei. ki is such a part of aikido. i will report back after reading the book.

Knife attacks

Knife attacks can be scary. You must remain calm. If not, you will get hurt. Anticipating the attack is a must. You must have faith in your technique. You shouldn't look at the knife. You need to be aware of it but look at the whole attacker. Eyes will give you an indication of an attack besides body movement.

being soft

I recently attended a seminar. It was mentioned several times by the instructor about being soft. He said if your body is soft. It will be hard for someone to grab you. He showed us several techniques against softness/hardness. It was obvious of the benefits of being soft.

What is the perfect technique?

I have been thinking about this for awhile. I have finally realize all techniques can be the perfect. It depends on the attack, location, size of person attacking, time of day and many other variables. Any technique can be perfect...

Steven Stegal "The Lawman".....

I watched last Wed the "The Lawman". Wow, Aikido does really work in the real world. I knew it did but cool to see it for real. Steven has been a sheriff for 20 years. Now I understand why there has not been any new movies. The gun is an extension just like the broken........ cool

Training when injured...

It's so hard to know if it's okay to train when hurt. Our bodies tell us one thing while our minds tell us the truth. Or is it the other way. I am currently injuired with 2 bad knees. I will need surgery on one of them. My body told me not to train a few weeks ago . It was just impossible and unsafe. As time passed by, my mind is telling me that I can train but within reason.

The eyes...

Next time during an attack, watch the uke eyes. It's a dead give away when the attack is going to happen. Take a look and you will understand....

different kind of control

By relaxing during an attack, we are controlling our self. We relax, center your one point and then blend with the attack. You essentially need to control yourself so that you can control the attack. If you are not relaxed, you will not be able to control the attacker. It's a very interesting point to consider...

Kids in class

We have some young kids taking Aikido. I think it helps the experienced students in understanding the details of moves. The kids benefit too from the in-depth instruction. You need to visulaize the move before explaining it. We have the kids until September. Time will tell...

Being soft....

Why is it so difficult to be soft? My sensei mentioned to us that "don't wait until you are 80 to be soft". He is right. Being soft with ki, it is so perfect. I hope I will achieve it before I turn 80. He did show us the difference. It is truely amazing...

Sensei Tohei

I have read many articles and books about Sensei Tohei. I did some amazing things and was very good. He helped spread "ki" and aikido in the USA. My sensei trained under him in NY for many years. He stills tells us many stories about Sensei Tohei. It seems aikido has changed since Sensei Tohei taught it. Some people (our dojo) still do it as it was taught to my sensei. I guess the 60s weren't taht long ago...

How many moves are there

It very hard to calculate the number of techniques. It depends upon the person attacking, location of attack and nage mood. It's like a math equation...

Keep it simple...

I am starting to believe in the concept of keeping it simple. Basic moves done well should be enough to protect yourself. I am starting to believe that doing lots of techniques good is not as good as doing a few perfect...

KI and email...again

I was sent an email. This women was very negative in her comments. I responded positively to her. I knew she would change her mind. The benefits of using positive KI.

Kids and Aikido

Kids bring another aspect to training. You must be very soft and detailed when explaining Aikido moves. I think it helps in being a better martial artist. I guess time we tell....