Aikido

June 3, 2019: San Diego Martial Arts & Community Center Anniversary Seminar
From: Lisa Tomoleoni posted on 8. May 2019, 01:27pm
URL: http://www.sandiegomacc.com/2019-fundraiser.html

June 3, 2019, San Diego, CA: The San Diego Martial Art & Community Center is celebrating our 1st Anniversary with a fundraising seminar! Try or watch Intro classes for SIX different arts offered by some of our professional Instructors from 9 am-1:30 pm! Afterwards, we will hold a BBQ Pot Luck party until 4 pm! Training and the BBQ Potluck Party are family friendly, and all classes are open to beginners and/or those who have to adapt for any physical needs. Observers are welcome and the facility is non-discriminatory. The participating Programs are: Sound Vinyasa Yoga & Sound Healing with Guide John Jai, Jiai Aikido with Cat Strada Sensei & Lisa Tomoleoni Sensei, Misfits Martial Arts Academy No-Gi Jiu Jitsu with Coach Manny Garcia ***Snack Break*** Traditional Shotokan Karate of San Diego with Juan Balmaceda Sensei, San Diego BJJ & Judo Academy with Luciana Bassoli Sensei, Progressive Combat Solutions with Ken Good 1:15-1:30 pm Sound Vinyasa Yoga & Sound Healing with Guide John Jai 1:30-4:00 pm Potluck BBQ Party (Please bring something to share!) The San Diego Martial Arts & Community Center ("SDMACC") is a world class, incubator Training Dojo and Healing space where Coaches, Instructors, and Healers can easily open, expand, and/or grow their own programs…..This is where dreams are realized and futures made. Please join us and help support the SDMACC! See you June 2nd! Further information at www.SanDiegoMACC.com.

Submit an Aikido News Item

June 28-30, 2019: Aikido Shimbokukai USA Summer Seminar, Crystal Lake IL
From: Lisa Tomoleoni posted on 8. May 2019, 01:27pm
URL: http://https://www.aikidoshimbokukai.org/usa-summer-seminar-2019.html

Join us for our annual summer seminar, to be held this June at the Abiding Spirit Aikikai in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The seminar will be three days of training, fun, and friendship. Please take this opportunity to meet other Shimbokukai members, as well as folks from other organizations. The seminar will feature 18 hours of training, with instruction by four main top class instructors, supported by other Shimbokukai member instructors. Early Registration discounts until May 15, so don't wait too long! Dates: June 28-30, 2019 Location: The seminar will be held at Abiding Spirit Aikikai, 829 Virginia Rd, Suite D, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. ​ Main Instructors Lisa Tomoleoni Sensei, Director, Aikido Shimbokukai Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei, Boulder Aikikai, Boulder, Colorado Todd Jones Sensei, American Butokukan, Tampa, Florida Meido Moore Sensei, Shinjinkai, Chicago, Illinois As well as other Aikido Shimbokukai Instructors: TBD ​ All students of Aikido, regardless of affiliation, are invited to join us!

Submit an Aikido News Item

31st May - 2nd June, 2019: Toshiro Suga, 7th Dan Aikikai in Edinburgh
From: Scott Reed posted on 8. May 2019, 01:27pm
URL: http://www.edinburghaikido.co.uk

Toshiro Suga started aikido in 1968 in Tokyo. He moved to France in 1971 and was a senior student of Tamura Nobuyoshi Sensei. He teaches seminars worldwide and is returning to Edinburgh for his annual course. Please bring aikido weapons and insurance. Everybody is very welcome

Submit an Aikido News Item

Cognard Hanshi 8thDan in VA & CA (June 2019)
From: Andrea Debiasi posted on 8. May 2019, 01:27pm
URL: http://www.usa-seminar-kakkhh.com/

"Kokusai Aikido Kenshukai Kobayashi Hirokazu Ryu" (KAKKHR) and "Los Angeles Aiki Kai" cordially invite you to a series of June 2019 seminars with André Cognard Shihan 8th Dan (Hanshi, Dai Nippon Butoku Kai): Arlington, VA (June 10); Santa Ana, CA (June 13-14); Los Angeles, CA (June 15-17 & 21-23 & 26); Irvine, CA (June 18); Escondido, CA (June 19-20); Bakersfield, CA (June 24-25). All levels and affiliations are welcome. Check out the details in the dedicated Website: http://www.usa-seminar-kakkhh.com

Submit an Aikido News Item

Conversing In Silence

How many times are you going
to read all this stuff?
I mean, you always read stuff.
When does it end?
Are you that much smarter, now?

Well, I could say it is a process.
I am ignorant.
I am trying to learn how to BE
So, I read and read.
I study.

Yeah, I get that.
But, when does it end?

Think of it as a ladder, or,
if you are older, like me, an escalator.
One day I will no longer need to climb.
I will just sit
Just sit and be still
Bypassing all the learning
Bypassing all the processes
Actually trying to unlearn all my learning
To be unwise, as it were
And, BE there -- actually, be HERE

That's it?
That's what all this is about?

Well, yes and no.

What?!
Don't give me that mystical mumbo-jumbo.

I'm not trying to, but it's hard to explain.
Being-in-the-world is just the beginning.

To what?

Well, I'm sure when I reach that place
I will not have the words to explain it.

But, but….

Exactly…
Perhaps then, we both could just sit
and converse in silence, and be unwise
together

Falling Leaves

They say that death and sacrifice
Are necessary for life and well-being
That apoptosis - the falling leaves
Of programmed cell death
Lead to a harmonious life
Till?

Aug 3-4, 2019: Takao Arisue and Kayzua Nakamichi Sensei in Spotsylvania, VA
From: David McConnell posted on 17. Apr 2019, 11:52am

The Nishio Aikido Keikokai Northern Virginia Inaugural Nishio Aikido Seminar welcomes Takao Arisue Sensei (7 Dan Aikido) and Kazuya Nakamichi Sensei (7 Dan Aikido) guest Shihan from Japan August 3 and 4, 2019 at the Aikido in Fredericksburg Dojo, Spotsylvania, VA. POC for the Virginia seminar is Dave McConnell +1-540-645-0554, or email fudoshindojo2019@gmail.com. Arisue and Nakamichi Sensei will also be in New York, NY the weekend prior to this, July 27-28, 2019, hosted by Professor David James, GM Vee Arnis Jujitsu. This is Arisue Sensei and Nakamichi Sensei’s first visit to the United States, please help us welcome these two incredible Sensei from Japan. The venue for the Virginia Seminar is the beautiful Aikido in Fredericksburg Dojo, located at 6155 Hickory Ridge Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22551. Saturday August 3, 2019: 10:00am to 1:00pm and 3:00pm, to 5:00pm Sunday August 4, 2019: 10:00 am to 1:00pm Cost is $120.00 includes 2 days of seminar participation. $100.00 if registration fees are received by June 30, 2019. $85.00 for single day participation fee. Paypal: Fudoshindojo2019@gmail.com For further details, please contact Dave McConnell 1-540-645-0554 For details regarding the New York, NY seminar and venue please contact Nixon Frederick 1-347-535-2506, or email frednix147@gmail.com

Submit an Aikido News Item

Apr 27, 2019: WAAI 2019 O’Sensei Memorial Aikido Seminar in Newark, DE
From: Birte Feld posted on 15. Apr 2019, 06:39am
URL: http://www.aikidoda.org/dojo.html

World Aikido Aikikai Inc. and the members of its headquarters at Aikido Delaware Aikikai are happy to announce their Annual O’Sensei Memorial Seminar. Please join us in the 50th memorial celebration of the life and legacy of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. The event will start with a traditional Buddhist memorial ceremony led by WAAI Founder, Chairman, and Chief Instructor Rev. Zenko Okimura Shihan. After this, students and visitors are invited to Embrace Peace and enjoy the essence of O'Sensei's teachings through "skinship" classes, wonderment, and conversations with laughter over a bountiful potluck feast proudly hosted by ADA. Okimura Shihan will conduct WAAI yudansha testing for qualified candidates to demonstrate their sincere efforts and dedication to learning O'Sensei's Aikido. Adults: $80 (includes lunch and dinner on Saturday), Aikido Kids: free on Sat 11am to 12pm. All are welcome! Where: Aikido Delaware Aikikai, WAAI Headquarters, 667 Dawson Dr, Ste A, Newark, DE 19713; When: Sat, Apr 27 8.30 am to 6.00 pm (followed by potluck dinner); Sun, Apr 28 8.30 am to 10.30 am For more information visit www.AikidoDA.org or call 302-369-AIKI (2454).

Submit an Aikido News Item

Watahiki Yoshifumi, Student of the Founder, Passes Away
From: Carl Thompson posted on 15. Apr 2019, 06:39am

It is with great regret that I must inform the aikido community of the passing of Watahiki Yoshifumi Shihan. Born in 1937 in Iwama, Ibaraki Prefecture, Watahiki Sensei entered the aikido founder’s dojo in 1949 at the age of twelve. He is one of the last few aikido teachers in the world to have trained on a regular basis as a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba, over a period spanning twenty years. Rising to the rank of seventh dan, Watahiki Sensei taught aikido in the founder’s dojo (the present day Ibaraki Branch Dojo) as well as the children’s class in Iwama Budokan. For those of us who had the honor of knowing him, this is a devastating loss of an ageless, indomitable figure in former Iwama Town. He was always rushing around the dojo, repairing things, building things, cooking, cleaning and of course teaching, with a youthful vigor that left uchi deshi less than half his age struggling to keep up. He seemed superhuman to us, indestructible, and so his death comes as a great shock. He passed away on the morning of the 8th of April, 2019 at 81 years of age. after being admitted to hospital the week before for tests. It was discovered that Sensei had late-stage intestinal cancer. He leaves behind a large family, including many devoted aikido students. His traditional ‘tsuya’ vigil and funeral were held on April 11 and 12 respectively. People traveled from across Japan and as far away as the US to attend. He will always be in our hearts.

Submit an Aikido News Item

My name is Erik Calderon and I've been doing martial arts from the age of 5. When I was 20, I got this incredible itch to move to Japan and study martial arts full time.

In 1989 I went traveling to Mexico with my Dad. One night, he had some business to attend to, and I was left in the hotel to kill the time. I turned on the tv and a movie called, "Nico," was airing.

It was interesting, and I enjoyed watching it. I especially like the martial art that was highlighted in the film, Aikido. I knew nothing about Aikido, but from what I saw, it looked like fun.

When I got back to Boston, I looked up a few Aikido schools and started taking Aikido classes at Shobu Aikido of Boston under William Gleason.

I read every book I could find on Aikido and learned about it's history, it's culture and its philosophy.

Aikido was founded by a man named Morihei Ueshiba. He was born in 1883 and died in 1969. In 1926 he moved to Tokyo, Japan and opened up his dojo, the Aikikai World Headquarters. During World War II the dojo was closed and Morihei Ueshiba moved to Iwama and built a dojo there. It's important to note these two location, because they have developed into two distinct styles of Aikido, the Iwama Ryu and the Aikikai style.

Learning about the history of Aikido and Japan and how it influenced the development and ultimately the meaning of Aikido is very important to make note of. During the war, and Japan's loss, the martial arts as a whole changed in Japan. First off, during the US occupation, all martial arts were banned. This is about the time Morihei Ueshiba moved to Iwama and was able to continue his teaching and training in secret.

All arts transformed at this time, from "jutsu" (術 【すべ】 way, method, technique, means) for example, Ueshiba had trained in Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, to "do" (道 【みち】road-way, street, district, journey, course, moral) Aikido. This helps us understand how this word was shaped, from method or technique to way of life or path.

The Japanese language is structured differently than the English language. In English we typically have the Subject - Verb - Object structure, where as in Japanese the structure is Subject - Object - Verb.

This difference in language structure helped me understand, on a deeper level, what Aikido means and the practical applications of the techniques. Let's say that this is one of the hidden secrets of Aikido. Instead of me being an active participant in applying a technique, the subject, me and the object, my attacker are brothers and the technique is what comes last.

Let's take a look at the the word, Aikido (合気道.) The word is made up of three seperate Chinese Characters know as Kanji (漢字.) The first kanji - Ai - 合い means to fit, suit or join. We usually refer to this word as meaning harmony. The second kanji Ki - 気 - spirit; mind; heart​. We refer to this word as meaning spirit. And the last kanji - Do - 道 - road-way, street, district, journey, course, moral, teachings. We refer to this word as way.

So, translated into English, Aikido means, "The Way of Spiritual Harmony." But, what does that actually mean? The word has a deep philosophical meaning that transcends the literal meaning.

I've been doing Aikido for over 19 years, constantly thinking about what Aikido means and why I continue to pursue learning Aikido.

Constantly, I think about Aikido on three separate plains; the physical, the mental and the spiritual.

On a physical level, Aikido means the forging and training of the body. Constant and never ending physical exercise. Taking our bodies as far as they can go. And yes, that means being extremely physically fit. Training the body so that you can train all day long. Training the body so that even when you are tired, you can continue. Kind of like running a marathon. You need to constantly train the body so that you are at a level that, one, you can compete against the clock, and two you are physically able to run the marathon without injury.

This is a very important point to note. You do not train to injure yourself, but train in order to build the physical body to prevent injury and endure long training sessions.

On a mental level Aikido means that we are constantly studying and seeking for understanding on a philosophical level as well on a technical level of the movements of Aikido. While in Japan, I spent hours upon hours reading every book I could in order to understand what Aikido is. I studied the religions it's based on, I studied the people that wrote the books. I studied the philosophies of the time. Everything I could get my hands on, even fictional books. I enjoyed the novel, Miyamoto Musashi. This novel is a must read for anyone interested in martial arts. Musashi was a true figure and a legend of the sword in Japan. He also wrote, "The Book of Five Rings." And, another book I read about him: Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings.

One important point to make note of, you can always learn something and the deeper you dive into the learning, the deeper the pool of knowledge becomes.

On a spiritual level, Aikido means that we are working on values that add to and build our spirit:

Self-Discipline
Compassion
Responsibility
Friendship
Work
Courage
Perseverance
Honesty
Loyalty
Faith

I actually picked up these values from a book I read, "The Book of Virtues," by William Bennett while in Japan studying Aikido and they became a core essence of what I believe to be the important values that we can build while training in Aikido that will transcend into every aspect of our lives.

It's not easy training the spirit, it's such an unknown and hard to understand aspect of our lives. Exhaust yourself physically, never stop learning and that is the gateway to the spirit. And yes, the bible is a great book to read.

Although Aikido literally translates into, "The Way of Spiritual Harmony," it means a lot more than just that. Aikido is a martial art, or a fighting art. The techniques are designed to protect you from an attack. Interestingly what separates Aikido from other martial arts, is that the techniques are also designed to protect your attacker as well. This adds even more meaning to the word Aikido.

As you train, you will develop your own meaning, the harder and deeper you study, the more profound your understanding of the word Aikido will become.

Visit my website for more information: Aikido Houston

Of course, I'd like to say that it all depends on the instructor and where they learned Aikido. Throughout my years of training in Aikido in Houston, Boston, San Francisco, Austin, San Antonio, Arlington and in Tokyo, I've seen many different styles and systems of weapons being taught.

Essentially Aikido comes from three different arts, The Long and Short Sword, The Staff and Unarmed techniques; Kenjutsu, Jojutsu and Daitoryu Aikijuujutsu.

In 1991, after studying Aikido for a year at Shobu Aikido of Boston, I decided to move to Japan to further my studies and understanding of what Aikido is.

I read a lot of books on the idea of using weapons, and, studied and applied those ideas at the dojo in Boston under William Gleason.

When I got to Japan, taking classes at the Aikikai World Headquarters, also known as Hombu Dojo, I did not see nor take any weapons classes. I did hear a rumor that there was a class, but I never saw nor attended it. I was also a student of the Sophia Aikikai Club at Jochi Daigaku (Sophia University), but never experienced weapons training there as well.

I did take an apprenticeship from Kato Hiroshi, which did teach weapons. He taught them as he had learned from Morihei Ueshiba better known as O'Sensei, or Great Teacher. And, in every class, Kato Sensei would spend about 45 - 60 minutes teaching weapons. That's where I got a very strong basic foundation of the weapons and how they apply to everyday Aikido practice.

So, do we use weapons in Aikido? Yes, I do, but other dojos might not. I teach Aikido in West Houston, Katy and in Houston where I occasionally teach the sword and the staff. The important point being that the movements of Aikido be preserved through the movements while using weapons.

It kind of helps everything make sense, and although you'll probably never be attacked by someone wielding a sword, you will understand how the movement makes the technique very effective whether or not someone is holding a weapon.

Theoretically there are no kata's or forms in Aikido, nor in the weapons system that is taught, but, some instructors, in order to help students understand the movements and techniques, have come up with kata's.

Another very important aspect of weapons training in Aikido at our dojo in West Houston, Katy and in Houston, it creates the feeling of urgency. Your partner faces you with a wooden sword, about to strike you, you will feel the importance of blending in and not getting hit. Your movement and technique will have to be precise, or you'll get hit. And, getting hit with a wooden sword is very different than getting hit by a hand.

I enjoy the training with the weapons, and although I would like to incorporate weapons training in every class, sometimes I just run out of time!

Like the unarmed techniques in Aikido, Ikkyo, Nikyo, Sankyo, Yonkyo and Gokyo, the sword and staff directly reflect each technique, both Omote and Ura (In front and behind.)

I vaguely remember Kato Sensei teaching a 6th technique, but I didn't understand it at the time and was not able to capture its essence, though I understood what he was saying. Maybe another 20 or 30 years of training will open up my mind to his teachings.

So to conclude this article, and to answer this question again, Yes, there is a weapons system based on the martial art of Aikido that was taught by the founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Not all dojo's teach this same system, and some dojo's have incorporated other systems of weapons training. I strongly believe that learning the aiki-weapons is an important part of understanding and learning the techniques of Aikido.

If you ever find yourself in Katy (West Houston,) or in Houston, stop by for a class!

Erik Calderon's Martial Arts Aikido ShinKiKan

Mono No Aware

That sadness of being human
Mono no aware
The reality of life
Reflecting back on all the years
All the lost years
If I could go back to my youth
And explain, caution
Be kind, be gentle, be human
To yourself and others

I told someone once
That I didn't think people
Become fully human
Till they are at least forty
But, I don't suppose some people
Ever become fully human
Regardless of their age
Tears of things past
A weary perspective
That gives me pause
But little comfort

Nothing Else

Focus on your breath
And nothing else
See where it leads to
For me, it leads to pain
But, beyond
Beyond I see
I see something else

Aikikai Malta Receives Recognition from Aikikai Foundation
From: Kevin Bonanno posted on 22. Feb 2019, 02:10pm
URL: http://www.aikidomalta.net

Aikikai Malta is pleased to announce that it has received authorisation from Aikikai Foundation, Japan (Aikido World Headquarters) as a local Aikido school to diffuse Aikido in Malta for the instruction and training in the Art of Aikido following the principles laid down by the founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Aikikai Malta can now award grades that are registered with the Aikikai Foundation being recognised world-wide. Congratulations must go to practitioners and teachers alike within Aikikai Malta who have all worked diligently for many years to create an authorised Aikido school. Special mention goes to Jean-Francois Riondet Shihan (Technical Director) and Jun Nomoto Shihan (Aikikai Director) who made this reality possible for Aikikai Malta and the local Aikido community.

Submit an Aikido News Item

"The Gospel of Combat"
From: Jun Akiyama posted on 8. Feb 2019, 10:18am
URL: http://https://www.gospelofcombat.com

From their website: The Gospel of Combat is a 30 minute documentary about an East African martial artist’s journey toward self-understanding through Aikido and Karate. The film follows Benedict “Sensei Ben” Kiyaga, a freelance martial arts instructor, as he ekes a living from a handful of private classes. Along the way, Sensei Ben reflects on the application of martial art as spiritual practice, and shares how it has helped him make sense of his multicultural identity amid pervasive tribal conflict. The movie is slated to screen in Los Angeles, CA and Sedona, AZ in February, 2019.

Submit an Aikido News Item

Zenko Okimura in Newark, DE, Feb 23, 2019
From: Birte Feld posted on 8. Feb 2019, 10:17am
URL: http://www.aikidoda.org

Aikido Delaware Aikikai Winter Seminar Aikido Delaware Aikikai will be holding their annual winter seminar under the leadership of WAAI Founder, Chairman, and Chief Instructor Rev. Zenko Okimura Shihan on February 23rd. On this cold winter day, stimulate your mind, exercise your body and warm up your heart with Aikido. The seminar will conclude with a potluck get together where you can socialize and meet new friends. Where: Aikido Delaware Aikikai, WAAI Headquarters, 667 Dawson Drive, Ste. A, Newark, DE 19713 When: Saturday, February 23rd 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (followed by potluck dinner) Adults: $65, Aikido Kids: free from 11am to 12pm. All are welcome! For more information visit www.AikidoDA.org or call 302-369-AIKI (2454).

Submit an Aikido News Item

Nanakorobi Yaoki

Seven times down
Eight times up
Damn, I've actually lost count
Of all the times I was
Knocked down or fell down
But, I still get up

While I was training under Kato Sensei, he taught that each Kyo has a significant meaning: Ikyo - Physical Strength, Nikyo - Technique, Sankyo - Flow, Yonkyo - Focus, Gokyo - Disarm.

In light of that teaching, I've been creating my vlogs to highlight that teaching. I just finished my vlog on Nikyo, which is about technique. And yes, the title is click bait, and if you are wondering, there really is no secret technique, but the obvious, deliberate practice, and hours, weeks, months, years, decades...of deliberate practice.

Watch my vlog, comment, share, like and subscribe to my channel!

Oh, Buddha

Pain is inevitable
Suffering is optional

Oh, Buddha
How much I hate you!