Q: Why is it that we bow so much in Aikido class? What does it mean? A: I have been asked this question often. I think the simple answer is that it helps develop a correct attitude of respect in all things we do, both on the mat and off. Aikido is not a sport. It is a discipline or an educational process for training the mind, body and spirit. A correct attitude of sincerity and a proper atmosphere are essential to the learning process of Aikido. When we enter or leave the practice area of... Read Full Story
Sixty-six year old Tip Harris is one busy grandfather. He retired from a long career with Walgreens several years ago, but certainly has no intention of slowing down. Several times per week Tip gets up before dawn to go teach 5:45am martial arts in Colorado Springs. Then he spends his days working for a garden and landscape company. When he's done with that, he drives over to Castle Rock to, again, teach evening martial art classes at Castle Rock AIKIDO, a traditional Japanese martial arts... Read Full Story
by Pat Musselman Sensei Ukemi (pronounced 'oo'-'keh'-'mee') is defined in many different ways, but the common theme among all definitions has to do with receiving and falling. Many times it is simply referred to as "the art of falling." In my opinion it is a mistake to simply think of ukemi as falling down. If we break down the word itself we find that 'uke' (the person being thrown) means "to receive," and 'Mi' means "through the body." Therefore, I like to think of ukemi as just that... Read Full Story
Over the past few years, Aikido Journal has picked up and reprinted several of my articles from here at Mokuren Dojo. Thanks Aiki Journal guys, for the attention! I've enjoyed the increased exposure and it has allowed a much larger group of people to enjoy my ideas here on the blog (or at least a larger group is laughing at my ignorance now).
.
Following is a list of the articles that Aikido Journal has published. You might enjoy perusing these and reading or re-reading them.
Ego... Read Full Story
I'm super-excited about the upcoming 20th anniversary clinic to be held at MSU next month. If any folks from my area need a lift, let me know and you can ride with me. I've only got one question - Who's that bald guy standing next to those two good-looking guys with lots of hair? University Aikido Club - 20 Year Anniversary Clinic November 6-7, 2009 Instructor: Henry Copeland We would love to see all club alumni and friends. We will have young folk (new members) to the old codgers (guys that... Read Full Story
The other day, Sensei Strange dared to disagree with me about what was going on in my video that I posted. The nerve of some people! Actually, I'm not offended at all by folks disagreeing with me in the comments on my blog - especially when they do it as intelligently and civilly as he does. Today I wanted to post a few thoughts in response to Strange's comments. . First, aiki is a lot of things to a lot of people. Strange characterized it as being primarily about breaking uke's posture. I... Read Full Story
Photo courtesy of Knutgj It is common for aikido instructors to tell students, "take the fall - don't resist..." This gets to be almost a mantra- take the fall...don't resist...take the fall...don't resist... . Well, falling is important as a skill for uke, and as a cooperative practice between uke and tori, but it can also be appropriate to not fall for a given technique. Students actually learn different types of lessons when their practice includes falling for every technique and when it... Read Full Story
Photo courtesy of Spengu
Often, the harder tori insists on holding a pin, the harder it is to move to another safe position if uke does escape.
.
In judo, it is often harder to hold a position when you clench tightly than when you drape loosely over uke. When you clench tightly, you make yourself a solid, unified piece for uke to lift. When you drape loosely it is much harder to lift you because you are both heavy and pliable. A better hold-down often happens when you drape... Read Full Story
From Sensei Corner for Aikido Training Featuring David Ito Sensei of Los Angeles, California Many students new to the art of Aikido often become frustrated in their first few months of training. They feel awkward as they struggle with what sometimes they feel should be the most basic of techniques. In fact, many students often erroneously conclude that they aren't "naturals" and just don't have the aptitude for Aikido. Of course, this belief is usually untrue and students will begin to see... Read Full Story
Over the years, I have gotten into several 'street aikido' situations by walking around corners too close. You'd think I'd learn to turn corners with at least an arm's length or two between me and the corner. But no, I continue to get distracted and turn a corner sharply and find someone in my face. Fortunately, these situations lend some validation to my aikido training, because in every instance my aikido training has diffused the situation before I even realized what had happened. . The... Read Full Story
