Acceptance and Resorption

In the sword there is no sword;
make a sword of the body.
In the body there is no body;
make a body of the spirit.
Like a firefly, round; by its
radiance, apparent.
Waiting not, scheming not,
thinking not, pausing not,
As if turning circles on a stage,
As if pressing a gourd in water.
-Kunii Zen'ya

Sakura Co. - Tools for the study of the Way

http://sakura-co.blogspot.com/

ASU Weapons Intensive

I will be away for the ASU Summer Weapons Intensive and class will be cancelled for the next two Wednesdays. Our regular weekly keiko will resume on July 16. See you then - Danny

Chikyokan 7th Anniversary

Congratulations to our home dojo Shobu Aikido of Ohio for 7 great years of Aikido.

Kumi Tachi

May 24 & 25 Shobu Aikido of Ohio will be hosting a weapons seminar focusing on Saotome Sensei's Kumi Tachi (or Aiki-Ken) katas #6-10.
Saturday 10-12 & 3-5
Sunday 10-12

5.7.8

"The triangle represents the generation of energy and initiative; it is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolises unification, serenity and perfection; it is the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands for form and solidity, the basis of applied control."

"When the triangle, the circle and the square become one, it moves in spherical rotation together with the flow of ki, and the Aikido of sumi kiri ("total clarity of mind and body") appears."

- Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei

Resistance

Through the practice of Aikido and understanding of it's principle, one learns to receive another's attack, putting an end to the action-reaction trap. Unlike action-reaction, receiving allows us to break the violence-begets-violence scenario that continues to devastate the world around us. Instead, the aggression is fully accepted to be released peacefully back to the universe.

3.12.08

tonight at keiko we were privileged to have jamie from burlington, vermont stop in to train with us. the group had a good practice working on some of Saotome Sensei's lessons from last weekend. it is always interesting to see how conflict breaks down to simply who controls the center.

Aiki Shrine

Here are some photos of a recent trip to the Aiki Shrine in Myakka City, Fl.

2.27.08

Weight underside, ki extended, completely relaxed, maintain one-point and receive the universe.

Upcoming Events

March is a busy month for our parent dojo Shobu Aikido of Ohio. All Aikido practitioners are welcomed and encouraged to attend these events regardless of affiliation or experience.

March 1-2 Weapons Seminar. The focus of this seminar will be the jo. hours are saturday 10-noon and 3-5, sunday 10-noon

March 28-30 gasshuku with William Gleason Sensei
Gleason Sensei will return to the area for our winter gasshuku. Don't miss the rare opportunity to see such an experienced sensei right in your neighborhood.

You can read a very interesting article about Gleason Sensei if you go to www.boston.com and search "sharing aikido's life lessons".

Ikeda Shihan Interview

Here is a link to a very interesting interview with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan from 2007. For anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to meet him, it is a nice glimpse into the great man. http://www.bujindesign.com/featured_articles/2007_1_article_1.html

2.13.08

Irimi Tenkan. The ability to fully blend with uke's attack to achieve ki tai is essential for all waza. Tonight we worked on blending with mune tsuki and shomen uchi strikes while feeling for the "just enough" ma ai.