Castle Rock Aikido Traditional Japanese Aikido and Samurai Martial Arts

Statistics Unique Visitors: Total Unique Visitors: Visitors Out: Total Visitors Out: 7 0 835 835

What Qualities Do You Need to Be Successful in Aikido?
2008-05-05 02:27:00
Continued telephone Aikido interviewSean: What qualities does a student need to have in order to be successful in the art of Aikido?Jeff: Perhaps the most important thing people need is a willingness to learn, not to be too uptight, or too upset with themselves when they can't learn the Aikido techniques right away. It is OK to feel awkward and make mistakes – that is, after all, how we really learn. If you have a willingness to learn, and a willingness to make mistakes, then you are pretty much ready to train Aikido.Something else that does help on the mat is a sense of humor. When you make mistakes, and you will, if you can smile and have a good time, then that is what it is all about. I think that is what life is all about – smiling and having a good time.Sean: That is an interesting answer. I think if most martial arts teachers were asked the question, "What does it take to succeed as a martial arts student?", I think it would be rare to hear someone say "Well, you’ve got to ...

Castle Rock Aikido Martial Art Student Profile
2008-04-24 16:33:00
April 2008 Castle Rock AIKIDO Student of the MonthMichael Kilman studies Cultural Anthropology at Metro State University in Denver. When he's not deep in the books, Michael is an Intuitive Life Coach who helps others to find a sense of peace in their lives. He also works part-time as a freelance videographer. He's been training at Castle Rock AIKIDO since last summer. Michael grew up in Philadelphia, had a short stint in Portland, Oregon, and have lived in Castle Rock for 11 years.Michael, what are some of your hobbies in addition to Aikido?"I spend a lot of time reading and meditating. I like to be in the outdoors and especially love the ocean, even though I live in Colorado. I like hiking and playing with my two young children, Francis and Gabriella."What other martial arts have you trained?"I trained briefly at an Aiki-Jujitsu, but I feel much more at home at Castle Rock AIKIDO with Albright Sensei and Shiraki Sensei. Even though my other teachers were great, I always felt like the ...

Castle Rock AIKIDO Expands Schedule to Four Days a Week
2008-04-19 19:52:00
We added A FOURTH evening per week to practice AIKIDO on April 10th!Because you asked for it! We have decided to add a 4th evening per week to the Castle Rock AIKIDO training schedule. On April 10th, 2008 we started holding an additional Thursday night class at our regular class time. That means we will now offer Aikido Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings!This decision was made in an effort to allow students additional training time, particulary for those of you who are unable to attend class on other evenings per week. There will be no increase in tuition for this additional training time. We at Castle Rock AIKIDO are always looking for ways to add value to our students' training. We hope our new Thursday evening classes does exactly that! Are you looking for things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado? Try a traditional form of Aikido. Aikido is perfect for adults who are looking for a fun way to get exercise and develop self-mastery.Visit www.craikido.com to get a cou ...

Castle Rock AIKIDO Teachers Featured in Asian Avenue
2008-04-17 01:31:00
Be sure to pick up the April 2008 issue of Asian Avenue Magazine. Albright Sensei and Shiraki Sensei are featured in an article about how the art of Aikido contributes to the quality of their relationship and marriage. The 500 words article written by Michael Gorniak also highlights Albright Sensei's experiences in Japan, including the courtship of his future wife, Shiraki Sensei. The article cleverly titled, "Training in the Marital Arts" discusses how Aikido has improved both their verbal and physical communication with each other over the past 11 years. Personal Message from the InstructorsWe are a fun and friendly group who all want to get the most out of our lives. We are always looking for people who want to be a part of our fast growing Aikido community. We believe that Aikido training in Castle Rock is a great way to not only learn to defend yourself and stay fit, but to also improve your whole life.We know you're going to love practicing Aikido with us and we look forward to m ...

What Do You Like Most about the Students at Castle Rock AIKIDO? Jeff Albright Sensei answers
2008-04-09 18:35:00
Interview with Castle Rock AIKIDO Instructor, Jeff Albright SenseiSean: What do you like most about your students at Castle Rock AIKIDO?Jeff: Well, we have a lot of really good folks here. They are really nice people. Everybody is trying to learn something, trying to grow, and trying to develop themselves. We don't seem to attract people who are out to hurt other, or people with a chip on their shoulder. They are just really nice people, the kind of people you want to hang out with.Sean: Yeah, I know when I talk with some people about martial arts one of the first things they say is that they are intimidated. They say things like "Oh no, martial arts is not for me" or "I don't want to get hurt," or something like that. But it sounds to me like that is not the kind of person you attract.Jeff: No, not at all. Typically the people who are a little more hot-headed tend to be attracted to other kinds of martial art styles like MMA. We attract a really neat group, have a great time, and stay ...

Impression from the 8th Annual Aikido Summit at the Denver Buddhist Temple in Denver, Colorado – March 22nd 2008
2008-04-07 21:07:00
Edgar Johannsen Sensei's personality and drive is, perhaps, the only reason that the Colorado Aikido Summit has come to fruition once again. It is only because of Edgar's amiable, easy going disposition that he is able to successfully blend with all the diverse personalities in the Colorado Aikido community and bring us all together each year to share in our similarities and learn from our differences. The Aikido Summit is a great place for younger Aikido students to experience a wide array of Aikido styles once they have attained their black belt and created a foundation from which to build. It is also an opportunity for more veteran black belts to get refocused on their own training and decide what aspects to develop on in the coming year. Having attended several previous Colorado Aikido Summits, this year's was in many ways very much the same as years past. Therefore, it was my responsibility to be sure that I took away from it something new and different. The Aikido styles repres ...

Privacy Policy for Castle Rock AIKIDO, LLC
2008-03-28 15:26:00
COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRIVACYThis site is owned and operated by FFN, LLC (a.k.a. Castle Rock AIKIDO, LLC). Yourprivacy on the Internet is of the utmost importance to us. At FFN, we want to make yourexperience online satisfying and safe.Because we gather certain types of information about our users, we feel you should fullyunderstand our policy and the terms and conditions surrounding the capture and use of thatinformation. This privacy statement discloses what information we gather and how we useit.INFORMATION Castle Rock AIKIDO, LLC GATHERS AND TRACKSCastle Rock AIKIDO, LLC gathers two types of information about users:· Information that users provide through optional, voluntary submissions. These arevoluntary submissions to receive our electronic newsletters, to participate in ourmessage boards or forums, to email a friend, and from participation in polls andsurveys:· Information Castle Rock AIKIDO, LLC gathers through aggregated trackinginformation derived mainly by tallying page view ...

A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Japanese Text on the Way of Strategy, by Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645)
2008-03-22 17:11:00
Article and summary by Aikido Student, Sean HannonMiyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings is a classic Japanese text of samurai sword strategy. Yet, it is so much more than just a manual on how best to wield a sword. The principles discussed in Miyamoto Musashi's masterpiece can, in many respects, be applied to life as a whole. Even though most of us today may not carry around a samurai sword on a daily basis, a reader can still find great value in the observations of this great, innovative, and eccentric samurai. Musashi developed what is called ni to ichi ryu or the "two as one way." In short, it is Musashi's preferred way of fighting with two swords simultaneously, instead of the traditional, two-handed fighting style of Japanese samurai. We can find meaning in Musashi's text beyond that of just sword fighting because, in both in Japanese and in other cultures, the sword is often used as a comprehensive metaphor for life.Musashi was born in 1584. According to legend, Musashi had a rea ...

Midorigeiko: Observations of a (temporarily) Crippled Martial Arts Student
2008-02-25 17:16:00
By Sean HannonI am a student of the traditional, Japanese martial art of Aikido. I train three nights per week at Castle Rock AIKIDO in Castle Rock, Colorado. Yet, I haven't stepped foot on an Aikido mat in over a year. In early 2006, I injured my lower spine so severely that I could not hold up my own body weight and could not walk at all for several months. Practicing Aikido on the mat with everyone else was simply out of the question. Despite my not having been able to get on the mat, my Aikido continues to improve with each and every class I attend because, for the time being, I practice 'midorigeiko.' Midorigeiko loosely translates as "watch and steal" practice. I am always surprised and somewhat saddened to see martial art students of any style like karate, taekwondo, judo, mixed martial arts (MMA fighting or submission fighting) stop coming to train at the dojo when they sustain any injury, only to return once that injury is healed. Incurring an injury simply means, to m ...

Your Experience in Life is What You Bring to It!
2008-01-24 21:05:00
By Jeff Albright Sensei and Sean HannonA past teacher of mine would frequently say, "Bring it!" What she meant by that was whatever you want to experience, you have to "bring it" to the experience. This can apply to tangible things as well as intangible things. For example, let's say you are going to a party. If you want there to be guacamole at the party then you'd better "bring it." Similarly, if you want to have a fun at the party, then it is your responsibility to "bring it," – the fun, that is – to the party and not expect it to be waiting there for you. It is your responsibility to "bring it." It is not the responsibility of others, the activity or the event.Aikido training works exactly the same way. Bring a willingness to learn, an attitude of humility and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of humor to Aikido class, and those qualities – and their inherent benefits – are what you will experience at class. I should point out that this attitude isn't unique to the traditi ...
Experience  Life 

New Aikido Training Video
2008-01-22 00:53:00
Dr. Jeff Albright of Rocky Mountain Wellness in Castle Rock, Colorado recently released a 40 minute instructional Aikido martial arts DVD. This DVD is a high quality demonstration of the fundamental techniques of the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Video training helps students see the different aikido techniques in slow motion so they can work on their techniques at home.Sensei Jeff Albright has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years. He holds a 3rd degree black belt the art of Aikido and also holds black belts and teaching certificates in various other martial arts styles.Albright Sensei has taught at well-known Aikido schools in Nagasaki, Japan and instructed officers and personnel of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. He is also a graduate of Ichikukai Misogi Shogaku, a prestigious ascetic training program many infamous martial artists undergo in Japan.Being fluent in Japanese language and having trained in Japan for nearly five years, Albright Sensei has a deep understand ...
Training  Video 

Power vs Force in Aikido: How to amass great power in your life.
2008-01-19 00:41:00
Many people seek out martial arts as a means to creating more power in their lives. Power, of course, can be defined in many ways. Some people are seeking self-empowerment in the form of self-improvement, self-discipline, or self-esteem, while others may be seeking power or control over others. Martial arts can be a very a good place to discover power. However, more often than not what people end up learning is not true power, but force. Many martial arts teachers do not really understand the difference between power and force, or worse, think they are the same things. As such, the student ends up creating more resistance in their life, instead of more power and he or she never learns to truly generate power.In Aikido, your objective should be on generating power. Most people tend to think that the fastest way to power is through force. Not true. Short-term power can be generated through force. However, that power is one-dimensional and usually doesn't last. It could be argued that the ...
Force  Life  Power 

Avoid the Winter Blues with a Unique Japanese Exercise
2008-01-15 02:39:00
It's winter again and as the daylight hours shorten many people become afflicted with what has become known as seasonal affect disorder (or, aptly named, SAD). Most people are affected to one degree or another by SAD or SAD-like symptoms. It is a perfectly normal change in the brain that occurs each year as it gets darker earlier and is thought to be the result of altered brain chemistry caused by fewer hours of exposure to sunshine. The condition can become so significant that some people may require professional intervention. Normally, the brain creates a chemical called serotonin in response to exposure to sunshine. This chemical is largely responsible for producing a happy, healthy mood in a person. Because days are shorter in the fall and winter our brains make less of this chemical and this can lead to SAD. Having bright lights on in the fall and winter afternoon is one way to keep your serotonin levels up, but another healthier way is through exercise.Now, most Americans don't e ...
Blues  Winter 

Add more power, value and meaning to your life with Aikido!
2008-01-14 00:45:00
By Sean HannonI have practiced the Japanese martial art of Aikido, in one form or another, for over 10 years. At first glance I always thought that I practiced Aikido for self-defense or just because it was fun. However, I was recently listening to a recording by peak performance coach Anthony Robbins. Tony was discussing what he calls "The Six Human Needs." In this recording he articulates how all humans have six basic needs that must be met on some level. Some of these needs appear to be in conflict with one another, but, in fact, are not. I suddenly realized how, for me, Aikido meets all of these six human needs!The first two human needs appear to be in conflict with each other, but are actually complementary. The first is the need for certainty. That is, people require some degree of predictability in their lives on a daily or almost daily basis in order to function. One form of certainty could be physical security or safety. Being a defensive martial art, Aikido would ce ...
Life  Power 

Make Friends Fast with Aikido!
2007-12-18 13:45:00
When adults move to a new town or state, it can be difficult to make new friends. It is not uncommon for people to go through months and months of social isolation. This can lead to loneliness and depression, but over time, people slowly rebuild a new social network. That can be a tough experience for almost anyone. However, there is no reason to wait. Some more outgoing people may make an effort to attend activities like public lectures on interesting subject or things like that in an effort to meet new people. But more often than not, most people usually go to those kinds of events in pre-existing clicks and are often opposed to venturing outside their own groups or unwilling to let new people in to theirs. One of the reasons why events like these don't work so well as a way to meet people is that the event is usually passive (like listening to a lecture) and does not engage others or encourage others to socialize outside of their pre-existing social groups. Aikido, on the other hand ...
Friends 

Why Do We Spend So Much Time Learning UKEMI? part 2
2007-12-14 17:10:00
Response from Albright Sensei:What does a black belt in Aikido mean to you? I was told that a black belt should be able to take UKEMI from any throw. My training insured that was true. UKEMI is the Japanese term for being able to safely receive an Aikido technique from anyone. It is the ability to follow, flow and fall without injury. It is often said that the first three years in Aikido training is UKEMI. UKEMI is that important.A few years ago, Miho and I were training in Sasaki sensei's dojo in Fujiminou City in Saitama, Japan. Many of his students were already 4th, 5th, and 6th degree black belts. Sasaki Sensei, himself, is an 8th degree black belt. So imagine me, being only a 2nd degree black belt at the time! I was intimidated to say the least. In this situation, 2nd degree black or NI-DAN means next to nothing. Their level of understanding of techniques was so deep that it would blow your mind. In this situation, the only thing I could be confident in was my UKEMI. In their pres ...
Time 

Why Do We Spend So Much Time Learning UKEMI?
2007-12-11 19:38:00
Response from Shiraki Sensei: When you come to an Aikido dojo, the first thing you will learn is how to fall or UKEMI. A wise Shinto priest and Aikido master once said to me, "First learn UKEMI because UKEMI is a form of losing. If you can learn how to lose and how you feel when you lose, the rest of it is easy. No ego, no nothing… Just the way it is." I learned UKEMI in very much the same way. The first thing my instructor, Iio Sensei, taught me was UKEMI. As a matter of fact, the first three years of my Aikido training was all about UKEMI. Nothing else mattered. During this time, my husband had already earned his black belt in Aikido and had recently attended GASSHUKU (specialized training) with the Wakayama University Aikido Club. He was hoping that I would soon be able to take UKEMI at the same level of intensity as those who had been training for years. Since Jeff had significantly more Aikido experience than I, he worked with me endlessly in an effort to get me up to par ...
Time 

Mistakes: The Key to Speeding Up your Aikido Training
2007-12-10 14:39:00
The fastest, most expedient way to learn Aikido is not to be prepared, but to make mistakes… a lot of mistakes. The more mistakes you make, the faster you will progress in your training. Our brains assign cause and effect through contrasting experiences. An improperly executed technique is contrasted with a properly executed technique. The "gap" or distance between the two experiences creates "perspective" in the brain and within that gap is where learning occurs. The more out-of-place you feel, the faster you will viscerally internalize the techniques and the lessons they contain. If you think about it, you have probably experienced this in other areas of your life. Haven't your greatest lessons in your life been the product of mistakes more so that successes? Early 20th century success researcher, Napoleon Hill, states that the key to success in any endeavor is failure. So if you want to progress your Aikido training faster then come to class and make more mistakes! Just b ...
Training 

Tell Us About Your Students at Castle Rock Aikido
2007-12-09 16:55:00
Audio Interview between Sean, a student at Castle Rock Aikido and Aikido instructors, Jeff Albright Sensei and Miho Shiraki SenseiSean: Let's get to know about your Aikido school. Who are your students? Do they all come from Castle Rock?Jeff: We get all types of students, they come from all over the place, outside of Castle Rock – as far north as Westminster and we have two students from Colorado Springs as well.We get all kinds of different students, working professionals, parents; we've got a couple of college students, so we have a wide variety. We tend to get students in the 30-40 range, people who are searching and looking for different things as far as self development and personal development goes.Sean: And don't you guys have students older than that also?Jeff: Oh yes, we've had students as old as, I think 77 in Castle Rock.Sean: Wow. I bet a lot of people do not think of practicing martial arts in their 60's and 70's, do they?Jeff: They probably don't but there are many stud ...
Castle  Rock  Students 

A Japanese “secret weapon” for improving your golf game.
2007-11-26 17:36:00
Indoor driving ranges and putting greens are great during the winter, but what else are you doing to improve your golf game in the off-season? Relaxation, balance, center of gravity, and coordination – many would argue that these are all important components of an excellent golf game. The Japanese art of Aikido is a fantastic secret weapon to maintain and improve your golf game. Aikido (pronounced 'eye'-'key'-'doh') is a unique form of Japanese exercise that fully engages your mind and body, providing a powerful vehicle for generating more power in your swing and improving your short game coordination. Aikido is a martial art, but can be practiced at any level of intensity according to the needs or physical capabilities of the golfer. In Aikido, there are no punches or kicks, unlike most other martial arts, so injury is extremely rare. An Aikido student learns to move their body effectively and efficiently by employing moves that at times almost look like a golf swing. These mo ...
Game  Golf  Secret 

Yakusokugeko – The Proper Roles of Uke and Nage
2007-11-24 19:16:00
Since Aikido is about avoiding struggle and performing a technique with the least amount of effort, we must consider our roles as both Uke and Nage.As Nage, first and foremost, it is our responsibility to protect Uke. If there is resistance, if one is off balance or if the technique just is not going as it should, just relax, slow down and find your "way." Aikido is about power - an inner power - rather than force. Try not to force a technique. As Nage it is our responsibility to smoothly establish and maintain a connection with Uke throughout each technique.As Uke it is our responsibility to provide a realistic attack (but not overly aggressive), and then move our bodies in relationship to Nage's movement so as to be in the safest position possible, while maintaining a sense of connection.Grabs by Uke should be firm, but not rigid. The hand and wrist will be used to control whatever is being grabbed. The rest of the body should remain loose and able to adapt to the situation.Strikes ...

Unique Japanese Exercise Provides Stress Relief to Castle Rock!
2007-11-18 15:35:00
There is a great new form of stress relief available in Castle Rock. It's called Aikido (pronounced 'eye'-'key'-do'). Aikido is a unique form of Japanese exercise that fully engages your mind and body providing an excellent outlet for stress relief. Aikido is a martial art, but can be practiced at any level of intensity according to the needs or physical capabilities of the student. Unlike most martial arts, there are no punches or kicks in Aikido so injury is extremely rare. A student learns to move their body effectively and efficiently by employing almost dance-like moves that first evade and then off balance their partner (who is pretending to be an attacker) without injuring him or her. In addition to providing stress relief and a clear state of mind, it has the added benefit of being quite cardiovascular. So you de-stress and get fit at the same time.People of all ages practice Aikido, but it is particularly beneficial for adults. In fact, you’re never too old to start pr ...
Castle  Rock 

Castle Rock AIKIDO dojo logo
2007-11-06 13:32:00
Samurai were a class of Japanese military nobility who served a feudal lord and/or the Japanese Emperor. The word samurai derives from the Japanese verb "samorau," which means "to serve." Samurai came into power as a warrior class in the early 12th century and were subsequently disbanned, virtually becoming extinct, in the late 1880s with the fall of the feudal system of Japan and the rise of industry and westernization. Born and raised in Kitakyushu, a town in the Southern Japan Prefecture of Fukuoka, Miho Shiraki Sensei is a descendant of a long line of samurai warriors of feudal Japan. Growing up, Miho had heard stories about her family's ancestors being pacifist, Shinto priests. What she didn't really know until recently was why did those ancestors become Shinto priests in the first place? Miho's mother told her about samurai of the Shiraki family who had left the samurai class and became pacifists to atone for their violent past. Sometime between 1100 and 1800 lived this samurai-t ...
Castle  Logo  Rock 

New & Fun Form of Adult Fitness in Castle Rock!
2007-11-03 17:18:00
Here's a reality of life when it comes to exercise; "If it’s boring, you won't do it. Period!" Most people know they should exercise more, but most people simply don't. This not necessarily because they don't want to be in better shape, but because so many popular kinds of exercises and fitness routines are utterly boring! If you're bored of endlessly walking on treadmills or elliptical trainers at the gym while watching overly-violent news broadcasts; or if you've tried yoga and Pilates but find them painfully slow, then I have a suggestion for you. Come try Aikido!Aikido, pronounced 'eye'-'key'-'doh', is a unique Japanese exercise that engages your entire body in a really fun and entertaining way. Aikido is a martial art, but can be practiced at any level of intensity according to the needs or physical capabilities of the student. Unlike most martial arts, there are no punches or kicks in Aikido so injury is extremely rare. You learn to move their body effectively and efficiently b ...
Castle  Fitness  Form  Fun  Rock 

Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba
2007-10-26 18:28:00
Morihei Ueshiba was one of history's greatest martial artists. Even at age eighty, he could disarm any foe, down any number of attackers, and even pin an opponent with a single finger. Although virtually invincible as a warrior, he was, above all, a man of peace who detested fighting, war and any kind of violence. His way was that of Aikido, "the art of peace." He is referred to as O Sensei, "the great teacher."Morihei Ueshiba spent his youth and early adulthood training under a variety of sword and Jujutsu masters. As he grew older he experienced increasing disquiet stemming, in part, from his rather violent youth, feeling that training for the sake of winning was not enough. One day, after a long, arduous period of training and meditation, he came to recognize an innate understanding that the true purpose of the martial arts was to be the promotion of universal peace and love. He saw that the ideal victory was a conflict resolved without winner or loser. He began to change his martia ...

Natural Movement & Philosophy - A Wholistic Exercise
2007-10-24 17:26:00
The Philosophy of AikidoMuch like a hurricane, tornado or tidal wave, the forces found in nature are efficient, rational, and soft, while the center is immovable, firm, and stable. Of course, these forces may not seem rational or soft relative to human experience, but relative to itself, these forces are perfectly balanced. This principle of a firm center and a soft, adaptable periphery is universally consistent -- and must be true for each person, as well. The culmination of Aikido is expressed by aligning one's own center with the center expressed throughout nature. One becomes "resilient" inside, yet this strength is expressed softly and powerfully.The movements of Aikido maintain this firm and stable center simultaneously emphasizing spherical rotation characterized by flowing, circular motions. These pivoting, entering and circling motions are used to blend with, to control and to overcome an opponent. The principle of spherical rotation makes it possible to defend one’s self fr ...
Natural  Philosophy 

Castle Rock AIKIDO's Mission Statement
2007-10-22 18:12:00
It is the mission of Castle Rock AIKIDO "to forge in our students a strength of character so strong, that conflict becomes unnecessary." Many assume that the "conflict" we refer to in our mission statement is physical conflict such as fighting with others. However, the conflict we mean to emphasize is inner conflict - the mental, emotional and even spiritual conflict most of us struggle within each and every day. Through the practice of Aikido we discover within ourselves a physical path to self-mastery… ...
Castle  Mission  Rock 

Aikido Video Clip - Using Bokken
2007-10-21 23:59:00
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Video 

Getting Centered with Aikido (Expansion Part 5)
2007-10-21 16:50:00
By Jeff Albright Sensei and Sean Hannon"The key to good technique is to keep your hands, feet and hips straight and centered. If you are centered, you can move freely. The physical center is your belly; if your mind is set there as well, you are assured of victory in any endeavor."- Morihei UeshibaAikido teaches us to move, feel and, to some extent, think from our center or what the Japanese call our "hara." It is the place that we are strongest. It is the origin of our power. Our core is where we are eternally abundant. Physiologically, our core is our viscera our gut and it is where our real strength comes from. Many think big muscles are where strength comes from. However, big muscles don't work if the lungs and heart aren't strong enough to pump blood to those big muscles.Fear produces a neurological response in the body call "fight or flight." This is also known as a sympathetic response. During a fight or flight response blood is shunted away from the internal organs - the hara ...

Aikido & Abundance (Expansion Part 4)
2007-10-18 21:48:00
By Jeff Albright Sensei and Sean Hannon"If your opponent strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly."– Morihei UeshibaAs we learned in Part Two of this article on expansion, Aikido is so much more than just a martial art. It is a whole way of life. Indeed, those who practice Aikido quickly learn that it is, in fact, a microcosmic arena for life. When regular daily problems at home or at work come up most people do the same thing as most martial arts teach. They push back, contract, shrink – they shift into a defensive posture. Sometimes they contract into adverse behaviors like excessive television watching, alcohol or overeating. Others contract by complaining, gossiping, hiding or ignoring their predicament. Aikido teaches us to address our challenges differently.Is expansion a natural response? Think of how a muscle g ...