Minutes from the class Tue 4/29
Kotegaeshi 1. Grab with the gyaku hand (this is for normal kotegaeshi. For reverse it would be ai hand) 2. Hands on the waist level or lower 3. Grab from above 4. Keep the distance to a) avoid punch b) keep hands at the low level (when you’re too close you have to raise hands,…
Atlanta Reflections
Having started aikido a little over a month ago, I was somewhat tentative about attending my first seminar, but who could turn down an opportunity to learn from 2 of the highest ranking Shihan in the US (President and VP of the USAF)? There’s no way I could possibly remember half of everything that was…
2014 New Year’s Friendship Seminar
It was very nice to get together with long-time Aikido friend in Charlotte, Charlie Huff Sensei and his dojo. We had a very nice turnout along with some out of town guests. This particular seminar brings a lot of happiness to our dojo because of our relationship with Huff Sensei and his students at Charlotte…
What year is it? 1639? Are we samurai?
Ok, it’s now 2014, and I thought it would be beneficial to reflect what actual year it is. Most people have Mobile Phones. Most people like Starbucks lattes. Most people like to be comfortable. Most people like to feel safe. Most people have watch their health and want to practice a martial art safely. Having…
Taking my Shodan Test!
In order to honor the time and effort my teachers have spent with me over the years, I decided to test for my black belt in Spring, 2013. I had a tremendous amount of help in preparing- not just from the senseis, but also from my fellow students. By the time I got to the…
Right of Passage
As an Aikido student first, and a teacher. One holds high responsibility in the testing and advancement of others. Dojo testing typically consists of Kyu Rank promotions and is done by either the instructor with a Shidoin (Certified Senior Instructor) certificate and/or Fukushidoin (Certified Instructor) certificate. At Aikido of Charlotte, I have found that the…
Sensei-itis?
When you progress through a martial art over time, there are many cycles to embrace. For one, it’s highly likely that you will add roles, such as from student to student/teacher. For some, it happens early, and others too soon. I found in my learning that Aikido is very much an art of practice, not…
