Author: admin

Sometimes, a prospective student will ask me a question like “How long will it take to master Aikido?”

The best reply I can make is, “How long is a piece of string?”

I don’t want to be too cryptic, so I add:

“How often will you be at class? How hard are you willing to train? Are you open-minded and able to observe? Will you attend seminars to deepen your understanding and experience?”

“You are really the best person to answer your question. Train hard consistently, and the results will come. There is no timetable.”

Here’s one of my favourite stories about teaching.

A student goes to the head monk in the temple and asks him, “What’s the biggest problem in teaching Zen?”

The master replies, “Teaching deaf people. No matter how you try to explain, they don’t understand.”

The student ponders this for a moment. He goes to one of the other senior monks and repeats the answer. “What do you think about this?”

 The monk mutters something under his breath. The student asks him again. The monk turns away and mumbles something. The student walks in close and asks, “What are you saying?”

The monk replies, “The master is wrong. You’re not deaf.”

Just a thought…

I’d rather have people asking each other why I am not a black belt, instead of asking why I am.

Many thanks to today’s guest instructor, Alex Loo-sensei, 7th dan shihan and chief instructor of Aikido Kensankai.
The focus was on fundamentals and body movement, and everyone from beginners to seniors benefitted from and enjoyed an enthusiastic practice.

We have gathered material related to Yumi’s life and career here. Please feel free to download anything that interests you.

2024 is the year of the Dragon — our year! “Hokuryukai” means “Northern Dragon Association,” commemorating our founding in the Dragon year of 2000 as well as the dragon spirit that O-sensei said was fundamental to his art. We are expecting good luck and lots of energy for the dojo and all our members!

This article casts light on some of the important Japanese concepts behind a “dojo.”

https://qz.com/1181019/the-japanese-words-for-space-could-change-your-view-of-the-world

This is from Marcus Aurelius…

“When you need encouragement, think of the qualities the people around you have: this one’s energy, that one’s modesty, another’s generosity, and so on. Nothing is as encouraging as when virtues are visibly embodied in the people around us, when we’re practically showered with them. It’s good to keep this in mind,” (via Daily Stoic).

Learn from your fellow students on the tatami — don’t myopically focus on yourself. Steal techniques from your seniors, pick up ideas and fresh attitudes from your juniors, try to absorb energy and enthusiasm when you see it… open your eyes and learn.

“There is only one way to learn. It’s through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey.” ― Paulo Coelho

What really matters about Aikido must be learned on the tatami… not in books, on YouTube or in conversation.