When you use your bokken do you know if you are cutting or if you are striking? There are good examples of both styles in Aikido. However, in my 20 + years of teaching Aiki-Ken, it is clear that there is also a lot of confusion about this. In this Bokken Tutorial Video, I clear up this confusion by demonstrating the exact technical differences of each method. So if you want to know what your style is then check out cutting vs. striking with the bokken.
The Covid19 pandemic has impacted the entire world. It has also impacted each and every one of our Aikido communities. I’ve reached out to several of my Aikido friends and teachers to convey a short message: “that which connects us is infinitely greater than anything that separates us.”
Over the past 4 years, I have written close to 100 blog posts at the intersectionality of Aikido, meditation, and personal development. In one way, or another, all of my blog posts explore the same essential question: What does it mean to walk a higher path of practice? A question that is very relevant in these uncertain times. I went through my archives and picked out 10 posts that I think will support you through these uncertain times. With Love.
How can Aikido support us in the face of the current Coronavirus and COVID-19 crisis that we all find ourselves in? This is the question we held as we came together with over 100 teachers and practitioners from our global Aikido community for a special 90 min. call. This Community Call replay includes a Dojo-Cho panel discussion, breakout practice sessions, and community sharing. Join us as we collectively explored the issue of “Aikido In A Time Of Crisis.”
The Zen Buddhist practice of “Koans” is meant to transport your mind beyond concepts, penetrating into the true nature of reality. “Reality” being a perspective that is hidden from the ordinary mind, never to be understood through concepts, logic, and reason. Just like with Zen, the true nature of Aikido is a “Koan”, a truth that is hidden from view of the ordinary mind. Even more so when in the midst of conflict. So what is “The Aikido Koan” that will reveal the mystical nature of conflict?
Integral Aikido Intensive, w/ Miles Kessler | Maastricht, Holland
| Date: | February 14, 2020—February 15, 2020 |
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| Event: | Integral Aikido Intensive |
| Topic: | Integral Aikido Intensive with Miles Kessler |
| Sponsor: | Aikido Maastricht |
| Venue: | http://www.aikido-maastricht.nl/index.php/stages-seminars/miles-kessler |
| Location: | Maastricht, Netherlands Netherlands |
| Public: | Public |
| Registration: | Click here to register. |
CANCELED DUE TO COVID – Dortmund, Germany – Integral Aikido Seminar, w/ Miles Kessler Sensei (6th Dan)
| Date: | November 6, 2020—November 8, 2020 |
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| Event: | CANCELED DUE TO COVID - Integral Aikido Seminar |
| Sponsor: | Integral Aikido Dortmund |
| Location: | Dortmund Germany |
| Public: | Public |
| Registration: | Click here to register. |
How complex is your Aikido? I don’t mean “how complicated” is your Aikido. But rather your ability to perceive, respond and perform with complexity. Every developmental stage of your practice can be described as a progression through levels of complexity. Each level of practice is based on a solid understanding of the previous level and then adding to it more complexity. From beginners to intermediate, to advanced. In the video below I demonstrate one of the most advanced (and interesting) practices, “Kaeshi Waza” – Reversal Techniques In Aikido.
What are your Aikido values? Do you believe that loyalty to your Sensei is of the utmost importance? Or do you revere freedom of speech such that if push comes to shove, you’ll dare to speak truth to power? Or are you about deconstructing “dominating hierarchies” and fighting the good fight to ensure everyone has an equal seat at the table? Where you stand on these thorny issues depends on if your worldview is more traditional, modern, or post-modern. These often competing worldviews make up a conflict of values that impacts every aspect of our society and culture. This conflict is especially playing out in the Aikido world… inside every person, inside every dojo, and inside every Aikido organization. Welcome to Aikido and the Culture Wars.
The following post is a supplement to a lager piece on “Aikido & The Culture Wars – Exhibit “A”: The USAF And The Gender Equity Petition.”