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Nevertheless, She Persisted

Interview With Janice Taitel Sensei

Aikido is not the “Way Of Harmony.” Harmony is the result of Aikido when done well – a “positive-sum” process that leads to the resolution of conflict and the restoration of wholeness. But the “way” of this “Aikido process” inevitably takes you squarely through conflict. This is reflected in the recent events and story of Janice Taitel Sensei who last year organized a petition for gender equity within the United States Aikido Federation. She followed her Aikido intuitions and ended up in the middle of a considerable amount of conflict… within her own Aikido organization! Nevertheless, she persisted.

Nevertheless, She Persisted
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Aikido Bokken Lifting & Striking

Basic Principles Of Aiki-Ken

Is Bokken training a part of your Aikido practice? If yes, then do you feel that the Bokken is synchronized and integrated into your Bokken forms? Do you feel that your Bokken forms are synchronized and integrated into your empty-handed Aikido? In this latest video in my Aikido Bokken tutorial series, I go into the details of the Aikido Bokken striking dynamics important for creating integration in your Aikido. Check out my latest tutorial on Aikido Bokken Lifting & Striking.

Aikido Sensei Miles Kessler Bokken Tutorial
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Return Of The Plague Dialogues

Mark Walsh, Philip Shepherd, Rafe Kelley, and Miles Kessler

The Embodiment Podcast

On May 22nd, 2020 Mark Walsh invited me back to the Embodiment Podcast to join a panel discussion in a series he is appropriately calling “Return Of The Plague Dialogues.” I joined Mark on the panel with Philip Shepherd, author and embodiment teacher, and Rafe Kelley, of “Evolve, Move, Play.” Listen below to our free-flowing discussion of how we coped with the pandemic lockdown, how our embodiment practices supported us, and how we assess things going forward.

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What Is An Aikido Response To Systemic Racism?

Judge Eric Moye, Malory Graham, Sam Taitel, & Miles Kessler

The recent killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin has unleashed a torrent of protests against systemic racism in cities across America, that have also echoed throughout the world. Regardless of where you stand on the issue of systemic racism, there is no denying that we are a society in conflict. To better understand the urgency of this issue, I invited several of my fellow Aikidoka to join me on a panel discussion & community call where we explored the question, “What is an Aikido response to systemic racism?”

Panel Discussion & Community Call
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Cutting vs. Striking With The Bokken

Aiki-Ken | Bokken Tutorial

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. 

Aikido Sensei Miles Kessler Bokken Tutorial
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Spiritual Resiliency

The Edge Of The Comfort Zone And Beyond

If there is anything we’ve learned in these challenging times, it’s that resiliency is not a given. It must be earned. Facing life’s challenging experiences will develop resiliency… if you face them with courage, patience, and a little faith. However, if you want to grow your capacity for resiliency then there is no substitute for a developmental practice. Any practice that is committed, long-term, and keeps you at the edge of your comfort zone will gradually develop your physical, psychological, emotional, and yes, even spiritual resiliency. 

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Inner Resilience During A Pandemic

Miles Kessler On The Embodiment Podcast

It is no understatement to say that we have all been tested during this current Coronavirus and COVID-19 crisis. It is in times like this that you get to see both the depth and limitation, of your own inner resilience. Recently, I was invited to once again join my old friend Mark Walsh on The Embodiment Podcast to explore the question: what does it mean to have inner resilience during a pandemic?

Miles Kessler On The Embodiment Podcast

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Our Coronavirus Road Trip

Meditation and "Are We There Yet?"

We’ve all been there. For sure if you’re a parent, but if not then you only have to remember back to your childhood. The long road trip with mom and dad in the front seat and the kids in the back bored out of their minds. It’s just a matter of time before that incessant, and annoying question comes from the kids in the back seat – “are we there yet?”

Meditation Teacher Miles Kessler