aikido:life | North Valley Aikikai

What does it all Mean? Pleats on a Hakama

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 22:19:00 +0000

By Marjorie Motooka, Shodan

A Hakama is the skirt-like pants that some Aikidoka wear. In our dojo it is worn by Yudansha (black belts) and Kenshusei (Teacher Training Apprentices). It is a traditional piece of Samurai clothing. The standard Gi worn in Aikido as well as in other martial arts such as Judo or Karate was originally underclothes.

The seven folds in the hakama (five in the front, two in the back) is said to have the following
symbolic meaning:
Jin (benevolence), Gi (honor or justice), Rei (courtesy and etiquette), Chi (wisdom, intelligence), Shin (sincerity), Chu (loyalty), and Koh (piety).

O'Sensei was said to have a strict policy of having his students wear a Hakama regardless of rank as it was reflective of the qualities held by the distinguished samurais of the past. ”Wearing it symbolizes traditions that have been passed down to us from generation to generation. Aikido is born of the bushido spirit of Japan, and in our practice we must strive to polish
the seven traditional virtues."

We should strive to live by the virtues that our Hakama represents, both on and off the mat. Only then can we mimic the true teachings of O'Sensei.

What Does It All Mean? Dōmō Arigatō Gozaimashita

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 02:23:00 +0000

By Marjorie Motooka, Shodan

Dōmō Arigatō Gozaimashita (pronounded Dō-mō Ari-ga-tō Gozai-mash-ta) is a phrase heard at the end of practice and the end of class. This phrase is also accompanied by a standing or seated bow. Translated it means “thank you very much.”

In the Japanese language there is formal and informal speech. Formal speech is used when speaking to someone who is one’s superior (i.e. teacher, boss, elder) and informal speech is used when speaking to someone who is an equal or inferior (i.e. friend, employee, child).

If you are expressing gratitude to someone who is your superior, “Dōmo Arigatō Gozaimashita” would be used.

If you are expressing gratitude to someone who is your inferior, you would use “Dōmō Arigatō” or simply, “Dōmō.”

These phrases would be the English equivalent to “Thank you very much,” “Thank you” and “Thanks.”

Dōmō Arigatō Gozaimashita for stopping by and reading this blog. See you on the mat!

Joining the Kenshusei Program

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 23:11:00 +0000

By Stephanie Pardo, 4th Kyu

I joined the Kenshusei program because I wanted to dive deeper into a martial art that I loved. I thought, “What better way to explore my passion than join an intensive program, which focuses on just that?” The opportunity to join the program was presented to me and I took it without hesitation.

The Kenshusei program is a year commitment.

Kenshushi takes place in a healthy and safe space that challenges each participant to deal with discomfort. This discomfort is unique to each individual.

So why was I doing this? What kept me there?

I made a commitment and couldn’t just walk away. Well, in reality, yes, I could’ve stopped at any point and broken my commitment. Although I committed to a year, it was ultimately my own personal choice to see it through. Nothing was keeping me there… except myself.

I made the decision to join the Kenshusei program because of my love for Aikido. The Kenshusei program for me meant committing myself to a whole year of love. Becoming a Kenshusei brought me face to face with the depths of that devotion.

When I made the decision to become a Kenshusei it was easy because I didn't care about how hard it was going to be or what challenges I was sure to face along the way. I was excited to face those challenges because it would ultimately mean that I got to do something I loved everyday. I made the commitment first to myself, then to my Sensei, then the dojo, then to my fellow Aikidoka, etc. At the time I was unaware that by simply committing to a practice I loved I was ultimately making a deep commitment to myself. I was committing to what makes me happy, to my truth, my experience, my ambitions, my dreams and desires. When I committed myself to the Kenshusei program I was making a commitment to my purest self.

By committing to myself … I acknowledged that I believe in who I am, that I love myself, trust myself, care about myself, and want to do something for my own betterment… I uncovered the depths of self love. I had always believed in myself, but the difference now was that I had recognized it through this self commitment. This was the first time that I fully committed to something for me. Something that I believe in and love, something that was special in my heart. The Kenshusei program uncovered something that I needed — self commitment.

With that being said, I think it is important to be aware that there are two ways in which one commits to something — the first is out of fear and the other out of love.

When a commitment or decision is made out of fear, you are not being true to yourself, but rather you are making a decision that stems from a place of pain and not from your heart. This pain comes from the fear of loss, rejection, abandonment, etc. Therefore the ego driven fear turns your reality into a toxic and false environment. Decisions made out of fear disguise themselves as something safe when in fact they are what lead to your pain. A false perception of yourself is created in order to find protection from whatever you believe has hurt you. In the moment you strongly feel as though you are making a decision for yourself when in reality it is nothing but a defense mechanism, which ultimately leads to failure and pain. Although you believe the decision is what’s best for you, it fundamentally had nothing to do with your truth. As a result, you listen to fear once again in a desperate attempt to protect yourself and fall victim to a vicious cycle that will continue to deceive you. These decisions separate you from love and hide you from your truth. Fear-based decisions never stem from love. They are demanded by your ego, by a deceitful con artist, a lie.

Fear’s main function is to signal danger and trigger responses that will protect you, the best detector of truth is your body. For example, if we see love as danger than we know exactly where we can find love. Pay attention to what scares you and you will find that love is hidden within that. You will find that this love matters to you and as a result you will commit to that love.

Facing your fear is self love.

When you commit to something out of love you will find that you are anchored. The foundation is strong because you are doing it for yourself, which in turn means you are loving yourself and that is conclusively where you find your truth. It comes from a place of true love for oneself to conquer, grow, live, give, connect, believe, dream, be. So no matter what the outcome, the foundation is always true to you and that brings confidence, assurance, strength, truth and freedom.

I believe this is the key to ending all suffering — one must defeat their ego in order to evolve. Uncovering the true love that already exists within us leads to self fulfillment. The fact that you are are alive proves that. You're still going. You haven't given up on yourself. When we commit ourselves to making it through today we are saying that we have worth, we believe in ourselves. The key question now is how much are you fully committing to your life, fully committing to yourself?

Spirit Warrior:

“A soldier has a commitment to love his/her country. The Spiritual warrior must have the commitment to love him/her self. The warrior then extends that love to humanity. The commitment is required because in our journey we will certainly fumble and fall many times. It is in having a strong commitment that we get back up again. It is common to fall to judgment. It can be easy to love some people, particularly the people that like us or treat us well. However, it requires a tremendous commitment to love in the face of those that reject us. This commitment will cause us to challenge our beliefs about our judgments and not being compassionate. We must be committed to love beyond our own self-serving interests of what it will bring us. This is how we will become happy beyond our current paradigm of beliefs. In time we become committed to love for the sheer enjoyment of expressing love. This becomes our commitment. We nourish ourselves with the love we express. A warrior acts in this committed way, even when challenged.

The courage that makes for a good soldier also makes for a good Spiritual Warrior, but the intent becomes completely different. A soldier has courage to face a challenge that may bring physical harm. The Spiritual warrior has the courage to question challenge his or her own beliefs. By challenging our own beliefs we can dissolve the lies that cause our suffering. To challenge our own beliefs requires courage because it means the end of our illusion of safety. When other people challenge our own beliefs we are usually quick to defend. We defend them even if they cause us to suffer. As a warrior we learn not to defend what we believe, and then to challenge those very beliefs ourselves. In this way we are able to sort out the truth from illusions.”

http://www.toltecspirit.com/four-agreements/characteristics-of-a-spiritual-warrior/

What Does It All Mean? Onegai Shimasu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 21:35:00 +0000

By Marjorie Motooka, Shodan

Onegai Shimasu (pronounced o-ne-ga-e shi-mas) is a phrase that is exchanged at the beginning of class between students to teacher. It is also uttered to your partner before the start of any technique. The phrase is also accompanied by a bow (seated or standing), which is a symbol of respect.

Loosely translated onegai shimasu means “Will you do me the honor.”

What? You’re asking someone for the honor of being thrown to the ground and pinned? If you have any understanding of the Japanese culture, you know that we (yes, I am a third generation Japanese) are a polite, considerate, and non-confrontational group.

The honor that we see and that we appreciate during training, is having someone to practice with who will make our skills, knowledge and understanding of aikido deeper and better. Without a partner, we would be left with doing Ukemi practice by ourselves. What fun is that? Therefore, it is an honor to have a partner to be able to train with and for which the least we can do is express appreciation before inflicting corporal pain.

As between teacher (Sensei) and students (Gakusei), it is an honor for a student to be able to train in a Dojo with a teacher who imparts the knowledge that she has learned from years of training from her Sensei. Without her, we would be left with trying to learn techniques through YouTube videos. Again, what fun is that? The honor of having a Sensei to train with and learn from is expressed with a seated bow to the Sensei before the start of class and the words Onegai Shimasu.

See you on the mat … I look forward to the honor!

Our Dojo: A Sacred Place

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 16:37:00 +0000

by Reza Haghshenas, 4th Kyu

What is Aikido? And what is this martial art going to bring into my life? I don't know the answer. But I feel that Aikido is a manifestation of love, as it lights up something special in my heart, to see my true self, to recognize my real path.

How do I know this is true? I look inside myself and see.

It has been many days, I have come to Aikido class while my physical body was exhausted, my mind was unrestful and my level of consciousness was in a low mode.

Aikido heals you, it cures you; Once you enter the mat at our dojo the healing process of aikido begins. It is not your choice, you can not stop it; It touches something deep in your heart, bring it up to your physical and conscious levels and pulls you up to a higher level. Our dojo is a sacred place; You just need to enter it, once you do that, it makes you a better person, sheds light on your true nature to explore the way to better yourself.

I don't know what is aikido or what this martial art is going to bring into my life. But I feel that when you enter the mat, it helps you become a better person.

Your Face is Pressed Against the Mat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 16:23:00 +0000

by Vincent John, 5th Kyu

Your face is pressed against the mat. This serves to relieve the pressure derived from whoever is stretching your right arm up towards your spine, firmly into your back. At first nothing is felt. Not a shred of discomfort. You quietly think to yourself, “Is this the correct technique? Am I situated wrong? Should I alter my position or shift my weight?” You lay there considering these frivolous notions, neglecting to observe a rapid pulsation and heat stemming from your body.

As in all matters, the body can sense trouble before the mind.

In an instant swirling and surging, what you callously thought wouldn’t happen, does. Pain. Wet hot, sticky pain. Being lost in your surroundings, the mind you were so dependent on forgets to tap the mat. Provoking your sparring partner to add a little more pressure, I.e. pain, to the moment.

Finally, you tap and are released. You stand up, brush yourself off, say thank you, and do it again. Now on your left arm.

A quick Google search on Aikido will bring you this:

Way of Adapting the Spirit. That is Aikido. Fluidly adapting movement for a better outcome. Which useful during an actual attack against an aggressor of bigger stature.

But is it not the teachings of Aikido to avoid fighting at all cost? A teacher of my mine once said, “If you allowed the fight to happen you have already lost.” I am paraphrasing, but that is the basic jest. Which is unquestionably true. If someone comes up to you out of the blue, calls you a demeaning name, the genuine best defense for that is, smile, nod, and walk away.

So why train?

Why put your body through being pulled and prodded. Why be bruised and exhausted upon entering your home after an extra rigorous class? Why waste your free time for something that will lead to nothing?Instead, could not each Aikido class be a thirty-minute discussion on how to diffuse violent bullies through peaceful negotiation?

The answer to that is no. Not because some would-be-attacker is a capable fighter easily dealing out hordes of anguish. Sure that is part of it. Every individual should be prepared with the basic knowledge on defending himself or herself.

But the true reason for training in hot weather, or cold, with bruises and none existent personal time, is not for the cardio. It is for the mind. Yeah remember that overtly confident element of cognition I spoke of earlier? And how I thought either my partner or I got the technique wrong before the pain hit?

Well, in a sense I did get the technique wrong.

The mind tells us what it needs. When it calls for it, and whom it requires it from. Never ceasing, never wavering. Neither in our sleep nor in reflection.

Most of all the mind tells us our approach is correct. That there is no other perspective. We are all destined to one point perspectives since humans do not share the connected consciousness as Ants. Obviously thank goodness for that. But, the tricky part is how does one bend to the will of someone else without breaking.

Do not believe me? Then try this fun little game!

I do not want you to picture pink elephants dancing in a disco. Seriously stop!

I told you stop! Stop thinking about it.

So what were you just thinking about? Y eah...

I challenged you to stop thinking of cute pink elephants and try as you might, it was tough wasn’t it?

You tell me no, my mind will somehow discover a yes. Which if you are human, and I have a suspicion that you are, 95% of the time that is excellent news. It is how as a species we built towers and flown planes and sailed to the moon.

But there is a certain mischievous 5% that when occurs no mind in human existence can find a yes. Where the only answer is no.

One day it will attack you; and I do not mean physically. Metaphorically, you will be cornered against a wall. Surrounded. Got. No where to flee.

It is in those moments when A Way of Adapting the Spirit comes into fruition. The fluid nature of being able to bend but not break.

It is the inner balance, a core strength that comes through preparation for the mental fight. That in truth, has already made you victorious.

Training is not for the purpose of the physical fight, but to anticipate the fight within.

Simple Truths of Weeding

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 May 2017 15:46:00 +0000

{Weeding my garden this morning, kneeling close to the ground under the Southern California sun, brought about some simple truths— for life, for Aikido. Just like weeding, we are evolving in our Aikido by peeling off, ridding of the extra, and digging deep.}

Peace can be found within the work of weeding.

Every side has another side: Fallen branches were once climbing toys of squirrels.

Use your center to uproot large weeds. We can have a good read on the root's depth once we engage our center as we start pulling. Uprooting must be done with sensitivity, precision, and force—all at the same time.

The hard physical work of weeding has its great rewards of breathing Earth's scent and being caressed by sunlight and sweet breezes.

‘Let go’ practice in weeding work is very useful.

Weeding is usually satisfying, but not always—especially when facing a beautiful yellow dandelion—its only wrongdoing is growing in a wrong spot, or when feeling the pain of thorny weeds, exposing our vulnerability.

Sometimes the best power is found in our "weak side". Let the "strong side" learn from it.

Hidden treasures are everywhere. Keeping eyes and heart open bring about great discoveries.

Cherish weeding days. There will always be enough weeds, but not as many days.

Why Do I Keep Visiting My Sensei Every Few Weeks?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 16:23:00 +0000

By Lee Lavi Ramirez

Life Is Short

Some of my peers have recently lost their teachers, as many of O’Sensei’s students have passed away in the last few years. Although the legacy and strong memory that their teachers have left within them, I can feel their yearning. This is a constant reminder that every moment counts, and every opportunity should be taken, as my teacher continues deepening his study of Aikido. As long as Sensei is here and as long as I am here, this is what Ichi-Go Ichi-E is about, capturing the Now and its offerings.

Learning, learning, learning

It never stops. No matter how long I’ve been a teacher—there is always more to unveil. Keeping my hunger and seeking into my study—and learning simply happens. Looking up to the finest resource, my Sensei, takes me on a journey of discovery, and unravels my evolution as a martial artist.

Continue Being Inspired

My teacher is an ever-changing master of Aikido. He is a true seeker of the Way, who is training daily on the mat. Sensei is a living example of pure research of the path of Aikido. His total dedication and one-pointedness are rare. Seeing Sensei walking this path is inspiring beyond words, it uplifts my spirit.

Benefits of Long Term Teacher-Student Relationships

Long term relationships have their friction; the friction of time. In a world that tempts hopping from one thing to the next, this option is not always easy. It is where the rubber meets the road. I know that the most enlightening lessons in my life were derived from this friction—and as so, I protect this wellspring, amidst its intense nature. It is priceless.

Sharing the Passion

Having students is what makes me a teacher. Every time I am back from visiting Sensei, I carry something for our Dojo members. I am not sure as for what it is exactly, although they feel it, and I can see it in their training. A gift is being passed from one student of the art to the next, precious and exciting.

Because of Love

Amoris amor creates, Love creates love. When one loves what they do, it is catching on to others, and the ripple grows. Love is something we do, not just say. The work of love is done by deeds, and by being present. For my love of Aikido was so often fired up by my teacher, visiting Sensei, as often as I possibly can, is one physical expression of this love—perhaps the clearest one of them all.

Written with deep gratitude to my teacher, I. Shibata Sensei

Lee Lavi Ramirez is the chief instructor of North Valley Aikikai, and has been training Aikido under Shibata Sensei for the past 22 years.

Beginners Guide to North Valley Aikikai

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:35:00 +0000

by Wes White, 4th Kyu

Men and women, boys and girls take Aikido for a variety of reasons, physical fitness, self defense, strength development, flexibility, grace of movement, serenity of mind and a plethora of other reasons. No matter why you came to Aikido, it is important to learn and remember certain aspects of being a beginner. And we are all beginners forever.

First of all, Aikido in general is one of the most challenging and difficult martial arts you will learn, and it is a martial art, which gives it a combative aspect. The combination of foot work, hand work, brain work, opponent coordination and awareness makes it quite challenging for the beginner, and all ranks for that matter. DO NOT BE DETERRED if you cannot grasp basic concepts and movements as quickly as you think you should.

Second of all, as in most all martial arts where the teacher is linked to the traditions and rituals of the art, there are basic movements and rituals you will need to be familiar with from the first couple of days you train.

Bowing.

We bow a lot in Aikido, it is to show respect for your teachers and fellow aikidoka (a practitioner of Aikido) and to show respect for our traditions and those who came before us.

One bows when one enters the dojo (workspace)

One bows when one leaves the “dojo proper” and goes into the common door that leads to the dressing rooms.

One bows when one come out of the dressing room common area

One bows before coming onto the mat for class.

At this point the student or teacher positions ones self in seisa (a kneeling position) and does a formal bow in. This is both a way to show respect for the founder of the art and to clear ones mind of all things outside of training.

Warming Up

At this point if class has not started yet, students are allowed to warm up by stretching or doing ukemi (rolling and falling, blocking and break falling) until the class begins.

Class begins

But watch for the senior student (HOW DO I KNOW WHO THAT IS EVERYONE LOOKS THE SAME??!!) You will figure it out. When the senior student takes his or her place in a formal kneeling position to the right side of the dojo facing the kamiza (all these terms!!) it is time for the class to begin. It is the responsibility of this senior student to kneel down at the moment the class is scheduled to begin. So if you know when it begins and pay attention, you will know it is time to line up.

You should line up in order of ranks. But wait you ask, everyone has a white belt, how do I know? Well the short answer is you observe and figure it out. As a beginner it is always appropriate to go to the end of the line and wave all other students to your right. There is a pecking order and you will eventually know who is an upper rank and who is a lower rank.

This brings us to the subject of ranks. Everyone wears a white belt until you become a black belt unless you are in a childs class. There are however 5 ranks in between beginner and black belt. They are called Kyu ranks. First Kyu students line up to the left of the ranking black belt students. Fifth Kyu is the first rank. One should always have a beginner's attitude, and keep humble, open and hungry to learn and improve.

The formal Bow in

At this point when all the students are lined up the instructor (Sempai or Sensei) will enter the class from the left or right and kneel down in front of the kamiza, situate their self and bow to the Kamiza). We all bow to the kamiza as a group at this point. The teacher then turns around and bows to the class. The class bows to the teacher and says in Japanese “Onegai shimasu”. It is done this way most every time and is one of the basic and most important rituals of an Aikido class.

The formal warm up

The teacher then takes the class through a series of warm up exercises conceived precisely to help our bodies prepare for the unique exercises and techniques practiced in the Aikido Class. This is another important ritual in the Aikido world. The formal warm up ends with the teacher saying to the class “Ukemi” which means to practice on your own your rolling and falling skills. At a certain point the instructor will say “Shiko” which mean knee walking. Students will practice knee walking for a few minutes then the formal instruction will begin.

Teaching or Demonstration of Techniques

After knee walking is over, the students sit down generally in the back of the dojo and the teacher then calls up a ranking student or anyone she wants to demonstrate a technique. The teacher either demonstrates it in total silence or gives verbal clues as to how to do the techniques depending on the instructor or the night. In very traditional dojos or with traditional teachers in our dojo, no words are spoken. While the demonstration is in progress students are expected to sit in seisa.

Practice

When the demonstration ends, the teacher will kneel and bow to the class, the class will return the bow. The students then pair off AND THEN BOW to each other and begin working together to try and perfect the techniques. The formal terms are Uke and Nage (Uke gets thrown, Nage throws) The lower ranking person will first “attack” the higher rank first as per the attack demonstration. The nage “drives” the technique, for example, if the attack is a shoulder grab, the Uke grabs whatever shoulder the Nage offers, it can start on the left side or the right side. Then the technique switches to the other side. The technique is performed four times and then the partners switch and nage becomes uke, and vice versa. The technique is practiced four times. Right left right left. You should practice in silence as much as humanly possible. No one but the chief instructor should be giving any sort of criticism or advice.

During this practice session the instructor comes around the class and offers more personal instruction, criticism, and helpful hints, philosophy or anything they want to offer. You should consider it a great honor to be singled out for advice from the instructor. When the instructor stops talking to you, you should bow and thank them for their advice. After a certain time, the instructor will clap their hands or call an end to the technique, then the students will BOW AGAIN to one another and thank each other for the practice. This happens with each and every technique. Then we all run back to the lineup and wait for another demonstration and the cycle begins all over again.

Formal Bowing Out

The instructor calls an end to the class and students fix up their uniforms and then kneel in the rank order explained above. The instructor then kneels and formally bows to the kamiza, turns around and makes any pertinent announcements and then formally bows to the class. Students return the bow and repeat in Japanese “Domo Arigato Gozaimashita" (Thank you very much). The instructor then says to bow to “your partners.” Students bow once to the kamiza and the face each fellow student to thank them for their help and assistance.

Cleaning Up the dojo

Part of each class’s ritual is to sweep the dojo after class. Pay attention to how its done and join in.

Most students will then do a “formal bow out” off of the mat from kneeling. Then one more bow at the edge of the mat before going into the dressing room.

Miscellaneous to remember:

When in doubt, bow to a senior student.

When in doubt bow to the instructor.

After the instructor tells you something thank them (can be done in Japanese or a simple “Thanks you sir/m’am” will suffice.

Never turn your back on the instructor.

When the instructor is in your proximity giving advice or instruction you should kneel and pay attention.

Never show the bottom of your feet to the instructor

Never turn your back on the kamiza

Never fix your uniform facing the kamiza or the instructor.

Always be aware of your space and techniques so you don’t run into anyone.

Senpai's Way

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 22:08:00 +0000

I often speak of the role of beginners at the Dojo, but very seldom mention the Senpai (先輩, sometimes pronounced Sempai).
Senpai are the senior members of the Dojo community, in many cases Yudansha, or 'black belts'.

I like to think of the dojo as of a water stream; While the newcomers and beginners are the water, the Senpai are the rocks. They, too, sometime shift and move, yet constantly hold the ground of the community. The water and the rocks keep the stream alive and dynamic; ever changing. They interconnect and affect each other.

No one is awarded with a Senpai title, nor anyone is tested for it. Time simply passes, new people join the dojo, and one day—you are called Senpai.

While Senpai may be responsible for different tasks and roles in the dojo—they are, first and foremost, an example. Example of conduct, appearance, technical abilities, good attitude and proper etiquette.
Senpai are leading the way, manifesting their teacher's vision into the dojo's reality, both on and off the mat. Dojo culture, students' interrelationships, level of practice and intensity, compassion and assistance to everyone are influenced greatly by Senpai.

With one becoming a Sempai rise the understanding that, just as in using the roles of Uke and Tori/Nage, one cannot do it alone, and one cannot improve without the improvement of the whole community. We are all in it together, and going into an 'Open Heart Mode' is necessary. A greater view, outside our own little selves—and into 'the bigger picture', bring about the beauty and connection of everyone at the dojo, and reaches way outside the dojo's walls to the interconnectedness of everything.

Be the rock, Sempai, yet allow yourself to move about.
Direct the stream, yet let the water polish you.
Be solid, yet do not be afraid to lose some of your layers.
Evolve and change, let time wash you with grace.

Peace is every step

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:53:00 +0000

On the shelf, right above the front desk at the dojo, we present gifts we received throughout the years. One of them is a straw hat. "Peace is every step" reads the calligraphy on it. It was written by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen master.

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”

A reminder of mindfulness. It's in every step.

Seminar with Doshu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 05:26:00 +0000

This weekend we had the honor to participate in a seminar with Aikido Doshu, Ueshiba Moriteru. The seminar was hosted by Aikido UnEnKai, chaired by I. Shibata Shihan, at Berkeley Aikikai.

It felt like a one in a lifetime opportunity, training in a smaller setting that the usual gymnasiums Doshu has been teaching in, with hundreds of participants.

In this photo, taken at the reception, after classes, are some of North Valley Aikikai members, my daughter, Aria, and myself.

Learn from everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:01:00 +0000

Every person we practice with presents us with a gift.

Bryce and Nick in our beginners class tonight.

Three pricipals in bokken work

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:13:00 +0000

In this short clip I touch three principals in bokken work:
The first is the principal of blending: Keeping the bokken 'sticky' and engaged with our partners' bokken will prevent unwanted openings. This keeps us safe and 'in tune' with our partners movements.
The second principal is Maintaining the Center Line: This is essential for both offensive and defensive sides. Waiving the bokken away from the center line will create unnecessary openings and will be posisioned farther from our targets.
The third principal is Keeping Correct Distance: We need to make sure our attacks aim for full contact with the monouchi (cutting edge) in case of cuts, and in full penetration in case of thrusts. Attack with a strong intention, aiming to reach the target fully.

Kyu tests | February 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:20:00 +0000

Congratulations to Sonny Monge (3rd Kyu) and Derrick Trinidad (5th Kyu) for passing their tests.

A year of maturing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:42:00 +0000

Another year is wrapped up at North Valley Aikikai.
Last night we did 108 repetitions of Aikido's most basic technique, Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Ikkyo. This is a very traditional practice in many Aikido schools. Here is short explanation on the number 108 from Wikipedia: "In Japan, at the end of the year, a bell is chimed 108 times to finish the old year and welcome the new one. Each ring represents one of 108 earthly temptations a person must overcome to achieve nirvana." The number 108 has many other meanings in different cultures and practices.

Afterwords we sat quietly in Zazen, allowing the energy to cycle peacefully and settle. Creating the space for a release and letting go of anything that is not contributing to our practice and our lives.
Cleaning the table, getting ready for another year of Aikido.

I feel that 2010 was a year of a significant shift at our Dojo. The Dojo became more mature. Members jumped in and took care of the Dojo without being asked. Wonderful and compassionate exchange happened within our Dojo community; between members, parents, grandparents and children. Activities and volunteering for the community took place, and presence in the community was shown in public events. The Dojo celebrated its fifth anniversary and we hosted Shibata Sensei for a great seminar. Our first member (who started at North Valley Aikikai), Keri, received a Shodan (First degree black belt), and our community grew and broadened, both in numbers and internally.

I keep reminding myself that every day gives us an opportunity to appreciate, balance and celebrate. We have to find it, to choose it, to practice. Open our hearts and minds and allow the expansion. On special occasions we gather and celebrate together, as we traditionally do for Kagami Biraki, our New Year's kick off ceremony and party that will take place at the Dojo on January 8th.

Welcoming another blessed year in, I look forward to sharing it with many of you.

Kinda like Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:49:00 +0000

One of our 'regulars' at the Dojo is Mr. John Barber, also known as "Grandpa". He brings his granddaughter Gillian to Aikido classes every Wednesday, and sometimes on Saturdays, too.

He is a wise man, who gladly shares his extensive knowledge on the Eastern cultures and life in general.

From time to time he hands me a gift, a handful of poems. He calls them "Kinda like Haiku". They touch and lift my heart.

Here are some of them:

*
Trees in bright white bend
to a wind that is not there.
Calm feeling again

*
Children laugh and play;
incense lingers in the air.
Demons flee away

*
Words are but a screen.
Feet themselves must find signs
to the path of life

*
Dojo kokoro:
quiet empty swift bamboo
In black hakama.

*
Patient tatami
Quietly lies in dojo
for feet to return.

*
Bouncing in the air,
falling on the tatami,
An obi comes loose.

*
Hakama shadows
Quietly spin in soft waves
On the tatami

*
Rise and fall again
Body and mind join as one
Fall and rise again

No-thinking

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 22:02:00 +0000

Last weekend we had the honor of hosting Shibata Sensei for a weekend seminar, celebrating our Dojo's fifth anniversary. The seminar was inspiring and very energetic. Everyone trained with great spirit.
At the end of the seminar Shibata Sensei tested Keri for Shodan, our first student to receive a black belt. An honor to the Dojo on its fifth birthday.

A couple days later, as I was preparing tea at the Dojo's kitchen, I noticed a writing on the white board in Japanese. Three Kanji reading Hi Shi Ryo.
A research revealed that Hishiryo is a Zazen term, used by Zen master Dogen, founder of Soto Zen.
While the beginner in Zazen deals mostly with thoughts (Shiryo), and the thought about eliminating thought (Fushiryo), the Master's true "thinking" of Zazen is Hishiryo (No-thought), a state of mind of NOT dividing things/making distinction/using discretion/judging.
That is a way to attaining spiritual enlightenment.

"Thinking non-thinking," wrote Master Dogen, "How do we think without thinking? Think from the depths of non-thinking." This is cosmic consciousness. Hishiryo consciousness. Our conscious senses cannot define it, words cannot explain it. It comes only through our living Zazen experience.

Hishiryo is the harmonizing of objective and subjective views, ultimate consciousness beyond time and space, the highest consciousness, universal, beyond all existences, beyond thinking and non-thinking. To experience Hishiryo consciousness, that is Zen.

The path is long, and, with patience, it is revealing.
I feel very fortunate having a teacher.

Our fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

The students at North Valley Aikikai started a fundraiser for a Dojo camcorder.
There will be adults (S-4XL) and children (XS-XL) sizes T-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts (hoodies and crewneck), as well as bumper stickers for sale.

The prices are as follows:
T-Shirt adults (S-4XL) and kids (XS-XL):$20
Tank tops men (S-2XL), women (S-2XL):$20
Sweatshirts crewneck (S-3XL): $30
Kids sweatshirts crewneck (XS-XL): $25
Sweatshirts hoodie (S-4XL): $35
Kids sweatshirts hoodie $30
Bumper sticker: $1

We will take orders until mid September, so feel free to email us your order.
Thank you for your support!

Avatar Summer Camp 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:25:00 +0000

Here is a slide show summing up our ten weeks of the Avatar Summer Camp.
Wonderful kids, great activities and a bunch of new experiences are coming to an end.
We wish to thank the children, parents, assistants, and all those who participated in this amazing camp.

Basic Bokken drill

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:34:00 +0000

This is a demonstration of basic movements with a Bokken at our weapons beginners class. The Uke is Eli Ramirez.

Basic Aikido techniques

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:31:00 +0000

This is a set of demonstrations of basic techniques taken in a couple of our beginner classes. The Uke are: Naomi Okuyama, Ronald McGregor and Keri Simpson.

Bokken practice on Kumitachi variations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:08:00 +0000

This video was taken quite a few months ago, after a weapons class at the Dojo. My Uke is Ronald McGregor.

A farewell to a great teacher

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:53:00 +0000

Tamura Shihan passed away last night.
He was O'Sensei's Uchi Deshi (live-in student) between the years 1953-1964, and then was teaching in France and giving seminars all around the world.

I was lucky to take a few of his classes, in a couple of his visits to the USA.
I will always remember him as a kind teacher, who demonstrated a marvelous Aikido, with a smile on his face, taking ukemi for everyone on the mat.

He once told us that when we practice we make positive vibrations, and that if every Dojo will make the same vibrations — these vibrations can spread all around, and will bring more positivity around the world.

Avatar Summer Camp | Week II

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:28:00 +0000

Highlights from our second week of camp, in which we visited the Japanese garden in Van Nuys.