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"As I prepare for our upcoming trip to Japan, I just realized this will be my 12th trip! My first couple of trips were with the late Yoshioka Sensei, and were spent learning about the culture of Japan, the history, the language and the customs. Later I went either alone or with others from our dojo and spent most of the time training at Hombu dojo and other affiliated dojos. At my age, I don't go only to improve my Aikido technique. I try to go every year because I enjoy the enthusiasm displayed by the practitioner of Aikido in Japan. Many are 70 or even 80 years old and they train everyday. This annual exposure to the pure excitement about Aikido training really rejuvenates my interest and enjoyment in practicing Aikido. I hope you all will experience the same at some point in your training." |
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| "Even though our Path is completely different from warrior arts
of the past, it is not necessary to abandon the old ways totally. Absorb
venerable traditions in Aikido by clothing them with fresh garments, and
build on the classic styles to create better forms.
Our techniques emply four qualities that reflect the nature of our world.
Depending on the circumstance, you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible
as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space."
Morihei Uyeshiba, The Founder of Aikido
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| "I taught Aikido techniques to the Honolulu police department
members for about fifteen years. All the new recruits had to take a six
week course in both Aikido and Judo. Back then all policemen had to be
over five foot seven inches and over 150 pounds. All of them were bigger
than me. This was a good experience for me because I could practice on
them, and build my confidence in overcoming them. Huge Samoan men would
laugh at me when they first met me. `What's he gonna do against me?' they
would say. `Oh, I'm gonna kill this guy,' is what I would say to myself.
Eventually, they would talk to me with their hands held behind their backs,
because if I saw their hand I would grab them and take kote-gaeshi, nikyo,
whatever. I learned I could defend myself against anyone. This ability
to defend oneself is so important in our training. We are training to become
one with nature. We cannot be one with nature until our minds are at peace.
We cannot be at peace unless we are not worried or afraid that someone
is going to attack you. And you must talk to your subconcious mind when
you meditate, and tell it that you are not afraid of anyone or anything."
Sadao Yoshioka Shihan, 9/26/1989
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Monday 7-8:30PM Wednesday 7-8:30PM Thursday
Saturday
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| "The Essence of AIkido - Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba"
-Compiled by John Stevens
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