Some days . . . are about noticing our own sense of superiority . . .

Attitude, like ki, is an essential determinant in the success of our training.  A useful attitude helps us see clearly and deal with the world as it is.  It enables us to crush our most secret and self-defeating illusions.  

We enter the dojo and leave a certain kind of attitude outside. We affect a different attitude the moment we bow to the kamiza.  The dojo attitude we cultivate is the foundation of every movement and breath we make on the mat, and our goal is to be able to take that intentional, cultivated attitude back out into the world. 

As our comfort and expertise on the mat deepens, it is easy to get distracted from the task of cultivating our dojo attitude- attentive, relaxed, sincere, confidant, and respectful of energy and training of our partners.  Even after decades of practice, vigilant attention to attitude, like breathing, remains essential to our growth.  As soon as we think our learning is complete we are correct- in a way.  As soon as we think we know it all, or as soon as we think our attitude no longer requires cultivation, we cripple our ability to improve and growth melts into deterioration. 

So, some days are about training footwork, and some days are about noticing our own sense of superiority and identifying it as the illusion it is. 

इस टेस्टिंग रंक?

Is Testing Rank

Among the many tests that are associated with rank is the invitation to arrogance। It is respectful to take note of whatever sensei is acknowledging within you by awarding you rank. On the mat we are often called to display our understanding for the edification of ourselves and of others. Rank can sometimes invite us to display for its own sake, to make “offensive display of superiority or self-importance or overbearing pride.” Passing this particular test means recognizing when the intent of our expression is motivated by arrogance (which has a rank of its own) and self-correcting.

Koichi Tohei Sensei

Koichi Tohei Sensei has passed away - AikiWeb Aikido Forums



Dear Chief Instructors,

We regret to inform you that Koichi Tohei Sensei passed away at 9:14 this morning. He was 91 years old.

Two weeks ago, he had sense of discomfort on his chest and it was found that he had inflammation of the lungs, so he had been receiving treatment. He went to intensive-care unit (ICU) twice and came back to general ward each time with his strength of Ki, however, his heart got weak little by little this morning and passed away.

After discussion in his family and it was decided that the closed funeral will be held within his family including Shinichi Tohei Sensei and the formal funeral for all members will be held in Tokyo some weeks later for those who would like to be present.

The date and place of the formal funeral will be announced to all of you after decided.

We are very sorry for the inconvenience but would appreciate your kind understanding for the above.

Sincerely,

Wataru Hatakeyama
(sent on behalf of Shinichi Tohei Sensei)
Overseas Division
Ki Society H.Q.

The Mat as Teacher

The paradox of trying to respond properly to technique without the ability to truly feel nage's movement was a curiosity that I only began to understand when I gave up trying to figure it out.

Ukemi, as much as anything, teaches the effect of technique and being willing and capable of moving is a pre-requisite to ukemi. Rolling is one of the best teachers of movement. The mat instructs us immediately on our success and successful rolling requires relaxed, extended, centered movement.

The link below is a video by Donovan Waite, Sensei, who thoroughly explains the concept of "meeting the mat".

The ‘Welcome Mat’

Like many other folks I studied other martial arts before coming to Aikido, and I researched many more. A major attraction of Aikido is the opportunity to continue getting better in spite of (because of?) an aging body. I can’t punch or kick as hard or as fast as I used to, but I do move a whole lot better.

One great gift of our dojo is Sensei’s effort to provide opportunities to train even when life presents its frequent obstacles. Part of training is sometimes working around those obstacles and sometimes working with them. I would rather train once or twice a month than not train at all. I think it is much harder to re-start a consistence practice than to hold on by your fingertips. Either way, Sensei always gives tremendous support to students no matter where they are in their training. That stability and encouragement enriches our training whether it is our first day or our twenty-fifth year.

Therefore, as everyone’s training is affected by an undulating life (births, deaths, work, etc.), it is good training to bring the mat with you, to welcome it into the rest of your life and in that way never cease training. The learning we gain from employing Aikido in everyday living (balance, vitality, compassion, etc.) has enhanced meaning when we return to our dojo and its ever-welcoming mat. Either way, the training never stops.

Somewhere between arrogance and fear . . .

Creating conflict is as easy as looking at someone, ignoring him/her, invading personal space. Reacting to conflict is almost as easy. One’s role in a conflict (a natural consequence of human interaction) falls within the sphere between being afraid of the conflict and relishing the chance to put someone in his place. Responding is not so easy because it requires training. On the mat we train in the paradox of being strong (by relaxing our fear) and supple (by relinquishing arrogance) so that we can sense uke’s attack and redirect it. We explore our own tendencies toward fear and/or arrogance and train our bodies to respond with strength and suppleness so that our reactions do not get us into more trouble or cause us to do things we will regret.

A Clean Table Top

If you’ve ever read the Carlos Castenada books (The Teachings of Don Juan, etc.), there is a great passage in one of them where Don Juan compares the mind to a table top. We usually walk around with a cluttered table top, maybe even stained and full of crumbs. The clear, calm, peaceful mind is a clear table top.

Training in the dojo has a lot to do with breaking down old patterns of moving, responding, and thinking in order to instill more effective methods of interacting with the world. Humility is a major part of this training- relinquishing the ego so you don’t react with a need to defend it; training a constant sense of respect for the people around you (without whom, training would be impossible).

We train this humility and respect with our first step into the dojo. We leave outside conflicts outside and acknowledge the special place where we learn Aikido. Part of that humility and respect is keeping the place in good shape. Cleaning the dojo is like cleaning the table top, refreshing the energy in the dojo is an act of humility, yes, but gratitude as well. The dojo is what we make it and if we take our training seriously it is up to us to prepare the space. Like keeping a clean gi, keeping a clean dojo is a great way to train awareness, extension, and connection. It is our center as a community.

Dojo Cleaning: May 27- 6:30. Please make it if you can or inquire if there is something you can do at a different time that will be helpful.

Many Thanks.