There are currently openings for Adult and Children students. Interested candidates are invited to observe a class. The dojo is co-located with the Toledo Zen Center at 6537 Angola Road Holland, OH 43558 jayrinsenweik@gmail.com

Aikido is a non-competitive martial art that can be practiced by almost anyone. Aikido techniques do not rely on physical strength but rather develops relaxed power through the focus of intention and Ki. The result is a creative method of non-destructive conflict resolution.

Aikido is practiced on many levels. The first level is includes the development of stamina, flexibility, and learning how to focus one's intention. The second level is built on the first and stresses self-defense techniques that teach the natural order of movement. In this process the students also become adept at ukemi, the art of rolling, falling and protecting oneself. Aikido provides the opportunity for the development of the entire person. It is a workout of the entire body and mind and results in increased strength, overall physically fitness, flexibility and centeredness.

At the third level students are gradually introduced to the secrets of receiving and harnessing the power of ki, they also develop spatial awareness and learn to judge proper timing and distance. During this training the goal is to establish and maintain an energetic connection to your partner and to lead them off balance. This eliminates the need for more destructive means of resolving situations.

The highest level of aikido is mind over matter. This involves the use of visualization techniques, the power of intention and ki, breath control and meditation. Aikido is truly a spiritual martial art that explores themind - body - spirit connection. This advanced level of training at Shobu Aikido reaches a level not easily found elsewhere. The student learns how to manifest power and effectiveness by the focusing of intention alone. This level depends on and can only be reached through the refinement of technique and the students own deepest feeling. For this reason it alternates between the physical and the spiritual.

In the process of practicing aikido, students inevitably find themselves less stressed and more energetic, better equipped to manage life's many conflicts with calm control. Aikido is great for adults and kids alike because practice encourages respect for self and others, self control, cooperation and responsibility.

Gasshuku or weekend long intensive seminars with William Gleason Sensei are available seasonally.

Children's aikido classes provide a friendly, non-competitive environment for students to become more physically fit, agile, flexible, aware, focused, and relaxed. They learn how to safely fall, roll and perform a variety of self-defense techniques in a supportive, comfortable setting, and parents like Aikido because kids learn how to be powerful without becoming destructive.

Flood assistance needed - Updated

All,

Deb's sister and her sisters family have potentially lost all of their household possessions from the flood in Findlay, Ohio. They apparently were living in the basement apartment of a house that was flooded by 6 feet of water.

Her sister has three teenage girls living at home, which is now the Holiday Inn. The girls ages are 12, 15 and 17 ( I think ). They lost all of their school supplies for this year as well as most of their jackets and coats.

Things needed:

Bedding for three twin sized beds
Bedding for one queen sized bed
Jackets and Coats - Deb's sister is about Deb's size and the girls are aged 12, 14, and 16.
School supplies
Cleaning supplies
Paper Towels
Garbage bags

If you are going to bring in something please leave a comment so that others have an idea of what is being donated. Extra supplies will be given to those in need. Deb mentioned that 100's of families do not have flood insurance and even with the Red Cross and Fema dispersing money and supplies things will still be needed.

Thanks!

Bob

Learning lessons

School starts tomorrow, and I'm reminded of the lessons I've learned as a relatively new student of aikido. The most important ones that transfer to my work in the classroom are an empathy with those who struggle to grasp a concept (as those of you who witness my movements on the mat clearly understand) and the value of partnership and group learning. I have a few students in my class this year for whom English is not their first language, and I know they will struggle. I'll try to remember that aikido is a new "language" for me and try to figure out how I can best help them.

something to think about...

...at those 90 degree keiko sessions.

yamaguchi shihan

this site shows a rare section of a class with yamaguchi shihan. if you look closely, you can see a young bill gleason sensei watching him demonstrate.

Ikkyo and heartbreak


Why do I have such a hard time not resisting? I think I’m moving correctly and going with the technique, but it still hurts. When someone tells you, “I don’t love you anymore,” what is the proper response? Is more training the answer? I know that I might not appear to be the most serious or dedicated student in the dojo, but I remember everything sensei has ever said about how to deal with difficulty, and while I might be gaining ground when it comes to handling a yokomenuchi, or a tsuki, much work is needed when it comes to emotional difficulty. I know how I should react, but I can’t make it happen. I get atemi to the face every time. I need to find out what it takes to be able to accept that it is a cold world we live in. I need to understand why doing the right thing doesn’t always have a payoff. I need to learn how to walk upright.

I have had a few of you approach me with words of support lately, and I want you to know that I appreciate it immensely. Lately, the only times I have been able to let go of my mess have been when I’m on the mat, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this community. Thanks.

Saotome

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