Shobu Aikido of Ohio: Toledo Zen Center Community Retreat

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.

Toledo Zen Center Community Retreat

After considering all the input we recieved, it has been decided that the later weekend,December 12-13-14, will work best for most of the Toledo Zen Center Sangha.

Check in time will be from 5-6pm on Friday the 12th. We will need some volunteers to help with zendo set up and other retreat prep work earlier in the day as well. The retreat will close Sunday after lunch.

Fees for the weekend are twofold. Lourdes College requires $20 total for your room, and a share in the fees for the Conference room and Kitchen. These fees will total around $150 and will be divided equally between all retreat participants. Dana for the teachings are made out to the Toledo Zen Center and are on a sliding scale. Recomended donation for the weekend is $100. Lastly, there will be responsibilities to take care of food for the weekend. Retreatants will be asked to contribute some food items. Do'on will be coordinating the kitchen.

The daily schedule and outline for the weekend will be posted in the comming days.

Interested Aikidoka who have attended the wednesday evening Zen Center meetings may register by adding a comment at the TZC web site (www.toledozen.org) or conecting with myself or Do'on in the zendo.

We are so looking forward to this adventure together, thank you for your practice.

Gassho,

- Rinsen and Do'on

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Jay Weik Sensei began to study the martial arts in 1977, and in 1987 began the practice of Aikido with Bill Gleason Sensei at Shobu Aikido of Boston.

In 2001 he moved back to his hometown of Toledo to found Shobu Aikido of Ohio, and in 2005 he began co-leading intensive Shobu Okugyo retreats with Gleason Sensei which focus on Kotodama and Aiki principle.

In 2013 he was awarded the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) by Gleason Sensei.

Jay appears extensively in Gleason Sensei's 2001 video 'Aikido and Japanese Sword' as well as his 2009 book "Aikido and Words of Power."

Gleason Sensei and Jay Sensei also study Internal Power/Aiki with Dan Harden.