Shobu Aikido of Ohio: The path less taken

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.

The path less taken

It is not my intent to offend anyones sense of the reality of our current existence though I am fully aware that this might do just that. I am a firm believer that the reason why so many people are unhappy is the fact that we are living within the bounds of a emotionally destructive civilization built upon and dependent on the continuous suffering of the masses. This is the age of information and I would like to share what I feel is an important informational work called "zeitgeist". In a sense the matrix does exist - If you decide to take the red pill go check out http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/index.html. It also exists as a google streaming video at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5547481422995115331&q=zeitgeist&total=2537&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
If you choose the blue pill then please ignore this post.

I'll admit to being on the skeptical side of life though you might not believe me with a post such as this. I'll also admit to doubting several sections of the Zeitgeist movie. Is it just another political trick helping to confuse? Unconstitutional Tax law? nothing new . . . We are all being tracked 24/7 for most of us via our cell phones - no need for chips. However with greater frequency I find myself asking why I'm so quick to discount strange ideas, non-quantifiable spiritual connections or even trying to put enlightening ideas into a format that is sharable to another person. At what point does one reach a conclusion that something is really authentic? Aikido has awoken my mind to the fact that the possibilities of this physical existence are endless.

What were you thinking about last year? ->
http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/zeitgeist2007/

-Bob

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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.