Dojo News & Blog
-
Kendo: Culture of the Sword
In his excellent description of Kendo’s history and philosophy (Kendo: Culture of the Sword [2015]) Alexander Bennett states his view of the purposes of…
-
Great Samurai Sword
To make a great samurai sword the requirements are good raw materials, appropriate equipment, and a skilled smith. The forging process is called “tanren”…
-
Wisdom of the Ancient Greeks
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” “Know thyself.” “Nothing in excess.” One does not live to study philosophy. One studies philosophy to live.…
-
Why should you take tests in Aikido?
Your instructor has patiently taught. Other students have devoted their time, energy, and pain for your development. Show respect to them by demonstrating that…
-
Book Review: MUSASHI by Eiji Yoshikawa
Book Review: MUSASHI by Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962) Published in Japanese in 1939; English translation in 1981 This novel presents the story of a young…
-
Making Ethical Decisions
Recently an Ontario coaching organization offered a course on “Making Ethical Decisions”. I was not able to attend, but I would like to offer…
-
Important Principles
In Grades 7 and 8 I was a very poor student in my woodworking and metalworking classes. Despite my best efforts, my projects were…
-
Another time…
Another time Tanaka Shihan reminded us that, “If it isn’t elegant, it isn’t Aikido”.
-
Tanaka Shigeho Shihan
Tanaka Shigeho Shihan was a major contributor to my Aikido development. He gave me private and small-group lessons at the Shiseikan Dojo located in…
-
Circular Movement and the Spirit of Harmony
After failing my initial attempt at Shodan (first degree black belt) in the summer of 1980, I was allowed to try again in November…