“The unexamined life is not worth living.” “Know thyself.” “Nothing in excess.” One does not live to study philosophy. One studies philosophy to live. We do not live to train on the mat in Aikido, even though the…
Your instructor has patiently taught. Other students have devoted their time, energy, and pain for your development. Show respect to them by demonstrating that you are attempting to learn. Help improve the group through you individual efforts. By…
Recently an Ontario coaching organization offered a course on “Making Ethical Decisions”. I was not able to attend, but I would like to offer my personal thoughts. Ethics is the study of morality. It is the branch of…
In Grades 7 and 8 I was a very poor student in my woodworking and metalworking classes. Despite my best efforts, my projects were never very successful. Nevertheless, I learned some important principles: I use these concepts in…
Another time Tanaka Shihan reminded us that, “If it isn’t elegant, it isn’t Aikido”.
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 Meiji Shrine Park. His mastery of empty-handed techniques and various weapons systems was daunting…
After failing my initial attempt at Shodan (first degree black belt) in the summer of 1980, I was allowed to try again in November of that year. The examiner was Fujita Masatake Shihan. He was one of the…
Metaphorically we are each born in a box, not a straight-jacket. Our choices are limited, but there are choices. The choices that we make affect us and the people around us. Aikido training helps us not only to…
On June 5 and 6 the Canadian Aikido Federation organized a Virtual Seminar. Osawa Shihan taught a class and answered questions over Zoom. He was great. Included in the weekend activities was a tribute to our previous Technical…
The irises are blooming in our backyard. They are a welcome sight after months of winter and a less than inspiring spring as Covid-19 rages on. The flowers, however, touch me with their present beauty, but also because…