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…

Nowadays there is much information and instruction on a multitude of topics presented on the Internet. It is great that universities, museums, etc., which used to be accessible only to the few, are making available vast stores of…

Now a full year into the pandemic in Canada, those of us who love Aikido practice are sorely missing our in-dojo training. Some people in less hard hit regions have tried practicing together using strict protocols. Others have…