Seminar: David Thompson in Houston, Texas - July 25, 26, 2009
Posted 7/01/2009 9:43am [from Jorge Garcia]
On July the 25, 26, we will be having a Shudokan Regional Seminar in Houston with David Thompson Sensei from the Lichfield School of Aikido and Budo in England. Thompson Sensei has a personal membership in the Shiseikan Budojo in Tokyo and his dojo in England is part of the International Shiseikan Budo Association. The Shiseikan is owned by the Meiji Jingu which is one of Japan's best known Grand Shinto Shrines. It is patronized by over one million people at the beginning of the year by those who visit to pray and worship. One of David Sensei's teachers is Tanaka Shigeho Sensei, 9th Dan, Honorary Director of the Shiseikan. He was a senior disciple of O'Sensei and was awarded the Mokuhai (Living National Treasure) by the Japanese government. Another of David Thompson's teachers is Inaba Minoru Sensei. Minoru Sensei is the current Director of the Shiseikan Budojo. He started Aikido at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1962 and trained there for many years. Please make your plans to be at this seminar and learn from Thompson Sensei who has a style of Aikido that blends both old and new.

Article: "The Gift of Danger: A Book Excerpt -- Mary Stein"
Posted 6/29/2009 10:13am [from Jun Akiyama]
Here's an excerpt from a book entitled "The Gift of Danger" by Mary Stein who has been practicing aikido for twenty-five years starting in her mid-fifties and is still practicing nearing age 80. From the article: "When I strike with full intention to make connection, my partner has to be skillful and accurate in responding to my motion. If he doesn’t move correctly, he’ll be hit. By striking sincerely and precisely, we provide our partners with an essential risk. This demand for sincerity goes to the heart of aikido." More information on her book may be found here.

Article: "Jamie Leno Zimon - a martial artist making a difference"
Posted 6/26/2009 12:37pm [from Jun Akiyama]
Another in an apparent series of "a martial artist making a difference" articles on examiner.com, here's one on Jamie Leno Zimron which details her recent expereinces in co-founding the "Middle East Aikido Project" in order to build "bridges of friendship and hope throughout Israel, Palestine and the Middle East."

Chicko Xerri Sensei Celebrating 35 Years of Aikido Practice
Posted 6/26/2009 12:37pm [from Robin Fryer]
Aikido Kenkyukai International, Australia Fudoshin Dojo and its members are celebrating the 35years Aikido practise of Chicko Xerri sensei. Through July to December 2009, the dojo will provide workshops and training free of charge to any Aikido visitors. The Dojo will hold kyu and dan gradings at the Dojo with BBQ's and Aiki related activities on its grounds. All will be most welcome over this happy time.

Article: "Aikido Has Friends in High Places!"
Posted 6/26/2009 12:37pm [from Jun Akiyama]
Here's a follow-up article entitled "Aikido Has Friends in High Places!"on Michael Barratt, and aikido shodan at Seishinkan Dojo in Texas, who is working on setting up an aikido demonstration and experiment on the International Space Station.

Publication: Ellis Amdur's "Hidden in Plain Sight" Prepublication Sale
Posted 6/17/2009 12:09pm [from Jun Akiyama]
Ellis Amdur is offering pre-release sales of 250 signed and numbered volumes of his latest book on martial arts, "Hidden in Plain Sight: Tracing The Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power." For more information, please visit the Edgework website and read on more about this here.

Article: "Robert Kent - A Martial Artist Making a Difference"
Posted 6/16/2009 4:13pm [from Jun Akiyama]
Here's an article entitled "Robert Kent - A Martial Artist Making a Difference" which introduces us to Robert Kent who trains and teaches at Aikido West in Redwood City, CA, and his off-the-mat activities which include founding the PeaceCamp Initiative, winning Ben & Jerry's Peace Pioneer Prize, and teaching "Aikido and Ethics" at Willims College.