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Why is it.... (Charles Hill)

Charles Hill — 2009-07-04T03:25:30-07:00

Humor: Why is it.... - 7 Replies

From: Charles Hill on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:25:30 -0600

I tried once to do a test to see how much crap was actually on my belt.

Hey Don, I hate to be the one to tell you, but you are supposed to wear it around your WAIST! :)

Going to Japan (Jamie Kenyon)

Jamie Kenyon — 2009-07-04T03:12:41-07:00

General: Going to Japan - 0 Replies

From: Jamie Kenyon on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:12:41 -0600

Hi everyone, I was just wondering, how would be the best way to get to japan. obviously by aeroplane!How does the JET programme work? Can you just get a cheap flight over? I was only planning to go for a month? Many thanks Jamie

Trust (Philip Burgess)

Philip Burgess — 2009-07-03T23:10:09-07:00

General: Trust - 66 Replies

From: Philip Burgess on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:10:09 -0600

Mary, are you talking about two "fundamentally different things" in which we use one word to represent both of these "two fundamentally different things." Both things/situation, you have to depend on each situation that poses risk differently, and thus risk being related to trust each situation is treated differently in terms of trust. It is your view that for different situations there are different kinds, or levels of trust. There is not a single trust applied universally? Now if that is the case, isn't that an individual choice who a person looks at trust and what trust is to them. If say, Joe Aikidoka, has a view similar to Jason's, is that Joe Aikidoka's choice to define and apply trust anyway he feels he needs to. Now you might say, well what about the other people in the dojo. What if they have a different view of trust that doesn't match Joe Aikidoka's view. Therefore, what I said still stands. I would reply with sure, that is an essential part of trust, is matching the same views of the risk and how risk with be treated. And you hold the other person to that. Therefore, you have to start with yourself, and then move on to other people. Every time you move on to new people to trust you evaluate the same risk and offer the same trust but according to each person the amount of trust you are willing to afford them. I think women see trust and risk naturally different than men. They have to, for many, many reasons. I think people who grow up with different backgrounds have differing views and all that, do to. This goes with people who individually have different views from others due to personal experiences, as well. Point being, I think it is hard to categorize trust. It can be done maybe at general broad level for basic communicate of the topic. For example, say in a self-help book where it needs to be categorized for the sake of communicating through a book. But, applied in a dojo situation that is an individual personal thing. That is why I think this topic continues with different views because different people have different reasons, levels, and criteria for trust.

13 step jo kata (Reynaldo L. Albano)

Reynaldo L. Albano — 2009-07-03T21:40:19-07:00

Weapons: 13 step jo kata - 10 Replies

From: Reynaldo L. Albano on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:40:19 -0600

Hi Sensei Chris Hein, I did read and see your video in www.aikidostudent.com and www.centralvalleyaikido.com that is nice and fine to my dojo waza. Although we differ from some point, but some I applied. Please take care always. From; JUDOJO

Intro (Janet Rosen)

Janet Rosen — 2009-07-03T20:39:35-07:00

Introductions: Intro - 1 Replies

From: Janet Rosen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:39:35 -0600

Welcome! May you train joyously.

An interesting relationship (Philip Burgess)

Philip Burgess — 2009-07-03T20:09:13-07:00

Spiritual: An interesting relationship - 12 Replies

From: Philip Burgess on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:09:13 -0600

PAG. Why do you think that, 'that does not stop him from deliberating on all sorts of ideas'? Do you not think that there is an important context to Socrates' protestations of ignorance? (He was always arguing with people whom he really did believe were crucially ignorant about important ethical and political issues. Remember that Socrates was put to death by the very same people with whom he was arguing.) If you really think that 'words lie', why do you both continue to post in these forums? You appear to be skeptics about the value of language ('words lie'), but you do not live out your skepticism. You enjoy displaying your skepticism, but you also assume that words do not 'lie', whenever you post your opinions. For you expect us all to believe that what you state in your words is true. I am not telling you to stop posting; I am merely pointing out that what you say (words lie) and what you do (post lots of words which you believe to be true) does not match. Best wishes, PAG

Hello, PAG. It is very refreshing to have a well thought out response as your. It really is an honor, it isn't something you do allot, and it is probably due to you being very busy. Let me also say by no means do I not recognize your extensive scholarly knowledge. I want to start off on the right foot here. Oh gee, Socrates. That is a tough one for me. My knowledge of him is not beyond the average college courses in philosophy. There is the theory he never really existed and was a device of Plato's. I don't know the background on that theory to see if it on solid ground. But when I speak of Socrates that is something I always keep in my mind. Because it really can have an effect on how he is seen. And what else comes to mind, is the Socratic method of teaching that I have encountered used by high school teachers, professors and lecturers. I have a professor was discussing his teaching methodology, which he said was the Socratic Method. I commented and said, "Didn't they kill Socrates for that?" Needless to say he wasn't happy with my comment. But hey, the professor didn't see it that way, just because I did...well. Hypocritical, I guess of me, or just by years of being subjected the Socratic Method, and thus by default, I use the Socratic method on my employees. But, none of them have forced me to drink hemlock. I don't think it is a good teaching approach, I didn't like it. And I didn't force any teacher along with other students to force the professor to drink Hemlock. If any thing can be said, it is, I am not the best person to discuss Socrates. That is why I didn't comment when Matt brought him up. I believe that discussing my comment on the Zen saying "words lie" is a good start to discussing your points and comments about what I said.. There is a limitation to what words can express and convey, and they do mislead. We all know that if you over the age of 5. Communication at best is difficult to get right, according to many authors on books that range from parenting, to marriage, to interpersonal communication, to business, to communication its self, self-help, psychology, and so on, and so on. And there are so many things that effect communication that has been about by professional that also could fill a city library. I think that has been established communication is difficult. To short cut all that, I used the Zen saying, and probably awkwardly and it didn't come across as well as intended or not received well due to those things that can effect decoding a message, again communication isn't an easy thing. As humans we have this need to communicate and that is a whole other subject. With out going into it too deeply, we as humans need to communicate in all sorts of ways with all sorts of stuff to other humans. It starts they say, as early as in the womb. Well I don't know about that but it is evident with new born babies we have a need to communicate. We are very noisy by nature. We all don't communicate the say way, speak the same language, and so on. Now we come full circle to the difficulty of communication. But from the perspective now then limitations of language that add to the difficulty of communication. It is not being skeptical of language rather the difficulty in terms of the limitations of language. Take for instance, all the different meanings words can have, you can look in the Oxford Dictionary the American version and find many definitions for so many words. Then take the same word and look it up in Merriam Webster Dictionary. Then compare those with a British Dictionary. Take the American English language and compare it to (I dare say) British English and all different dialects, colloquialism, synonyms, homonyms, style, etc. of both very similar languages. And then add the accuracy of words in general to convey meaning or an experience. In addition to that, we are school for over 20 years in the English language. Wow it's over-whelming isn't that we can communicate at all and I just touch upon the tip of the iceberg. I didn't even touch upon how there is specialized language for almost every industry, art, craft and so on. Or how there is double meaning and all those things that take place in language and communication. :crazy: Yes, there is limitation to language was my point in relation to O'Sensei who didn't write his Doka in common or current Japanese language. I say that based on, I forget which of his students being interviewed, mentioned that when O'Sensei spoke on spiritual topics (and I am paraphrasing -- and I will quote later) he didn't understand the use of language O'Sensei was using. To me this says, O'Sensei had a different way of communicating that was and is difficult to understand. Because it seems he didn't use vernacular of the day for his Doka that where written in a poetic form(?). With all that example and background info, I refer to words lie as, words don't convey everything, they are not accurate and it is difficult to communicate our thoughts and ideas, including opinions, comment and arguments. It isn't a platform of skepticism that I am launching from. Again an example of words lying, or in other words can mislead, which is an example in itself, are not always accurate all the time every time etc. we communicate to each other. That being said, communication is work and I think is taken for granted, and misunderstood in many cases and situations in our lives. It is difficult to communicate. Language changes over time, in all sorts of ways, like definations, colloquialism, and all that other stuff related to language and communication. Finally, the last layer to the onion, which I forgot to add early is the percentage of language and communications relies on getting our message across as intended being dependant on body language, tone, inflection, and facial expressions, and more. I don't expect people to think what I say is true, that is for others. I just would rather have people not get trapped in that sheeple trap. But to discuss, to engage, exchange, and that stuff in order to hopefully lead us to truth. I think that has been forgotten or lost in many circles. Peter, thank you for taking the time, again, in providing your comments and feedback. I feel it is a great opportunity to communicate toward a path to possibly a truth(s). Truth(s) we either have forgotten or never knew, but can discover together. I think there lays the beauty and higher purpose of language, is to get past the lies. :)

"No Mind" - What is it? (Reynaldo L. Albano)

Reynaldo L. Albano — 2009-07-03T19:43:19-07:00

Language: "No Mind" - What is it? - 38 Replies

From: Reynaldo L. Albano on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:43:19 -0600

Hi Peter A Goldsbury, I read about " No Mind" so I extract on Theory of " Mushin Mu Gamae" theory of Professor Kenji Tomiki. This is the Zero Applications of Mind and Without Stances. The accurate Taisabaki on exact applications on the Waza with the Kogeki and Atemi. This can only be properly applied by a Yudanshi, because this theory is known to Shodokan Aikido Yudanshi only. But the O' Sensei Murehei Ueshiba teaches to Professor Kenji Tomiki to Kamae and Hanmi. The exact Theory application is on actual situations without proper Mate and Dojo. The Nage must be of preparations on all Kogeki and Atemi. The time preparations of Nage which is the practice on Dojo and theories. I have some note from Shodokan Aikido Association----On 25th November 1972 the 2nd Japan Budo Festival was held in the Japan Budokan. This was an event surely worth a special mention. From the world of aikido, Kisshomaru Ueshiba (2nd head of Aikikai), Gozo Shioda (head of Yoshinkan) and Kenji Tomiki (head of the Japan Aikido Association) were present. It was the first time in history that they had met in the same building. However, the event didn't take its intended course. In Tomiki Shihan's teaching while they were practising randori, all of a sudden they heard the announcement "What is going on now, Aikikai do not acknowledge" repeated several times. Also, one of the festival committee members, while having invited them there, at the same time denied that the content was aikido. The atmosphere was such that the younger university students who were watching almost surged forward from their seats. However, Tomiki Sensei didn't mind at all and continued to teach. Anyway, they didn't calm down and as soon as they finished they asked him about this. Shihan's reply was simply, "The people who understand, understand prefectly. So you don't need to worry." They recall that he thought that was either his presence of mind or his concentration on what he was doing. Twenty years have passed since then and that was the first and last time these three people from the world of aikido had met in the same building. It is said that the spirit of aikido is harmony so he was very disappointed by this. May this note of theory explain some doubt. From; JUDOJO

Need Help Mentally Focusing on Lessons (Ahmad Abas)

Ahmad Abas — 2009-07-03T19:42:32-07:00

Training: Need Help Mentally Focusing on Lessons - 15 Replies

From: Ahmad Abas on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:42:32 -0600

Aikido is about learning to dissolve your ego. Your ego/desire to be bored or disinterested in something is something that is controlling you at this point in time. Be it your classes in photoshop or anything else. Koichi Tohei wrote that to train your ego and become egoless, just practice denial of service (take that IT freaks :P). What it means is, if you do not want to practice, then practice for the sake of spite to your ego. If you do not want to get up in the morning, wake up fully in bed and get up without giving your mind a chance to charm you into dozing for a few seconds more. If you want to bath in hot water just because it feels good, then take an icy cold bath just to say no thanks. If you keep doing this, suddenly you will find yourself in control of your ego and then your body. No longer is your ego telling you what to do. Remember that you are the master here not the slave. Another way to keep your focus in class is to be aware of your sensei totally. Kobuta sensei is fond of telling people he is holding a knife and if he senses that you are not totally there, bang you're dead. So, make believe your sensei is holding a knife and out to get everyone of his students who is not paying attention. Believe that were you to veer your attention slightly for a second that that knife will know be in your face. fwiw.

Not coping with the new sensei (Grant Wagar)

Grant Wagar — 2009-07-03T17:26:12-07:00

Anonymous: Not coping with the new sensei - 43 Replies

From: Grant Wagar on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:26:12 -0600

Then how many years of aikido experience does one need to have before being able to evaluate a teacher?

You can evaluate a teacher after 5 minutes in their class, I'm sure. I went to a kung-fu class and within about 9 minutes I thought he (instructor) was one of the biggest idiots I've met in a while. On the other hand I had an old boss who I thought was a fool. After knowing him about 10 years I started really seeing his leadership style and method of teaching (and what he accomplished long term) and it blew me away. I thought he was an idiot because I was looking at short term when he was operating long term. Year of Aikido critiquing someone who might have 15 or 20? Dunno.

And what advice would you give to people who want to begin training in aikido and have several dojos to choose from? How can they evaluate the teaches in those dojos?

Distance from your house. Quality of the dojo. Price. Atmosphere of the class. Maturity of the students and teachers. Quality of instruction. Quality of senior students. Would you prefer a school with a happy go lucky friendly sensei who doesn't take training that that seriously or would you go to a school where as the sensei is a prick and has the social skills of a wolverine but really knows how to handle himself in a fight (and passes it on to students)?

How to transport jo and bokken on a motorcycle? (Jory Boling)

Jory Boling — 2009-07-03T16:30:39-07:00

General: How to transport jo and bokken on a motorcycle? - 23 Replies

From: Jory Boling on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:30:39 -0600

the 3 minute scooter commute to one of my dojos is by wearing them on my back in a weapons bag but i've seen a lot of scooters and cyclists with surfboard mounts over here. maybe something like that could work... but your mock up seemed to do the job.

YouTube: Morihiro Saito Sensei - Techniques from Katatedori (David Soroko)

David Soroko — 2009-07-03T15:53:04-07:00

Techniques: YouTube: Morihiro Saito Sensei - Techniques from Katatedori - 7 Replies

From: David Soroko on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:53:04 -0600

Good story that, thanks Lyle.

About when typically is it acceptable for an Aikidoka to wear a Hakama? (Lyle Bogin)

Lyle Bogin — 2009-07-03T14:00:37-07:00

General: About when typically is it acceptable for an Aikidoka to wear a Hakama? - 29 Replies

From: Lyle Bogin on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:37 -0600

I've come to think of the fancy pants as a requirement, rather than a badge of honor. It is a service to maintain full dress during rigorous practice. Back in the old dayz *cough - wheeze* we just strip down to shorts and kick the crap out of one another :). I do like the aiki-outfit though. Very "dramatic play". And it gives you an excuse to chat, or to sit in meditation, while you futz around with it.

You might be an Aikido addict if .... (Brandon Lee)

Brandon Lee — 2009-07-03T13:59:00-07:00

Humor: You might be an Aikido addict if .... - 392 Replies

From: Brandon Lee on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:59:00 -0600

1.After loosing your job you cut off your cell phone to make sure you can afford aikido. 2. Sunday morning 7:00 AM the dog takes your place in bed because you are up and off to the dojo. 3. Upon taking the garbage can down the drive way you are figuring the center point.

Viva la resistance! (Lyle Bogin)

Lyle Bogin — 2009-07-03T13:56:18-07:00

General: Viva la resistance! - 34 Replies

From: Lyle Bogin on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:56:18 -0600

Regarding the clip, he's clearly teaching as in "if you get stuck, do this" or "his strength is here so go there". Imaizumi Sensei likes to do that....ask for problems and then present solutions to try.

Good day to you (Jun Akiyama)

Jun Akiyama — 2009-07-03T13:54:54-07:00

Introductions: Good day to you - 1 Replies

From: Jun Akiyama on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:54:54 -0600

Hi Brandon, Welcome to AikiWeb and to aikido. -- Jun