Recently we held our Autumn gradings which included two students doing their nidan syllabus for open hand. One of the highlights of this was their performance of kata; most of the lower ranks had never seen these kata before and … Continue reading
At the end of each open hand class we tend to finish with an exercise known, at least within our School, as suwari ho kokyu ho. It is a common warm down form used by many Aiki based schools. When … Continue reading
Despite the title, this particular missive has nothing to do with martial arts. Its purpose is rather to pass on trivial information that, as far as I am aware, has previously gone unremarked. Doctor Who, original series, season six, The … Continue reading
Father Driving. Went to a Buddhist temple on the way to Kitakata. We like Kitakata because two years ago we had a gestalt culinary experience there; which we hoped to duplicate. The temple has a gingko tree that is over … Continue reading
This is not specifically a martial arts post, (though many martial arts schools do describe themselves as unique), it is more of a personal rant. This, I believe, I can indulge myself in, as I am reasonably certain that the … Continue reading
Gradings are usually predictable affairs. Rarely are students even given the opportunity to grade if they were not ready to do so. That said, occasionally they will surprise you and exceed expectations. This is good. This week’s end of year … Continue reading
We did two martial arts demonstrations this week, with very different responses. One group, the younger, was very engaged and asked endless insightful questions. One child was even physically and emotionally moved by what they saw, to the point they … Continue reading
‘Practice makes perfect’ as the saying goes and there is no denying that. Nobody, no matter the discipline, can expect to progress without practice. However, practice requires particular constraints. Accuracy is a big one. This means reproducing as accurately as … Continue reading
Although the word “consistency” carries connotations of constancy, compatibility, custard and snow conditions, it derives from the Latin verb “consistere”, or “to stand firm” (composed of “con” meaning “together”, and “sistere” meaning “to place”). Hence it’s original meaning has a … Continue reading