There are some aspects of training that are artificial, but necessary. Such as, repeatedly attacking someone who is performing a specific technique on you. In a training context each new attack is its own attack and not always part of … Continue reading
I’m sore. I had a grading this weekend and my body still aches. Some gradings we are pushed to our physical limits to see what emerges. This one, felt different. I didn’t feel like I was up to the task … Continue reading
As the head of a martial arts school, I am regularly presented with ads for how to successfully market my business and become a martial arts millionaire, (perhaps everyone is hit with these ads and I just think I am … Continue reading
We did not make it to Japan this year, unfortunately, so as part of my reminiscing here is an article I wrote on surviving there as a vegan, with thanks to Tanwyn Sensei for providing the photos. If you … Continue reading
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
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
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
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