Not too long ago I was having a conversation with the founder of our School, and inevitably, when two old instructors get together, the conversation at some point will drift towards complaining about the quality and quantity of students, … 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
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