What can an Aikido teacher learn from the Circus? I once visited Zippos circus which took place in Victoria Park, Scotsoun, Glasgow. I highly recommend the show. The atmosphere they create and the performers themselves were a marvel to watch. I was blown away by the spectacle of the first half of the performance especially. … Continue reading An Aikido Sensei Visits The Circus
Tag: martial-arts
Is Aikido Magic?
If you watch some demonstrations online you may find some Aikido teachers doing things that appear to be supernatural. Here is an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL-Iv_VDQ-Q Some people see these kind of demonstrations as giving Aikido a bad name as it is all fake. Other people fully believe that we can learn to control and emit energies … Continue reading Is Aikido Magic?
Martial Arts “Cults”
I visited an Aikido class recently to train with another teacher.I noticed that he had set up the class in a different way to the environment he had been trained in.He had taken out some of the ettiquette which is quite universal across Aikido classes and was looking to train and teach in a different … Continue reading Martial Arts “Cults”
Aikido Vs Terrorist
It's not everyday that you receive an email from a Special Agent of the FBI.It started:"The reason for this communication is to provide you with a judicial update regarding the case of United States of America v. WILLIAM ............."Where did this all begin?Around 7 or 8 years prior I had met William for the first … Continue reading Aikido Vs Terrorist
Aikido Is Unrealistic?
When you post an Aikido video on the internet you are bound to get these types of comments: “This is unrealistic” “This would not work in a real fight” “Dancing!” etc etc To be honest, you are likely to get some negative comments from other Aikido practitioners also! People love to have an opinion...even on … Continue reading Aikido Is Unrealistic?
Keep Weight Underside
In Aikido we aim to embody a number of principles to develop mind and body co-ordination."Keep Weight Underside" is one of those principles.This sounds simple but it can be hard to grasp.Simply put, any object in it's natural state will have its weight at the lowest position possible. This is what we mean by weight … Continue reading Keep Weight Underside
Extend Your Mind, Extend Your Ki
In Ki Aikido one of our principles is to "Extend Ki" or what might also be called "extending your mind". I once heard another teacher say "shine like a lightbulb" to describe this state. What does this mean? One definition suggests: "Extend Ki" refers to the practice of extending one's energy and consciousness beyond the … Continue reading Extend Your Mind, Extend Your Ki
The Importance Of Going For Grading In Aikido
In our class we offer the opportunity to train towards going for grading. As you complete each grading you will be allowed to wear a different belt to the club...ultimately leading to black belt and wearing the hakama. Some people are not very interested in gradings and would prefer not to go through this process. … Continue reading The Importance Of Going For Grading In Aikido
A Strange Aikido Story
People often ask about whether Aikido can be used to defend yourself in real life. For me, the value in Aikido practise goes beyond that to where it can be used in situations every day. Often Aikido training helps to avoid confrontations before they escalate. One such situation comes to mind from a Christmas night … Continue reading A Strange Aikido Story
Relaxation And Living Calmness
Everyone thinks they know how to relax. It's just a matter of zoning out in front of an entertaining show while lying comfortably on the couch, right? Scientists have suggested under observation that people are often not as relaxed as they think when they believe themselves to be. Look all around you and you will … Continue reading Relaxation And Living Calmness
Aikido For Glasgow 