Paul Linden works with victims of trauma to develop resources that support post-traumatic growth. The main focus is on how to change the roles a person plays when comes to conflict. The attached video asks the question what do you do so that someone can’t push you? Continue reading Don’t Get Pushed Around; Blending vs. Opposition
Monthly Archives: March 2015
Breathing Basics
Aikido is not an individual practice but you can practice at home. Breathing is a great place to start. It is helpful to see what we talk about when explaining meditational breathing but most instruction just shows a very relaxed person telling you to breathe deeply, expecting you to automatically find it easy and relaxing empty out all of your air and hold your breath without passing out. Continue reading Breathing Basics
Andre Cognard Shihan with a flick of the wrist
Aikido is largely about moving everything that is not pinned down. We are almost always free to move our wrist and fingers because if someone is attacking they are not likely trying to hold hands with you. Cognard Sensei demonstrates the power in our smallest parts. Continue reading Andre Cognard Shihan with a flick of the wrist
O’sensei said “I completely envelop my opponent’s heart with the heart of love.”
Above quote from The Journey to the Heart of Aikido by Linda Holiday
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/186624806#t=14:35″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]Frager Sensei trained directly from O’sensei but didn’t realize until studying the Lathi staff (11:30) that Aikido must be practiced with strength of heart, not just strength of “hara” (core) Linda Holiday Sensei reminds us to get back to basics to get to the “Heart of Aikido” and Paul Linden talks about how approaching an aggressor with an open chest, arms, and heart makes for stronger, more balanced, and more effective technique. Continue reading O’sensei said “I completely envelop my opponent’s heart with the heart of love.”