Shutup and Practice

As an Aikidoka I am sure that you have spent time surfing the net looking for Aikido related post, products and people.  Well during my search I came across a bumper sticker or maybe it was a tee-shirt that said, “Shut-up and Practice.”   I chuckled at this sort of rude phrase which actually sounds nicer in Japanese; dematte renshu.  As I thought about this phrase I realized what an important principle of practicing Aikido.   It was interesting to me that the statement even exists but the more I thought about it, the more I realized the value of the phrase.  I am so in love with this statement I would like to have the kanji on our dojo wall.   I also begin to think about scenarios where this statement would work and work well.

You walk into the dojo and you realize that there the A.C. unit is on the blink.  You announce to the class, “Wow it is hot in here!”  During round robin practice you remind each of your partners that the dojo is hot because the A.C. is not working. What can you do about it except Shut-up and Practice.

The instructor wants to explain the principles and theory of the first technique of the evening to infinity.  You appreciate the thoroughness of your instructor but really don’t you wish that the instructor would stop already and Shut-up and Practice.

Oh good grief your partner is the student who loves to point out why your technique is not working and he has the solutions that will fix your technique and will the next 20 minutes talking about your technique.  You are sure you would learn more by working out with this student if he/she would just Shut-up and Practice.

Your instructor just corrected your movement and you explained to the instructor that you are doing the movement that was suggested to you.  The suggestion by the instructor sort of created a smidgen of frustration for you.  You realize that you instructor has been practicing for about twenty years and must know something and in order to benefit you have to Shut-up and Practice.

As the instructor you come to realize that you are not getting the type of workouts that you did before you started teaching.  You feel that it is important to spend time watching your students perform in order to insure their growth and development.  Well to enhance your students’ growth and develop as well as your own then you need to Shut-up and Practice.

You think that it is necessary to tell your instructor at every class you attend about your physical or comprehensive limitations.  Well if your instructor is worth the weight of his/her hakama, they have figured this out the first day you stepped on the mat.  Trust and believe that a good instructor recognizes what is in your way and is constantly thinking of ways to support you in becoming a proficient Aikidoka.  So trust your instructor and Shut-up and Practice.

As dojo cho you visited another dojo which is your dream dojo.  Well it is okay to dream as long as you put energy into turning the dream into a reality.  But until that dream becomes a reality Shut-up and Practice.

Now as dojo cho of Aikido Suenaka-Ha I love chatter on the mat.  It is a very important learning tool but we should not let the chatter get in the way of doing what we came to the dojo to do.  The more I think about it to shut-up and practice it the Do in Aikido.

Sock & Blanket Drive

My My My how time slips by.  It seems like only a week ago that we were complaining about 107 degree weather.  Now the fall chill is in the air only to inform us that colder days are headed our way and we will start to put extra blankets on our beds and trade in flip flops for boots. 

Here we are in the middle of October and again for the 5th year in a row Aikido Suenaka-Ha Ashland is in the middle of it’s sock and blanket drive for the homeless.  The way this became a project for our dojo was that a coworker said that she wanted to do something special for people who are living on the streets.  So she decided to give out blankets.  Well I had always knew that if I ever had a dojo that it would walk the Aiki walk by being in service to the community.  Well I told her that she could count on us and that we would provide socks.  I took this project back to the dojo and they thought that it was a great idea to help out.  Which is why as the chief instructor I am really happy with our continued commitment to our community. 

So feel free to stop by the dojo and drop of a new pair of socks or skull cap or scarf or blanket and stay and try out a class.

Annual Sock and Blanket Drive

Each year during the month of October, Aikido Suenaka-Ha Ashland collect new socks, gloves, scarves, skull caps and blankets to be distributed to the homeless.  This event is one of the projects that allow us to follow O’Sensei’s goal of reconciling the ills of the world through Aikido.   This event allows our dojo to practice the  concept of kaizen which means to make better.  Our goal is to beat last years collection total.  Wish us luck, better yet if you are in our area stop by the dojo during our regular Friday or Sunday class and leave a new pair of socks.

Katas = Proficient Waza

As an Aikido instructor I am a fanatic about kata practice.  In some classes we may go over each kata once while in other classes  we will spend  a lot of time practicing the katas, but nevertheless we practice the katas in every class at Aikido Suenaka-Ha Ashland.  For those who are unfamiliar with  katas, they are a  series of sequential and stylized movements with a weapon or empty hands.   There are four bokken and four jo katas in Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku Ho Aikido. The reasons why kata practice is such an integral part of our workout is because students are tested on the katas and practicing katas  help to enhance a student’s understanding and ability to perform Aikido techniques.    

Practicing kata movements can create a greater degree of fluidity, control and balance as one performs Aikido techniques.  I have noticed that students who do not practice kata will usually try to succeed by powering through their techniques.   If a student understands the purpose of hands, hips and feet movement in the katas that knowledge will show up in the execution of techniques.  

The reason why I like to practice and become proficient in their katas because I consider Aikido as it pertains to the martial aspect of the art to be empty-handed swordsmanship.  As corny as it sounds I always tell students to pretend that you are a samurai in battle without our sword.   The principles you use to wield a bokken or jo are the same principles you apply to your techniques.  I am speaking of the physical principles such as learning to maintain balance as a person shift their body position and/or weight.   The cuts and thrust in our katas help us to   understand how to apply a cut when executing a throw.  Practicing katas also teaches us to get offline while maintaining the proper distance in order to effectively take and maintain control of uke’s balance when executing a technique.  The principles in which you use to hold your jo or bokken as you cut, block and/or thrust are the same principle used to capture and hold your uke.  In essence, uke’s arm once capture by you becomes your sword that you will use to apply cutting  techniques when throwing or pinning uke.   When practicing the katas, we learn to practice with a correct posture which helps to demonstrate exact and efficient cuts.  The posture we use in our katas decreases the distance between ourselves and that which we are cutting.  An example of someone not practicing katas is when they are in the process of applying a cutting motion to their partner, the person doing the cutting sort of become round-shouldered and hunches their back.  Poor posture creates unnecessary distance which is actually a void in the execution of the technique and can render the person doing the throw temporarily vulnerable.   Kata practice also teaches the principles of hip movement; such as moving from the hips, when cutting allow the power to come from the hips and not to move the feet until the hip movement causes the feet to move.

The ultimate goal when practicing katas is to be able to practice with mind of no mind.  Practicing at this level  can be done by beginners as well as long time practitioners.  When one is practicing the katas at this level, the movements of the kata have become second nature.   The kata flow effortless from the performer.  All movements are with intent and purpose.  If you are watching a person performing at this level you also can visualize the imaginary opponent that the performer is working with.  You the viewer will wonder how the performer is doing what he is doing.    Witnessing this type of performance one will see that the weapon and the performer are truly one.

So if you are looking for a training tool that will enhance you Aikido techniques, try practicing you katas with some frequency.  Use your kata practice to ask yourself questions about your performance as it pertains to your Aikido techniques.   Also use your katas as a means to check your body movement.  Kata practice will also help your mental focus.  From kata practice I have developed a  greater sense of awareness when working with my partner.  The really nice thing about practicing your is that in most cases you do not need a partner.   So here’s to happy kata practicing.  And at somepoint if you have noticed by practicing your katas have help out, please by all means drop me a comment.

26 Tips for A Better Life

This is an email that someone sent to me years ago and I liked it so much that I have it framed and placed on my desk at home so that I can see it daily.   Although this is on my desk there are some days that I don’t even notice it and then there are other days that I read it over and over.  These 26 tips I like to think support me with a road map for living aiki.  I think that if you asked any Aikidoka they would tell you that they could use some help with their efforts to be more aiki. So this is why I am sharing this with my readers.  Have fun. 

1)  When you wake up in the morning, always start your day with a prayer/vision.

2)  And then, complete the following statement, “My purpose is to ____________today.

3) Take a 10 to 30 minute walk every day and while you walk, smile.  It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

4) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.  Buy a lock if you have to.

5) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and less food that is manufactured in plants.

6) Drink plenty of water and fresh juices.

7) Make at least three people smile each day.

8) Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control.  Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

9) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

10) Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good, so cherish it.

11) Life is too short to waste time hating anyone, so give the best of your kindness.

12) Don’t take yourself too seriously.

13) You don’t have to win every arguement.  Agree to disagree.

14)  Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

15)  Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

16) No one is in charge of your happiness except you.  So, be happy. 

17)  Frame every so-called disaster with these words:  “In five years, will it matter?”

18)  Forgive everyone for everything.

19)  What other people think of you is none of your business.

20) God has everything you’ll ever need so hook up with him.

21) However, good or bad a situation is, it will change.

22)  Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.  Stay in touch.

23) Envy is a waste of time.

24) Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: ” I am thankful for ____________  Today I accomplished_________

25)Remember that you are too blessed to be streesed.

26)  Forward this to everyone.

Aikido and Footwork

Today I was talking to a fellow student of Aikido and we got on the subject of footwork.  As an instructor I have always recommend that students look at person’s footwork to get a better understanding of how to perform techniques. 

I would like to share this which was passed on to me and I hope that it helps your as you practice your waza.

Musashi writes on footwork:

“In your footwork, you should tread strongly on your heels while allowing some leeway in your toes. Although your stride may be long or short, slow or fast, according to the situation, it is to be as normal. Flighty steps, unsteady steps, and stomping steps are to be avoided.

Among the important elements of this science is what is called ‘complimentary stepping’: this is essential. Complimentary stepping means that you do not move one foot alone. When you slash, when you pull back, and even when you parry, you step right-left-right-left, with complimentary steps. Be very sure not to step with one foot alone. This is something that demands careful examination.”

The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker

Recently I was having a general conversation about Aikido, self defense and other aspects.  During the conversation it was suggested that I get a copy of The Gift of Fear.  As I started reading this book I realized that this should be a recommended read for all who practice self defense.

Another 6:00am class

Went to Aikido class this morning and as always it was a really good experience.  My newest student who I had lent some video tapes was in class.  I asked those who were there what would like to work on and the newest student said ikkyo techniques.  I asked him will what problems are you having and he started to explain what was causing him some concerns about being proficient when perform ikkyo technique.

Well being a new student only a few days into the program he was having difficulty explaining the correctly terminology for the techniques.  So I said to show me what is giving you difficulty.  I went for the attack with a shomen uchi attack and he countered with an excellent ikkyu tenkan.  As I was getting up off the mat a looked at him as asked him, “can you tell me again what problems you are having with performing ikkyu technique?”  The other student in class this morning looked at me as I was getting up off of the mat and smiled.

Another view of 6:00am workout

You constantly hear about the great workout from the students who attend your dojo’s early morning class.  Because of the size of the class you realize that those in the a.m. classes are pretty much getting private lessons from the instructor.    You have determined that working out with a small group of students would help to clear up some issues that are causing you to stumble in the execution of certain techniques.    This is now the motivating factor for you attending the early morning class.  So now you are committed and determined to making it to the next class.

The alarm clock goes off and you truly acknowledge that getting up at O’Dark:30 to get to class on time is a struggle however, you are still determined to make it even after hitting the snooze button.  Now that you are up and moving about, you are seriously reconsidering your objective of making it to an early morning workout.  You have long ago concluded that if you had to select a career based on the time of day when you would prefer to get out of bed,  you would like some kind of job that offered vampire hours.  So you have finishing prepping, you race out the door and make a mad dash up the highway.  “Oh so that is what a sunrise looks like?!”  As you get closer to the dojo you are  secretly hoping that Shihan is going to skip ibukyu breathing because you would hate to be caught snoring while everyone else is centering their energy and clearing their minds with this exercise.

You get to the dojo, dressed out and ready for the bow in, whew.  All of a sudden you realize that today’s class consist of  just you and Shihan.  So you settle yourself to the fact that there are only two people on the mat you the white belt and the other is a fourth degree black belt.  Wow, you are now hoping that this private lesson  is  not to be to your disadvantage.    Okay,  it is time to rock and roll.

6:00am Aikido Workout

Anytime you can get the opportunity to get on the mat to practice Aikido is great.  However, for me there is something extra special about practicing Aikido at 6:oo a.m.  Maybe it is because the only activity of the day you have been faced with is getting to  Aikido class.   Going to a morning class can differ from going to an evening class because by the time you get to an evening Aikido class you have been confronted with a multitude of activities both pleasant and unpleasant  making it necessary to go to class just to blow off some steam.  My initial experiences of attending a 6:00 a.m. class was at Aikido of Richmond where I believe I did my some of best training and also created some very fond memories.   These are just a couple of reasons as  dojo cho why I wanted to create a 6:00 a.m. class for Aikido Suenaka-Ha Ashland. 

Although the attendance was low at the Richmond dojo,  those of us who attended the class were  a steady group of students known as the B.A.M.C.s. which stood for the Bad Ass Morning Class.  This name was given to us not because of our Aikido abilities but  because we actually made it to the morning class regardless of the weather.   This class lasted about an hour, but we participated in a lot of activities.   These classes mostly centered around practicing  the required techniques for  lower kyu testing which  gave us an edge over our fellow students who only attended evening classes .  When we were not practicing kyu testing requirements,  we would get on the mat, raise the bar and go for it.   These are the type of experiences that I hope are being created at the Ashland dojo’s 6:00 a.m. class.        

Getting to the dojo was part of the experience of attending a morning class that I enjoyed then and I still enjoy it now because it is a great way to start the  day.   I wake up and do all that is necessary in order to get to class on time.  That in and of itself is a major accomplishment because I am not a morning person.  I really enjoy the drive to the dojo because I feel like a participant and not a bystander by experiencing the amazing  seasonal  morning events such as watching a sunrise, walking into the chill of an Autumn morning or becoming drenched by Virginia Summer’s humidity.  Also on the drive to the dojo I  enjoy listening to NPR’s The Writer’s Almanac and Star Date.  These events and programs have always  stimulated my mind and spirit  and I have yet to turn the key to open the dojo. 

As previously mentioned the training in a 6:00 a.m. class is a little different from most evening classes.  The number of students in attendance in the Ashland dojo’s morning class is usually the instructor and one or two students which cause the workout to feel more like a private lesson with the instructor.    Our  classes begin just like the regular evening  classes with a formal opening and warmup.   After the warmup, as the instructor  I always ask those in attendance what would they like to work on?  In the beginning the response to my question was pretty generic.  I asked that question one morning and the response was, “Aikido.” 

Recently a student asked if we could work on kokyu nages.  Because of his rank I knew that he thought about  how he performed these particular techniques and what was causing him some degree of dissatisfaction with his execution of kokyu nages.   We worked on various details that I noticed was causing difficulties in the  execution of  his  techniques.  I would make  some  suggestions and  noticed that these suggestions  presented a clearer illustration as to  how the student could be more effective in throwing his  uke.    During class I noticed that the student  had a couple of mini break through.  By the end of class it was obvious that the student was processing additional information that I am sure will show up later and improve his techniques.

In the morning class I usually serve as uke and instructor.   This allows me a break from my role in the evening class which is  primarily the instructor.  As the instructor in the evening class I will demonstrate  techniques, ask everyone to get a partner and perform what was demonstrated.   While the students are practicing techniques  I will visit with each pair, watch what they are doing,  make suggestions and  be thrown every now and then.  This process is repeated over and over until we move onto randori practice.   However, in the morning class where I serve as  both instructor and uke I can request that a technique be performed, take ukemi and offer immediate feedback to the student about what the throw felt like.  I will participate in this capacity for the majority of the class.  By participating in this manner in the morning class I am also provided with a glimpse of issues that the dojo may need to  work on as a whole.  On the flip side of this equation, much is required from the student who I am working out with simply because of the student/teacher ratio which is usually one to one in the a.m. class.

Just as it was in the Richmond dojo at some point the 6:00am class in the Ashland dojo will  have mostly advance students in attendance.  While studying at Aikido of Richmond at one point there were 5 black belts and one purple belt in the a.m. class.  Can you imagine how advanced a lower kyu student would become by practicing with only black belts.    The purple belt student at the Richmond dojo  had joined the city’s sheriff department and was invited to teach unarmed combat classes for the department based on what he had learned from being in the 6:00am class.   Not only did the lower kyu benefit from being able to participate in this early morning class, this class also became our kyu and dan prep class for testing.   I had reached the timeframe that allowed me to be tested for nidan.  The other black belts in the early morning class knew that I was eligible to test for nidan  and one morning prior to class they said, “it is time that we get your ready for your nidan test.”   They set up a plan and class format and for the next couple of months they helped me get prepared to demonstrate the requirements for nidan testing.

I hope that by reading this post has peaked your interest in experiencing an early morning workout.  If so talk to whomever is in charge at your dojo about the possibility of setting up an early morning class.  If your dojo requires teaching hour in order to advance to black belt rank and beyond here is an option that could allow you to  get your teaching hours in.  If the early morning class becomes a permanent fixture at your dojo here is something for the lower kyus to consider.  Rarely is a lower kyu invited to participated in an advance class but when there are only senior students in the morning class everyone is still welcomed.   Besides as previously stated it is a great way to start the day.   When I leave the morning class this  Army slogan comes to mind, “We get more done in an hour than most people get done in a day.”