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PORTLAND AIKIKAI – Testing 1993

The original seven members of Portland Aikikai were: Ty Barker, Scott Margraf (“Little Scott”), Andre Nguyen, Steven Shane, Michael Cavalle, Rowan DeSantis, and Scott Schanaker (“Big Scott”). We had separated from the coalition of teachers that comprised Two Rivers Aikikai at that time – and began training in the gym of the French American School.Continue reading “PORTLAND AIKIKAI – Testing 1993”

Governing Humans

Thomas Jefferson was largely correct, but he got the French Revolution entirely wrong. He should have known better. Jefferson focused on protecting the potential that each and every individual is born with – the “unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” He thought the French Revolution was an expansionContinue reading “Governing Humans”

Alex Leavens

Measuring time by the passing of old friends. I posted this shortly after his memorial, but took it down almost immediately after because it was inadequate. It still is. Alex was a talented Aikidoist and I had the privilege of being his sempai, training partner, and teacher. His Aikido had precision and power. He leftContinue reading “Alex Leavens”