protectivearts

OKAMOTO SENSEI – JANUARY 2020

Yoko Okamoto returned to Portland Aikikai for a workshop. This was the first visit to the new location after a four-year gap. It was not a publicized seminar so she was able to concentrate on Portland Aikikai students. Okamoto sensei is much in demand and we are fortunate to have a familial connection to enjoyContinue reading “OKAMOTO SENSEI – JANUARY 2020”

BAGUA OPENING HANDS

For some time now, I have incorporated a basic hand and body exercise into my “warm up” sequence from Bagua Zhang – “opening hands” (see 3:36 for a reminder). The Bagua movement in isolation may seem awkward at first. I present it as a global body movement adding trunk and hip rotation and done oneContinue reading “BAGUA OPENING HANDS”

Inclusivity is My Trigger Word

in·clu·siv·i·ty/ˌinklo͞oˈsivədē/ The practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of minority groups. A paean to exclusivity. In this milquetoast world we now parade limitations not as obstacles to overcome, but rather as badges of honor that everyone elseContinue reading “Inclusivity is My Trigger Word”