PAIN AS A TEACHER

I learned of Abraham Wald from Jordan Ellenberg’s How Not To be Wrong.[1] It is a story well worth reading because it provides a poignant reminder of the power of thinking critically. During WW2, Wald was part of the Statistical Research Group working through real-time problems to make strategic decisions. Among the questions posed to the groupContinue reading “PAIN AS A TEACHER”

KIAI

Kiai (気合) I have mused openly in the past about the disappearance of the kiai from Aikido.  O’Sensei was reported to have a very powerful kiai that could be heard from miles away. Traditional arts continue to employ kiai, so why the downplay in Aikido? O Sensei kiai and kotodama video Kiai is ‘simply aContinue reading “KIAI”

KATADORI MENUCHI

Kata dori menuchi must start with a proper grab >review< to set the logic of the encounter. Uke initiates the action by grabbing the nage’s lead shoulder (because it is closest) and performs an overhead strike (shomen uchi) with the back hand. Although nage’s shoulder is grasped, the arm remains free to move. Watch Yamada senseiContinue reading “KATADORI MENUCHI”