protectivearts

TESTING

Testing in Aikido is a performance art. Without overt competition there is no immediate external validation of one’s skill and achievement. A presentation of one’s understanding of the art at that moment in time, along the path of one’s development is the goal. (Tarim Kim has sound advice on knowing what you know now.[1]) That implies an objectiveContinue reading “TESTING”

ASHI-SABAKI

Ashi-sabaki generically means foot work but for us it denotes a very specific relationship. The solo form of practice will be similar to ikkyo. Standing shizentai as a universal posture, lower the center and zone out with the fingers in the up position, elbow pointed toward your own hip. Drive the fingers forward with theContinue reading “ASHI-SABAKI”

PRESERVING INFORMATION

Continuous and correct training is the most efficient way to learn, but we will always need a way to reference past material and transmit information to future generations. This morning my son was watching an episode of Batman “Artifacts“ set in the future after the Batman has died. A group of scientists search the Batcave forContinue reading “PRESERVING INFORMATION”