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”
Category Archives: Class Notes
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”
FIVE WAYS OF ATTACK
Aikido as an attack art sounds oxymoronic. That is true only because many critics of Aikido have a moronic understanding of the art. (And one too few of us credibly counter.) Axiomatically we cannot win by defending and winning is important. But how does that necessitate an attack art? The polemical turn of phrase is the difference betweenContinue reading “FIVE WAYS OF ATTACK”
Protective Arts 