MAKIOTOSHI

George Orwell advised against using any metaphor you were used to seeing in print – so rather than ‘like moths to a flame,’ Orwell suggested, ‘like bluebottles to a dead cat.’  His contention was that reflexive writing betrays non-critical evaluation: Poor habits of thinking when critical and sober reflection is required. So it is with anyContinue reading “MAKIOTOSHI”

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”

IKKYO – SOLVING FOR THE INFINITE

There was a time when students paid their teachers for each technique. At first glance that may seem expensive – especially if you believe the hyperbole that Aikido’s techniques are infinite – but that would be to confuse naming conventions for patterns of movement. Ikkyo. The first technique. The first teachings form the pedagogical foundation but to drawContinue reading “IKKYO – SOLVING FOR THE INFINITE”