I think this is great... Cross-Training Guest Instructor Program

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[mickeygelum]

Greetings All,

I was checking out different dojo websites, and I found this at Aikido School of Lexington, Kentucky. http://aikido-lexington-ky.com/index.html

Allen Hinkle Sensei has instituted a guest instructor program, and this is what he says,

" Guest Instructor Program:

Our students are encouraged to explore other martial arts, and explore other facets of Aikido. Students are urged to go to seminars and visit other dojos, regardless of which martial art is taught, or the affiliation of the event/dojo. Also, students who express an interest in "cross training" or "dual training" are encouraged to explore the arts they are interested in, to find the balance that is right for them. We realize that for every thing that is taught, there are many angles and perspectives. For students with a thirst for knowledge, one source of teaching may not always be sufficient. Along this philosophy, we accept, encourage, and recruit 'guest' instructors from other aikido schools/clubs. Come in and teach a class - your topic. It's a great way for our students to meet other schools and for other schools to meet us! These sessions are always fun, informative, and very interesting! If you are teaching aikido, and would be interested, contact us and we'll set up a class.

**NOTE: Currently, for logistical reasons, this is limited to only aikido instructors, but if your from another discipline than aikido and are interested, we'll discuss and see what we can work out! "

I think that is a fantastic statement....just thought I would tell everyone.

Train well,

Mickey

[Nick P.]

Mickey,

Wow is right. I couldn't agree with you more.
Nice to see someone put out that offer like that; kudos to them.
Good find.

[crbateman]

A great example of open-mindedness and objectivity. I hope the idea catches on.

[Niccolo Gallio]

That's the way I do it.
Even though I practice since 2006 I try to get as much practice as I can while in florence, and that means visiting two other dojos more than my usual one to get 6 days of practice per week, but that's not a big change since the other two dojo's Senseis are my main Sensei's students.
When I tour for work, and that appens a lot, I get to visit some european countries, mostly france, and in almost each city I try to go and visit any Aikido dojo I can find, and that means training in styles quite different than mine (shin shin toitsu aikido).
I always try to forget what I usually train in and surrender to the teachings of the Sensei I'm visiting, hopefully this will help me gather a more open vision of the Do.
And, most importantly, this experience gave me an important concept Aikido is comprised of many styles but in the end it's just a big family and one Do.

[Enrique Antonio Reyes]

I actually am slowly putting up my own dojo and is really thinking about including a cross-training session where new ideas are welcome:)

One-Aiki,

Iking

[ahinkle65]

well, thank you for the kind words. My take is that there is more than one way to skin a cat. Some may be better in certain situations, some may not. Some of the stuff we do has no practicle application, but we do because it does build skills that are important.

I traveled the one sensei, one thought path for years and when i started to look around (after shodan), saw there were many ways to do things and started looking at where and when 'doing it this way' would be benificial. I try to pick things up and incoporate them into my technique from just about anyone who can present me a logical reason for doing so. maybe why my technique looks like crap :) it's constantly changing.

for the record, we've only had a few takers on the program. and you have to admit, walking into a dojo and showing your stuff can be intimidating, but to those that have, thankyou. the ones that we have had to come in have all done outstanding jobs, and the students have enjoyed it greatly. they often ask when is such and such coming back, etc.

the only bad thing i can say about this program and my teaching style is that with constant changes in input, you do have to do a lot of hand holding to beginners. it can be very confusing to them. don't know if it's beginners or american beginners, but i find they like to approach one way. have one solution, focus on one thing.

so if any of you are in town - look us up :)

[Janet Rosen]

VERY cool approach.

[mathewjgano]

so if any of you are in town - look us up
Most definately will! That sounds like a great approach and attitude toward training!
(Thanks for the post Mickey!)
Take care all,
Matt

[Budd]

Love this idea. Good stuff.

[Tony Wagstaffe]

I think it's always a good idea to get cross training no matter what the M.A....... All martial arts are fundamentaly the same anyway....
Someone with unblinkered wisdom I would say....

Just make sure the instructor is not from the Macshindo variety

Like this poor deluded sod..... :crazy: :yuck:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUSx9qZb-0E&NR=1

[Demetrio Cereijo]

Why the sound of cat skinnin' in the background?
:D

[Tony Wagstaffe]

Why the sound of cat skinnin' in the background?
:D

Ask Joe.....:D

[sakumeikan]

Why the sound of cat skinnin' in the background?
:D

Dear Demetrio,
You just do not a appreciate the skirl[sounds ] of the bagpipes.Try listening to the clip after imbibing on a quart of Johnny Walker /Jack Daniels .You will be inspired by the music and the heady mix of alcohol and more than possible you may decide b to challenge everyone to mass randori. If there are any English guys around, send them home to fight again.
Cheers, Joe.

[Tony Wagstaffe]

Dear Demetrio,
You just do not a appreciate the skirl[sounds ] of the bagpipes.Try listening to the clip after imbibing on a quart of Johnny Walker /Jack Daniels .You will be inspired by the music and the heady mix of alcohol and more than possible you may decide b to challenge everyone to mass randori. If there are any English guys around, send them home to fight again.
Cheers, Joe.

I'm 'alf eye tie..... :D But ah do leek the pipes

[Mark Freeman]

Dear Demetrio,
You just do not a appreciate the skirl[sounds ] of the bagpipes.Try listening to the clip after imbibing on a quart of Johnny Walker /Jack Daniels .You will be inspired by the music and the heady mix of alcohol and more than possible you may decide b to challenge everyone to mass randori. If there are any English guys around, send them home to fight again.
Cheers, Joe.

Hi Joe,

after a quart of whisky, just about anything starts to sound musical!:D You're not saying that you have to be a bit piddled to enjoy the pipes are you? The sound of the pipes alone is usually enough to clear the room of sassenachs;)

regards

Mark
p.s. I like the sound of the bagpipes really....

[Michael Hackett]

We usually hear them around here at police funerals. Maybe their inclusion to that clip was ironic?

[Tony Wagstaffe]

We usually hear them around here at police funerals. Maybe their inclusion to that clip was ironic?

That much depends on the Irish and Scots influence, da Oirish like the pipes to, and the skirts as well I believe....
I've heard they are a bit itchy and scratchy with out underwear?
Is that true Joe? or does one carry ointment in the Sporran for that? :D

[Diana Frese]

Have ancestors from both isles, including Scotland, and love the pipes even without whisky. Like both the "thugs" and the "bunnies" due to my "eclectic" (Francis's word) background. Cross training? I married one! (karate, kung fu, aikido and judo)

(This is not a challenge...)

BTW the sporran is to hold all the pennies they pinch with their legendary thrifty ways...

[Mark Freeman]

BTW the sporran is to hold all the pennies they pinch with their legendary thrifty ways...

Ouch!

That reminds me of a story of when a Scottish Laird invited some of his estate workers in for some tea and toast. On the table he had provided a tiny container of honey. One of the workers was heard to say "Och, I see your lordship keeps his own bee!";)