Looking to practice the grounding and centering part of Aikido

[Please visit our sponsor:]

[kbulloch]

I live nowhere near an Aikido dojo and was wanting to learn more about "grounding and centering". I was wondering if anyone knew any good DVD's or books for some good home learnging techniques. Thanks

[jbblack]

Check out Peter Ralston
http://books.google.com/books?id=kxw24IN_E9wC&pg=PA72&lpg=PA72&dq=peter+ralston+outreached&source=bl&ots=Xz7UM81Dx9&sig=xVPP_p73k8bFwqXNnpVR7WUZJ9c&hl=en&ei=QqCXTP_hJc7zcbfRwKQF&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

[lbb]

It depends on what you mean by "grounding and centering". Since you make reference with it specifically in the context of aikido, probably the best thing to do is to pursue it further through whatever source you heard it from. I say this because there isn't some standard aikido practice called "grounding and centering", or some standard aikido definition for what those terms mean. Where I train, for example, when Sensei says "center", he simply means that your center isn't pointing where it should be -- it's a simple physical direction -- and he never uses the term "ground" at all. So, for our version of "centering", you don't need a DVD, you just need to train. I've also heard these terms used outside aikido, in everything from pagan circles to meditation (where they're not always a positive thing) to vague newage stuff. But, since this is something you're looking for, perhaps you already have some idea of how you define it -- so maybe it would be helpful for you to say what you mean by those terms, and people could make suggestions based on that.

[Mark Uttech]

Onegaishimasu, you may want to check out the book, "Center, the power of aikido" by Ron Meyer and Mark Reeder based on studies with Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei. I hope you can find this book, it follows a question/answer format .

In gassho,

Mark

[JJF]

Hi

Well... I've been reading some of Ralstons book. It's really interesting, but it's not exactly easy to assimilate, and without physical training to back it up, I think it might be a bit overwhelming.

It's true that the terms "center" and "grounding" is used in many different ways in Aikido across the globe. You can read a lot of books about it - some with the focus upon the physical training aspects - some that deal with how you can user 'centering' in verbal conflict. Some are good, and some are to superficial for my taste.

It all boils down to the fact that center and grounding is something you should experience - not something you can read in a book.

If your area dosen't have aikido then look for something else that deals with some of the same issues (by other names maybe). Tai Chi could be one.. I THINK some styles of Kung Fu would as well. Judo teaches a strong center and grounding in a very physical way. Any martial art should have some aspect that will get you going in the right direction. Some forms of Yoga and meditation would also be good for getting in touch with your center.

If you are interested in the more esoteric concept of grounding and your time and money permits, I suggest you consider going to a seminar. I haven't been to one of George Leonards seminars, but they sound interesting, and he would be able to give you some exercises you can do..

http://www.amazon.com/Way-Aikido-Lessons-American-Sensei/dp/0452279720

So... what's my point? I guess it is that you don't need Aikido to become centered, and that it will be difficult to learn about your center from a book.

I hope you find a path towards what you are looking for - and someone to help you walk it.

JJ