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<blogEntries>
<blogEntry id="3650">
	<title><![CDATA[Blog Entry Oct 09]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Since my last 'bloggy' post a great deal has happened. I went to Nottingham directly after the last post proper and learned how to do things back of house a lot more effficiently. 

Sensei Ken Robson welcomed me into his Dojo and home for a whole inspirational week that has given me momentum by which I feel I am still being carried. 

Basically as a teacher I am very confident, as a student I am also confident, in both cases more because I am not afraid of failing. As a Manager however, failure simply is not an option. The fate of the Shudokan Dojo depends on my ability to manage and grow the school.

The week I spent in Nottingham really gave me the tools to do that effectively. In fact just by the internal changes I made on returning the school started to grow exceptionally fast. 

It occurred to me that, not having staff like Nottingham Dojo, i would have to emulate the systems of management some other way. Most obviously as an example the team in Nottingham have a daily brief, or meeting in the morning where they rate how they're feeling and the order of business for that day. So I simply emulated that ritual but on my own, or by skype with other Dojo owners/managers.

It's still hard sometimes to motivate oneself.

I am constantly at odds with my own pathological lethargy and a little bit of 'lonely soldier' feeling which can become quite daunting. 

The other counter productive emotion I struggle with is the old school martial artist unwilling to tout our wares for fear of looking like a cursed 'mcdojo'. 

I am thus far satisfied with my conduct. I will keep you informed. 

The problem arises in me somewhere deep in my desire to truly follow 'Budo' as a way of living. It is hard indeed for the true Budoka to associate himself with profit making. It is harder still to commit oneself to 'selling' ones art like a gym or sports bar.

The first year of my move into professional martial arts is nearly over.. So far I am really liking it and it looks like it will only get better.

More later.. promise]]></body>
	<date>09-29-2009</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="3648">
	<title><![CDATA[&#21463; - The Mind of Uke]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[When you begin training, the role of Uke is purely functional and deliberately contrived. It has simple and pragmatic meaning. You push so that Sh'te may practice from a push. You continue to push because this must be followed to fruition in order to really learn the principles of dealing with a push.

For me personally the role of Uke is much more than that and I would like to explain a little of how this often overshadowed part of Aikido training is having a huge affect on my entire life.

Writings on Uke are not so prolific as that of the role of Tori, or Sh(i)te. I think this is because understanding of it is difficult to explain, especially in western culture. In its pure form it can seem sub-servant to an onlooker. Which is unattractive even amongst martial artists. Especially when martial arts (including ourselves) boast the growth of your self esteem and confidence as a pinnacle selling point.

The cultivation of a correct internal state as uke is vital for your long term education in Aikido. It is the key to becoming powerful, controlled and fast. It is the secret to learning true honesty and sensitivity in a moral, tactile, kinesthetic, combat effective, and spiritual sense.

I get upset sometimes when people assume certain things of me. Students at our Dojo sometimes think I am not afraid of falling because I find it easy. Others think that I'm not afraid to give myself because I am tough and hard to hurt. None of this actually holds any truth. I am often scared and often risk injury, but I give myself anyway. I think this is the proper heart for an Uke. This should hearten anybody who may be timid of falling, not discourage them. The way you feel is the norm and not in any way weak. It's how you deal with it that counts.

Its not a case of 'manning up', I'm not bound by such base misogynistic bravado. If it seems that way then I apologise and will work on my manner. I don't care what size or shape you are, or what injuries you carry, it's your mind that makes you a good Uke.

.......................

The mindset required to genuinely 'give' yourself to a partner disregarding trust, fear and confidence, eventually gives rise to sensitivity. This manifests itself in different ways. you become more able to feel what is being done to you, more aware of yourself physically. You become more aware of your partner physically also, massively changing your approach to Shitewaza.

Practically you will seem more fluent when in fact what is happening is real time and always different. So essentially you are becoming fluent in constantly adapting to a new situation.

The sensitivity has direct relationships with Kime and Zanshin and is an absolutely vital part of the martial training in our 'martial art'.

So the sensitivity becomes transferred to our lives if we are mindful. Some reading this may have witnessed instructors apparently rushing around for senior grades. Sometimes without being asked. You may have deemed it as sycophantic or unnecessary. It is in fact an essential part of advanced training, and something that cannot really be taught. I am personally struggling with this part of my training. I am not nearly aware enough of myself. With time I will improve and thus my Uke, and Aikido, will improve also.

So if you want to be a good Uke, learn to give yourself. I'm not writing this because I feel I have mastered it. I have merely observed it and once or twice, experienced it for myself.]]></body>
	<date>09-28-2009</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="3416">
	<title><![CDATA[Full time Aikidoka Journal]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Since November of 2008 I have been working full time in charge of the running and growth of a full time Aikido Dojo. 

So I've decided to keep a journal on the subject. I don't know how religously I will keep to it but I hope to keep a useful account for anyone hoping to dedicate themselves more fully to their art.

The first 2 months

November was difficult. I was enjoying it a lot because I got to train every day. I was philosophical in that I knew that it was going to be hard and that the money would not be good (at first) but I didn't care because I was confident I would get the hang of it in good time.

I was also very concerned because I've decided to go against everyones financial advice and get a job that is not secure. 

My closest friends will know, however, that it is not money that drives me. Here are some of my reasons for taking the plunge:

: I have spent too many years spreading myself across many disciplines (not always martial) and I really think its time to focus.
: I've put 12 years of my life into this art. It IS the thing I'm best at. Whether or not I'm good is another matter...
: I want our school to be strong.
: I think the people who come to us get a lot from our training.
: I want to be the best Aikidoka I can. 

So although not monetarily sound, I am getting a lot from this. 

More later..]]></body>
	<date>01-14-2009</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="3333">
	<title><![CDATA[By Good Fortune Alone]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[(AI)This is my House
Where I come to rest
My place, my space
Where I'm calm and unvexed

(KI)The heat from this fire
Burns bright and slow
First feeding the belly
Then through the heart grows

(DO)This is my path
Where I often am not
By good fortune alone
A path seldom forgot

The fire sits on my porch
Lighting the path which at once
Circles my house and
Runs straight into the distance]]></body>
	<date>09-09-2008</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="3060">
	<title><![CDATA[Soft is hard]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[I was recently instructed by a very kind man to explain on 'Aikiweb' that the soft stuff rocks.. 

I practice Shudokan Aikido, which is of Yoshinkan lineage. Often referred to as the 'hard style'. That doesn't mean we are all brutes with no sense of the subtlety of Aikido.

That also doesn't mean I believe in the force and remote technique and ringing bells with kiai!! The more I learn about Ki in fact the less I believe in it. I think this is because all the things that are commonly associated with Ki are to often steeped in a hocus pocus that they do not deserve and does not do them justice. Ki is not a superstitious word. It describes the correct application of technique. When you don't understand the technique, don't put it down to magic. Because one day you will understand.

THE SOFT STUFF ROCKS!!]]></body>
	<date>08-20-2007</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="3059">
	<title><![CDATA[Study]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[I once heard a great teacher say:

"I study Aikido! I don't play at it!"

This is important to me..]]></body>
	<date>08-20-2007</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="2826">
	<title><![CDATA[What Aikido Means to me]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[This was written by request for Sensei Ken Robson upon completing my 3rd Dan test. I thought it was a crap idea until I started writing. 

‘No matter what it is, there is nothing that cannot be done. If one manifests the determination, he can move heaven and earth if he pleases. But because man is pluckless, he cannot set his mind to it. Moving heaven and earth without putting forth effort is simply a matter of concentration’ 

In this paper I intend to discuss Aikido in terms of many different criteria. Aikido has become the hub of my wheel (as per the instructions of Soke Stratton) and has shown me a discipline that has empowered me in my daily life. Technique has made thought patterns in my head that have proven their worth physically and mentally, in dealing with an ever more vulgar society. Bushido has taught me a great deal about how to conduct myself on and off the mat.

I remember watching my first class in castle hall in August 1997. I was a school leaver and going through a great deal of changes. I remember taking my first class there and meeting Soke Stratton. I remember making a decision to train with commitment from the start. Aikido had a worth that was obvious to me consciously. Physically and mentally it would make me a better person. There was also worth that was attractive to me subconsciously. The root of Aikido was benevolence, and humility. That is how I want to live my life. I have a long way to go.

The practice of Aikido, in the Shudokan, is based largely on discipline and repetition. Through this conditioning we cultivate our bodies and minds. Over time this affects our whole being. On every level, from thick wrists to callused feet, from picnics to facing adversity and doing what is necessary, Aikido has affected me. 

‘When someone is giving you his opinion, you should receive it with deep gratitude even though it is worthless.’ (Hagakure)

As a professional doorman, working life can throw some very specific challenges at you, as well as various other (usually breakable) projectiles. Bridging the gap between the mat and the door has been a very personal challenge. I think this is the case for all martial artists, and martial arts. Besides combat, the way with which you conduct yourself can always sway a situation. Conduct yourself without Ego, and with humility, etiquette, and awareness and you can verbally overcome most problems without physical intervention. I can’t think of a more ‘Aiki’ way to do things. “Always have the courage of your conviction” was a phrase I heard many times from Soke Stratton. This is invaluable advice to doormen. The principles of technique even would come second to this.

There is a comradery that can only be found on the mat, and after in the bar. The ‘Shudokan family’ has always been just that to me. A loyalty has developed to the Shudokan that exceeds the norm for a club or sporting organisation. I have found long lasting friends and experienced occasions that I will treasure for the rest of my life. 

‘I shall be guilty of gross injustice to historical truth if my words give one a very low opinion of the status of women under Bushido. I do not hesitate to state the she was not treated as mans equal; but, until we learn to discriminate between differences and inequalities, there will always be misunderstanding on the subject” (Bushido – Soul of Japan)

The 21st century man faces some unusual challenges. After the last century the male role model is a confused and dangerous talking point. Most avoid the subject because generally people get defensive and reactionary when addressing issues like chauvinism and gender conduct. The result of this is that our own etiquette has been all but forgotten. This is a dire situation. Chivalry was an important part of the male upbringing, which has been swept aside with sexism and bigotry. As a result of this dilution you have a society with a reduced number of balanced men and a growing number of emasculated and over-masculated men. 

‘Chivalry is a flower no less indigenous to the soil of Japan than it’s emblem, the cherry blossom…. So the light of chivalry, which was a child of feudalism still illuminates our moral path…..’ (Bushido – Soul of Japan)

So in this confusing time we can look to bushido as a guide so we might treat all others with respect and courtesy. I owe this knowledge and constant search to Aikido.

It is my honest opinion that the children of Barnstaple have benefited massively from our junior class. Many of the students that we have had have come a very long way and found, in training, a safe place to be. They have come to us and found companionship, fun, and discipline under one roof.

To the best of my ability then I have put Aikido at the centre of my life, and it has taken me all around the world, it has broadened my mind, it has brought lifelong friends together, and it has probably saved my self and others from harm. I will endeavour to improve.

OSU




  




]]></body>
	<date>12-04-2006</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="2526">
	<title><![CDATA[This is an Article I wrote for the club publicatio]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Kimai (Focus)

The Concepts involved in Aikido training are so intrinsically intertwined, and the Japanese names attributed to these concepts are so massively rife with alternate and broader meaning, that it makes writing an article of this type extremely easy in one sense. In the sense that, I can elaborate into other areas of my life and training as an Aikidoist without fear of veering off topic (Like now for instance). 

In another sense it becomes ludicrously difficult to pin down exact English translations for just about any of these concepts. What constitutes an adequate synonym for a word in Japanese may well be totally off track when directly translated back to English. By no means am I implying that the English language is less poetic or profound. What I am iterating is that our languages grew up a world apart and associations between objects, feelings and concepts mapped themselves differently. Differences, at a glance, that are astoundingly slight, however during close inspection of philosophy and mindset, drift apart the further you travel. Like two blind men given the same directions to a tree in the woods. Both men make it to a tree. Who knows which tree is the correct one?

Given all of the above, ‘Kimai’ translates loosely as focus. I’m going to discuss the implications of, and cultivation of focus. 

The good student should practice Aikido always with the focus of a swordsman. This is the crux of our practice of focus. This is also a principle motive for training in Bokken (wooden sword). The tension created by good focus during Kenno Awase (Sword Forms) should be carried into your regular practice. It is this tension that promotes the good practice of Kimai. Also it is this tension that is a result of good Kimai. By creating this tension we create the link needed between aggressor and defender to perform a technique with good timing. 

Some who read this and have not yet felt the tension I am referring to will not understand any of this. So instead start at the other end of the spectrum. As I said, “the good student should practice Aikido always with the focus of a swordsman.” Put yourself in the place of a swordsman about to duel. The famous one cut victories of the samurai often lasted for great lengths of time. Neither opponent moves. Put yourself in the place of one of them. You have conquered your fear of death. You face an enemy. Some one who intends to kill you. Your awareness must be complete and you must focus entirely.  

Once we learn to create the link between Shite and Uke. Once we understand the phrase ‘Uke brings your death’. Then we can begin to understand how to manipulate situations physically and mentally to our advantage. In Aikido we talk about tension all of the time. Predominantly we discuss physical tension. When somebody grabs you, or you make contact, you can use it as a physical illustration of what I am trying to describe. Create tension between you and your Uke. Then use it to break balance. This is Kimai.

This principle has been the singularly most useful in my attempt to bridge the gap between the dojo and reality. Notice I use the word reality. I purposely placed that word because people will conjure up images of street fighting and such. Actually I think that the mat should be referred to as reality. Our training is about real life things. We do not make up pointless exercises so we can all come and have a pleasant time twice a week. We study the martial. I digress; In bridging the gap between aikido training and off the mat physical altercations, the tension created by proper cultivation of Kimai is the largest contributory factor in my experience.

Safety is a telling factor. An Aikidoist with good focus should always practice safely with there partner. By comparison the demonstration of powerful technique is secondary. This area of the subject is where kimai converges with other concepts. The concepts of Ego, and of Zanchin(awareness).   

Focus must be demonstrated to your instructors at every level of Aikido training. As a beginner, showing attentiveness and concentration is considered a demonstration of focus appropriate to your level. As we move up the grades Shite will be pushed to greater physical stress and still be required to show good timing and posture, thus good focus. The responsibility then, on black belts becomes a great one. The focus required when training at high speed and having developed a certain amount of power in technique becomes of paramount importance. 

All of this has a beginning. We learn good focus just as we learn the rest of our martial art, through training. Sometimes training is tough. It is during this training our focus should be cultivated. The more you train in Kimai the more aspects of it become clear. So concentrate on what you can do, not on what you do not understand. Concentrate on your posture and your movement. 
]]></body>
	<date>02-25-2006</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="2488">
	<title><![CDATA[Bit of a late start]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[My name is Andrew Medland. I am a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido. Its possible I should have started this journal a little earlier. I just checked the last time i visited this site was back in 2003. I think I am going to have to frequent more often if this is going to be interesting reading. 

who knows? Next time I might actually post something Aiki related]]></body>
	<date>02-07-2006</date>
</blogEntry>


</blogEntries>