"Miles Kessler -- A martial artist making a difference"

Posted 2010-01-14 09:16:08 by Jun Akiyama
News URL: http://www.examiner.com/x-5948-SF-Ma...ence?cid=exami

The latest in the series of spotlights on martial artists on examiner.com, "Miles Kessler -- A martial artist making a difference" highlights Miles Kessler sensei who teaches aikido in the West Bank area of Israel.

From the article: "Miles' pioneering work with his teaching is about extending beyond, moving beyond barriers and boundaries. The Bay Area is fortunate when Miles visits and shares his vision of how Aikido can be a powerful transformative force for good in places that have been in conflict for thousands of years"

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Hello,

I've known Miles Kessler since my early days as a budo student in Dallas, Texas. His dedication to training was an inspiration. No one was surprised when he sold his belongings and moved to Iwama to train with Morihiro Saito sensei. Not many of his old friends are surprised too hear where he's taken his life. We always knew Miles would become a respected figure in the greater aikido community, and how appropriate it is that he has focused his efforts on bringing aikido to those most in need of reconciliation and mutual understanding. I can't think of anyone more dedicated to manifesting the ideals of Ueshiba Morihei than Miles Kessler. My profound respect for him and his life mission grows every day.

BTW...Miles. You haven't forgotten your "toys" have you? They remain safely ensconced in my closet, awaiting a future visit.

Toby Threadgill / TSYR

I have a lot of respect for this man, despite never having met him. The article details some of the things he is doing now, but I first heard of him through good works he did in the past, particularly the teaching he did in Myanmar (Burma).

I noticed the writer describes Miles sensei teaching a particular kind of ukemi ... Some people will be familiar with this clip from YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMpBpM38TMg

Of course, one of Maung Maung Thant sensei's teachers in Myanmar was Miles Kessler sensei.

Carl