Words of Wisdom from O-Sensei

“Iron is full of impurities that weaken it; through forging, it becomes steel and is transformed into a razor-sharp sword. Human beings develop in the same fashion.”

-Morihei Ueshiba

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Shugyo

The quote that I found this evening by O-Sensei got me thinking. There are various aspects of life at which we, human beings, are imperfect. Ok, maybe ALL aspects are ones at which we are imperfect. O-Sensei's quote reminded me of the concept of shugyo. Some have defined this as "conducting oneself in a way that inspires mastery." Basically, what I think it means, is that throughout Aikido training, we are constantly trying to improve upon our imperfections. Every roll should be better than the previous. Yonkyo should require less effort and time to find every time it is applied. Side rolls shouldn't be nearly impossible for me every time I try them (so frustrating). In any case, you get the idea.

Life in general is no different. For example, I don't always respond to my children's disobedience as patiently as I should. After seeing this quote tonight, however, I will be making an effort to change myself. Even if that change is small at first, the important thing is that, over time, I make improvements.

One thing I love about Aikido is that it's not about what happens on the mat, but how you can apply things that you learn on the mat into your daily life. Or should I say your daily shugyo?

Monday, May 23, 2011

And there was much rejoycing...

Greetings All,
For those of us who made the seminar, we had a great time having bokken and jo practice on the grass in the afternoon sun.  We did miss those who couldn't make it. 
We are looking to have a club meeting to discuss weapons purchases, both for the club and personal, talk about plans for practice, the possibility of the room being unavailable for a time this summer and potential club trips and projects. 
We need to have some feedback to know what times will work best for everyone.  Lunch, dinner, just after practice, some dark alley, Haiti, you know...what fits your schedule?
Please leave some comments here and we can begin to coordinate.
See you on the mat,
John

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Aikido Seminar @ U of U, May 21-22

The Ganshinkan dojo at the Univ. of Utah led by Veera Sensei is hosting an
AAA-sanctioned seminar featuring Stephen Toyoda Sensei May 21-22. Cost is $70 for all sessions. See the flyer at http://aaa-aikido.com/Seminars/2011/May%202011%20-%20Salt%20Lake,%20Utah.pdf

Summer Practice Same Time

We are still holding practice every Tues. & Thurs. @ 4 PM in PE 221. Same bat time, same bat channel.

Thanks to all who acted as Uke during the recent Kyu tests.
Here's a picture of Robert and Tyler:

Club News

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Aikido Club Details

Days, Times, and Location: Aikido Club sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. We meet in PE 221 on UVU campus.

Club Dues: As a club at UVU, we are actually required to collect dues. We currently collect $20 per semester in club dues per person. Many dojos outside of UVU run about $40 per month, so this really is a great opportunity to learn Aikido at a great price! Club dues go right into the club fund where they can then be used for equipment for club and other club expenses.

Equipment: Bring a T-Shirt and athletic style pants, such as sweat pants. Those that have a gi are welcome to wear that. We recommend that you not wear shorts.

Testing: As Sensei is an Aikido Association of America certified instructor, he is able to conduct belt promotion tests. This is an awesome opportunity to progress further into Aikido. AAA fees apply (Ex. 7th kyu test fee is $25).

If you have any other questions about the club, please click the "contact me" button found on the right side of this page and send us a message.

Note to those who are not UVU students: The UVU Clubs organization states that we are able to accept non-UVU students into the club. However, at least 75% of our club membership MUST be UVU students. If you would like to join the UVU Aikido Club, prior approval must be obtained from Sensei.