What is training really about? Often we think of the physical techniques, and the day to day practice that goes along with polishing those forms, but in reflecting upon my own journey, and having witnessed the journey of many others, I can tell you that there is usuall...
I think it’s interesting how quickly the whole of society is beginning to raise their awareness of space and distance. Those who practice traditional martial arts will of course recognize this concept as “ma-ai.” This refers to the distance of engagement that is set be...
From time to time I talk to my students about my late teacher, the Rev. Kensho Furuya Sensei. We maintained a long-distance relationship, corresponding daily (along with others in his group) for years. Over that time, he had an immeasurable influence on my training as...
Many of the great hero myths and stories of the warriors of old include some period of isolation. Many are gifted from the beginning with great strength or skill, but often because they are also reckless and brash, they come upon some test that they ultimately fail. Th...
When I was a child, any sort of space mission was always an event. If a new shuttle was about to be launched, the whole country stood still and watched in awe as the moment unfolded. Most of us still think back to the Apollo moon landing as the defining moment in space...
When it comes to being a senior student, or “senpai,” there are many responsibilities that come with the territory. A senpai is expected to be strong and substantive in their practice; they must embody a sincerity in training that juniors come to know and respect. But...
Once, a student admitted to me that the reason they hadn’t been around for a while was because they thought they had sufficiently received what they needed from Aikido to achieve and maintain harmony in their life. Then of course, life threw one of its famous b...
