Grass Valley Aikikai

Have a nice week and watch out for the knife

Power and Grace: Portrait of a Master. The new course on T.K. Chiba from Aikido Journal. Learn more and pre-order now

Philip, please watch the focus between Chiba Sensei and the first uke.

A beautiful tribute to Chiba Sensei, and the music is lovely.

Grass Valley students: the other day we were talking about the Feldenkrais Method of body work. Here is a Feldenkrais lesson that would be of benefit to each of you. It is 42 minutes long. The movements are done while lying and sitting on the floor. The recording is from the Winter Solstice Zoom seminar. The instructor is a dear old friend of mine who is world renowned as a Feldenkrais instructor. If anything seems too hard or gives you pain just rest and listen. https://www.facebook.com/groups/7049754853/permalink/10158959489939854/

Very clear instruction

We are tough but not as tough as Huron Valley! Only just freezing but with a nice wind chill.

Our current rainy day venue. Marci Sempai teaches another socially distanced kids class.

GET STRONG,MAKE PROGRESS!!! OK, up and at em. Let’s take this opportunity to make some real progress and get our bodies and spirits stronger. 10x The b...enefit shows up when times are hard so let’s go now. You help every one by being courageous so grab your little friend!! O’Sensei always had open hands and from what I’ve heard energy Power and Kokyu that is beyond my paltry abilities to even describe. Yet let’s walk this path together now. Open your hands and open your Tanden which is the source of your breath Power/ Kokyu through these simple exercises; 1. Grab on to the feeling of letting your breath trickle out as you execute both of theses Shomenuchi both empty handed and with the Wakazazashi. If you follow the instructions in the video you can easily grab this sense and once you do,embody it fully and allow Aikido it’s self to be its own living breathing daily practice to help each other with. In East Asian medicine the breath is associated with Ki or energy so The development of Kokyu power is arguably the best thing you can do for yourself and for anyone you know to help their health their vitality and their spirit. Let’s go!! See more

I always love everything that Solomon Sensei writes.

For Richard and Bruce: katadori nikyo ura, first the version we were doing tonight, then a variation. Of course we were standing but it’s the same.

Grass Valley students: as promised here is an excellent example of the 12 Kesa Basics by my friend Jan Arkless Wilson. Uke is Archie Champion Sensei. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMwthIKHlYQ&feature=share

There I am, relaxed, scrolling through my newsfeed, and suddenly I am transported back in time into a 20 minute dream where I am once again training with Sensei.

Insights from the Founding Family of Aikido Read now: https://bit.ly/2IFlrq9 In it’s 46 year history, Aikido Journal has had the opportunity to interview past a...nd present aikido Doshu. As a look back at some of the insights and common points that have endured for decades and been passed from generation to generation, we’ve curated a small group of quotes designed to inspire and challenge our thinking. We hope you’ll enjoy this short compilation of wisdom from the founding family of the art of aikido.

Rain is gone, only 50 degrees, the camera flash made an interesting effect, and the moon was beautiful.

Smoke gone, blue sky, a socially distanced kids class by Marci sempai...

An update from Birankai North America’s medical director Don McKay with useful information: https://mcusercontent.com//BNA_CI_Notice_From_Med_Dir_FINA

https://www.facebook.com/120750744616459/posts/3744150675609763/?d=n

https://www.facebook.com/137726266355499/posts/3149743948487034/?vh=e&extid=0

A beautifully written account from someone I am proud to call friend.

Richard Crist! https://www.facebook.com/10915573/posts/10222806197038784/

Training in the rain - Birankai tough!

Grass Valley students: our new student, Bruce Stewart, has Tomiki style influence in his background, so you might like this article about Tomiki Sensei. https://aikidojournal.com//06/05/the-dawn-of-tomiki-aikido/

EXTEND FULLY AND LET IT GO!! This is just one of those forever and every where concepts that must be in the center of your training. Good news,it’...s simple, not easy.... but simple. In this case I picked a couple of techniques that are similar from weapons and body art to demonstrate the sense of it all. The deal is this; Every hand that touches you could be the blade of a weapon, especially when you’re taking Ukemi. Keep this in your heart and soul as you practice. Combine this sense with the practice of putting full energy, commitment and extension into all of your attacks and all of your connection with your partner at all times as you fully go with your nages technique ( you don’t want to get cut right)? and you’ve got a recipe for amazing training and deep and powerful growth in the art of aikido This is a recipe for getting the basic thing that Chiba Sensei used to always tell us which was simply how to create space inside your body? Training this concept in weapons simply magnifies the feeling of it all as you now have to reach outside of your own body. You see? You should be able to feel this in your own system. . Train Intentionally!! Cheers Yahe. See more

GVA students: this is where we are headed!

We're kicking off our Holiday Fundraiser today! We rely on your generous donations to maintain the dojo, keep our monthly dues affordable and provide training s...cholarships for both adults and children in need. Stay tuned for more information, but in the meantime check out our newest video by member R. Scheckman to see the positive impact Brooklyn Aikikai has had during these difficult times. https://www.brooklynaikikai.com/holidayfundraiser

Grass Valley students: apropos of our recent training...

The comments are worth reading as well as this article. I find that Solomon Sensei has a knack for explaining things just right.

Grass Valley students: this is go no tachi. Thanks to our compatriots at Union City Aikido!

Save the date!!! Come along to Sensei Miguel Moreno bokken basics class online. Lets make it special, and bring our Aikido family across the world together. Everyone welcome!

Two flyers, one event https://fb.me/e/3ycFtUMXd?ti=icl

It’s an 8 hour drive from Grass Valley

https://apple.news/AMg91S9l9STia3o63KAYAmw

Random advice: we are all only momentarily not dirt. Enjoy your time here.

Here is a very long article (and it gets off to a slow start) that confirms my understanding that it’s all about ventilation, and may be helpful to those trying to train in outdoor or indoor environments. https://apple.news/AtBo1PlG2Q9CieLyZFseA3Q