Gifts for Aikidoka

With the holidays almost upon us, I always like to take a look around the web at all the interesting gift ideas the internet has to offer. Normally, on a blog about martial arts you'd expect to find a post about, well, swords, weapons, videos or uniforms. But lets face it, if you're a martial artist you probably have enough of that stuff anyway (Noelle tells me that all the time) :)

One item I found that I thought was interesting was the Jensen JiMS 525i digital radio receiver. Since I don't watch TV very much I find myself listening to the same music over and over. I also don't really go for local radio stations due to the abundance of commercials and static. With digital that are tons of channels and the signal is clear (unlike traditional, standard radio).

Also nice, is the ability to use song tagging with a digital radio. Normally when I hear a song on the radio, and I like it, I try to remember what it is. Usually I can't because the next song, well for lack of a better term, overwrites my memory. With song tagging you hit a button and the song is automatically saved to an Ipod! Sounds (no pun intended) great to me.

Kenjutsu Stances

I wanted to post something my kenjutsu teacher sent the deshi about the stances in kenjutsu during our 1000 cut exercise:

1. Seiza

2. Handachi kamae
Pivot on left knee into handachi, ankles together.

3. Chugoshi kamae
Left knee stays in place, left toes curled under, directly behind the left
knee; right knee directly above right ankle, both knees bent to 90 degrees.

4. Zenkutsu kamae
Simply kick the left heel back and lock the left knee, without rising, the
rest as in chugoshi; outside edge of rear foot cuts into the ground; it is
useful to cultivate the habit of lifting the big toe (or trying to).

5. Kokutsu kamae
Shift weight to the rear leg, opening the thighs by rotating the left hip
joint outwards; do not allow the rear foot to point more than ninety
degrees toward the left of the embusen (center line), preferably it should
point forward only slightly less than in zenkutsu; note that the
difference between kibadachi and kokutsudachi is that the forward foot
points forward; the rear foot does not change from its normal kibadachi
position in which the feet point inward (pigeon-toed).

Cut large with hikkigiri (pulling cut).

6. Nisoku suburi
This is standard two-step cutting exersize. Do not allow the level of the
hips to rise from chugoshi on. This is supposed to be difficult.

7. Kokutsu kamae (hidari)
Same as 5, but with the legs reversed.

Cut high, stopping at chest level, with a sense of oshigiri (pushing cut).

8. Zenkutsu kamae (hidari)
Same as 4 but with the legs reversed.

Cut outward, stopping at waist level.

9. Chugoshi kamae (hidari)
Same as 3, but with the legs reversed.

10. Handachi kamae (hidari)
Same as 2, but with the right knee down and forward, left knee 90 degrees
to the embusen (center line)

Aikido in the tropics

Every time I think about going on Vacation, which has been a more common occurrence now that New England has been hit by an arctic chill, I always try to find a destination with at least some aikido available. As most of my fellow aikidoka may be aware this can often prove to be a difficult task. But today, I was browsing through the archives of one of my favorite forums and I found some info on aikido in the Caribbean.

This was, or at least could be a break through in finding romantic vacations that are in warm climates during the winter and still include some aikido. To me this would be a great happy medium, Noelle and I could potentially travel to some jamaica all inclusive resort and I could still get in my regular training.

While this might not be common knowledge, or even a common thought for most vacationers (who usually dream about beaches, local cuisine, or even caribbean weddings) if you've married an aikidoka it might be what you get. I think Noelle can vouch for that.
;)

Kyu Testing

Last Sunday River Valley Aikido held Kyu testing for two of my co-students. Both Dianne and Zach performed well on their testing requirements and passed. Dianne, who's been practicing for around six years, has advanced to Sankyu and Zach was tested for Rokyu. Both tests looked great and it was a pleasure to take part in.

Tactical Gear

One site that I have visited quite a bit over the past few months is LA Police Gear. I generally carry a small pocket knife but recently it was confiscated when I chaperoned my little brother's (Avery) school trip to New York City. We went to Ellis Island and that's where police took my pocket knife away. But, don't worry I have a back up. The only problem is that I am not quite happy with my other knife. It was a sample folder, and feels way to short in my hand both in the grip and blade. I also miss the serrations the my old knife used to have.

The search for a more suitable replacement is where LA Police Gear comes into the picture. LA Police Gear has a wide selection of all things tactical. They carry pocket knives, a large holster variety, gloves, clothing, watches, and more. LA Police Gear also has quite a few items on clearance, so some great deals can be found if you know what you're looking for.

I might just pick up one of their pocket knives, from what I can tell LA Police Gear is having a two for the price of one special on select knives. Or at least thats how the promotion reads to me. Check out the site if you're looking for anything tactical.

Kyu Testing Prep

For the past four or so months I've been leading a round of kyu test preparation classes at the dojo. This is one of my first experiences teaching for an extended period and I found the whole process to be very challenging and satisfying at the same time. Two of my kōhai were prepping for 3rd kyu and 6th kyu, so the variety of techniques we worked on spanned quite a few skill sets; from good ukeme and centering to martial awareness. I can definitely say that progress has been made on both ends, theirs by learning the techniques and on mine by trying to figure out how to explain what I feel during a technique (very challenging).

Do you deck out the dojo?

Most of the dojo's I've ever traveled to are fairly plain, spaces. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with that at all, dojo are supposed to be a place of practice. Usually the dojo's beauty comes from it's simplicity. A nice touch at my current dojo are the flowers that sometimes scatter the space. Usually one of our dojo members, Dianne, brings in a small flower arrangement. I find, too me, that it really stands out in a fairly simple space.

With the holidays approaching and kyu testing scheduled for Sunday I was thinking about supplying a new flower arrangement for the special occasions. I checked my local flower shops and couldn't find quite what I wanted, then I checked online and found flowers and centerpieces by 1-800 Flowers. Right now they're really pushing their Poinsettia arrangements, which really wont work in the dojo, but would be great in a home setting. If you have a need for any flowers or would like to add a little something to your dojo check them out.

Katana vs. Naginata

For those of you who've been wondering whether a spear or katana has the advantage when facing off, this video should shed a little light on the subject. In watching the form, it's obvious that this is not a full speed kata or anything, but I still think the reach and gracefulness of the person wielding the naginata is impressive.