So I’ve hit that point which, without doubt, I will encounter over and over again on my journey through learning aikido and jiu jitsu. At this moment in time “that point” is occurring in aikido. Experienced martial artists will nod … Continue reading
Two new people joined our iaido school last month, which means I am no longer the very bottom of the class. Which also means when we line up at the start and end of the class I need to be … Continue reading
I have been thinking a great deal about adaptability in martial arts of late. Every modern martial art has evolved over the years, no style has remained static. Of the martial arts I practise it is a requirement for the … Continue reading
I have previously mentioned the perils of training with someone who continually over-steps the levels at which you feel confident at training at, but sometimes this a good thing. So what is it that differentiates the partner you train with … Continue reading
Some years ago, when I was working on ships, my boss asked me to tell the crew not to use compressed air for cleaning up the deck and tank tops. There was a danger paint chippings could go in their … Continue reading
Feedback Firstly, thank you to all that gave me feedback on my last post over on Google Plus. Your comments have been helpful in many ways, and I hope to write a follow up article on the matter. Falling On … Continue reading
A few months ago I was applying a technique called kote gaeshi, which is a wrist lock technique used in jitsu and aikido. Application can vary from a mild lock to generate a shock reaction, to a full hard application … Continue reading
Three weeks ago, during a wonderful aikido seminar of which I really must type about, I re-herniated a disk in my lower back and was reduced to immobile agony on the mat. Having assured my training partner it was not … Continue reading
Recently I was delighted to spend time (sadly too little time) with the man who first introduced me to martial arts, Graham Butcher, going over some basics in Stav. I like Graham’s teaching, he works through techniques in a way … Continue reading
Yesterday I accompanied a friend to watch a kyudo class. I wasn’t interested in taking up kyudo myself, pulling a bow with a shoulder injury is never a good idea, but my friend was curious and I agreed to be … Continue reading
When you consider that at least three of the instructors I am training under in California hold rank of shodan (1st dan) or above in Iaido (Japanese sword work) or other weaponry, then it is not surprising that a good … Continue reading
Apologies for my prolonged absence from blog updates. Things have been hectic of late. As per my last post I am still in California, working away and fitting in Aikido as often as I can. End point of my part … Continue reading
Dojo discipline, it would appear, is a touchy subject. Firstly on the existence of it, and secondly on how it is administered. Last year I was on a course which spent part of the afternoon training with a boken. Not … Continue reading
It has been the Easter break here in the UK. While I don’t observe Easter, plenty of others do and consequently training has been on hold the past week. So I shall use this lull in training to draw your … Continue reading
What is this abomination?! I admit I became a little snobbish when I saw a martial art school recently advertising in my area. “Little bit of everything, specialising in nothing,” I sneered to my companion. I know I’m not alone … Continue reading
Life in Eifionydd, Druidry, Faery and Fi
A personal journal to share my artistic works, to write about Norse shamanism and traditional paganism, European History, Archaeology, Runes, Working with the Gods and my personal experiences in Norse shamanic practices.
Music, Folklore, Animism, and Vegetable Related Sport...
Entomology, education, conservation and genealogy
Pagan Rituals, Handfasting, Baby Naming Ceremonies, Magic Spells.
Writer of novels and scripts.
One Gal's take on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and everything in it
Choose to be happy and healthy.
I will always be beginning something new and will always be discovering my abilities.
Part 3 of the journey
T-son's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Grappling Gibberish!
A Bardic Journey Across Northern Spain
Music Ennobles All It Touches
Do you enjoy watching birds? Would you like to expand your expertise by building on your current knowledge of common birds? Do you know which birds to expect in different habitats in Shropshire? Would you like to be able to identify the characteristic birds of the county in different seasons? If so, this course is for you.
Druidry, Witchery and life's enchantment.
Pagan reflections from a Druid author - life, community, inspiration, health, hope, and radical change
My Training Diary
Viewing the world from the outside
A research consortium investigating large scale cycling of volatile elements through the Earth
Geology Research and Teaching
lightning in the blood
A Journey of Inspiration
Intelligent Movement Training with Internal Martial Arts
The Story within the Story
Poetry, Travels, Sketches, Writings and a Sip of Inspiration with Passion.
Beer culture, history and an academic pursuit of one of our oldest extra-curricular activities
Budo, Old and New
Johnston Karate's Student Guide Book
The Bible for Shotokan Karate
Journaling my fight with chronic illness through food, fitness, family and a fledgling martial arts journey.
Strange thoughts, random mutterings
Serving the Pee Dee area of South Carolina
Non-violence. Talking Peace. Everything Aikido.
A collection of philosophical writings and awesome poems written with my Marines in Mind.
Seeing twice as much absolutely counts as a super power.
Spy action and Aikido stuff for fans of the book by Becky Black Powell
Following the Goddess of Love...
Wordpress about Aikido and life
More FU in you Kung FU
Aikido on land and sea
Yoshinkan style Aikido in Exeter
