Tag Archives: martial art

Stalled and stumbling

Posted on July 21, 2017 by

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 →

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When can I be scary?

Posted on December 1, 2016 by

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 →

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Adaptability

Posted on March 24, 2016 by

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 →

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When does push become pull?

Posted on February 28, 2015 by

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 →

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The Light Response

Posted on February 4, 2015 by

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 →

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Falling with grace

Posted on January 18, 2015 by

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 →

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What is the purpose?

Posted on January 9, 2015 by

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 →

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The calm in the storm

Posted on December 11, 2014 by

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 →

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I don’t beat up people

Posted on September 13, 2014 by

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 →

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Kyudo

Posted on September 1, 2014 by

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 →

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The Dawning Wonder of Weapon Work

Posted on July 21, 2014 by

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 →

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The calm happiness of Aikido

Posted on July 14, 2014 by

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 →

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Dojo Discipline

Posted on May 6, 2014 by

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 →

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Mindfulness

Posted on April 23, 2014 by

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 →

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Mixed up abomination

Posted on April 15, 2014 by

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 →

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