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Statistics |
| Unique Visitors: 51 |
| Total Unique Visitors: 64724 |
| Visitors Out: 1061 |
| Total Visitors Out: 1061 |
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| Virtual Dojo: Free Online Aikido Instruction |
| 2008-06-11 07:06:00 |
Now you can further study Aikido online! Beginning this month, the Dojo News (our bi-monthly newsletter) will include what we are calling a Virtual Dojo segment where Albright Sensei and/or Shiraki Sensei will share an Aikido video clip with you and describe the significance of the techniques being demonstrated. Some video clips may emphasize fluidity, while others may emphasize power, hip movement or footwork. Expect to see videos of famous living Aikidoists and masters that have passed away. This month's clip is of Mitsugi Saotome Sensei. Saotome Sensei was an uchideshi (or live in student) of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. Saotmoe Sensei is the author of numerous Aikido books and is also the founder of ASU, the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba a...
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| What Qualities Do You Need to Be Successful in Aikido? |
| 2008-05-04 19:27:00 |
Continued telephone Aikido interviewSean: What qualities does a student need to have in order to be successful in the art of Aikido?Jeff: Perhaps the most important thing people need is a willingness to learn, not to be too uptight, or too upset with themselves when they can't learn the Aikido techniques right away. It is OK to feel awkward and make mistakes – that is, after all, how we really learn. If you have a willingness to learn, and a willingness to make mistakes, then you are pretty much ready to train Aikido.Something else that does help on the mat is a sense of humor. When you make mistakes, and you will, if you can smile and have a good time, then that is what it is all about. I think that is what life is all about – smiling and having a...
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| Castle Rock Aikido Martial Art Student Profile |
| 2008-04-24 09:33:00 |
April 2008 Castle Rock AIKIDO Student of the MonthMichael Kilman studies Cultural Anthropology at Metro State University in Denver. When he's not deep in the books, Michael is an Intuitive Life Coach who helps others to find a sense of peace in their lives. He also works part-time as a freelance videographer. He's been training at Castle Rock AIKIDO since last summer. Michael grew up in Philadelphia, had a short stint in Portland, Oregon, and have lived in Castle Rock for 11 years.Michael, what are some of your hobbies in addition to Aikido?"I spend a lot of time reading and meditating. I like to be in the outdoors and especially love the ocean, even though I live in Colorado. I like hikin...
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| Castle Rock AIKIDO Expands Schedule to Four Days a Week |
| 2008-04-19 12:52:00 |
We added A FOURTH evening per week to practice AIKIDO on April 10th!Because you asked for it! We have decided to add a 4th evening per week to the Castle Rock AIKIDO training schedule. On April 10th, 2008 we started holding an additional Thursday night class at our regular class time. That means we will now offer Aikido Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings!This decision was made in an effort to allow students additional training time, particulary for those of you who are unable to attend class on other evenings per week. There will be no increase in tuition for this additional training time. We at Castle Rock AIKIDO are always looking for ways to add value to our students'...
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| Lessons From the Book of Five Rings: Adaptability |
| 2008-04-17 09:29:00 |
The Classic Japanese Text on the Way of Strategy by Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645)Article and summary by Aikido Student, Sean HannonThe Water Book is the second of Musashi's Book of Five Rings. Musashi continues his warriorship dissertation by describing why the second book is called the Water Book."When water is at its base, the soul is like water. Water takes on the shape of its vessel."Musashi explores the virtue of ADAPTABILITY as it pertains to warriorship. He uses the element of water as a metaphor for describing this value.The longest of the five books, the Water Book spends a great deal of time on specific techniques of sword fighting. Musashi discusses topics such as posture in strategy, proper gaze in Strategy, proper...
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| Castle Rock AIKIDO Teachers Featured in Asian Avenue |
| 2008-04-16 18:31:00 |
Be sure to pick up the April 2008 issue of Asian Avenue Magazine. Albright Sensei and Shiraki Sensei are featured in an article about how the art of Aikido contributes to the quality of their relationship and marriage. The 500 words article written by Michael Gorniak also highlights Albright Sensei's experiences in Japan, including the courtship of his future wife, Shiraki Sensei. The article cleverly titled, "Training in the Marital Arts" discusses how Aikido has improved both their verbal and physical communication with each other over the past 11 years. Personal Message from the InstructorsWe are a fun and friendly group who all want to get the most out of our lives. We are always looking for people who want to be a part of our fast growing Aikido commu...
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| Aikido Black Belt Awarded After 4 Years of Training |
| 2008-04-10 19:23:00 |
Daniel Hicks receives AIKIDO Belt">Black BeltWorldwide stastics for Aikido reveal that less than 5% of all Aikido students ever reach the rank of black belt. To show how proud we are of Daniel-san for his recent promotion to black belt, Castle Rock AIKIDO decided to purchase Daniel's personally embroiderd hakama (those large, pleated skirt-like pants) and black belt for him.Embroidered in gold, one end of Daniel's belt reads "Keiko Shochin," which roughly translates as "training in the old ways brightens the present." The other end reads "Da-ni-eru," which is the Japanese phonetic for "Daniel" in the katakana alphabet. This phrase was personally selected for Daniel by Albright Sensei and Shi...
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| What Do You Like Most about the Students at Castle Rock AIKIDO? Jeff Albright Sensei answers |
| 2008-04-09 11:35:00 |
Interview with Castle Rock AIKIDO Instructor, Jeff Albright SenseiSean: What do you like most about your students at Castle Rock AIKIDO?Jeff: Well, we have a lot of really good folks here. They are really nice people. Everybody is trying to learn something, trying to grow, and trying to develop themselves. We don't seem to attract people who are out to hurt other, or people with a chip on their shoulder. They are just really nice people, the kind of people you want to hang out with.Sean: Yeah, I know when I talk with some people about martial arts one of the first things they say is that they are intimidated. They say things like "Oh no, martial arts is not for me" or "I don't want to get ...
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| Impression from the 8th Annual Aikido Summit at the Denver Buddhist Temple in Denver, Colorado – March 22nd 2008 |
| 2008-04-07 14:07:00 |
Edgar Johannsen Sensei's personality and drive is, perhaps, the only reason that the Colorado Aikido Summit has come to fruition once again. It is only because of Edgar's amiable, easy going disposition that he is able to successfully blend with all the diverse personalities in the Colorado Aikido community and bring us all together each year to share in our similarities and learn from our differences. The Aikido Summit is a great place for younger Aikido students to experience a wide array of Aikido styles once they have attained their black belt and created a foundation from which to build. It is also an opportunity for more veteran black belts to get refocused on their own training and decide what aspects to develop...
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| Privacy Policy for Castle Rock AIKIDO, LLC |
| 2008-03-28 09:26:00 |
COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRIVACYThis site is owned and operated by FFN, LLC (a.k.a. Castle Rock AIKIDO, LLC). Yourprivacy on the Internet is of the utmost importance to us. At FFN, we want to make yourexperience online satisfying and safe.Because we gather certain types of information about our users, we feel you should fullyunderstand our policy and the terms and conditions surrounding the capture and use of thatinformation. This privacy statement discloses what information we gather and how we useit.INFORMATION Castle Rock AIKIDO, LLC GATHERS AND TRACKSCastle Rock AIKIDO, LLC gathers two types of information about users:· Information that users provide through...
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| A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Japanese Text on the Way of Strategy, by Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) |
| 2008-03-22 11:11:00 |
Article and summary by Aikido Student, Sean HannonMiyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings is a classic Japanese text of samurai sword strategy. Yet, it is so much more than just a manual on how best to wield a sword. The principles discussed in Miyamoto Musashi's masterpiece can, in many respects, be applied to life as a whole. Even though most of us today may not carry around a samurai sword on a daily basis, a reader can still find great value in the observations of this great, innovative, and eccentric samurai. Musashi developed what is called ni to ichi ryu or the "two as one way." In sh...
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| Midorigeiko: Observations of a (temporarily) Crippled Martial Arts Student |
| 2008-02-25 10:16:00 |
By Sean HannonI am a student of the traditional, Japanese martial art of Aikido. I train three nights per week at Castle Rock AIKIDO in Castle Rock, Colorado. Yet, I haven't stepped foot on an Aikido mat in over a year. In early 2006, I injured my lower spine so severely that I could not hold up my own body weight and could not walk at all for several months. Practicing Aikido on the mat with everyone else was simply out of the question. Despite my not having been able to get on the mat, my Aikido continues to improve with each and every class I attend because, for the time being, I practice 'midorigeiko.' Midorigeiko loosely translates as "watch and steal" practice. I am always surprised and somewhat saddened to ...
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| Your Experience in Life is What You Bring to It! |
| 2008-01-24 14:05:00 |
By Jeff Albright Sensei and Sean HannonA past teacher of mine would frequently say, "Bring it!" What she meant by that was whatever you want to experience, you have to "bring it" to the experience. This can apply to tangible things as well as intangible things. For example, let's say you are going to a party. If you want there to be guacamole at the party then you'd better "bring it." Similarly, if you want to have a fun at the party, then it is your responsibility to "bring it," – the fun, that is – to the party and not expect it to be waiting there for you. It is your responsibility to "bring it." It is not the responsibility of others, the activity or the event.Aikido training works exactly the same way. Bring a willingness to learn, an attitude...
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| New Aikido Training Video |
| 2008-01-21 17:53:00 |
Dr. Jeff Albright of Rocky Mountain Wellness in Castle Rock, Colorado recently released a 40 minute instructional Aikido martial arts DVD. This DVD is a high quality demonstration of the fundamental techniques of the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Video training helps students see the different aikido techniques in slow motion so they can work on their techniques at home.Sensei Jeff Albright has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years. He holds a 3rd degree black belt the art of Aikido and also holds black belts and teaching certificates in various other martial arts styles.Albright Sensei has taught at well-known Aikido schools in Nagasaki, Japan and instructed officers and personnel of the Japanese Self-Defense...
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| Power vs Force in Aikido: How to amass great power in your life. |
| 2008-01-18 17:41:00 |
Many people seek out martial arts as a means to creating more power in their lives. Power, of course, can be defined in many ways. Some people are seeking self-empowerment in the form of self-improvement, self-discipline, or self-esteem, while others may be seeking power or control over others. Martial arts can be a very a good place to discover power. However, more often than not what people end up learning is not true power, but force. Many martial arts teachers do not really understand the difference between power and force, or worse, think they are the same things. As such, the student ends up creating more resistance in their life, instead of more power and he or she never learns to truly generate power.In Aikido, your ...
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| Avoid the Winter Blues with a Unique Japanese Exercise |
| 2008-01-14 19:39:00 |
It's winter again and as the daylight hours shorten many people become afflicted with what has become known as seasonal affect disorder (or, aptly named, SAD). Most people are affected to one degree or another by SAD or SAD-like symptoms. It is a perfectly normal change in the brain that occurs each year as it gets darker earlier and is thought to be the result of altered brain chemistry caused by fewer hours of exposure to sunshine. The condition can become so significant that some people may require professional intervention. Normally, the brain creates a chemical called serotonin in response to exposure to sunshine. This chemical is largely responsible for producing a happy, healthy mood in a person. Because days are shorter in the fall and winter our b...
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| Add more power, value and meaning to your life with Aikido! |
| 2008-01-13 17:45:00 |
By Sean HannonI have practiced the Japanese martial art of Aikido, in one form or another, for over 10 years. At first glance I always thought that I practiced Aikido for self-defense or just because it was fun. However, I was recently listening to a recording by peak performance coach Anthony Robbins. Tony was discussing what he calls "The Six Human Needs." In this recording he articulates how all humans have six basic needs that must be met on some level. Some of these needs appear to be in conflict with one another, but, in fact, are not. I suddenly realized how, for me, Aikido meets all of these six human needs!The first two human needs appear to be in conflict with each other, but are actually complementary. The first is the need for certainty. That is, people require some deg...
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| Make Friends Fast with Aikido! |
| 2007-12-18 06:45:00 |
When adults move to a new town or state, it can be difficult to make new friends. It is not uncommon for people to go through months and months of social isolation. This can lead to loneliness and depression, but over time, people slowly rebuild a new social network. That can be a tough experience for almost anyone. However, there is no reason to wait. Some more outgoing people may make an effort to attend activities like public lectures on interesting subject or things like that in an effort to meet new people. But more often than not, most people usually go to those kinds of events in pre-existing clicks and are often opposed to venturing outside their own groups or unwilling to let new people in to theirs. One of the reasons why events like these don't...
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| Why Do We Spend So Much Time Learning UKEMI? part 2 |
| 2007-12-14 10:10:00 |
Response from Albright Sensei:What does a black belt in Aikido mean to you? I was told that a black belt should be able to take UKEMI from any throw. My training insured that was true. UKEMI is the Japanese term for being able to safely receive an Aikido technique from anyone. It is the ability to follow, flow and fall without injury. It is often said that the first three years in Aikido training is UKEMI. UKEMI is that important.A few years ago, Miho and I were training in Sasaki sensei's dojo in Fujiminou City in Saitama, Japan. Many of his students were already 4th, 5th, and 6th degree black belts. Sasaki Sensei, himself, is an 8th degree black belt. So imagine me, being only a 2nd degree black belt at the time! I was intimidated to say the least. In this situation, 2nd degree black or NI-DAN means next to nothing. Their level of understanding of techniques was so deep that it would blow your mind. In this situation, the only thing I could be confident in was my UKEMI. In their presence, I wasn’t even comfortable saying that I had a basic understanding of Aikido. All I knew was that I could receive their techniques. Of course, it is by receiving their techniques that I would learn the most from them. That is where the real learning in Aikido takes place, through the physical dialogue of UKEMI.Once you’ve learned to take UKEMI, your technique will follow. If you really want to improve your Aikido technique… focus on developing your UKEMI. A little known secret about Aikido is that UKEMI is the key to reaching black belt, not technique execution. Many students spend a disproportionate amount of their focus on the performance of techniques like KOTE-GAESHI or SHIHO-NAGE. If one is truly present during training, one will be extremely intent while be both uke and nage. Being equally skilled is what will make you a complete aikidoka.
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| Why Do We Spend So Much Time Learning UKEMI? |
| 2007-12-11 12:38:00 |
Response from Shiraki Sensei: When you come to an Aikido dojo, the first thing you will learn is how to fall or UKEMI. A wise Shinto priest and Aikido master once said to me, "First learn UKEMI because UKEMI is a form of losing. If you can learn how to lose and how you feel when you lose, the rest of it is easy. No ego, no nothing… Just the way it is." I learned UKEMI in very much the same way. The first thing my instructor, Iio Sensei, taught me was UKEMI. As a matter of fact, the first three years of my Aikido training was all about UKEMI. Nothing else mattered. During this time, my husband had already earned his black belt in Aikido and had recently attended GASSHUKU (specialized training) with the Wakayama University Aikido Club. He was hoping that I would soon be able to take ...
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| Mistakes: The Key to Speeding Up your Aikido Training |
| 2007-12-10 07:39:00 |
The fastest, most expedient way to learn Aikido is not to be prepared, but to make mistakes… a lot of mistakes. The more mistakes you make, the faster you will progress in your training. Our brains assign cause and effect through contrasting experiences. An improperly executed technique is contrasted with a properly executed technique. The "gap" or distance between the two experiences creates "perspective" in the brain and within that gap is where learning occurs. The more out-of-place you feel, the faster you will viscerally internalize the techniques and the lessons they contain. If you think about it, you have probably experienced this in other areas of your life. Haven't your greatest lessons in your life been the product of mistakes more so that successes? Early 20th century success researcher, Napoleon Hill, states that the key to success in any endeavor is failure. So if you want to progress your Aikido training faster then come to class and make more mistakes! Just be sure to do so with a sense of humor and a smile!Would you like to try Aikido? We offer a week trial for $25. This will give you the opportunity to see if you enjoy our style of Aikido training and get a chance to meet our students. Click here for the $25 Aikido class trial. www.CRaikido.com
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| Tell Us About Your Students at Castle Rock Aikido |
| 2007-12-09 09:55:00 |
Audio Interview between Sean, a student at Castle Rock Aikido and Aikido instructors, Jeff Albright Sensei and Miho Shiraki SenseiSean: Let's get to know about your Aikido school. Who are your students? Do they all come from Castle Rock?Jeff: We get all types of students, they come from all over the place, outside of Castle Rock – as far north as Westminster and we have two students from Colorado Springs as well.We get all kinds of different students, working professionals, parents; we've got a couple of college students, so we have a wide variety. We tend to get students in the 30-40 range, people who are searching and looking for different things as far as self development and personal development goes.Sean: And don't you guys have students older than that also?Jeff: Oh yes, we've had students as old as, I think 77 in Castle Rock.Sean: Wow. I bet a lot of people do not think of practicing martial arts in their 60's and 70's, do they?Jeff: They probably don't but there are many students and instructors who are well into their 80's and even their 90's who have thrown me around quite well. It is definitely a martial art you can do for a lifetime.Sean: Well that is pretty amazing. It sounds like people are willing to travel if necessary – quite a distance to come train with you guys. I think that is probably pretty unusual considering there is, in most towns, at least one martial arts school on every street corner; so the idea that people would travel, it sounds like well over an hour in some cases to come train with you guys is quiet a credit to your program.Jeff: Well, thank you. I think people just like the whole atmosphere – it is pretty energetic and upbeat and we have a good time, so I think they are willing to drive a little bit to be a part of that.End of this segment of the Aikido interview. To find out what students of Castle Rock Aikido are saying about their dojo and the Aikido instructors, please visit www.craikido.com
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| A Japanese “secret weapon” for improving your golf game. |
| 2007-11-26 10:36:00 |
Indoor driving ranges and putting greens are great during the winter, but what else are you doing to improve your golf game in the off-season? Relaxation, balance, center of gravity, and coordination – many would argue that these are all important components of an excellent golf game. The Japanese art of Aikido is a fantastic secret weapon to maintain and improve your golf game. Aikido (pronounced 'eye'-'key'-'doh') is a unique form of Japanese exercise that fully engages your mind and body, providing a powerful vehicle for generating more power in your swing and improving your short game coordination. Aikido is a martial art, but can be practiced at ...
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| Yakusokugeko – The Proper Roles of Uke and Nage |
| 2007-11-24 12:16:00 |
Since Aikido is about avoiding struggle and performing a technique with the least amount of effort, we must consider our roles as both Uke and Nage.As Nage, first and foremost, it is our responsibility to protect Uke. If there is resistance, if one is off balance or if the technique just is not going as it should, just relax, slow down and find your "way." Aikido is about power - an inner power - rather than force. Try not to force a technique. As Nage it is our responsibility to smoothly establish and maintain a connection with Uke throughout each technique.As Uke it is our responsibility to provide a realistic attack (but not overly aggressive), and then move our bodies in relationship to Nage's movement so as to be in the safest position possible, while maintaining a sense of connection.Grabs by Uke should be firm, but not rigid. The hand and wrist will be used to control whatever is being grabbed. The rest of the body should remain loose and able to adapt to the situation.Strikes by Uke should have good extension, without locking out your own joints. Locking out joint can lead to injuries. Always try to keep some bend in the elbows, and give about 95% of your full energy. You do not want to over commit and not be able to react.The loss of connection is an opportunity for either Uke or Nage to commence a new attack. Therefore, maintaining the connection is of the utmost importance.Remember, you take ukemi to avoid injury only. Uke must be able to respond appropriately to the situation. This requires much training and introspection as how to do this best."Free of weakness ignore the sharp attacks of your enemies: Step in and act!" – Morihei Ueshiba
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| Unique Japanese Exercise Provides Stress Relief to Castle Rock! |
| 2007-11-18 08:35:00 |
There is a great new form of stress relief available in Castle Rock. It's called Aikido (pronounced 'eye'-'key'-do'). Aikido is a unique form of Japanese exercise that fully engages your mind and body providing an excellent outlet for stress relief. Aikido is a martial art, but can be practiced at any level of intensity according to the needs or physical capabilities of the student. Unlike most martial arts, there are no punches or kicks in Aikido so injury is extremely rare. A student learns to move their body effectively and efficiently by employing almost dance-like moves that first evade and then off balance the...
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| Castle Rock AIKIDO dojo logo |
| 2007-11-06 06:32:00 |
Samurai were a class of Japanese military nobility who served a feudal lord and/or the Japanese Emperor. The word samurai derives from the Japanese verb "samorau," which means "to serve." Samurai came into power as a warrior class in the early 12th century and were subsequently disbanned, virtually becoming extinct, in the late 1880s with the fall of the feudal system of Japan and the rise of industry and westernization. Born and raised in Kitakyushu, a town in the Southern Japan Prefecture of Fukuoka, Miho Shiraki Sensei is a descendant of a long line of samurai warriors of feudal Japan. Growing up, Miho had heard stories about her family's ancestors being pacifist, Shinto priests. What she didn't really know until recently was why did those ancestors become Shinto priests in the first pl...
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| New & Fun Form of Adult Fitness in Castle Rock! |
| 2007-11-03 11:18:00 |
Here's a reality of life when it comes to exercise; "If it’s boring, you won't do it. Period!" Most people know they should exercise more, but most people simply don't. This not necessarily because they don't want to be in better shape, but because so many popular kinds of exercises and fitness routines are utterly boring! If you're bored of endlessly walking on treadmills or elliptical trainers at the gym while watching overly-violent news broadcasts; or if you've tried yoga and Pilates but find them painfully slow, then I have a suggestion for you. Come try Aikido!Aikido, pronounced 'eye'-'key'-'doh', is a unique Japanese exercise that engages your entire body in a really fun and entertaining way. Aikido is a martial art, but can be practiced at any l...
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| Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba |
| 2007-10-26 11:28:00 |
Morihei Ueshiba was one of history's greatest martial artists. Even at age eighty, he could disarm any foe, down any number of attackers, and even pin an opponent with a single finger. Although virtually invincible as a warrior, he was, above all, a man of peace who detested fighting, war and any kind of violence. His way was that of Aikido, "the art of peace." He is referred to as O Sensei, "the great teacher."Morihei Ueshiba spent his youth and early adulthood training under a variety of sword and Jujutsu masters. As he grew older he experienced increasing disquiet stemming, in part, from his rather violent youth, feeling that training for the sake of winning was not enough. One day, after a long, arduous period of training and meditation, he came to recognize an innate understanding that the true purpose of the martial arts was to be the promotion of universal peace and love. He saw that the ideal victory was a conflict resolved without winner or loser. He began to change his martial techniques and practices he had learned throughout his life to align his art with his new understanding. This led to the formal development of Aikido."In Aikido, we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it."– Morihei Ueshiba****Castle Rock Aikido is a traditional, Japanese Aikido martial arts school in Castle Rock, Colorado located just 20 minutes south of Denver Metro and only 30 minutes north of Colorado Springs.Visit www.craikido.com to get a coupon for a free class.
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| Natural Movement & Philosophy - A Wholistic Exercise |
| 2007-10-24 10:26:00 |
The Philosophy of AikidoMuch like a hurricane, tornado or tidal wave, the forces found in nature are efficient, rational, and soft, while the center is immovable, firm, and stable. Of course, these forces may not seem rational or soft relative to human experience, but relative to itself, these forces are perfectly balanced. This principle of a firm center and a soft, adaptable periphery is universally consistent -- and must be true for each person, as well. The culmination of Aikido is expressed by aligning one's own center with the center expressed throughout nature. One becomes "resilient" inside, yet this strength is expressed softly and powerfully.The movements of Aikido maintain this firm and stable center simultaneously emphasizing spherical rotation characterized by flowing, circular motions. These pivoting, entering and circling motions are used to blend with, to control and to overcome an opponent. The principle of spherical rotation makes it possible to defend one’s self from an opponent of superior size, strength and experience.Although Aikido movements are soft, logical and smooth, as are those found in nature, by applying a bit of force, these techniques can be devastatingly effective. The gentle quality of Aikido makes it appealing to many people. It not only provides excellent exercise and teaches proper etiquette and self-control, but for some it also offers spiritual growth and evolution.***Many people are surprised when they find out that half of our students are over 40 years old. One reason could be because of the way Aikido blends natural movement with practical life philosophy. Castle Rock Aikido is a Japanese martial art school. Visit http://www.craikido.com/ for a coupon for a free class.Read our story "Residents Over 50 Taking Up Martial Arts"
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| Castle Rock AIKIDO's Mission Statement |
| 2007-10-22 11:12:00 |
It is the mission of Castle Rock AIKIDO "to forge in our students a strength of character so strong, that conflict becomes unnecessary." Many assume that the "conflict" we refer to in our mission statement is physical conflict such as fighting with others. However, the conflict we mean to emphasize is inner conflict - the mental, emotional and even spiritual conflict most of us struggle within each and every day. Through the practice of Aikido we discover within ourselves a physical path to self-mastery…
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| Getting Centered with Aikido (Expansion Part 5) |
| 2007-10-21 09:50:00 |
By Jeff Albright Sensei and Sean Hannon"The key to good technique is to keep your hands, feet and hips straight and centered. If you are centered, you can move freely. The physical center is your belly; if your mind is set there as well, you are assured of victory in any endeavor."- Morihei UeshibaAikido teaches us to move, feel and, to some extent, think from our center or what the Japanese call our "hara." It is the place that we are strongest. It is the origin of our power. Our core is where we are eternally abundant. Physiologically, our core is our viscera our gut and it is where our real strength comes from. Many think big muscles are where strength comes from. However, big muscles don't work if the lungs and heart aren't strong enough to pump blood to those big muscles.Fear produces...
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| Aikido & Abundance (Expansion Part 4) |
| 2007-10-18 14:48:00 |
By Jeff Albright Sensei and Sean Hannon"If your opponent strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly."– Morihei UeshibaAs we learned in Part Two of this article on expansion, Aikido is so much more than just a martial art. It is a whole way of life. Indeed, those who practice Aikido quickly learn that it is, in fact, a microcosmic arena for life. When regular daily problems at home or at work come up most people do the same thing as most martial arts teach. They push back, contract, shrink – they shift into a defensive posture. Sometimes they contract into adverse behaviors like excessive ...
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| Reprogramming Inborn Reflexes - Aikido (Expansion Part 3) |
| 2007-10-16 11:00:00 |
By Jeff Albright Sensei and Sean Hannon"When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him;if he wants to pull back, send him on his way."– Morihei UeshibaAikido challenges us to evolve beyond primitive, instinctual survival mechanisms and reflexes that are taught in so many other forms of martial arts. For example, many Aikido students ask, "Why does Aikido take so long to master?" This is a valid question because Aikido does, in many cases, take much longer to master than other martial arts. In Aikido, we strive inwardly for self-perfection by training ourselves to utilize higher levels in the brain; to reprogram seemingly-contradictory, yet ironically, more sophisticated levels of thinking, non-thinking and other societally-conditioned responses into our unconscious mind.An Aikido ...
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| Expansion Part 2: Aikido & Budo |
| 2007-10-04 09:52:00 |
By Jeff Albright Sensei and Sean Hannon"True budo calls for bringing the inner energy of the Universe in order, protecting the peace of the world as well as preserving everything in nature in its right form."– Morihei UeshibaThe novice martial artist sees martial arts merely as a fighting system – a means of self-defense. He understands only one-dimension of the word "martial." Martial, in the strictest sense of the word, means "associated with war." Therefore, to the novice martial artist, martial only means "the art of war" or "the art of fighting." For them, that is where the meaning stops. There is no evolution. There is no more growth. The master martial artist, on the other hand, understands this rudimentary definition of "martial" and expands it.The master martial artist recogni...
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| Expansion Part 1: Aikido & Self-defense |
| 2007-10-03 18:21:00 |
By Jeff Albright Sensei and Sean Hannon"A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind."- Morihei UeshibaWhen most people think of "martial arts" one of the first things that to come to mind is the idea of "self-defense." When I think of someone defending themselves I tend to think of some one contracting, closing up, or hunkering down into a defensive stance. I also think the word defense represents a reaction to fear. Fear is always a function of contraction and is often met with defensive-oriented actions such as scratching, clawing, punching and kicking. Of course, there isn't anything wrong with these actions. There may be times in life when these become necessary. At other times, like in social environments, this lashing out may not necess...
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| Castle Rock Martial Arts Teacher Offers Style for 40 year olds |
| 2007-09-28 11:02:00 |
Perhaps the most important element of a martial arts school is the head instructor (referred to as a sensei). Most people want a talented martial arts instructor who is a great teacher, actively involved in the student's progress, and is someone who the student can respect. At Castle Rock Aikido, we couldn't agree more. We are honored to have two head instructors, a husband and wife team, who have trained for years in Japan with some of the most respected Aikido instructors. Today we will feature Jeff Albright, our head Aikido instructor.About Dr. Jeff Albright"Sensei" Jeff Albright has been practicing martial arts f...
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| "True Victory is Self-Victory" Aikido Explained |
| 2007-09-23 17:05:00 |
"True victory is self-victory."– Morihei Ueshiba What is Aikido? Aikido is a powerful martial art developed throughout the mid 20th century by a Japanese named Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido differs from most other martial arts in that the practitioner seeks to achieve self-defense without injury to attackers. Furthermore, there are no tournaments or sport applications in Aikido. Therefore, Aikido is non-competitive.Generally speaking, Aikido is most often practiced with a partner where one person functions as an attacker and the other person practices defensive Aikido techniques. About half of the techniques involve joint locks which enable the "attacker" to be moved to a pinning position where they can be held without injury. Other techniques involve throwin...
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| Dojo Etiquette and Lexicon "Onegaishimasu"" |
| 2007-09-17 10:14:00 |
"Onegaishimasu" (pronounced 'oh-nay-guy-she-mas') is a common phrase you will hear and use repeatedly during Aikido class. In Aikido class, it is a polite way of asking to work with and recognizing a new training partner to practice a technique.When you are done practicing a technique or working with a training partner, you would say, "Arigato Gozaimashita" (pronouced 'ar-ee-ga-toe go-za-ee-ma-she-ta' ), which is just a polite way of saying thank you.At Castle Rock Aikido, we focus on quality, traditional Aikido instruction. If you live in the South Denver metro area, Parker, and even Colorado Springs, we invite you to see if our Aikido class is right for you. Visit http://www.craikido.com/ to receive a coupon for a free class.
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| Physical Alchemy: Turning Weaknesses into Strengths |
| 2007-09-01 11:31:00 |
Everyone has something they don't like about their body. Some people wish they had different hair. Others wish they had different color eyes. Some people aren't happy with their skin tone or quality and many people aren't happy with their height. I was one of those people.Growing up in Japan, I didn't like the fact that I was short - even for a Japanese girl. When I was in a middle school, I eagerly joined the basketball club because I thought perhaps it might help me to grow taller (since almost everybody plays basketball is tall). I know it seems silly now, but trust me, for a 12 year-old, this was sound logic! I wanted to do anything I could to make myself taller. It turns out, I didn't have much luck growing taller, but then several years later, my future husband, Jeff, introduced me t...
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