Training Day 19

Today was my first time back to the mat in about a week. It is summer here in San Diego and my days are getting busier. With running a business, scuba diving, being married, posting blog entries and working a night job sometimes there is just not enough hours in the day to get in my Aikido training. The past week has been the perfect storm with my schedule and my sleep time occurred exactly during class times. Upon our arrival into the dojo as uchideshis I did not anticipate to get so busy and even considered hiring someone to cover my dives. But after trial and error I have decided that I am the best one for the job and have decided to continue doing the dives myself. With a full schedule, my mat time is decreasing and my uchideshi experience is becoming dilluted by outside forces. As mentioned before, Uchideshi means live in student. One thats trains rigorously under the sensei of the dojo. Some say that being a uchideshi requires forty hours or more of commitement per week. I am not sure at this time how long this journey will continue to last nor do I know in what direction it will go. But I do I know that I like Aikido being in my life and I will continue to train as often as possible.

to be continued...........

Training Day 18

I have just returned to the mat after sitting out for two weeks due to an injury. On training day 17, I irritated a previous injury to my left ankle, overstretching a tendon underside the ankle. After a visit to the ER and wearing a removable cast on my leg for two weeks I am now starting to ease back to the mat. It seems to be doing just fine for the moment and I hope it stays that way. My first testing shall be coming up soon (after 20 days). I have learned much about aikido and being a uchideshi thus far. I have learned that it is not easy and give my fullest respects to those that train diligently. I have also learned that, as in life, we must train ourselves to blend with others and when necessary use love to combat opposition.

"True budo is a work of love. It is a work of giving life to all beings, and not killing or struggling with each other. Love is the guardian of everything. Nothing can exist without it. Aikido is the realization of love".

"Victory at the expense of others is not true victory. Winning means winning over the mind of discord within yourself. Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat the enemy. It is a way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family."

Give to the one who begs from you; and don't turn away the one who tries to borrow from you. Matt. 5:48-43

"Be as compassionate as your Father is. Don't pass judgment, and you won't be judged; don't condemn, and you won't be condemned; forgive, and you'll be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: they'll put in your lap a full measure, packed down, sifted and overflowing. For the standard you apply will be the standard applied to you." Luke 6:31-38

"Just as fire is extinguished by water, hatred can only be defeated by love and compassion." - 14th Dalai Lama

"I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction.Yet true happiness comes from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion, and elimination of ignorance, selfishness, and greed." - 14th Dalia Lama

Training Day 16

Humility:

"In reality there is perhaps not one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Disguise it, struggle with it, beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive, and will every now and then peep out and show itself...For even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility." - Benjamin Franklin

"The test of a truly great man or woman is their humility. I do
not mean by humility, doubt of their own power. But really great people have a curious
feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them. And they see something divine
in every other person and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful.” - John Ruskin

To begin Aikido, like all martial arts, we begin with humility, and end with humility.
"The rice plant bends as its grains develop."

Training day 15

Tao (pronounced 'Dao') can be defined as 'path', or 'road'. The way of the Tao is the way of Nature and of ultimate reality. Tao is often described as a force that flows through all life. A happy and virtuous life is one that is in harmony with the Tao, with Nature.
So the philosophy of Taoism understands Tao as the One Thing which exists and connects the Many things. Tao, Nature, Reality are One. According to the Book of Changes [주역, 周易], One action of Yin and another action of Yang make Tao. In the nature, female meet male to accomplish the Tao, just like the heaven as a Yang and the earth as a Yin meet to accomplish. Two opposite energies combine to make a harmonized energy. When Yin and Yang harmonize, genesis is occurred.

"A human being is part of the whole called by us universe ... We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive." - (Albert Einstein)

The word Tao is nothing less than an expression of the profound unity of the universe and of the path human beings must take to join, rather than disturb, that unity.

The path begins with an understanding of the origin of the universe. "Knowing the ancient beginning is the essence of the way," stated the ancient Chinese sage Lao Tzu, the author of the Tao Te Ching.

Tao and Aikido
When one grasps and masters the flow of ki of all the phenomena in the universe as it is, one is in the state of "mu-i-shi-zen" and "absolute nothingness." To strive to attain such a state is a true way of life for humans. This is what Taoism teaches.

In Japan, they transmit and learn culture through forms, often becoming captive in those forms, so much so that the Japanese culture has been called a "culture of form." Forms are the heart/mind of our forebearers and a mode of transmission of the same. It is known that, when we learn or train in something, we pass through the stages of shu, ha, and ri. These stages are explained as follows. In shu, we repeat the forms and discipline ourselves so that our bodies absorb the forms that our forebearers created. We remain faithful to the forms with no deviation. Next, in the stage of ha, once we have disciplined ourselves to acquire the forms and movements, we make innovations. In this process the forms may be broken and discarded. Finally, in ri, we completely depart from the forms, open the door to creative technique, and arrive in a place where we act in accordance with what our heart/mind desires, unhindered while not overstepping laws.

In Jikishinkage-ryû and Mutô-ryû, it is said that we must rid ourselves of all habits that we have acquired since birth without noticing or intending. This is in order to completely deny our impure egos and take away any distinction among mind, body, and technique. We achieve this negation by thoroughly practicing forms and attacks, to the extent that body and mind are forgotten.

To practice by forms means to be able to repeat the same thing. In repeating the same thing, we rid ourselves of habit and make our bodies absorb that which is correct.

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The final word:

To achieve Tao, we must discard ourselves of our old habits, let go of our petty desires and strive to be one with the universe. We must become free from this bondage, or self manifested prison, that exists in our fears and preconceived notions. We must learn to dream again and tune in to our creativity, using it as our catalyst for the journey. To achieve Tao, one must be free from all things, including ones self, living in the moment at it is present now.

_________

Today Amber and I both trained in the morning class. Sensei taught the class as we trained with the jo for the first hour and techniques for the second hour.

Domo Arigato

Training Day 14

“When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.” – Thomas Jefferson

“Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind.” – John F. Kennedy

“I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.” - Abraham Lincoln

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha

“Peace is more important than all justice; and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace.” – Martin Luther

“War is the greatest plague that can affect humanity; it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it.” – Martin Luther

“Though the bamboo forest is dense, water flows through it freely.” – Zen proverb

"Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys to restore your link to the source of life.
Breathe in and let yourself soar to the ends of the universe;
Breathe out and bring the cosmos back inside.
Next, breathe up all fecundity and vibrancy of the earth.
Finally, blend the breath of heaven and the breath of earth with your own, becoming the Breath of Life itself." - O'Sensei

“A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.” – Francis Bacon

“When the pupil is ready to learn, a teacher will appear.” – Zen proverb

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly. ” – Buddha

"Th0ugh I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
Your Rod and your Staff, Thy comfort me... - King David

__________
Justin and Amber trained in all training sessions. 4:40pm - 8:15pm. There was two 3rd kyu tests today, Jeff and Dan. The advance class was cut short as it didnt start till around 8:15pm or so. Training ended at 8:30pm. Congratulations to Dan and Jeff.

__________
Things we are working on:

Japanese 1-10
1) ichi
2) ni
3) san
4) shi
5) go
6) roku
7) shichi
8) hachi
9) ku
10) ju

Japanese body parts:
1) te - hand
2) kata - shoulder
3) men - face
4) mune - chest
5) hiji - elbow
6) kubi - neck

To know for 6th kyu test:

Basics

1. Seiza
2. Forward Posture
3. Unbendable Arm (AAA)
4. Rolls
   1. Mae Ukemi - Forward rolls from kneeling and standing
   2. Koho Tento Undo - Rolling backward and forward from kneeling and standing
   3. Ushiro Ukemi - Tumbling backward completely from kneeling and standing
   4. Mae Ukemi Breakfall
   5. Ushiro Ukemi Breakfall
5. Empty Hand Strikes - Shomenuchi, Yokomenuchi and Munetsuki
6. Funakogi Undo - Rowing exercies
7. Shomenuchi Ikkyo Undo - Raising and lowering arms as if cutting with a sword

Techniques

1. Katatekosatori Ikkyo - Cross-hand wrist grab - First Technique and pin
2. Katatori Nikkyo - Lapel grab - Second Technique and pin
3. Katatekosatori Kotegaeshi - Cross-hand wrist grab/wrist turning throw with pin
4. Katatekosatori Kokyunage - Timing throws
   Includes cross-hand wrist grab/timing throw controlling the head
5. Shomenuchi Kokyunage
6. Katatetori Shihonage - Aihamni and Gyaku hamni
7. Shomenuchi Iriminage
8. Kokyudosa - kneeling or standing

Training day 13

What is Compassion?


From a practical point of view, the meaning of compassion goes beyond the compassion definition:
"1: Sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. 2: Sympathetic consciousness of your own distress together with a desire to alleviate it."

The essential meaning of compassion is Love. Compassion involves action and smart decisions.
Compassion is the only key to true happiness. Compassion is love in action - the doing of happiness, which, when done consistently, becomes what you think and say. Compassion is the antidote to stress. Long term stress and negative emotions may lead to depression or suicide but compassion does the exact opposite. It leads to true happiness because it involves you doing the decision making and and the leading. Compassion is the peace and love of happiness.

Quotes on Compassion:

"Ultimately, the reason why love and compassion bring us the greatest happiness is simply that our nature cherishes them above all else." ... "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." - H.H. the Dalai Lama

"Compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another." - Thomas Merton

"A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror." - Ken Keyes, Jr.

"When you forgive, you in no way change the past – but you sure do change the future."- Bernard Meltzer

"The philosophy of the classroom today will be the philosophy of government tomorrow."– Abraham Lincoln

"If you judge people, you wont have time to love them" - Mother Teresa

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." - Ghandi


Compassion and Aikido

Aikido can be described as "compassion in action" or "the art of harmony". Aikido by its very nature incorporates compassion as a basic part of the teaching. The very essence of Aikido techniques is to control the attacker without force and without causing harm. O-Sensei removed from other martial arts those elements that required the use of force and which resulted in injury to the attacker. We don’t know if compassion was actually O-Sensei’s goal or whether it was a wonderful by-product of his creative process, but in any case what we are left with is a martial art which is the very embodiment of compassion. Instead of employing the use of punches, kicks and blocks we simply redirect the attack, dissipating its energy harmlessly. We act as facilitators, guiding the attacker to a place he wasn’t expecting, using forces of nature rather than our own strength to accomplish our goal.
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I have been hearing this word compassion ringing in my ears the past few days. I was recently at work at my resort job and realized that a big seminar was taking place on property. I had never really heard of the names that were flying through the air but after a few days I noticed a book in the back of the house with a note on it. The book was called "The compassionate Samurai". It was new to me but sounded very interesting. I picked it up when I had some free time and flipped through the pages. It was a book about compassion. Compassion in life, in business, in relationships and inevitably in your success. The things that I was reading were all things that I had thought before but was always unable to translate into words. The thought of giving without expectations of receiving. The thought of lending a helping hand without expecting anything in return. The thought of compassion. A word that is so simple in meaning but so complex in reality. With compassion its not about "me" and its not about what I have or don't have but rather about the simple task of giving. So in the end, be compassionate and reach out to those in your universe for one day you may be the one needing a hand. Thank you.

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Day 16. training day 12

Masakatsu Agatsu: (True victory is victory over oneself)

I have heard instructors often say, "Don't spend so much time trying to move your opponent, just move yourself." Synthesized: I am not in control of others, I can less affect others than I can myself. The ego struggle involved in attempting to move others is wasted energy.

Self mastery is not only about getting better at aikido, or being more fit, but rather it is an opportunity to reveal the shadows by which I might act; to shed light on less functional motives.

We all have an enemy of sorts in ourselves. Our parents, our peers, our traumatic experiences, all influencing our actions and reactions. We have fears, preconceived notions, and prejudices which limit our experience of the world around us and guide us down a path toward self fulfilled prophecy.

Many of us have a disconnect related to this. We have a ‘firewall' of sorts which can be constant or triggered by some sort of stimulus. This disconnect can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. What many of us are not conscious of, is that our very being is dynamic in its existence. Our body is our mind is our soul. These fears, notions, traumas, and prejudices manifest and have crossovers in the analogy of body-mind-spirit which is one entity. Our physical brain reacts to spirituo-emotional experiences and releases neurotransmitters which send out messages through the tendrils we call nerves which virtually cover the entirety of our body. Our body responds and in turn affects the environment in which we live. This feed forward causes our environment to reciprocate in some fashion. This reciprocation or feedback is a mirror of our affect. This mirror effect is a gift, but it is up to us to take this gift and apply the lesson functionally. We must choose conscious interaction, unconscious reaction, or some facsimile that is our best effort.

What can we do to reach a more clear state of being which allows us to see beyond these affects? Masakatsu Agastsu. It is about finding that path; the victory of authenticity in consciousness and action. The victory is of presence and understanding the elements in the moment for what they are and not what we fear or project that they will be.

The Aiki-facet of Masakatsu Agatsu relates to our agendas, fears, prejudices, and decisions within the martial/peaceful diapason of our interaction with our fellow Aikidoka, and as individuals in training. To overcome fears, biases and ego is to reach victory. The true challenge lies in the assessment of our intentions, to find out which are going to propel us forward and which will hold us back. The potential to send us farther down our own dysfunctional path through the guise of betterment is great. The possibility, for example, for one to continue self abuse or an over exaggerated need for control can cause us to unconsciously misuse the want to be more conscious. How do I know that I am making the right decision, taking the right action? That place where the proverbial rubber hits the road is the question with infinite answers. The process and path to take is made in a vehicle which must be tuned and retuned with each turn by an imperfect pilot. That is Masakatsu Agatsu.

Training started today at 4:40pm with the childrens class, as it does every Monday and Wednesday. I spent most of my day preparing for a meeting and relaxing. As childrens class was drawing closer and about to start, I was approached by Sensei. She told me that I could take the day off from childrens class as there were only three kids in class and she would use the older uchideshis to help her. I didnt mind sitting out and actually needed the time to catch up on some things I was working on. That hour or so went by rather quickly and soon it was time for the beginners class taught by Ben. It was a good class, nothing much different from the other classes. Although, he did talk alot of using "koshi" or our center. He says it is not our arms we use for the techniques but rather our hips. He does not like the term hips and likes to refer to it as koshi. I noticed I was using more of my body to demonstrate the techniques but after some quick lessons from Sempai Ben I was using my center more. I was anxious to learn the techniques but I feel I am going at a good pace. After the beginners class was the advanced class. This class is taught by Sensei as usual. We did some more advanced techniques today and some that I had never done before. Also, today marked another milestone for one our members who used to be a uchideshi, Eric. Eric tested for his 3rd kyu today as Nick did a couple of days ago. He passed with flying colors, as did Nick, and we were all happy to see his accomplishment. All in all, another great day at the dojo.

Since beginning as a uchideshi, I have been very interested in the meaning of "ki", among many other things. But whats interesting and different about "ki" is that there is no definitive or clear meaning. It is used heavily in Aikido, as the meaning of Aikido is "the way of harmony of ki". There have been many books written on the meaning of "ki" and here of some excerpts from a few.
Saito Sensei discusses "ki" briefly in his book "Traditional Aikido".
"Ki: the vital force of the body. Through Aikido training, the ki of a person can be drawn in increasing amount from the universe. In practice, ki is directed before body movement takes place."

In his later work, Saito Sensei mentions: "Aikido, its heart and appearance" where one "causes partner's ki to flow out (fluid)" and "calling out your partner's ki and linking it to yours".

Yoshimitsu Yamada sensei, refers to the meaning as "the power of the spirit of the mind that we all possess but which we use only on rare occasion".

As Shioda sensei wrote, "They (martial arts) must not become mere intellectual exercises, the fundamental budo 'conduct' must not be treated lightly, and the 'way of technique' must not be neglected as a form of spiritual and physical training". He wished to emphasize the idea that the essence of Aikido - ki - would express itself to those who practice and follow basic techniques diligently.

Homma Sensei wrote the following in his book, "Aikido for Life".
"The word ki is made of two letters, 'k' and 'i' nothing more. Of course you know how difficult it is to undestand something that can only be imagined. Some try to describe this thing that doesn't exist by letting their explanations drift into the realm of mystery. The mystery of ki has been deceiving many students"

Homma sensei devoted the whole second chapter, in Aikido for Life, to the discussion of ki, which he believes does not exist. To Homma sensei, ki has no color, shape nor weight and cannot be shown by ki believer simply due to the fact that ki as a physical entity does not exist. Homma sensei himself however, does not come up with the definition of ki himself as it seems not to be within the scope of his book. Instead, he urges one to dicsover ki "through daily practice inside and outside the dojo" but not "adopting another's definition blindly." Aikido according to Homma sensei is the "training of the mind" which expresses itself through breathing. When one's mind, body movement, and breathing is in harmony with the surroundings, one experiences the true meaning of Aiki.

Terry Dobson sensei received the mission from O'Sensei to spread the spirit of Aikido to his people when he was one of Kaiso's last uchi deshi's. His life was the proof for the fulfillment of that promise as he refers to himself as a "ki mechanic". His only written work left is "Aikido in Everyday Life". In this book Dobson Sensei refers to the one point "where one should be living ... it is the 'organ' which can sense attack faster than the intellect." This one point, according to Dobson sensei, is the protective spirit, ki, which is employed in unraisable body exercise. But ki also is one's "connection to all life, time, and space; nowness; and energy"

Day 15, Training day 11

On Ki:

The word most frequently used in Aikido is ki. Ki is a very convenient word because it has both a deep meaning connected with nature and a light meaning which is used in daily life. In oriental thought, it is said that in the beginning there was chaos. The dust of chaos settled gradually to form the sun, the earth, the moon, and the stars. On the earth, the elements combined to become minerals, animal, and vegetable life. We call the chaotic conditions before the universe took shape ki. We say therefore that all things came from ki.

Ki itself has neither beginning nor end, nor increase nor decrease. Though it shape was changed, ki itself was never changed. We can see many things around us all made from ki, and when they lose their shape, their elements return to ki. Depending on what you believe, you call it God, or Buddha, or Akua, or some other name.

Aikido is the way of at-one-ment with cosmic power or ki.

That is the deep meaning of ki.

On unification of mind and body:

Mind and body were originally one.

Do not think that the power you have is only the power you ordinarily use and moan that you have little strength. The power you ordinarily use is like the small, visible segment of an iceberg.


When we unify our mind and body and become one with the Universe, we can use the great power that is naturally ours.

On the subconscious mind:

The subconscious mind acts as a storehouse of knowledge and past experiences. The materials stored in the subconscious mind form the conscious mind.

Henceforth let us cease putting any minus material into the subconscious. Let us always extend plus ki and live our lives with a positive attitude.

On Relaxation:

We are accustomed to having trouble with nervousness unnecessarily. Nervousness causes blood vessels to contract, making it difficult for the impurities to leave the body, and thus makes one susceptible to many diseases.

Relaxation is truly an elixir of life. Let us spread the true method of relaxation which enables us to meet each day with a spirit like that of a mild spring breeze.

If we practice this, we need never get nervous and excited in our daily affairs.

On Plus Life:

The absolute Universe is One. Then two opposing forces appeared, and the relative world was born.

In the Orient this dualism is called Yin and Yang, in the West plus and minus. A bright happy life is called plus life, and a dark gloomy one is called minus.

Let us eliminate every minus thought and strive for plus life henceforth.

On the principle of non-dissension:

There is no conflict in the absolute Universe, but there is conflict in the relative world.

If we unify our mind and body, become one with the Universe, and practice its principles, others will follow us gladly.

Do not say that this is a world where we must struggle to live each day. The true way to success is exactly one and the same as the principle of non-dissension, and that is the way to peace.

Today, Amber and I both trained in all training sessions. The first session started at 7:30am followed by an 8:30am class. These classes were both taught by Sensei. We worked with the jo and worked on some basic and advanced techniques. We focused today on our footwork and hip movement. In aikido we must move our center to be effective with the techniques and proper footwork is essential to prevent injury and maximize technique. This would mark the first day that Amber and I have both participated in all sessions in one day, together. Five days a week training consists of 3-4 hours each day, with all sessions combined. One hour counts as one day and being a Uchideshi we sometimes will train in all seesions for a total of four hours in one day, as we did today. There are many times we are not able to make all of the daily sessions but try to always make at least one or two. We want to always try and make Sensei's classes if nothing else. Amber and I were both off today and spent our mid-day at the zoo. We later took a nap and went to evening classes that started at 6:30pm. Followed by another class at 7pm. We worked with the jo for the first half hour and techniques for the last hour. It was a good class but maybe a little to fast for some of the beginner students. I enjoyed it and always enjoy the challenge of learning new techniques. I still have not learned any where near of all the moves but have just about learned all the techniques for my first testing. I will need to master these, though, before I test. Amber was working well with her jo and her techniques are beginning to take form. Class will resume tomorrow afternoon at 4:40pm with the childrens class. I look forward to then. Thank you.

Day 14, training day Ten

Dochu-no-sei

Dochu-no-sei means "calmness in action." Aikido training is a way to develop calmness in our daily lives. We must learn to maintain complete control over ourselves in all situations. Like the eye of a hurricane, we must be calm at the center to allow efficient action. If you go into the mountains to train yourself and learn calmness and unity with nature, you must maintain that state of mind upon returning to the city. Even if you reach the point where you think you can understand the birds, the animals, and everything else in the mountains, it is pointless if you lose your temper or poise when faced with the world's turmoil. Training yourself to be calm and collected in any situation so that you can decide and act correctly helps you control the first move. - Rob Kabayashi

Today is Monday and practice didn't start until 4:40pm with the kids class. On every Monday and Wednesday we start training with the kids class and then follow that with a general class normally taught by Ben Sempai and then followed by the advanced class typically taught by Bernice Sensei. It was not much different than the past Monday and Wednesday training sessions but I did notice Sensei was letting me work the kids more. Before she would have me sit out and just watch but today she was letting me train with them except for on some more advanced techniques. It was a good class with the kids as I enjoy working with them and look forward to learning from them. Each one has their own unique personalities and some look very promising to be black belt before their twenties should they keep up the consistent training. So in total today I trained for three hours and was involved in training for all three classes. I do not have any dives planned this week until Saturday and dont work at the resort until Thursday night. I am planning on making all training sessions this week and hopefully by the end of the month I will test for my 5th kyu. This week we are practicing with the sword rather than the jo as last week. Every week we alternate from one to the other. Today was some what of a special day as it was testing day for one of our uchideshis, Nick. He has been here now for over nine months and was testing for his 3rd kyu which requires at least 200 days of training. It was quite entertaining and awesome to watch him with his techniques and I was happy for him as he passed with flying colors. There was many techniques he did that I have never seen before but know it wont belong before I get there as long as I keep training. I am having a wonderful time in this new community and couldnt ask for a better crowd to be around. Theres an old saying that says you are who you hang with and this time thats not such a bad thing. I am once again typing this page in the blog while still wearing my gi and seem to not ever change until I finish. It seems maybe I have adopted writing this blog as the last part of my daily training. I will need to ice my knees tonight as they are becoming very sore and tender. I will take training session by session and try my best to stay at a good pace free from injury or pain. Tomorrow morning we will start early with the 7:30am class taught by Sensei. I look forward to then. Thank you.

Day 13, Training Day Nine

The Art of Peace by O'Sensei:

To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.

The totally awakened warrior can freely utilize all elements contained in heaven and earth. The true warrior learns how to correctly perceive the activity of the universe and how to transform martial techniques into vehicles of purity, goodness, and beauty. A warrior's mind and body must be permeated with enlightened wisdom and deep calm.

A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.

If you comprehend the art of Peace, this difficult path, just as it is, envelops the circle of Heaven.

Today was a light day of training as we only do mediation and yoga on Sundays. Doing this is a great way to start off the week and helps you stay in balance and harmony with the world around you. For mediation we all sit in a circle in front of the shomen with eyes closed and legs crossed. We sit for thirty minutes in total silence before we move on to yoga. The yoga we do is not conventional yoga. We take simple yoga techniques that coorelate with Aikido and use these in our practice. After our training today, we all got together and went out to breakfast including Sensei and Ben. This was a nice time and I enjoy these times together with the other members of the dojo. Everyone talked about whatever was on their mind and I just listened for the most part. There is an old saying that goes, "Listen twice as much as you speak" and this is what I try to do in my life in order to learn and keep action at the forefront. After breakfast, we all continued on with our day, some watched movies in the common room and some read and slept. Overall it was another fantastic day at the Dojo in Ocean Beach. I look forward to training tomorrow.

Today I also learned the Secret to Aikido. Train Daily.

Day twelve, Training Day Eight

O'Sensei's Doka:

I stand in the mountain stream
So pure! The splashing sound of water against the stone
Yet where is the person
Who with such purity can speak (of the Way).

Should you lose the Way
Without a doubt you will enter an "evil path"
Give no reign to the spiritual horse.

Mobilize all (your) powers through Aiki
Build a beautiful world
And a secure peace

Aiki is the power of harmony between all things
Polish it ceaselessly
You people of the Way.

Looking at this world
Only a coward complains of what he sees
As for me
Let me stand courageously
In the face of God's rage.

Today marks my first day into my second week of training. I was unable to train yesterday due to being exhausted from work. My schedule has been quite hectic and busy lately as I am trying to juggle much in my life right now. For one I have a full time job for a resort in mission bay as night auditor. I work that job three - four days a week from 11pm - 7am. Also, I am still running and trying to continue to build and improve my own business, www.GetWetSanDiego.com. I am currently participating in scuba and snorkel tours three - four times a week. And on top of my work, I have fit Aikido in my life as well as recently interviewed to be a Big Brother. I spend alot of my extra time, when I do have some, on the internet reviewing my website, learning about Aikido, writing this blog and my other blog, www.sea2land.blogspot.com, working on my e-commerce site, and sleep. It seems recently I have been getting less and less sleep and I feel it is now beginning to catch up with me after two weeks. I am beginning to slow down my pace as I dont want to get injured.

I attended the second class this morning, missing the first one because I slept in. Again this morning I got off work at 7am and I was so tired that I fell asleep straight away after getting home. I was woken to Arthur knocking on my bedroom door right before the second class was to begin. I hurried to put on my gi and I was down the stairs in minutes. Class started shortly after. Today I practiced with the jo and bokken as well as worked on some techniques. I still havent learned the names to much and havent even come close to knowing all the moves and techniques much less mastering them. I anticpate a few more weeks before I get the techniques and moves down and years and years and years to master them. I hope I am advancing at expectations and not falling behind. With my schedule as busy as its been, I have not been able to make all the training sessions. I have been reminded today, by Sensei, that this is a school not an apartment. I will continue to do my best and I will hope that I exceed expecations. I am not sure how long this journey will last and I hope I have not overloaded my self with activity. I feel I should be fine and the kinks will smooth out with time. Amber has also been quite busy and hasn't been able to make many classes. Her schedule at work has been conflicting with training as she has only made it to four training sessions. I cannot predict the future and do not know what is around the corner. I can say that I do enjoy being here, I enjoy this newfound community, I enjoy training aikido and I look forward to learning all I can.

Day Ten, Training Day Seven

Quotes from O'Sensei:

The Art of Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here for no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.

One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train.

The Art of Peace is medicine for a sick world. There is evil and disorder in the world because people have forgotten that all things emanate from one source. Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and anger. Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.

Contemplate the workings of this world, listen to the words of the wise, and take all that is good as your own. With this as your base, open your own door to truth. Do not overlook the truth that is right before you. Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees --- should be your teacher.

Always keep your mind as bright and clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the highest peak, empty of all thoughts. Always keep your body filled with light and heat. Fill yourself with the power of wisdom and enlightenment.

Today practice started at 7:30am as it does every Tuesday and Thursday. Sensei Bernice Tom teaches this class as well as the following class that begins at 8:30am. Today was a special day as it was only the second day Amber and I trained together. It was the first day we both trained together in one of senseis classes. I was only able to do weapons this morning due to driving Taylor to the airport but I trained closely with Amber as Nick helped us with the techniques. I also attended training this afternoon. Sempai Don was the Instructor. It was a good class. Sempai Don teaches alot about koshi (our center) and how to use it not only in the dojo but in all walks of life.

Today marked Day seven of training for Justin and Day four of training for Amber. We are still new to the uchideshi program and the lifestyle of living in a dojo. However, I feel our transition is coming along and we are making the adjustment nicely. This adjustment has not come without bumps in the road but through adversities we find our greatest strengths. Aikido is teaching us both new ideas and philosophies and with an open mind and open heart I anticipate we will learn much more. I feel we will grow in these teachings in our individual lives as well as our relationship.

Day Nine, Training Day Six

Today was another wonderful day of Aikido in Ocean Beach. I couldn't imagine a more perfect setting for a dojo. We are centered in the heart of OB, one block to the beach, one block to the grocery, one block to food (some of the best food in the county, according to the Travel Channel), and for drinkers we are even only one block to the most hoppin bars in San Diego. For those of you who dont know, I have been trying to keep alcohol out of my life. I have had a few drinks occasionally but have taken it out of my life for the most part. I never before realized how much in bondage I was when I used alcohol. My mind is more clear now, my decisions are more centered, and I dont have to worry about the wild embarassing nights when you look like a jackass and go to jail. Also, now that I dont really drink I dont have to worry about getting a DUI and I now know that every decision I make is based off my heart not liquid courage. I do not judge those that drink it just wasn't for me anymore or at least just not at this time. Another advantage to not drinking is I have way more time to do other things like play guitar, write this blog, write music, etc. I can remember spending sometimes 8, 10, 12 hours doing nothing but drinking, smoking and shooting the shit. No doubt it was fun but not ideal time management, nonetheless.

I have also recently gotten more into yoga and meditation. I often walk down to the ocean (one block away) and meditate while I listen to the waves. It is so peaceful and relaxing. For those of who dont know, this is also how I found San Diego. I was lieing on the beach in Santa Monica listening to the waves and meditating. For days. I was literally starving, at its most defining meaning, quite clueless of what to do with my life, and absolutely flat broke-busted. After four days of lieing on the beach, mediating and talking with the seas, I had made a divine appointment. And at somewhere around 2pm, west coast time, an angel appeared in my life just long enough to give me a drink of water and recommend that I go to San Diego. It was in that moment when I least expected it that the spirit moved into my heart and took control of my ship. The sails began to take shape and the winds of destiny began to guide me like a candle in the dark. That moment in Santa Monica, Ca was a very defining moment for me. I was just a kid from Keithville, La and now I was in the big world with no money, no food and a dog. For more, email me and I will forward you the rest of that story.

No matter how I got here, I am here. I feel glad to be here. And thankful for everything.
I have been alone on this journey for the past few days. During these past few days, I have not been able to share my spirit and energy with my partner but rather it has been balling in my stomach and think it may be coming out in this blog. I have been finished with practice for nearly an hour now. I am still wearing my gi (training uniform). Normally on Monday, Wednesday and Friday we uchideshis go out to dinner to the Blue Parrot on Niagara. However, today the leader of that movement, Richard, was not present. I have now been training for one full week. During this time, I have been taking small steps in my discoveries in Aikido technique and philosophy. Also, I have now had time to learn more about the other uchideshis, Taylor, Arthur, Nick and part time deshi Richard. I dont remember where Richard and Arthur are from. Taylor is 22 and was raised in Vail, Colorado. He has spent much time overseas and has been a world traveler since he was 15. Taylor is also a diver and currently training under me for his divemaster certification. He was a big help yesterday as he assisted me in a guided dive and I feel he will be a real asset to my cause. Nick is from Montana and eats dry cereal. He says it is like grits. I love grits but never had dry cereal. But he says everyone he knows eats it, so it must be good. Nick is also interested in learning to scuba dive and will also be taking classes from me throughout this journey. I feel privileged to be able to teach diving and want to use this skill as a way to give back to my community. I will not charge any of the uchideshis. This is my gift to them.

After almost one week, I am still brand new to Aikido. However, I do feel I am beginning to understand the basic techniques and doing them with more ease. I am not yet doing all of the advanced moves in the advanced class but feel I will be doing them soon. My rolls and falls are improving and my kyoku (my center) is beginning to take form. Amber's presence is still missing. I feel a void in my life, like there is a missing link. I enjoy so much to see Amber in practice and hope she returns soon.

Thank you very much for reading.
Justin.

Day Eight, Training day five

As the sun shined brightly through my bedroom window, the wind blew and the parrots sang. It was 7:00 am and the morning was beginning to take shape. The first class today started at 7:30am, followed by an 8:30am class. Both classes were and usually are taught by Sensei Bernice Tom. As I have mentioned before she is a direct link to O'Sensei. Furthermore, she has not adopted her own style of aikido but rather teaches the Aikido that was taught to her by Saito Sensei and O'Sensei. I am grateful to be learning under her and feel she is an excellent teacher of Aikido. The morning class was again without Ambers presence. We all hope to see her return quickly. Nonetheless, the class was powerful with energy and spirit. I am learning more and more each day. I am beginning to understand more about kokyu. This is the power of "breath" arising from our center, manifesting itself through the body as a movement of the arm. This is a very important movement as well as a key principle in Aikido. Kokyu also has meanings of "the knack", "the secret" and "timing". This is much to learn with Aikido and I feel that I havent even begun to scratch the surface. I have been given a handbook for Sunset cliffs Aikido and feel is a wonderful tool for beginner students. If you are considering Aikido you may find some of the following information helpful:

Beginners Mind/ Attitude
Somethings you are about to learn will be new to you. Open your mind to a new possibilites. Empty your cup so you can ready to fill it. Come to Aikido ready for new possibilites of expanding your beliefts so you will find it easier to accept new teaching. Let your mind be empty. Aikdio is a very natural art. Most of your training will be learning to let go of limitations of previous habits and reactions. You will notice maybe even in the first class that when your body starts feeling a natural flow you will learn faster and easier. Enjoy the present moment and present technique. The secret to success is daily training.

Be Non-Judgemental
As we grow up we often compare ourselves with others or with the expectations that we have for ourselves. You are where you should be as an Aikido student. We have a saying that there are no mistakes in Aikido. Everything that you do in class is correct, meaning that you action is simply an expression of your state of being right now. Dont hamper yourself by judging whether you are right or wrong. Strive for perfection, all the time realizing that whatever you can do at the moment is perfectly right.

The above exerpts were written verbatim from the student handbook at Sunset Cliffs Aikido.

I am also learning some of the basic techniques and weapons. I have been involved almost daily in training with the jo suburi. The techniques I am learning are:
Tsuki No Bu
1. Choku Tsuki
2. Kaeshi Tsuki
3. Ushiro Tsuki
4. Tsuki Gedan Gaeshi
5. Tsuki Jodan Gaeshi Uchi

Practice will begin again today at 6:30pm for Suburi and again at 7:00pm for General.

Day Seven, Training day four

This is my fouth training day. I will be required to have twenty days of training before I may apply for my first ranking. I will be practicing alone today without Amber. Due to unnatural events of the cosmic order it appears Amber's presence in class, and the dojo, is going to be limited for the present moment. Yesterday was the first day we both trained together at the same time and it was very special. I do not know all the riddles of the universe and can not explain the bizarre static that creeps in our lives when we least expect it. I do not know how long this journey will last. To me, I am happy here. I am happy to be surrounded by this positive energy that lies present in the dojo. I am not sure of Amber's return at this time. I wish her the very best and give her all my love as we make this adjustment in our lives. I will do my best to continue my daily regimen without interruption. Although, she is physically away her spirit lies within me. It is nearing time for childrens class. I dedicate this session to Amber.

My sessions for today are now completed. I am learning more and more each day. I wish Amber was here training with me. This journey and experience was meant to be shared not lonely. I can not give people what they dont have. It is our responsibility to make lemonade with the lemons were given. Complaining about the lemon only leaves us thirsty.

I will now retire for the evening. I pray that the spirit of peace and prosperity find those for which seek it.
- JC.

Day Six, Training Day Three

Today we did our Sunday training which consists of :30 minutes of Mediation, :30 minutes of Yoga and 1:00 hour of Sword/ staff training. This is the end of the first week of the journey. So far, we have both completed three days of training participating in at least two hours each day. We are still learning the basic moves as well as the language. In Aikido, prior to each move, all aikidoka are to pronounce the name of the move in Japanese. We haven't quite mastered this yet, but we're getting there. There are no more scheduled classes today and the next one will begin tomorrow evening at 4:40pm with the childrens class. I am beginning to understand what this is all about and the more I learn the more I am intrigued and look forward to more. We have such a wonderful community here and I am very happy to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Each of us has our own ideals and beliefs but we are drawn together by one very strong thread of aikido. We come from all parts of the world with different experiences and backgrounds. But we have joined here together in harmony to seek peace and wisdom.

Day Three

Today is day number three of our "deshi" journey. We have now both participated in at least one class. Amber was in her first class today. I woke up this morning, after working all night and totally exhausted, to Amber putting her Gi on for the first time. It was quite a moment. I was unable to attend this morning as I needed to rest from being up all night. I didnt get a chance to see Amber in practice but she said she had fun. She also said she may have some bruises coming from the learning the falls and the rolls. It has been a super experience thus far and we look forward the many memories and friends to come. We havent had much time to socialize with our other uchideshis but we did get a chance to go to dinner with them last night. They have been very kind to us since we have moved in and have made us feel very comfortable with the transition. They reviewed the house rules with us and gave us our individual daily chores. I look forward to classes and feel very happy with our decision. During this journey, I not only want to journal my daily experiences but I also hope to educate and inspire. So for this blog, I want describe to you the meaning of ki and the path to Budo:

In the Japanese dictionay Ki means:
1) spirit, soul 2) feeling 3) intention, inclenation

"Aikido is the path to be consciously connected with the universe through Budo. Budo is the path to transform the body-mind-spirit in order to become a compassionate, wise, and strong person for the mutual welfare and prosperity of all living beings. Consequently, Aikido and Budo are one..."

..." When we look deeply into phenomena and analyze their nature, we become aware of the fact that everything is connected with everything else, that nothing occurs by itself. Every phenomenon is the result of causes and conditions, both direct and indirect, which are themselves the results of other causes and conditions, and the deeper we search for their origins, the more causes and conditions appear endlessly, like a huge mesh. After training ourselves to look at phenomena in this way, we become much more sensitive to details that escape the untrained person. We see people and events differently, and we have more control over our emotions, which clears the way to make better decisions."

As we go through the days in our lives, we all come to a place of purpose. We have all questioned our purpose on this earth at one time or another and we have all answered that question to our internal selves at some point along the way. For me, I have pondered these questions many times. What is my purpose? What am I doing here? What is real?
Have you asked yourself these questions before?
If so, then maybe you too may be searching for the truth as I.
For those that are, I have wrote a poem. Please enjoy.

We question this life
in search for the truth
for one trapped in trife
is living proof
that theres more to this stay
than our common day
our purpose on earth
to constantly pray
for peace to prevail
our lives we lay
in spite of our trail
we must find our way
connect with our center
and love and obey
follow our dreams
and refuse to stay
in that life of trife
for another day
our existence on earth
is here to stay
your reality is yours
and you have the say
to keep the life simple
im told is the way
but its just a dimple
of whats comes if you pray.

Day Two

Today was day number two of "deshi" and practice number one for Justin. Amber will begin her practice tomorrow as she had work today and was unable to attend class. Our first class met today at 4:30pm for the childrens training. Following this there was the beginners class and following that class was the advanced class. The final class ended around 8:30pm, so it was a good four hour training day. It has been a few years since my first and only prior aikdio training and it showed today on the mat. I was basically learning all over again, from the proper way to tie the Gi, to the proper way to fall, the proper way to roll, etc. It was as much fun as I remember and as physical too. I anticpate bruises and sore muscles for the first couple of weeks at least.

Day one

Hi all and good day.

It is now time for another update as today marks our first milestone in our Uchideshi journey. It is our first official day as "live-in" students. As we embark on this journey, we remind ourselves of our past and glance into our future. We remember our old memories of before and look forward to our memories to come. It is our honor as a couple to be able to be a part of this program and we feel fortunate to be training under our Sensei, Bernice Tom. Sensei Tom has been dojo cho at sunset cliffs dojo since 1990 and was a direct student of Morihiro Saito Sensei, a direct student and friend of "O'Sensei" Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido's founder.

"The Japanese word Aikido consists of three characters which can be translated as "the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe."

We will be beginning this journey as we both work normal jobs and attempt to juggle other projects in the middle, such as this blog. We will both be very busy in the next coming months and apologize in advance if you notice a lack of communication. I will do my best to update this blog every other day or so and hope you will follow us. We will officially begin our daily practices tomorrow afternoon and in which will continue daily for as long as we stay. Our daily commitment to this regimen will ultimately bring us closer together as a couple as well as make us stronger individuals with proven discipline and compassion.

"...I felt the universe suddenly quake, and that a golden spirit sprang up from the ground, veiled my body, and changed my body into a golden one. At the same time my body became light. I was able to understand the whispering of the birds, and was clearly aware of the mind of God, the creator of the universe.
At that moment I was enlightened: the source of budo is God's love - the spirit of loving protection for all beings... Budo is not the felling of an opponent by force; nor is it a tool to lead the world to destruction with arms. True Budo is to accept the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, correctly produce, protect and cultivate all beings in nature."

In a time of economic turmoil and despair,
a faulting greed will collapse the air,
we must rise against the glare,
and a pure soul we must share,
for fighting is not the key,
refrain from violence we should be,
to come together as a whole,
while we must take seperate roads,
its not evil we should know
but rather love that we should grow.

Thank you for reading.

The beginning of Uchideshi

A new blog, a new journey........

Hi and welcome to our Blog. We have created this blog for you and invite you in to our world. We hope this portal will serve as a tool to educate, as well as a tool to share our experiences and allow you to follow our journey into the life of a Uchideshi......

Uchideshi is a Japanese term for live-in student who trains under and assists a sensei, on a full time basis.

"Throughout history, committed disciples of an art have resided for a time within the actual training hall or temple. There, a life is lived that is focused on discipline, ceaseless training, and service to others. Through forging of the body and spirit in the crucible of the dojo, these uchideshi –"inside students"- seek to develop true strength and wisdom."

"What should emerge from this training is a new person, like a brilliant sharp sword emerging from rough iron through the action of hammer and fire. The uchideshi learns to see this very body and mind, moment to moment, as the true dojo. Life in this way becomes shugyo: the deepest possible physical and spiritual training. "

It is now five days before we begin this amazing journey....
It is not to often a couple gets the opportunity to emerge themselves into a physical and spiritual training together with a common thread of developing individual strength and wisdom. We have decided to do exactly that....
Amber and I have been married now for a little over a year. We met on a movie set in Shreveport, La in March 2007 and it was love at first sight. Within six months we were married and within a year we had relocated to San Diego, Ca. In the early days, Amber was a performing artist, traveling in a tour bus and doing live shows around the country and I was a tumbleweed dreamer bouncing around from place to place trying to find my niche. Amber has appeared in several movies as well as appeared on the cover and sang on a handful of records. She has lived the life of a rock star and a movie star and knows the life that goes with it. Since that March day of 2008, Amber and I have seen it all. We have traveled the country together, traveled with a ministry together, lived on a sailboat together, and much more. We have been through good times and bad. We have stuck together through this first couple of years with a bond so strong that not even the devil himself could break it. With that bond, I believe any thing is possible and I sincerely believe that love will conquer all. We have decided that the "normal" life is not for us and we have set out to expand our mind, our relationship and our horizons. We have put fear in the back seat and put faith behind the wheel. So buckle up, its gonna be a good one. We hope you enjoy our postings and invite you to send us comments or add us to your facebook or twitter friends. I will update as much as my time will allow and hope you enjoy the reading.