The term KEN ZEN SHO (sword, zen, and brush) was coined by Omori Sogen Roshi as a way to identify the three vehicles used in his Zen training. Omori Roshi’s lineage can be traced all the way back to Tekisui Giboku, connecting him with the famous Zen and Sword master Yamaoka Tesshu. Tesshu was, in a way, Omori Roshi’s inspiration in integrating Shodo and Budo as tools into Zen … [Read more...] about What is Aikido?
Articles
Make Shodo a Mindful Practice
As I dig deeper into the management and business world with my graduate studies, (oh yeah, didn’t I tell you I’m going to grad school? I just felt like I had too much time in my hands and needed something more challenging to do!) I keep finding the topic of mindfulness thrown out a lot here and there. Mindfulness is a movement in the business world. Managers and leaders are … [Read more...] about Make Shodo a Mindful Practice
The Life Cycles of Training
I have Aikido training simmering on the back burner. In chef terms, this means it is not a priority. Front burners are for things that require immediate cooking-- quick sears, finishing sauces, or stirring a delicate temperamental custard. Front burners require attention and care. You can’t walk away from them. I have three things in my front burners right now: work, my … [Read more...] about The Life Cycles of Training
The Seminar Experience
Aikido seminars are a lot of fun. It is a very exhausting yet energizing way to spend an entire weekend doing nothing but training. They are hours of techniques, food, drinks, very little sleep, and back on the mat. Rinse and repeat for three days. The amount of information absorbed at a seminar can be limited though. The amount of techniques, exercises, kata, etc. covered in … [Read more...] about The Seminar Experience
Personal Expression
The difference between Shuji (習字 penmanship) and Shodo (書道 calligraphy) is that the latter focuses more on self expression than technicality. The best calligraphies are not the ones that are technically superior, but the ones where the spirit of the artist is felt in every stroke. I have to emphasize that mastery of the fundamentals is necessary before experimenting with any … [Read more...] about Personal Expression