Changes in 2011

Some of the things I'm going to change starting in January:

I'm going to write more, both here and in my fiction.

I'm going to get back into Buddhist training. I intend to do as many Shambhala-related trainings as I can in 2011.

Back into the dojo, but not the same one. Continuing to take a break from aikido. I'm pretty seriously considering checking out the Shotokan karate classes going on in West Houston, or else Ryobu Kai at Houston Budokan. We'll see.

More blogging. Buddhist training will be covered at Tengu House, while MA training will be covered here. My other blogs will probably go away, as I really don't have a lot of use for them. Now that I think about it, though, maybe one covering life at the cabin would be cool. I could use LongColt for that, and post to it maybe once a month or so.

OK I guess that's about it. Will post more later. Maybe.

Comments

[Lefty_TX]

Like you, I have studied in both Tomiki and Aikikai in Houston. I enjoyed your pieces on the differences and similarities. I have not reached my black belt in either, but I continue to study and train.

I have also been talking to a friend of mine who teaches Tai chi chaun and have been looking at the similarities with that art and Aikido.

Thank you for writing.

[scruffysmileyface]

Thanks for the comment, Lefty_TX! If you don't mind me asking, with whom did you train? The Tomiki community in Houston is pretty limited, especially among those who've also studied Aikikai. Perhaps we know some of the same people.

[Lefty_TX]

I trained at Aikibudon with Sensei Wilkinson. I was still a student and did not reached shodan. I am now training at Shobu Aikido (ASU). I am a beginner there.

I have had several of the Aikikai guys ask about Tomiki. They find videos on the Net and they don't recognize the techniques. As you pointed out, for them, they are breath throws.

[Anthony]

I think the great thing about a new year is that we get to start afresh. I wish you all the luck in your quest

[scruffysmileyface]

Lefty_TX, see we have that in common then! I also trained there with LF Sensei at Aikibudokan (about 4 years I think), and briefly with Charles Harris out in Katy. I also spent a year or so with Jorge Garcia in the Aikikai system under Hiroshi Kato Shihan. These days I'm training in Shotokan Karate, but have only been to a couple of classes so far.

Anthony, thanks, you too! And thanks for commenting!

[Lefty_TX]

I trained with Sensei Wilkinson for 18 months. For various reasons I decided to change. I liked the environment, the people, and his instruction, but as I progressed in the system I found that it was not the type of Aikido for me.
I know Sensei Garcia. He was at Shinkikan when I trained there in 2001. I decided to train at Shobu because of friends.
At Shobu, a karate sensei comes in every quarter to improve our strikes. I have had no strike training, so each session is interesting.

[scruffysmileyface]

I've always wanted to check out Shobu, but never got a chance to get out there. I've had an interest in ASU for some time. Beautiful flow and technique, from what I've seen. I might still stop by some time. :)

[Lefty_TX]

Sure.
A couple of weeks ago one of the rookies said that he didn't want to train in Tomiki because he wanted the "traditional" Aikido. I explained to him that Tomiki is one of the traditional styles, that there are many styles, and that there will continue to be different styles because Aikido is a living art.
The way that you were taught #3 Gyakugame ate is probably not exactly the way I was taught #3 because we had different teachers who emphasized different parts of the technique (in fact, you may have taught me #3 when I was a white belt). Different body types prefer different techniques.
Now I'm struggling through Shomenuchi sankyo.
Aikido is a common ground. There are parts that apply to any style: posture, breathing, and relaxation. Those also apply to Karate and any martial art. If you have the principles, you are almost there.

[André]

Hello!

I've just found this cool blog until recently.

I wonder: why you've stopped your aiki training, if I may ask?

Thank you!
Best,
André

[scruffysmileyface]

Hi Andre! Thanks for the comment. Actually I've taken a leave for a while so that my left elbow may heal from a minor injury incurred in the dojo. From time to time, we encounter fellow students who've never learned any self control, and it's easy to become injured while training with them. Once my elbow heals well enough, I may begin looking for a new school in which to train. I've been doing a little bit of karate, though, and I might just stick with that for some time.

[Mr. Martial Arts]

I really enjoyed the article. It is well written, clear and concise.I do enjoy you blog.