Ai’s Wide Shut
“It’s like we’re psychic,” Holly marvels. “How did you know what I was thinking?” I ask. We repeat the experiment. She shuts her eyes. I...
top of page
Search
durangosbkaikido
Sep 13, 20182 min read
The Caretaker’s Test
The above picture comes from Scott Carlton’s recent 5th kyu test—the first demonstration a person gives to establish their rank as a...
3 views0 comments
philipriffe
Aug 1, 20184 min read
The Endless Accumulation of Fresh Starts
One Tuesday evening in August, 1992, I left work after a 12-hour shift, climbed onto my motorcycle, and headed for the dojo. My 4th...
4 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Jun 25, 20183 min read
Aikido, App’d for Dating
I downloaded the dating app, entered a punchy profile, and uploaded some pictures. My index finger hovered over the submit button. I...
1 view0 comments
durangosbkaikido
May 1, 20183 min read
Practice Watered Down
“Don’t change the kata,” Sensei Mark reminds the class. We stand in pairs down the mat, like characters in a Jane Austen novel about to...
1 view0 comments
philipriffe
Apr 23, 20185 min read
Connection
In my early years of aikido, connection was not emphasized. I first conceived of connection as something to break away from. Someone...
3 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Apr 11, 20182 min read
Dignity and Respect
I’ve always thought of myself as the kind of person who treats everyone with dignity and respect. In the short 21 months that I’ve been...
2 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Mar 5, 20183 min read
Teaching Learning
Finally: the answer to the conundrum which has bebuggered our dojo and its instructors—maybe all dojos and instructors—since the dawn of...
1 view0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Feb 20, 20183 min read
Joy and beginner’s mind
My shaky signature on the little sign-in card betrayed the fact that I was choking back some fear. This was Day One of my aikido...
2 views0 comments
philipriffe
Jan 27, 20186 min read
Have You Ever Had To Use Aikido?
I suspect that most people who practice a martial art have been asked a similar question. “Have you ever had to use tae kwon...
17 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Jan 12, 20182 min read
How You Contribute to a Harmonious World
For almost 15 years, Durango Shin-Budo Kai has been a community resource for boosting mind-body unification, refining the spirit, and...
3 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Dec 11, 20173 min read
Throw It All Away
A koan is an insoluble puzzle that gives deeper and deeper insights but is never resolved. Koan #4 byAlex Pishtar Recently Mark Sensei...
3 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Nov 30, 20173 min read
The Quitting Habit
“Is there nothing that stops you?” This friendly question came from a fellow classmate as we both arrived to the dojo for class. His...
3 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Nov 19, 20176 min read
Exploring the Principles: Weight Underside
I thought weight underside would be one of the easier principles to discuss, but it is both obvious and counter-intuitive. I have begun...
17 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Oct 27, 20173 min read
Three Reasons Why You MUST Attend Aikido Seminars Before You Die
Shizuo Imaizumi Shihan Sensei. Formerly of Aikiki and Ki no Kenkyukai, Imaizumi Sensei established Shin Budo Kai on October 1, 1988. He...
3 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Sep 28, 20173 min read
Shall We Dance?
Our dojo recently enjoyed a spectacular, technically spot-on nikyu test—nikyu meaning 2nd rank below black belt shodan. No matter what...
3 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Sep 7, 20173 min read
Which way is down?
Which Way Is Down? I’ve always been a bit clumsy. From bumping into walls to drawing surprised glances when I dance in public, I have...
2 views0 comments
philipriffe
Aug 15, 20173 min read
Kinesthetic Skill
I never expected to fall in love again. For several months, my wife Adele had been taking tai chi at the community college. After class,...
3 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Aug 8, 20172 min read
Exploring the Principles: Relax Completely
Martial arts require practicing new ways of moving, thinking, and interacting with others. Aikido relies on several key principles that...
3 views0 comments
durangosbkaikido
Jul 31, 20172 min read
A Choice in the Matter
I could have gone blind the light was so bright. It blazed so abruptly. I didn’t have time to take cover and shield my eyes. This...
1 view0 comments
bottom of page