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durangosbkaikido
Dec 22, 20191 min read
DSBK Annual Report 2019
Durango Shin Budo Kai Aikido focused on building a robust financial backbone throughout 2019. The dojo achieved this outcome by...
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philipriffe
Nov 19, 20196 min read
Falling For It, Redux
I dreamed that I stood on the ledge of a tall building, 40 floors up. I stepped casually off the ledge and fell, remaining upright, hands...
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durangosbkaikido
Oct 23, 20193 min read
Growth Through Subtraction
In the US, we have an independent mindset that defaults to “Yeah, but why should I?” Why should I obey this stupid law? Why do I have to...
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durangosbkaikido
Sep 27, 20198 min read
To See a Tree: Lessons from the Deadly Table
“I was having panic attacks,” Adele explains to the dinner party gathered at the local brewery. Around that large, high table we appear...
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durangosbkaikido
Aug 19, 20195 min read
Falling for It
“My ex-wife chose the paint colors,” Trebb explains as we set food and silverware on the dining table. He must have seen me eyeing the...
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philipriffe
Jul 12, 20193 min read
When I’m Ninety Six
As the milk for my morning’s cappuccino was frothing, I tore off yesterday’s page from our daily Zen calendar. Today’s quote was brief:...
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durangosbkaikido
Jun 16, 20194 min read
So Glad I Stayed
“Dude! That is so smooth!” My uke, Tim, makes this declaration while teetering on his toes, one arm so twisted his spine bevels. He looks...
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durangosbkaikido
May 15, 20192 min read
Remaining Mind
Zanshin translates as “remaining mind.” It does not mean the mind remains on the past or a few moments ago, or that thing you did well or...
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durangosbkaikido
Mar 8, 20194 min read
Know Your Limitations
Face down. Prostrate on my belly. With my head turned to one side, one cheek smooshed and spread like a pancake on the griddle. That’s...
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philipriffe
Feb 18, 20195 min read
Ain’t Gonna Study War No More
In my teens I was a pacifist. I registered for the draft when I turned 18. But it was a stalling tactic. The Vietnam War raged and I had...
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durangosbkaikido
Dec 29, 20183 min read
The Aikido of Hospice Care
“They tell me I only have weeks, or maybe months to live.” My friend has tears in her eyes as she tells me this. Her parents, primary...
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durangosbkaikido
Dec 6, 20183 min read
Agatsu: Victory of Self (or “Can You Fold That Hakama?”)
Since the day I started training in aikido 2 1/2 years ago, I have admired everyone in a hakama and wondered what it would be like to...
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durangosbkaikido
Nov 26, 20184 min read
The Wrestler’s Vessel: A father and son give thanks for family, respect, and Aikido
Jerry and Nate face off on the mats. Jerry offers his torso as a target. Nate surges forward, his fist a torpedo gunning for his father’s...
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durangosbkaikido
Nov 8, 20183 min read
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...
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durangosbkaikido
Oct 15, 20182 min read
Immovable Mind
To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace. – Morihei Ueshiba A...
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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...
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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...
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durangosbkaikido
Jul 25, 20182 min read
Practicing Aikido in the Present Moment
I didn’t know it would feel like this. It’s been two years now that I’ve been practicing aikido, and while there have been ups and downs,...
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durangosbkaikido
Jul 5, 20182 min read
Unity vs. Coordination
Aikidoka talk about unifying body and mind. It is a target we train for, but I still balk at the phrase. I couldn’t articulate why until...
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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...
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