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I’m pleased to announce the start of an aikido practice group in the Brentwood-Woodstock area. The purpose of this post is to invite feedback about the idea, gauge interest. And of course to invite anyone curious to come!
The motive: “Why wait?” Specifically, why wait until the COVID situation is completely gone? Why wait to try something new? Why wait to bring together people who want to expand horizons, be positive, etc.?
Aikido groups all over the world are adapting to current circumstances to foster community, continue practice and reflection, and stay active, not passive. Although aikido is inherently a physical contact practice, there is still lots of ground to cover.
Why aikido: This aikido practice is based around two central themes. One is an emphasis on self-control, self-awareness, self-observation, self-management. The second is, the aforementioned self in the context of other. We often lose sight of oneself when we’re dealing with the external. So the proverbial rubber needs to meet the road. But in many sports and practices, the looking-inward piece is neglected.
Aikido more in general is based on the themes of non-opposition, and meeting and changing energy that is coming to you rather than enduring, overpowering, ignoring, etc.
It also centers around becoming better able to sense and notice, to better “be” as oneself and also as interacting with the world around.
And finally, it is about how to develop oneself to be full and extend and capable of working with the outside without relying solely on strength and athletic reflexes.
How aikido (under these circumstances): We will use wooden sticks (both sword and staff, as needed) for solo and paired practice. Most of the lessons will entail remaining standing, but if people are up for it, some simple rolling on the grass (or mats) will be included also. Paired practice will consist of simple paired forms, gaining complexity depending on the group at any particular time.
Where and when: We’ll practice at nearby parks: Brentwood City Park, Harney City Park, and Woodstock Park. Time will likely be evenings on weekdays and mornings on weekends. The schedule is TBA 1 – 2 weeks in advance.
About me: My name is Dan Nishina and I moved to Portland about 8 months ago with my family to endeavor to start an aikido school here. (Then Coronavirus hit! During our search for a practice space!) Starting aikido at around age 15, I’ve been practicing for 30 years. 14 of those years, I’ve spent practicing in Japan at the aikido headquarters school with the highest level instructors and practitioners. My primary teacher (Endo) is one of the last few students of the founder of aikido. In the US, I’ve also had the good fortune to practice under the highest level teachers as well as students. I’ve also taught my own group in Tokyo, interpreted for instructors at international seminars, and translated my primary teacher’s book. (For more detail…)
AIKIDO SE PDX 