At year's end

This year went by very fast. It included so many closures and new beginnings.
The main event of 2009 was the relocation of our Dojo.
The year started with negotiations with the Los Angeles School District, which filed an eminent domain for the property where our previous Dojo was located in Van Nuys. 43 businesses and 11 homes had to relocate.

The last time I passed by it looked like they were ready to demolish the building. It was strange to see the Dojo's space of the past 4 years, and my other company's place of business since 1991, as a site to be soon wiped out and be gone from the face of the earth. It was quite surreal.

In April we still didn't know where our new location will be. I remember the days go by, as I reminded myself that the new space will appear, and that I have to trust the process.
We drove around the Valley and looked at many places, gave some offers - yet nothing seemed to be our space.
Meantime, negotiating with the School District continued, and the days turned more intense.

May arrived and we decided on our space and construction started in June. The construction process felt like a long labor — our space was about to be born!
And what a beautiful place it turned out to be...

Our community in Granada Hills is growing steadily. My heart widens as I look at the people who participate in the special events, at our daily practice, the parties and the sweet relationship we build in our community.

2010 will be a year where we will touch more people, volunteer more, be more creative, and make sure that our hearts and our doors are open wide for more people who want to learn and grow!

Taking Sensei's Ukemi

The most challenging moments during my Aikido apprenticeship were while I was in the Uke role for my teacher. In the first year I was not called much for demonstrations, and felt a great hunger for it. When the moment finally arrived, I found myself doubting about my desire to be "in the fire" on a regular basis — although that was a point of no return.

First, it was a physical challenge, my body was not quite ready; I was always tired, I didn't eat right, nor was I drinking enough water. Yet, I had a great drive to experience the pressure and learn this new realm.

The next thing I had to study was how to empty my mind. Stop guessing and assuming on what's coming next. I learned to calm my internal noise, as I was called to take Ukemi. I tried different ways to prepare myself for the moment I was called up. It took months, but watching the more experienced Uke closely, and getting their advice helped greatly.

After being able to approach without assumptions, I had to work on a strong, clean attack, that derives from my center. Again, this is not the place "to be nice" and try and miss target. This just made things worst, and brought about some painful lessons. A good attack with intent, clarity and precision should be the goal.

Another lesson was about movement while in connection; being able to blend, follow, and adjust in a safe manner with the flow of the technique. I would often get "stuck", and my feet would not move. It took some time before my body learned how to relax just enough, so my legs, hips, and feet could lead the rest of the body with the flow of the technique - and not to be in its way.

"Being alive" throughout the process was essential. I had to maintain eye contact (sometimes peripheral vision) with Sensei, being ready for any shifts, and falling down in a manner that is alert and present for the next attack.

I believe that those who take Sensei's Ukemi are presented with a golden opportunity to learn in the best way possible. I was lucky enough to be able to do that for a few years. I also think that this was how I learned best. When I graduated the Kenshusei program, I felt there was still a long way to go in the path of Ukemi. I am grateful and humbled by this experience.

The thirst to deepen the study must be greater than the fear of facing ourselves.

In the video: Second Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba Sensei

Autumn

Quiet.
Abruptly whistles,
Autumn wind.


Steel blue skies.
Dry leaves
rustle under each step.