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May
5-6
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Goldberg Sensei at Capital Aikikai
The DC/MD/VA Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu Study Group will host Roy Goldberg Sensei for a two-day seminar at Capital Aikikai. Further details may be found on the DC/MD/VA Study Group webpage. Please note: times may change - keep an eye on the Study Group website for updates.
web link
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May
18-20
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Takeguchi and Okimura Shihan at Grand Marais Aikikai, MN
Takeguchi and Okimura Shihan will lead a weekend seminar at Grand Marais Aikikai in northern Minnesota. Please visit the Grand Marais Aikikai webpage for details.
web link
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Jun
2-3
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Takeguchi Shihan at Miami Aikikai 40th
Takeguchi Shihan will be among the instructors at Miami Aikikai's 40th anniversary seminar. Nelson Andujar Shihan and Penny Bernath Shihan also will instruct. Please visit the dojo web site for details.
web link
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Jun
9-10
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Shifu Zhang Yun at Capital Aikikai
Yin Cheng Gong Fa will host Shifu Zhang Yun once again for a weekend seminar at Captial Aikikai. Details forthcoming on the Yin Cheng Gong Fa webpage.
web link
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Jun
9-10
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Weapons Seminar with Russ Bodner Sensei
Capital Aikikai of Syracuse will host an aikido and Katori Shinto Ryu weapons seminar with Russ Bodner Sensei. Please see the dojo web site for details or download a PDF flyer for the event.
web link
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Jun
16-17
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Takeguchi Shihan at Potomac Aikikai
Potomac Aikikai will host Takeguchi Shihan for their annual summer blowout. For details, please visit the Potomac Aikikai events page
web link
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Jun
23
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Takeguchi Shihan at Allegheny Aikikai
Takeguchi Shihan wil instruct at Allegheny Aikikai, in Altoona, Pa. Please see the AA web site for details or click for a downloadable PDF flyer.
web link
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Aug
3-5
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Poresky Sensei at Capital Aikido - Lincoln
Bob Presky Sensei, head instructor of Capital Aikikai - Syracuse, will teach a weekend seminar at Capital Aikido - Lincoln. Please visit the Capital Aikido - Lincoln website for details.
web link
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Oct
5-7
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Capital Aikikai Anniversary Seminar
Please join the members of Capital Aikikai in celebration of the dojo''s 45th year and Takeguchi Shihan''s 60th year in aikido. Mike Friedl Shihan, 7th dan and head of Division 2 of the California Aikido Association, will be among the guest instructors. Please check back for details as they become available.
web link
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Dec
8-9
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Takeguchi Shihan at Capital Aikikai of Syracuse
Takeguchi Shihan will instruct at Capital Aikikai of Syracuse. Please click for a downloadable PDF flyer or visit the dojo web site for details.
web link
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Our member dojo compose a diverse group, from across the United States:
CAF ranks are recognized by Aikikai Hombu dojo and the International Aikido Federation.
The Japanese word Aikido is written with three characters which translate as "the way of spiritual harmony." Aikido is a budo or "martial way," evolved in the tradition of Japanese warrior arts, yet has a unique approach to self defense. Aikido is more than a martial science of strategy and tactics, it is a discipline for training the mind and spirit.
Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), known to Aikido students as O Sensei (Great Teacher). As a young man, he overcame debilitating childhood illnesses through martial arts practice, eventually becoming a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of ju-jitsu. O Sensei also held strong Shinto religious convictions concerning the ultimate futility of conflict and the illusory character of victory based on strength. This internal contradiction, which drove O Sensei to adopt a life of austerity and rigorous training, was resolved through an enlightenment experience which led to the development of Aikido, a martial art influenced by a philosophy of universal harmony.
Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular, sending the opponent flying through the air. Others are more subtle: small deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved not through the use of brute strength, but by blending and neutralizing the attack, followed by circular and flowing techniques to unsettle the opponent, and completing the movement with a throw or immobilization. Because great strength is not required, Aikido can be practiced by men and women of all ages.
Most practice is done with a partner: each working at his or her own level of ability, alternating as uke (the attacker) and nage (the one who is attacked). Both roles are stressed; each contributes skills that enhance overall sensitivity and control.
Wooden practice weapons — a sword (bokken), staff (jo) and knife (tanto) — are sometimes used in aikido training, not to understand how to use the weapon, but to better understand the techniques and movements of aikido itself.
Students train to neutralize the energy of the opponent's attack and to redirect and focus it into techniques of martial efficiency and power. At the same time, the student can use the same philosophy to deal with stress and conflict in daily life, and learn to remain calm under all conditions.
In Aikido, such an integrated person is said to be "centered." A centered person displays a confident and relaxed posture, and centering gives Aikido movements their appearance of grace and simple elegance. Thus, Aikido training helps a student to become calm and centered and enables the student to deal with stress and aggression in an efficient and decisive manner on the mat, at home, at school, or at work.