String Theory

Think of uke (your attacker) as a taut thread.  Pull too harshly, and your connection to them will break, releasing them to repress their attack.  Push them, and you will become entangled.  But draw on them properly, and you can lead them anywhere.

Congratulations on Testing and a Welcoming a Visitor!

Congratulations to Tim Seitz (now 6th kyu) and Elizabeth Mahoney (now 5th kyu) on their successful tests tonight.  We had a great turn out for class to cheer them on and uke for them.  As an extra special treat, we had a visitor, Dillon, from our sister dojo in Seattle!  It's always great to work with students from other dojos.

Thanks to all who came out and to Tim and Elizabeth for their continued commitment to their practice.

Do: Look up and out. Greet the world. Exude relaxed confidence. Be your height. Smile.

Avoid: Looking down. Hiding your face in your phone. Projecting vulnerability. Slouching or hunched shoulders. Looking distant.

Self defense starts with not being an attractive target. You may not be feeling great everyday, but when out and about, don't show it. Channel your inner Master Thespian (search SNL archives for Jon Lovitz). As a side effect, smiling actually induces changes in the brain that will make you feel happier!

Finished Products

It's tempting when looking at a master of their craft to think what an incredible talent and see their ability as unattainable. But what we see is the finished product rather than the toil and trials of learning. It's also amusing to think that if you stepped inside the mind of the master you'd find an incredible amount of self-doubt and self-scrutiny regarding the quality of their work. What sets the master apart is the choice to be better than they were.

Travels

One of the few highlights of work travel is that occasionally it brings me the opportunity to practice with one of our sister dojos.  I have been welcomed into many dojo across the country.   Tonight I had my first practice at our dojo in Ellicott City, Maryland.  Not only were they welcoming, they all rearranged their schedules to hold class an hour early so that I had plenty of time to catch my flight afterwards.   Thank you to Brian Kantsiper Sensei and Louis Ibarra Sensei for being such great hosts and sharing your insights.  It was a pleasure and I hope my travels take me back there again.

If you live in the Ellicott City area, I highly recommend you check out their dojo.

http://www.ellicottcityaikido.com/