I Thought I Was Better Than This

August 6, 2019

By Joy Reichart Sensei, Beginner Class Instructor Commitments Commitments are always tested. Have you found that? Stuff we promise to ourselves and to other people—resolutions, relationships, recovery, things that don’t start with “r”—are constantly challenged, called into question. When they are, we’re often faced with a choice: abandon ship, stagnate, start all over… or step […]

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Always Something: Persistence and the Challenges of Aikido Practice

June 8, 2019

By Joy Reichart Sensei, Beginner Class Instructor I’ll tell you right now, friends, it’s always going to be something. Something that scares you, confuses you, confounds you, discourages you. Rolls, tests, freestyles, high falls. Relationships, rules, expectations, misunderstandings. Kicks, weapons, bows. Working with a particular partner. Something is always going to challenge you. Welcome to […]

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Ripples of Goodwill: An Interview with Nick Walker Sensei

June 8, 2019

This interview with Nick Walker Sensei was conducted by Monika Broecker, founder of the Center for Personal Growth, in February 2011. MB: What is your vision for your Aikido dojo? NW: Aikido has enormous potential as a transformative practice of mindfulness, open-hearted presence, and compassionate power. I’m always working to create a training environment where […]

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