| This is a special project undertaken at the brown belt level. It’s an opportunity for the advancing student to express Aikido principles in a form of their choice. The goals and process should be a reflection of the ideals expressed by Aikido. Some possible endeavors could be... • an essay / literary work • an academic / research project or thesis • a community service project • an artistic expression or project • a multi-media project • a work-related or business venture • an athletic challenge, etcetera The size and scope of the project is up to the student. What's important is the thoughtfulness, spirit, depth, and authenticity in which the project is conducted. When a student is ready to begin, he/she makes an appointment with Sensei to discuss it so there is clarity on the process and goals of the project. Whatever form a project takes, a short written abstract that describes the project and process, and offers interpretation of its relationships to Aikido must accompany it in its finality. Students have the opportunity to present their project to the dojo community. |
|
Power—Excellence—Awareness—Compassion—Evolution
Power Understand that force is not power, but rather its loaded shadow. It ensures continuing conflict. True power is what happens when your centered body and being is aligned with the conditions you are faced with, and you are willing to enter into those conditions with integrity. Power is, therefore, inaccessible without a certain amount of vulnerability. Aikido is a tool for exploring the true nature of power, and how you choose to assert it. Excellence Aikido training is a path of Mastery, which has little to do with "perfection." Training on a path of Mastery is a commitment to continuously discovering your best—in body, mind, and how you relate to everything. The path can be uncomfortable at times, but discomfort is a normal developmental stage and should be viewed as a window of opportunity. Your path of personal excellence is based on only two variables—your best consistent effort and Trust. Awareness Any positive path of Mastery begins and continues with conscious awareness of what's happening within and around you Now. Aikido is a way for us to "Wake Up" and develop our sensitivities to motivations, energy qualities, what we feel in the body, and the effects of our actions. Awareness is truly the gateway to making Aikido a living practice, and seeing you become an effective and graceful expression of the art. Compassion Compassion is much more than a receptive way of being. It is also firm action that offers direction, decisiveness, and strength. As Aikido is a martial art, compassion can be expressed quite ruthlessly. Delving into this complete perspective of compassion through Aikido training develops balance and appropriateness in action. Evolution Aikido is a living practice that evolves, and offers a path for us to do so as well. It is here for each of us to transform the level of consciousness that has taken care of us thus far, and help us create more dimensional, creative, open, and effective expressions of ourselves. Aikido is a transcendent art that points towards a way to function beyond our present limiting positions, beliefs, and boundaries. |
Aikido of San Diego | About Aikido | Dojo Membership | Aikido Class Schedule
Martial Arts for Children | Dave Goldberg Sensei | Dojo Calendar and Aikido Seminars
Contact and Directions | Aikido Resources and Martial Arts Supplies | Aikido of San Diego FAQ