Aiki-Jujutsu Academy of Indianapolis Blog

The Tao

2009-08-04T06:05:00.001-07:00

Return is the movement
Of the Way;
Yielding is the function
Of the Way.
All things in the world
Are born of being;
Being is born
Of nonbeing.

- Tao te Ching

Aiki-Jujutsu Academy of Indianapolis

The Constant

2009-08-04T06:03:00.000-07:00

Attain the center of emptiness,
Preserve the utmost quiet;
As myriad things act in concert,
I thereby observe the return.
Things flourish,
Then each returns to its root.
Returning to the root
Is called stillness:
Stillness is called return to Life,
Return to Life is called the constant;
Knowing the constant is called enlightenment.

- Tao-te Ching

Aiki-Jujutsu Academy of Indianapolis

In The Way

2009-08-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

To be resolute in the way means
from the beginning never to
lose sight of it, whether in a
place of calm or in a place of strife;
to not cling to quiet places nor
shun places where there is disturbance.

- Daikaku (1213-1279)

Aiki-Jujutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Mountain Dwelling

2009-08-02T08:59:00.001-07:00

Things of the past are already gone
And things to be, Distant beyond imagining.
The Tao is just this moment,
These words:
Plum blossoms fallen,
Gardenia just opening.

- Ch'ing Kung (d. 1352)

Aiki-Jujutsu Academy of Indianapolis

The Wordless Moon

2009-08-01T08:00:00.001-07:00

A pine fragrance
Fresh from meditation
Raise the curtain
Receive the evening's cool
Exquisite, nestled in green bamboo,
The moon, wordless
Crossing the eastern wall.

- Ts'an Liao Tzu (c. 1077)

Aiki-Jujutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Hidden Places

2009-07-31T17:54:00.001-07:00

Dense, soundless,
Falling through azure emptiness
Swirling clouds sing and
Dance in the soft breeze.
As the recluse hums a line
In praise of hidden places
Vagrant flakes drift in and
Stain his inkstone black.

- Tzu Lan (c 890)

Aiki-Jujutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Letter to a Wild Monk

2009-07-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

Other than the birds,
Who watches over you?
Lordly peaks, your neighbors.
White head held pillowed on a stone.
Grey robe ragged, but not soiled
Chestnuts pile up on your path.
Monkeys circle where you sit.
If you ever set up another Zendo,
I swear I'll be the one who sweeps the floors.

- Kuan Hsiu (832–912)

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

No One Owns

2009-07-28T06:00:00.001-07:00

You ask why I live
Alone in the mountain forest,
And I smile and am silent
Until even my soul grows quiet:
It lives in the other world,
One that no one owns.
The peach trees blossom.
The water continues to flow.

- Li Po (701–762)

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

The Best of the Martial Arts

2009-07-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

The man whose profession is arms should calm his mind and look into the depths of others. Doing so is likely the best of the martial arts." -Shiba Yoshimasa (1350-1410)

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

What is Zen?

2009-07-26T18:31:00.001-07:00

Zen is not some kind of excitement but concentration on our usual everyday routine.

- Shunryu Suzuki

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Hagakure - Insight

2009-07-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

"One should have insight into this world of dreams that passes in the twinkling of an eye."- Hojo Shigetoki (1198-1261)

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Going Beyond Appearance and Emptiness

2009-07-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

The more you talk and think about it,
The further astray you
Wander from the truth.
Stop talking and thinking,
And there is nothing you
Will not be able to know.
To return to the root
Is to find the meaning,
But to pursue appearances
Is to miss the source.
At the moment of inner enlightenment
There is a going beyond
Appearance and emptiness.

- Seng Ts'an (d. 606)

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Translating Sutras

2009-07-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

We go on unwinding the woof
From the web of their meaning.
Words of the Sutras
Day by day leap forth.
Head-on we've chased the miracle
Of Dharma:
Here are no mere scholars

- Hui Yung (332- 414)

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

The Traditional Martial Arts Dojo

2009-07-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

People love to modernize everything. It truly is the American way. In most cases it is a great idea. In martial arts however, it is not. Most martial art schools today have become nothing more than health clubs and day care centers. Discipline is not stressed. In fact it hardly exists in today's modern school. School owners are worried about retaining the student because they need the student to pay the rent. This is where the problem lies. The teacher should not need the student, the student should need the teacher. In many cases the teacher is actually afraid of offending the student. God forbid.

Discipline is perhaps the most important part of the training. Bowing is key. In a traditional Japanese dojo there is a lot of bowing. It is done as an act of mindfulness and as an act of respect. The first thing the student learns is how to bow properly. Bowing to the teacher, bowing on and off the tatami mat, bowing to one another, etc. The student then learns how to carry himself while in the dojo. It is not social hour. The student should act as he would in a place of worship. There should be no talking unless spoken to by the teacher or assistant teacher. The dojo etiquette and rules in a traditional school are modeled after feudal military traditions. We need this today more than ever.

The traditional dojo has so much to offer other than fighting. If you remove the discipline, then all you have is a bunch of monkeys jumping around yelling and screaming. Finding a traditional dojo today will be difficult but it is worth the effort even if you have to travel. Do not just settle on anything.

Ted Hanulak is the head instructor of the Japanese martial art of Senso-Ryu Aikijutsu. He teaches Aikijutsu and Zen meditation out of the Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis http://www.aiki-jutsu.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ted_Hanulak

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

What Magic!

2009-07-23T07:16:00.001-07:00

As the moon slips from
Behind a cloud and shines,
So the master comes out
From behind ignorance and shines.
Swans rise and fly toward the sun.
What magic!
So do the pure conquer
The armies of illusion
And rise to fly.

- Buddha in the Dhammapada

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

A Thousand Years From Now

2009-07-22T05:43:00.001-07:00

Little Pines
Poking up from the ground
Barely above my knees,
Already there's holiness
In their coiled roots.
Though harsh frost has
Whitened the hundred grasses,
Deep in the courtyard,
One grove of green!
In the late night
Long-legged spiders stir;
Crickets are calling
From the empty stairs.
A thousand years from now
Who will stroll among these trees,
Fashioning poems on their
Ancient dragon shapes?

- Ch'I chi (864-937)

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

The Mountain Remains

2009-07-21T05:50:00.001-07:00

The birds have vanished into the sky,
And now the last cloud drains away.
We sit together, the mountain and me,
Until only the mountain remains.

- Li T'ai-po (701-?)

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Zen Meditations For A Happy Mind And Body

2009-07-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Zen meditations are the lifeline of today's hectic and stressful world. It's not wrong to say that if you want to hold on to your sanity, hold on to the meditation techniques!

This particular form of meditation involves sitting in particular postures and bringing the mind and body to a stable and peaceful condition. It induces a deeper sense of self-awareness and makes you discover your inner strength. In layman terms, you simply sit without distracting yourself and focus on the thoughts and images that come to your mind. With time, your heart rate reduces and your breathing gets shallow. You are now in a reflective state of meditation.

By the use of deliberation and concentration, you produce a synergy that unites your body, mind, and soul. As you practice meditation on a regular basis, the energy required for synergizing the three aspects of your being is achieved. During your meditation sessions, your mind is aware of only the present moment. There is no past or future. Thus, there are neither painful emotions from the past nor worries about what's going to happen next, which are the main causes of stress and tensions in everyday life.

While in a meditative state, your mind reacts only to the present. Thus, you have no thoughts. Your mind with utmost calmness and peace is free.

Interested in trying Zen meditation, but don't know where to start? Well, here are certain steps to help you get started...

* Become aware of your breathing.
* Focus when you inhale and exhale deeply. You will experience a sense of peace at this time.
* As you inhale, think about your whole body. By doing this, you calm your entire body.
* As you exhale, think about each part of your body, beginning from your shoulders. Relax them one by one. By doing this, you empathize on all your body needs.
* Relax the muscles of your face one by one.
* Concentrate on your body and relax any muscles that are tense.
* When you take in the air, think about happiness; the happiness of being alive, of hearing, seeing, and breathing.
* Practice and practice until you become the master of your body and mind.

Zen meditation induces stillness of mind. The techniques are so designed that they get rid of all unnecessary thoughts from your mind, including the negative ones, and give you emotional and mental peace.

By David Barrett

I hope you found these tips helpful! To uncover some shocking truths about meditation retreats, and to discover the benefits of using meditation bells, please go to: http://www.OnlineMeditationGuru.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Barrett

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Self Defense Street Fighting - Bouncers, True Masters of the Mental Aspects of Combat

2009-07-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has any real street fighting or serious self defense experience will tell you that the mental aspects of street fighting will save lives, even without any physical skills or techniques. In comparison, being able to do the physical movements that belong to self defense training will not help you if your mind game is not on-track.

No one knows this better than a serious bouncer:

Situational Awareness--This is the job of the bouncer, standing around and just noticing little things: Is the guy talking to you holding a glass, bottle or another potential weapon? In which hand? Is he holding it like he is drinking from it or is he going to hit someone with it? Who is looking aggressive? Who is sizing who up? Constantly observing for hours on end teaches you a lot about situational awareness, especially how to keep it up when nothing is going on. I talked to a fellow bouncer today who said there were no fights last Saturday at all until three o'clock in the morning. Then there were five in 90 minutes. It's a good thing that he was able to stay alert after the first five boring hours when nothing was happening.

Fear Management--I have yet to be attacked by someone smaller or weaker than me. I have often been attacked by more than one person at a time. I don't need to tell you the importance of fear management, aka how not to get beaten to death because of being preoccupied with the fear of getting injured. I have worked the door alone, half-full discos ("There aren't too many guys there, one man can handle that alone.") and some very full strip clubs. Just standing there alone and waiting for something to happen, knowing that you can't ignore or run away from a fight and that there's nobody there to "get your back" is in itself very disheartening if you can't manage fear well. When things finally do kick off, you just don't have the time to psyche yourself up or get prepared. All that you can do is react immediately and without hesitation . . . or you can freeze up and get your ass beaten into a bloody pulp . . .

Killer Instinct--In a street fight, like a bouncer faces or a civilian in a self defense situation, survival means hurting the guy trying to hurt you, eliminating him before he has a chance to eliminate you. This has to be automated, burnt into your very soul. Killer instinct and fear management work together to allow you to immediately do anything and everything you have to in order to survive and, should you lack killer instinct and hesitate to hurt an aggressor, your attacker(s) will destroy you before you even started "defending" yourself.

Pain Tolerance--Most bouncers have been injured at some point in their careers. When that happens, all that you can do is deal with it and neutralize your attacker. I have said before and I will say again, that there are no SWAT teams or quick-reaction forces to save a bouncer when he is in trouble. I was once bitten in my left bicep, hard enough to leave a very large permanent scar. When that happened, I didn't scream, cry, beg or hope it would be over. I knew that it wouldn't be over until I did something to cause it to be over. So, I used my free hand to very calmly grab the angry young man by the ridge of bone under his eyebrows, force my fingers between his eyeballs and eye sockets and tilt his head backwards until I was able to free my arm.

Christopher "Bob" Roberts is an ex-soldier who relocated to Europe and now earns his living as a tactics and close-combat instructor for military, police and private security companies.

For more information about armed and unarmed self-protection, subscribe to his free newsletters at http://www.extreme-measures-institute.com and receive access to an exclusive video interview series where he explains the fundamentals of truly effective self defense.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Roberts

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

One who knows the better way to live

2009-07-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

Do not pursue the past.
Do not lose yourself in the future.
The past no longer is.
The future has not yet come.
Looking deeply at life as it is
In the very here and now,
The practitioner dwells
In stability and freedom.
We must be diligent today.
To wait until tomorrow is too late.
Death comes unexpectedly.
How can we bargain with it?
The sage calls a person who knows
How to dwell in mindfulness
Night and day
"One who knows the better way to live."

- Bhaddekaratta Sutra

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

The Difference Between Karate and Kung Fu

2009-07-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

For many people, especially those who are not familiar with martial arts, the question often arises on what the difference between karate and kung fu is. Upon watching somebody doing various moves, the untrained eye will find it hard to tell which style that person is doing. Even those who are just beginners may sometimes be confused about the different styles until further exposure to them will reveal just how different they really are.

Historically, the people living in the islands of Okinawa just south of Japan got exposed to Chinese martial arts due to the close proximity to China. Over time, the Okinawans and Japanese developed their own styles now known as karate from the original influence of Chinese styles. Although both utilize many similar techniques, most kung fu styles will usually have more variety of techniques compared to karate systems. It's almost like the Japanese streamlined the number of techniques from Chinese systems to develop karate. The Japanese also modified the way techniques are executed in karate as they became more linear. This is especially evident in the forms or katas (traditional sequence of set moves) where karate techniques are performed with crisp movements that have distinct stop and go motions.

In kung fu forms, movements involve the use of more circular techniques, particularly with the hands. These circular motions give these forms a more visually graceful look as techniques seem to flow from one to another. There is less stop and go with most Chinese styles. This is why some martial artists, especially in North America, often refer to kung fu as 'soft' styles while karate and tae kwon do are 'hard' styles. This is not to say that hard styles such as karate or tae kwon do are more powerful martial arts than soft styles. The term 'soft' is a bit misleading because the power from circular moves is often hidden. Circular moves can generate just as much power as linear ones found in hard styles. Most kung fu forms are also usually more complex and longer in duration than most karate forms. To most, a soft style form will look much more exotic while a karate form will look more straight forward in terms of techniques. Interestingly enough, there are karate styles such as goju which do have quite a lot of circular techniques. Kempo styles are considered a hybrid of Chinese and Okinawan techniques with both circular as well as linear techniques. There are also many more different styles of kung fu compared to karate.

Martial arts weaponry is found in both kung fu and karate styles but different sets of weapons are utilized in each system. Much like the empty hand forms, the kata with karate weapons are also more linear compared to those with kung fu weapons which have more circular movements. As expected, there is a lot more variety of different Chinese weapons than found in the Japanese karate styles.

Traditionally, practitioners of karate wear a white uniform called a gi which features the overlapping kimono-like top. Less traditional schools like those in North America will allow colored uniforms. A colored belt will be the finishing touch to the gi with of course the black belt for those at instructor level ranking. Most of the time and especially inside a dojo studio, karate stylists will not wear any shoes while training. Most kung fu stylists will wear very different looking uniforms consisting of tops with Chinese 'frog-style' buttons rather than overlapping fronts like the karate gi top. The uniforms can be black or a variety of colors with often lighter fabrics such as satin and shoes are commonly worn. The modern acrobatic Chinese martial arts of wushu can feature satin uniforms with many different bright colors. Many kung fu schools simply utilize t-shirts and baggy pants as uniforms. Satin colored sashes are often worn to signify rank of students but this is actually more of a North American style as most Chinese martial arts schools in Asia do not show rankings in uniforms.

Overall, there's more variety of techniques, styles, weapons and uniforms found in the Chinese kung fu systems compared to karate. However, that is not to say that one system or style of martial art is superior to another. They are just different and to the observer, it could come down to personal preference. Some prefer kung fu and some prefer karate. Some ambitious martial artists who desire a full well rounded education practice both styles.

Clint is a lifelong martial artist with over 36 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do, karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won Canadian and world championship titles (NASKA, NBL and WSKF). He is also owner of Martial Arts Articles Online (http://www.martialartsarticlesonline.com), an online martial arts information resource.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clint_Leung

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Martial Arts Uniforms - Karate to Kendo

2009-07-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Leafing through a martial arts magazine one day, I came across the vilest clothing ensemble I have ever seen: a uniform created after the fashion of the United States flag. Stars, stripes, it was all there. I believe the worst part about the picture, and what causes it to remain in my mind, is the fact that the gentleman wearing the uniform was performing a high side kick. His position, most unfortunately, allowed me to see that while the pants of the uniform were mostly red and white, a field of blue with white stars had been used to create the crotch. I still have nightmares.

Fortunately for everyone involved in martial arts, this monstrosity is the exception rather than the rule. Martial arts uniforms are usually rather austere and simple ensembles that allow the wearer maximum movement and comfort. There is, of course, a wide variety of martial arts out there, and the name of the uniform varies not only by language, but my martial style. In karate, it is referred to as a "karategi;" in aikido, as an "aikidogi;" in tae kwon do, as a "dobok," and so on.

Many of these uniforms are very similar in appearance, consisting of lose, usually cotton pants with an elastic or drawstring waist. The pants extend to the ankles and hang there, with no elastic. The upper article of clothing comes to the bottom of the hips and wraps around the body like a robe; the sleeves usually come to the wrists. The wrapped garment is secured with ties at both sides and with a belt, also of cotton, the color of which signifies the rank of the wearer.

While most martial arts uniforms of this description are white, black is also relatively common. In some schools, once a student reaches the level of 1st dan black belt, he or she is permitted to wear a black uniform or one with black edging. In the United States, it is common for the name and logo of a specific martial arts school to be imprinted on the back of the uniform. This is especially true of those schools that compete in tournaments.

One notable exception to the uniforms described above is the clothing often used by practitioners of tai chi chuan and kung fu. These outfits can be made of cotton, but silk is often used as well. They can be of almost any color imaginable. The pants are not dissimilar from those described above. The top, however, is characterized by frog buttons that often extend from neck to hem. Additionally, the top usually has a traditional Chinese-style collar, similar to what one would see on a cheongsam.

Perhaps the most dramatic martial arts uniform is the one used in kendo. Kendo is the Japanese martial art of sword fighting. Its clothing includes long, full pants that almost appear to be a skirt, a top similar to the one worn in karate and bagu, specifically designed protective armor. A set of bagu consists of a facemask, shoulder protectors, a torso protector, gauntlets, leg protectors, a groin protector and sometimes shin protectors. A kendo fighter in full regalia is a very intimidating sight.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for sweatpants, sweatshirts, outdoor gear, sports clothing, and model motorcycles. Click here when you want to find sweatpants, sweatshirts, martial arts uniforms, sports clothing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

The One-Armed Judoka

2009-07-16T14:32:00.001-07:00

There is a story that is told in various forms about a young boy who was missing his left arm after an automobile accident. Despite only having one arm, the young boy decided to study Judo. Being a former Judoka, I've always enjoyed the story and want to share it with you here.

The boy found a judo school run by an old Japanese judo master. Nervously, he asked if he could still learn and train with only one arm. After a minute of careful thought, the master accepted the young boy as one of his students.

The boy began lessons with the old master and was doing well. However, he didn't understand why the master had only taught him one technique. Each class for months, after warm ups, falling, and footwork drills, the boy practiced his one throwing technique over and over.

"Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"

"I know I have only taught you one technique, but this is the move you need to know." the sensei replied.

Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.

Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and over extended his balance; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.

This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened.

"No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."

Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake; He dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to earn an epon, one point, and a win. The boy not only won the match, but he won the tournament. He was the champion.

On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"

"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."

This story is used to illustrate a number of points depending on who is telling it. I'd like to make a couple of points.

First, there is a lot to be said about leaning a few techniques very well versus learning a lot of techniques adequately. Kelly McCann, who I have great respect for, and practice some of what he teaches, uses a very simple system. His philosophy is to learn a few things that can be used in a variety of situations. Rather than learn separate techniques for when an attacker is using his right hand, left hand, or both, he teaches one technique that can be used regardless of the hand the attacker is using. This makes a lot of sense, and for practical self-defense it is the few basics that you have mastered that will come to you under the stress and adrenaline dump of an actual physical encounter.

For those that teach a martial art system you teach more but you are teaching an "art" that has many more component and benefits than just fighting. McCann will be one of the first to say he does not teach martial arts, he teaches combatives to fight and that is it. If you train or teach for both, you should know the difference and understand the goals and purposes of what you are doing with your training.

Second, this story shows how you can overcome weaknesses, and not only overcome them, but turn them to strengths. The boy's disability which could be considered a weakness turned out to be a strength when taught the specific technique to capitalize on not having a left arm. It allowed him to win the championship. All of us have obstacles to overcome. All of us have different strengths and weaknesses. We need to look at our strengths and weakness and determine how to best utilize the strengths we have and minimize our weaknesses. We may even be able to turn our weaknesses into strengths as the old master did for his young judoka.

Remember this young boy the next time you head to the gym. But also remember him when dealing with other obstacles in life. This lesson is not just for your martial art training. The warrior lifestyle and martial art training give us the warrior's edge in everything we do.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a mediator/attorney with Bennett Law Office P.C. and an author/speaker through his own company Burrese Enterprises Inc. He writes and speaks about a variety of topics focusing on the business areas of negotiation and success principles as well as self-defense and safety topics. He is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks, several instructional DVDs, and numerous articles. You can find out more about Alain Burrese at his websites http://www.burrese.com or http://www.bennettlawofficepc.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alain_Burrese

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Doubt?

2009-07-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Returning home from a day of begging
Sage has covered my door.
Now, a bunch of leaves
Burns with the brushwood.
Silently, I read the poems of Han-shan,
Accompanied by the
Autumn wind rustling
Through the reeds.
I stretch out both feet and lie down.
What is there to fret over?
What is there to doubt?

- Ryokan Taigu (1758-1831)

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

Maha

2009-07-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

One's own nature is great because
It can contain all things.
As all things are contained in
your own nature,
If good and bad people are
viewed with neither attachment
Nor repulsion, also without
contamination, the mind which
Is like space, is called great.
For this reason, it is called maha.

- Altar Sutra

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis