AOSB Newsletters

Don't Return to Normal; Do Something Better

Don't Return to Normal; Do Something Better

As we rush to reestablish routines, reopen businesses, and reunite with friends and family, it is understandably easy to forget that prepandemic normalcy was frequently a morass of mediocrity. Compared to the trauma of the last 15 months, mediocrity might be appealing. However, let’s remember that prepandemic life was often characterized by chronic work-life imbalances that interfered with, among other things, aikido, as well as ambient anxiety and stress, rushing, noise, and malaise. As we reopen, reestablish, and recommit, we have an opportunity to not merely return to normal, but to actually create something better.

Women in Martial Arts

Women in Martial Arts

In this month’s issue of In the Dojo, we pleased to feature an article about gender equality in aikido by AOSB co-founder Courtney Paul. This piece was originally submitted to the Aikido World Alliance’s Technical Committee in 2017 as part of Courtney’s nidan application. The issues and questions Courtney raises remain relevant today, especially as dojo’s reopen and there is the opportunity to do something better than merely returning to pre-pandemic normalcy.

An Interview with Josh Paul Sensei

An Interview with Josh Paul Sensei

In this issue of In the Dojo, we invited 5th kyu student Anna Gibertini to interview Josh Paul Sensei, AOSB’s cofounder and dojo-cho. For over 20 years, Paul Sensei’s aikido practice has evolved from simply a means to get some exercise, to a lifelong dedication, and finally into a family-run business. Here, Paul Sensei shares his aikido history, as well as his thoughts on how this traditional art is faring in the digital present.

Aikido as Meditation

Aikido as Meditation

Meditation and aikido, as well as other martial arts, have a long, intertwined history. My first aikido teacher, Joseph Jarman sensei, was a Zen Buddhist priest, and regularly led zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation) sessions after class. Aikido and meditation may be practiced independently or as complements to one another. Or one can pursue aikido as a form of meditation unto itself.

The Aikido Dojo: Stability and Sanctuary

The Aikido Dojo: Stability and Sanctuary

Our dojo—not just the physical space, but also aikido and its community of practitioners—has persevered. We hosted a seminar in February. We had promotions, including two black belt promotions, and we continued to train and progress in the art. We reopened for in-person classes after a six-month closure, and we are ending the year with a five-day-per-week class schedule.

Aikido at Home

Aikido at Home

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many classes and activities ranging from individual instrument lessons, to sing-a- longs, drag queen story times, yoga and dance classes, etc., have begun delivering their services online. These pursuits lend themselves to individual, solo viewing and practice. Aikido, however, is unique. It is intentionally designed to be practiced with other people.

The Aikido Dojo

The Aikido Dojo

The word dojo literally means “the place of the way.” A dojo is a unique space dedicated to the pursuit of learning, meditation, and personal improvement and growth. The dojo is a brick and mortar establishment as much as it is an idea. Any place “the way” is practiced could be a dojo. A dojo does not have to be defined by its architecture or interior decor. A dojo is mostly defined by the people who gather and practice there.