aikido Archives - Page 2 of 4

Aikido: Thoughts on Randori

by Nick Lowry Don’t take a step you don’t have to take. Don’t put pressure in your hands unintentionally. Once you do have to step, try to keep at least one foot pointed at your target at all times. Invest … Read More

Thinking Back on Aikido

by Nick Lowry Thinking back to the aikido I learned in the 1980s ….The ukemi and the Walking are mostly identical to what we do today. The 17 was very linear and clunky, but still very strong. Movement and angles … Read More

Aikido: Empty Hand versus Knife

Kyle Sloan Let me start with this: If you play with knives, you’re going to get cut. Period. I seriously doubt there is anyone reading this who hasn’t been cut with a kitchen knife while performing some task of slicing, … Read More

Aikido Koan

by Nick Lowry Simple ink on paper, three figures in a line. Circle. Square. Triangle. Terry Dobson once asked O Sensei to tell him what the circle, square, and triangle meant in aikido.The master told him to figure it out … Read More

Aikido: Thoughts on Multiple Attackers

Kyle Sloan One of the things Aikido is known for is the way it deals with multiple attackers. We see it in Above The Law, Steven Seagal’s debut movie as a star. Here’s a little video of this idea in action: … Read More

Pre-Emptive Aiki: No-Touch Throws

by Nick Lowry Sugino sensei once said that if you are seeing aiki for the first time and you can understand what you are seeing, then you are not seeing aiki. It’s interesting seeing the beautiful variety of “no touch … Read More

What is Rank About?

by Nick Lowry As an institutional device we can say that there is no such thing as rank in an absolute term– institutionally Rank is always based on a relative scale – some systems rank players/practitioners against each other – … Read More

Aiki-Feel

by Nick Lowry So much of what we do, if we do it well, is a matter of feel. Sensitivity, touch, and full body presence. Actions and reflexes all finely tuned to sensations. Lightness in the hands, like holding a … Read More

The Price of Knowing

by Nick Lowry Experiment: Read the following aloud A bird in thethe handis worth two inthe bush Almost everyone reads this as “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Almost no one catches the second “the.” … Read More

Are There Any Such Things as Kata in Aikido?

by Nick Lowry Are there any such things as kata in aikido? Of course there are – it’s a silly question, but if you take it that aikido is the invention of M. Ueshiba, then originally, surprisingly No. Nor were … Read More

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Testimonials

I think that it’s a bodacious place with excellent people from the top down to the beginner.

Richard P.

Everyone in windsong is so nice! I can feel improving everyday! So lucky to recognize you guys!

Yue G.

Just started taking classes here for Aikido. This is a great dojo with the best floor I’ve ever been on for training. The general feel is very laid back and inviting with still keeping a traditional aura. The people that I’ve met so far have also been very pleasant and eager to teach and learn.

Sirven A.

Knowledgeable instructors who treat you like family. The goal is to learn each art without getting injured in the process.

Nate M.

I was quite surprised by the size and atmosphere of this Dojo. VERY friendly people to train with, especially Lowry Sensei himself. He always made sure we were comfortable, very hospitable, and made himself very accessible. I CAN’T wait to go there again!!! I highly recommend this Dojo for serious training.

Art M.

Everyone is like family. You won’t find better teachers or people anywhere.

Tristan K.

I came from a program where they really didn’t seem to want me. When I walked into Windsong, I was greeted, my questions were answered, and I was welcomed to participate. So, at Windsong: I was welcomed. I was included. I was accepted. I was instructed with patience. My progress was celebrated. I felt a balance of encouragement and challenge. No matter what age I reach, I will still be working on applications from what I learned at Windsong.

Danny V. - Oklahoma

Highly skills and knowledgeable instructors. Im happy.

Nam M.

Love this place. Great techniques taught by even better people. Super fun learning the judo throws and grappling.

Jake W.

This is such a great place. Of course, the Aikido techniques are sound, but the people and practitioners are some of the finest people I have ever met. You will have fun and learn a lot about yourself as well.

Eric F.