Philadelphia Aikido

In case any of you thought Maruyama Sensei has been on vacation, think again. He promoted the following people: for 4th dan, Charlie O'Brien, Paul Olimpo, Ben van Steenberg. For 6th dan, Jason Martin and for 7th dan, Todd J Kupper. It was my pleasure to present these promotions in class today in a rather emotional moment. Thank you, Sensei, for keeping us in your thoughts and holding us to the high standards you exemplify!

How long have you been putting off learning aikido?? Life is short. Act now.How long have you been putting off learning aikido?? Life is short. Act now.

Philadelphia Aikido is seriously back. Up to 5 classes a week. Vaccinations multiplying like crazy.Philadelphia Aikido is seriously back. Up to 5 classes a week. Vaccinations multiplying like crazy.

ANOTHER NEW CLASS Ron is offering a daytime class starting this Wednesday at 12:30 pm. That brings us to five classes per week. Monday at 7:30 pm Wednesday at 12:30 pm... Wednesday at 7:00 pm Saturday at 2:00 pm Sunday at 2:00 pm Starting to feel like a normal dojo again. Almost. We continue to limit size for all indoor classes, wear masks, sanitize frequently, maximum ventilation.

HOW DO I THANK YOU Throughout the past 12 months many of you were forced to let your membership lapse through no fault of your own. Many others have continued to support the dojo with your monthly dues even as the dojo was shut down. While I haven't been able to pay rent here, those funds enabled me to keep up with utilities, pay our liability insurance, and make changes to covid-upgrade the dojo. Without this devotion we would not have survived. I am so grateful for you all.... And I can't ignore the patience of the owner (Joseph). Thank you, one and all. TIME TO RETURN We've all found out how hard it is to break up our love affair with the sofa. A 3 month hiatus from pilates has left me with sore muscles - that familiar, reassuring feeling that I had after every setback, surgery, broken bones, promising that I'm still alive and kicking. "Life is a cherry blossom bending in the vagrant wind". James Clavell It is not to be wasted. Come back.

DOJO CLOSED All indoor classes are now cancelled. All indications are that things are going to get worse - then worse yet - and even worse after that. ... New developments: 1. There is a very predictable schedule of COVID spikes coming and it's all bad news. 2. Also, the percentage of symptomless cases has for some reason greatly increased, making it nearly impossible to know when someone is or isn't infected. 3. Treatment is getting better so it's a bit more survivable, but the lingering effects after recovery continue to be confounding. 4. Re-infections are occurring so we can't count on any kind of immunity without a vaccine. I would like to continue the Sunday outdoor kata classes as long as weather permits. There is a lot of room there to keep proper distances. I am considering having outdoor classes on Saturday mornings again withOUT the option of going indoors in bad weather. But if we do that I will need to know a day in advance who will be there so I can know if moving the mats will be possible. We should dress very warmly and observe all precautions as always. Good masks are important. Gaiters, scarves, etc. don't provide much protection. In fact, several layers are best, especially if the layers are made up of different types of fabric. I also have plenty of filters that can be added to your masks. Just ask. I really hate giving you this kind of news. But besides the fact that we all deserve to live and be healthy, our health care professionals deserve our best efforts to keep the infection numbers as low as possible. Time to be responsible and adult and "love thy neighbor". Cecelia

For those of you who have been wondering what this dojo has been up to here's a bit of an update. Our schedule is currently as follows: Saturday at 9 am Sunday at 10 am Wednesday at 6:30 pm... Our COVID-19 protocols include: Classes limited to 8 students at a time, Reserving your spot in advance, No touching one another, Masks mandatory, 3 masks or filters to enable changing every 20 minutes, Sanitizer available every 10 ft., All windows open All fans on, Air conditioning on, CO2 monitor on, Blinds open all day to allow UV exposure, Classes held outdoors weather permitting.

We have settled into a temporary schedule of classes that include: Saturdays and Tuesdays at 11 am weapons at chamounix tennis courts and Wednesdays at 7 pm outside the dojo. We're getting creative and classes have been fun. Keep your eye on weather reports if you plan to come. I draw the line at practicing in the rain.

For those of you who have been wondering what this dojo has been up to here's a bit of an update. Our schedule is currently as follows: Saturday at 9 am Sunday at 10 am Wednesday at 6:30 pm... Our COVID-19 protocols include: Classes limited to 8 students at a time, Reserving your spot in advance, No touching one another, Masks mandatory, 3 masks or filters to enable changing every 20 minutes, Sanitizer available every 10 ft., All windows open All fans on, Air conditioning on, CO2 monitor on, Blinds open all day to allow UV exposure, Classes held outdoors weather permitting.

We have settled into a temporary schedule of classes that include: Saturdays and Tuesdays at 11 am weapons at chamounix tennis courts and Wednesdays at 7 pm outside the dojo. We're getting creative and classes have been fun. Keep your eye on weather reports if you plan to come. I draw the line at practicing in the rain.

Through 45 years of aikido practice I've never been off the mat this long. Even after different surgeries I was able to return in some capacity, connect with my tribe, ease into practice and latch onto my anchor. This is my deepest one-point test ever. I'm happy to say, I'm passing so far.

Proud to call him FRIEND

I am happy to announce that Philadelphia Aikido is offering another special Aikido-for-PTSD class free to Veterans in September. The dates are 9/7, 9/8, 9/14 a...nd 9/15 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. I am thrilled to be able to work with these amazing, dedicated men and women to whom we owe so much, giving them the tools for finding their inner peace. Text or email to pre-register. 215-275-5727, [email protected]

Incredible energy generated at last weekend's June Workshop at Philadelphia Aikido Kokikai. Exciting instructors, thoughtful topics, good times, much laughter ...and serious practice. Thank you Matt Shomo, Rick Goodman, Todd Kupper, Mike Hillenbrand, Laurence Liss, Brian Martens, Rick Berry and Tom Joanes for your generous sharing. See more

Last weekend in Hanover for Ronin was too much fun. What a great group, great instructors, seminar. Thanks for inviting me.

2019 JUNE WORKSHOP Saturday/Sunday June 1, 2, 2019 Philadelphia Aikido Kokikai Defensive Arts Center... Suite 11, 3901 Conshohocken Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19131 215-275-5727 PROGRAM SCHEDULE Saturday, 6/1 CLASS 10:00 11:00 Matt Shomo, 6 th dan: Aikido vs Boxing. We will examine physical, balance, momentum and maiai differences that boxing attacks present as well as discussion and exploration of Aikido options for defense. CLASS 11:00 12:30 Rick Goodman, 8 th dan: Pressure testing Aikido techniques, a new training methodology. LUNCH 12:30 2:30 Panera/California Kitchen/Olive Garden/Sabrina’s/Honey Grow/Naf Naf grille, Han Dynasty, At Ramen, Katz’s DeliCLASS 2:30 3:30 Todd Kupper, 6 th dan: Multiple attacks from one uke for the purpose of proper movement and distance which translates to randori. Also consider increased distance with weapons. CLASS 3:30 4:30 Mike Hillenbrand/Laurence Liss, 4 th dans: Kaeshiwaza the art of reversing a technique. Uke becomes nage and vice versa. This kind of training helps us find the gaps or weaknesses in our techniques and encourages mental flexibility. CLASS 4:30 5:30 Brian Martens, 5 th dan: Lacking application of fundamental ki principles at the beginning of a technique sets us up for failure. We’ll take techniques apart, start them in the middle and work backwards and forward using familiar landmarks left by Sensei. DINNER/PARTY at Conny’s house in Chestnut Hill (address available at the Workshop) Sunday, 6/2 CLASS 9:30 10:30 Rick Berry, 7 th dan: The high-powered possibilities available when using the kokikai curl as an entry point. CLASS 10:30 11:30 Tom Joanes, 5 th dan: I call it nagemi - the art of leading nage to break through his/her struggle. It requires uke to become vulnerable, to guide and trust nage as opposed to resisting, forcing nage to use muscle, or simply give up. In this class we identify it, call it out, define it and change it. CLASS 11:30 12:30 Cecelia Ricciotti, 8 th dan : All requests. Submit your requests before class starts. Empty hand, weapons, kata, etc. See more

Exciting news: Philadelphia has declared the third week in March to be Martial Arts Week. This is the first time they've done this and we're working out the d...etails and activities. But be sure to check in with your favorite dojos and learn what activities and events are being scheduled. It should be great fun. Thank you Councilman Oh!! See more

Thanks so much to the Rochester Dojo for inviting me, welcoming me and hosting me. I had a fantastic time.

Check it out. https://doi.org/10.1037/mil0000194

SPECIAL FREE INTRO CLASS FOR VETERANS: It's all set for Sept. 22, 23, 29, 30. 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Email or text to sign up: ... [email protected]/215-275-5727 See more

I have recently learned that aikido is uniquely suited to help people with combat related PTSD. The qualities of this art include profound relaxation, calmness, and peace - and the tools with which to achieve these things. Add to that the quality of physical contact and adrenalin rush in a safe, controlled environment. This September I plan to begin an introductory class for veterans with PTSD at NO CHARGE. 9/22, 9/23, 9/29 and 9/30. If you are a veteran or know someone who is, please visit our website and check us out: philadelphia-aikido.com. Contact me regarding registering for this special intro class as space is limited. Call or text 215-275-5727.