I am at work and returning from the admissions desk to the gallery manager's office, a wad of papers and other assorted trash in my hands. As I near the galleries, I stop at the panel of open glass doors, feet together, and bow. Immediately I look around me to see if anyone has noticed. Nobody seems perturbed. I cough and continue on my way, stopping at the recycling bin to empty my hands and give myself a quick pinch.

Bowing at thresholds seems to have gotten patterned into my mind. It doesn't always happen, but every so often I'll find myself bowing. Usually it gives me an opportunity to smile and think of Aikido during the day when I might otherwise not have thought about it. It's as though my body knows I need a stop-and-think, or a tickle, or a pick-me-up, and delivers it.

That's all, folks.

Anna

Marcella and Bob asked everyone to write about their experiences with aikido in daily life. There is a rich history of research and writings by aikidoka about applications of our art in daily art. Here is a very brief intro to some of that history. You can find a reading list in the dojo near where the calendars and test requirement sheets are kept.

Terry Dobson was the first American to live with O Sensei, the founder of Aikido and serve as his uchi deshi (full-time, live-in student). O Sensei encouraged Terry to share his training with Westerners. Terry paraphrases O Sensei's instructions: You must explain to the people of your country what you have learned by my side. You must do your best to spread non-violence. The result was that after his return to the U.S., Terry wrote the first text that explored the application of aikido off the mat, "Aikido in Every Day Life - Giving In to Get Your Way." It was not long before other aikidoka began to write about their experiences in applying the mind/body principles of their art to every day living. These writers would include Thomas Crum, Richard Heckler, Wendy Palmer and George Leonard. Each offers a unique vantage point that reflects how aikido has meshed with their passions.

In the 1990's a small group of senior aikido practitioners formed an organization called Aiki Extensions. Its purpose was to provide a forum for black belts from the many aikido organizations to come together, share how they are using their art in their personal and professional lives, and join together to promote the ideals of peaceful co-existence envisioned by O Sensei. In its early days, most members were from the U.S. Today, Aiki Extensions has grown into an international organization with programs and workshops in Europe, the Middle East, and South America. It provides a forum for sharing applications of aikido principles in fields such as education, law enforcement, psychotherapy, and business.

The earliest authors, Terry Dobson and Tom Crum, wrote about the application of aikido in the field of conflict resolution and relationship. Others such as George Leonard and Wendy Palmer focused more on internal applications for goals of personal excellence. Richard Heckler worked with the US military and is now involved in the Middle East projects of Aiki Extensions. There are many more authors today, each sharing their perspectives on how aikido principles relate to their own discipline.

What does all this mean for the student of aikido today? There is a wealth of literature on the application of aikido principles in every day life. There are conferences and projects where a student can meet, discuss, and even work with other aikidoka in areas of common interest. Will this help your personal practice? Maybe, maybe not. It can support you by reinforcing ideas and feelings that you notice as your practice develops. But, it never replaces practice. In the end, there is no aikido off the mat without aikido on the mat. So, read, explore, discuss, but always, practice, practice, practice.

Our annual dojo diaper drive to benefit Charles Settlement House is under way. For the past several years our dojo has donated packages of disposable of diapers to the Charles Settlement House during the holiday season.

The Charles Settlement House serves families and individuals with programs and services to help stabilize families, support basic needs and provide development opportunities.

Please consider donating a package or two of disposable diapers to the drive by December 15. All sizes of diapers are needed except newborn.

For more information about the drive or about Charles Settlement House see: Anthony, Marcella or Judy

Our congratulations go out to Chris Steerman and Mark Grey. They recently became grandparents for the first time.

Sarah (Chris and Mark's daughter) and her husband Eric had a baby boy on November 3, Joel Matthew Prinzi. Joel weighed in at 7 lbs. and was 19 inches long.

Dojo trivia: New mom Sarah was one of the original students in our kid's class!

October and November was dominated by 5th kyu testing! Andrew Cutter, Julie Drumheller, Juan Pena, Andrew Sackett, Alexandra Sarkozy, and Craig Steinberger all joined the ranks of 5th kyu (second orange belt). Congratulations to all!

Our kid's class had testing in November, congratulations to the following students on receiving their new belts:

10A - James Botsford, Chris Cadregari, Katie Cadregari, Robin Burkard, Dayvionn Spelman
10B - India Sizer, Shai Sizer
9A - Nick Lahue, Jonathan Sutton
9B - Dan Hubner
8A - Tristan Stoner, Dana Essom
8B - Jordan Bell

Dojo Diaper Drive to Benefit Charles Settlement House - On going from Sat. Dec. 2 through Fri. Dec. 15

Special Class - Aikido Technique in the Conflict Resolution Field - There are many aikidoka who use movements from aikido as metaphors in teaching conflict resolution. This class will show some of the ways these aikidoka are using our art. Thurs. Dec. 14, 8:00 pm

Video Night - National Geographic: Fight Science, Part 3, Thus. Dec. 21 at 8:00 pm

Wisdom begins in wonder.
~ Socrates