June, 2004
Aikido and the Senses
Previous Issues
by Marcella Mosher
"There are many sensory pleasures
in Aikido and one of the more interesting is smell."
This is the opening sentence of a short story that I
wrote as part of my black belt essay. The sentence came to me without
much conscious thought. I simply needed a good lead-in to my story and
it worked to get me there.
This simple sentence has been the inspiration for me
to explore more ideas about the Aikido and the senses. Now when I read
it I find myself wondering . . . What is the sound of Aikido? Does Aikido
have a taste? What is Aikido touch? Do we all see the same thing we watch
Aikido?
Over the next few months I hope to share four other sensory
stories about, hearing, taste, touch and vision that are taken from my
Aikido practice.
Here is "The Smell of Ki" the original inspiration for this series on Aikido and the Senses:
The Smell
of Ki
There are many sensory pleasures in Aikido and one of
the more interesting is smell.
As we reached the top of the stairs I asked fellow aikidoka,
Mary Ann O’Conner, "Do you smell it?"
"Smell what?"
"The dojo."
"Oh, yes, it's the smell of ki."
Mary Ann's reply was so matter of fact. It took me by
surprise. For a long time I would wonder, is it really the smell of ki?
I've decided it doesn't matter if it is the smell of ki or not. What's
important is what that smell does. It's like my tin of crayons.
I have a large tin of crayons that I seldom use but I
savor the moment of opening the tin. I lift the lid slowly and inhale
deeply. Instantly, I'm transported back to grade school. I can see my
first grade classroom. A pair of red and white wool mittens is drying
on the radiator. A hand crank pencil sharpener is mounted on the windowsill
near Sister Cecilia's big desk. Rows of tiny wooden desks glow in the
sunlight that pours in the windows each with it's own out of use inkwell.
All of this from a single whiff!
The smell of our dojo has the same effect on me as my tin of crayons. It transports me not only to a physical place, our lovely dojo, but also to a mental state. The smell signals a time and place that I can forget everything, both positive and negative. I can empty my mind and let just one thing in, Aikido. It is the closest I come to mediation. I rely on this smell. I catch myself unconsciously "looking" for it. So as I reach the top of the dojo stairs I inhale deeply and enjoy the trip.
Cecelia
Ricciotti Seminar
One of Sensei’s most advanced students—and a good friend of the Rochester dojo—will soon be here to teach a weekend seminar. Cecelia Ricciotti from Philadelphia will be in Rochester June 12-13. Classes begin with the Children’s Class Saturday morning at 9, then continue with Adult (and Teen) Class from 10:30-12:30. Lunch is in the dojo. The second Adult Class is from 2-4. A picnic dinner is planned at Paul Gardner’s home on Saturday night. Then, Sunday morning class from 10-12. Cost for the whole weekend is $40 with lunch on Saturday included, or $20 per class. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of Kokikai’s best.
Recent
Testing
The following people tested for their next rank in May: For 6th Kyu, Robert Weatherup, Keven Herren, and Karl Sarkozy. For 5th Kyu, Cem Er. And for 4th Kyu, two students from our teen class, Austin Overmoyer and Brian Mancuso. Congratulations to all on your very fine tests.
Upcoming
Events
Beginners’ Class, Wednesday, June 2, 7-8 PM.
Weapons Class, Thursday, June 3, 8-9 PM.
Ran Tori Class, Monday, June 7, 7-8 PM.
Mind/Body Training, Thursday June 10, 8-9 PM.
Cecelia Ricciotti Seminar, June 12-13.
Advanced Class, June 17, 8-9 PM.
Weapons Class, Monday, June 21, 7-8 PM.
Mind/Body Training, Thursday, June 24, 8-9 PM.
Video Night, Monday, June 28.
Summer Camp with Maruyama Sensei, July 29-August 1 at Villanova.
Maruyama Sensei in Rochester, August 13-15.
What is the freedom of the most free?
To do what is right!
- Goethe