“Research and development in any field should drive practice, not tradition.”
— Christopher Mulligan Sensei, Aikido Kyoto
Fresh Eyes, New Insights
Thanks to our Guest Instructors. Training with guests is a powerful way to deepen your Aikido practice. Special thanks to our recent guest instructors Jamie Zimron, Liese Klein, Joanne Veneziano, and Neilufar Naini Senseis.
And we are thrilled to have guest instructor Christopher Mulligan Sensei joining us on Saturday Aug. 9 at 11am for the morning class at Capitol Hill (Uptown classes are cancelled on Aug. 9).
Mulligan Sensei, along with Yoko Okamoto Sensei from Aikido Kyoto, have been hugely influential in the support and growth of Seattle Aikikai over the last 28 years. Don’t miss this opportunity to train with him before the weekend seminar Aug 15-17 at Portland Aikikai. You can also learn more about his background and approach to teaching aikido from this interview in Aikido Journal.
Annual Party
We are planning our annual end-of-the-year party and fundraiser. Please take our survey to help us choose a date.
Upcoming Events
- Aug.2, 11:00: Monthly Theme Class at Capitol Hill (no class at Uptown)
- Aug. 4 – 8: Youth Aikido Summer Camp at Capitol Hill
- Aug. 9, 11am: Chris Mulligan Shihan at Capitol Hill (no class at Uptown)
- Aug. 15 to 17: Chris Mulligan Shihan at Portland Aikikai
- Aug. 21 to 24: Tacoma Aikikai Gasshuku. Registration for non-Tacoma Aikikai members is by email only. Email tacomaaikikai@gmail.com
to sign up. - Aug. 23 to Sept. 1: Summer Vacation
The dojo is closed. Classes resume Sept. 2. - Sept. to Nov.: Introduction to Aikido Courses at both locations
- Sept. 20, 11am: Joanne Veneziano Sensei at Capitol Hill
- Sept. 21: Self-Defense Class with senseis Ea Murphy and Neilufar Naini
- Sept. 21: Self-Defense and Empowerment class with aikido instructors Ea Murphy and Neilufar Naini, Sunday, September 21, starting at 16:00. This workshop centers empowerment, boundary setting, and the deep connection between personal and collective safety. No uniform or prior martial arts experience needed so please help spread the word and invite non-aikido friends and family.
Book Club
“The Intuitive Body: Discovering the Wisdom of Conscious Embodiment and Aikido,” by Wendy Palmer.
“The Intuitive Body” deeply touched some of us, baffled others, and made us all think about Aikido and life in new ways. We highly recommend this read for its personal, digested perspective on Aikido and Zen principles, and its practical and accessible exercises for more fully experiencing your body, your training, and your daily life. Wendy shares a rich tapestry of stories that help not just see, but deeply feel. Though some of us found her language difficult to fully parse, we were all transported to a deeper understanding through her stories.
A copy is available at the Capitol Hill dojo to borrow.
Our next read is “Traditions,” by David Lowry, a collection of essays about practicing budo. Pick your favorites and get ready to meet in two months on Wednesday Sept. 24th during second class for discussion.