Floating Bridge centre for learning

Morihei Ueshiba Ueshiba Morihei Passed on 26 April 1969 A few quotes in remembrance of O'Sensei ... Techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance, you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space. THE TOTALLY AWAKENED warrior can freely utilize all elements contained in heaven and earth. The true warrior learns how to correctly perceive the activity of the universe and how to transform martial techniques into vehicles of purity, goodness, and beauty. A warrior’s mind and body must be permeated with enlightened wisdom and deep calm. A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist. Being a black belt is a state of mind and attitude. Even though surrounded by several enemies set to attack, Fight with the thought That they are but one. Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys to restore your link to the source of life. Breathe in and let yourself soar to the ends of the universe; breathe out and bring the cosmos back inside. Next, breathe up all fecundity and vibrancy of the earth. Finally, blend the breath of heaven and the breath of earth with your own, becoming the Breath of Life itself. WHEN YOU BOW deeply to the universe, it bows back; when you call out the name of God, it echoes inside you. There are many paths leading to the top of Mount Fuji, but there is only one summit - love. The techniques of Aikido change constantly; every encounter is unique, and the appropriate response should emerge naturally. Today's techniques will be different tomorrow. Do not get caught up with the form and appearance of a challenge. Aikido has no form - it is the study of the spirit. As soon as you concern yourself with the 'good' and 'bad' of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with, and criticizing others weaken and defeat you. Ultimately, you must forget about technique. The further you progress, the fewer teachings there are. The Great Path is really NO PATH. Opponents confront us continually, but actually there is no opponent there. Enter deeply into an attack and neutralize it as you draw that misdirected force into your own sphere. IF YOUR OPPONENT strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly.

Morihei UESHIBA (14 December 1883 - 26 April 1969)O'Sensei, Morihei UESHIBA, the founder of Aikido left this world 52 years ago. He left with us a wonderful path to follow.

"One must overcome the greatest enemies of budo: anger, fear, doubt, hesitation, scorn, and vanity, and develop a firm soul and great courage. One must be penet...rated by the necessity of victory over oneself. It is through the repetition of daily practice that one vanquishes tiredness, weariness and comes to know a taste for effort, the importance of perseverance and the joy of winning over difficulty." -Nobuyoshi Tamura Shihan, 8th dan On the mental aspect of Aikido

On this Earth Day, Sherri Mitchell, a Native American attorney and sacred activist for environmental protection and human rights shares two particular terms which offer us some much-needed Indigenous wisdom and compassion. N’dilnabamukall my relations. Many people have heard Native people say all my relations after speaking or offering prayers. But what does it really mean? All societies organize around some sort of core principle. The core principle for Wabanaki societi...Continue reading

Pictures from this morning’s Aiki Ken sword class.

Strike the Aiki sword. The striking sword will teach decisive and deliberate motion. It will instill a confidence resulting from knowing the centerline, the a...ttacking line, so well. It will reinforce courage, clarity, and precision in Irimi movement -especially when Uke is bigger and hovers intimidatingly. The Aiki sword can become the great 'equalizer' when you are smaller, weaker, older, or injured. Nothing changes except the distance when empty-handed. With the sword in the mind, commit fully the same way, 'feel' and maintain decisive intent, move with the same expansion. The Aiki sword, in the concept of Riai, centers, grounds, and endorses committed movement that maintains a stable body dynamic while giving access to the appropriate 'Feeling' or Kimochi. The right 'feeling' extracts the right 'meaning' in technique. 'Feeling' with form should occur first before we decide to abandon 'form'. Know the 'how' and 'why' of what we are doing. Be precise. The Aiki sword does not entertain haphazard, segmented, extraneous movement. Observe patterns and relationships, study to understand principles. Empower yourself.

Iron is full of impurities that weaken it; through forging, it becomes steel and is transformed into a razor-sharp sword. Human beings develop in the same fashion Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido

"Yamatogokoro" is the idea that the reason for developing martial arts is to protect those that are unable to protect themselves from aggressors. The proponent ...of this philosophy devotes himself to development of BUDO in order to protect the security of peaceful people from the victory of cruelty and violence. This idea is at the heart of Aikido. It should be understood that aikido includes a philosophy and ideas that go beyond martial arts defined as the practice of combat techniques. Therefore, martial arts are included in Aikido, but Aikido goes beyond martial arts. Aikido stands for the idea that Budo, the principle of confrontation, and the principle of non-confrontation can be synthesized without compromising any of their fundamental essence." Excerpt from "Technical Aikido" by Mitsunari Kanai (1939-2004) 8th Dan

I was recently reminded of how important it is to keep the memory and vision of the founder of Aikido in our hearts and minds. This is a wonderful book relaying his message.

Merry Christmas everyone Peace to all

Congratulations to Will on a great 5th Kyu demo and Maisie and Hamish on receiving their first (yellow) belts! The last class of the year for the youth class was filled with laughter, games and fun movement. Thanks to all the kids and parents that have chosen to make Aikido a part of their lives. Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday Season

Thanks to Josh Gold for the space to share a perspective...

Thank you everyone who participated in yesterday’s Floating Bridge Aikido day long intensive! Great to have Trevor (friend and student for 20 years now!) stop by with Logan. I am quite proud of everyone as we pushed some boundaries and tested the waters of new material and concepts in movement. A fun day, well done

Please take the time read this great article by Sensei Patrick Cassidy, a wonderful writing

Congratulations to Andrew and Maaike on receiving their 5th Kyu certificates!! Great Aikido demonstrations from you both. Well done

Congratulations Grace on receiving your first belt in Aikido. Really great job!

Some questions that Lao Tsu stirs up... Are there different kinds of thinking? What are the voices in my head saying? What's the difference between thinking & feeling?

Congratulations to Ava and Tucker on receiving their 6th Kyu blue belt with black stripe! Wonderful demonstrations to watch.

I'm excited to have the new website up & running. Please share with anyone who may benefit from classes or the one-on-one coaching. Peace! https://andrewhaight.com/philosophy/welcome/