It’s difficult to articulate why, but when connecting with uke (our attacker) if we think of hugging them to us, it is far more effective than thoughts of “pulling”, “yanking”, or “grabbing”.
The thought of hugging implies a disarming softness. We automatically are more attentive to the state of the huggee. We can better sense their balance and mood (ki). Uke resists less, or more accurately, has difficulty understanding where how to resist.
We often describe it as like hugging your teddy bear. A strong yet gently endearing force difficult to contest.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The “Danger Hug”
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Stress Begets Calm
We train in the dojo to have calmness be our natural response to an external stress-er.
That skill isn't just useful on the street. It becomes pervasive in our life. That doesn't mean we get to toss our co-workers into that table of cold breakfast pizza we got in lieu of bonuses. Unfortunately.... :) It does mean that we learn to operate through the stressing situation while being as calm as we can be.
Hey bosses....Calm doesn't mean obliviousness to risk or the present stakes. It is recognition of how best to approach the problems in front of us. It doesn't necessarily indicate lack of investment in a positive outcome, it can the maturity to know unchecked emotion doesn't solve problems. Leaders understand the difference. Leaders help their teams stay calm while focused.
#calm #keepcalm #aikido #aikidokokikai #chi #dojo #downtownrochesterny #ki #kokikai #martialarts #martialartslife #mindbody #rochesterny #selfdefense #grrrr #selfimprovement #rochesterny #StressManagement #leadershipdevelopment #leadership
Friday, April 17, 2026
4/18/26 Post camp regional practice is being hosted at our sister dojo, Eastern Sky at 3300 Monroe Avenue in Pittsford
Post camp regional practice is being hosted at our sister dojo, Eastern Sky at 3300 Monroe Avenue in Pittsford this Saturday from 10am-12:30pm. So that means no 9am class at our dojo this week. Come see what ideas people brought home from camp and have another opportunity to congratulate those that tested!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Andrew Robertson on an excellent Nidan (2nd degree black belt) test at last weekend's Spring Camp.
We also received rank certificates for Scott and Mark who tested last year for Nidan. Dan level certificates are done by Sensei by hand back in Japan and are well worth the wait. They serve as a nice reminder of the progress people have made. We also received Brian’s 6th Kyu Certificate, the first on his Aikido journey.
We gathered last night in the dojo to present the certificates and formally recognize Andrew's Nidan. It was an extra special event in that it was our first opportunity to advance a name plaque on our new Nafudakake, a welcome new tradition. Afterwards we retired to the local Brew Pub for some well earned revelry.
Friday, January 9, 2026
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