tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23495928451492672922011-11-20T04:27:30.152-07:00Moments in life that make life worth living.YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.comBlogger461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-80601369757294211932011-07-16T12:11:00.404-06:002011-09-16T13:02:33.854-06:00

Thoughts on Nadeau Shihan's seminarJuly 15-17, 2011 -photo courtesy of Megan and Jay Palm- For those who do not know Nadeau Sensei, he is a great aikidoka with a one-of-a-kind personality. He is serious about keeping the teachings and philosophies of Osensei alive. (left: 'aikido' written in Japanese,  right: Osensei) "Do the aikido that is not seen with the human eye"(written for Nadeau

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-55600632098606591562011-07-08T12:05:00.479-06:002011-08-06T23:40:39.114-06:00

California, here I come! I was lucky enough to travel to California to visit friends and do some aikido training. I was excited to visit Chushinkan Dojo and meet Nakayama Sensei, someone whom I had met a few times already and admired his aikido and enthusiasm for life. I have to admit that it was a bit of heaven on earth. Daily training, usually more than once a day, as well as gym workouts. Then

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-82999387884428851152011-05-22T22:36:00.000-06:002011-06-03T23:38:12.979-06:00

nature put on a fantastic cloud show ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~The last few are my favorite.  :)~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-4500534578888852632011-04-01T22:46:00.194-06:002011-08-07T13:53:54.809-06:00

     I had my first experience with an aikido sensei from Japan. We were invited by Salt Lake City Aikikai to join them in a seminar, instructed by 山根 Yamane Shihan (7th dan). He brought 5 students from his dojo to help with demonstrations and to help us learn and practice what we were being taught.      This seminar was unique in a several different ways. Since he was from Japan, did not

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-31617227838545116182011-03-12T19:48:00.175-07:002011-03-29T12:54:02.402-06:00

This seminar was a great opportunity to learn so many aikido teaching principles. We had a great group of senseis! There are many memorable moments, and I thought I'd take a moment to write down a few of them. I hope you enjoy! Nakayama sensei: He tells his university students: "There are 3 types of listening."      1. Listen like you're hearing this for the first time.     2. Listen like this

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-44529672578034033722011-03-05T13:53:00.099-07:002011-04-06T13:25:48.788-06:00

It was just another Saturday morning. Then came a text that said "Want to go explore a cave today?" My first reaction was "No, I already have so much stuff to do today." And then my sense of adventure kicked that thought and said "What are you talking about? What else do you have to do that will even compare to something like this?" We found the cave entrance, which was literally a little hole

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-51204205324328528712011-01-23T00:26:00.033-07:002011-06-04T00:26:42.628-06:00

part 19 of ... OOTY Mudumalai Tiger Reserve eagle Can you spot the spotted deer? Mommy and baby elephant Reach for it... Got it! :D ~ ~ ~ Refreshing coconuts! banana trees toilet huts ~ ~ ~ more coming soon....

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-2160008526193473702011-01-22T23:58:00.009-07:002011-06-04T00:36:46.995-06:00

part 18 of ... OOTY Smyrna Home The gentleman in the middle and on the right volunteer their time to run the Smyrna Orphanage . They help orphans and disabled children by providing a home and meals, and also make sure they receive an education by attending school. This place is an inspiration for selflessness and compassion.  This is a solar heater. They heat their water via solar power. Their

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-9127454097818808932011-01-21T23:36:00.003-07:002011-06-04T00:35:18.091-06:00

part 17 of ...OOTY Tribal Museum We stopped by a tribal museum on the way back. buttermilk churning sticks spoons / ladels The coolest skeleton in the museum. Seems like I'd fit right in! ;) ~ ~ ~ Then we went to see descendants of the Toda tribe that still live according to their long-standing traditions. She is the sweetest lady! This little boy had a red toy car, and was checking

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-50304728454149671182011-01-20T18:10:00.162-07:002011-06-04T00:35:03.595-06:00

part 16 of ... OOTY Tea MuseumThey make tea here, but also hosts a museum for extra income. Origin of tea: China Tea was brought to Japan by a Buddhist priest. Tea was eventually brought to Great Britain. History of tips. Hands down the cutest picture in the museum. I don't have to tell you the health benefits of tea. Onto the actual tea leaf-drying machines! Happy Amjith with a bag of

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-45997350428611653282011-01-19T16:53:00.164-07:002011-06-04T00:34:49.321-06:00

part 15 of ...OOTY Governor's Residence We received special permission to tour the building. Formerly the British governor's residence, still used today. gorgeous dance hall Light shining through colored curtains. Outside: This is my favorite tree. I love how the leaves look like they are facing upwards. Botanical Gardens Australian Palm Tree - also one of my favorite

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-13158352738582701022011-01-18T15:00:00.009-07:002011-06-04T00:34:34.886-06:00

part 14 of ...OOTY Train rideWe took the night train and slept our way there.  ;) "Yosh, put your camera away and get on the train." ~ top bunks ~ Bank Guest HouseA gorgeous place, designed by Amjith's father! inside: Sights of Ooty This place is famous for its tea and chocolates. Ooty is very hilly, and tea grows best on a slope. We bought lots of tea! Many hills = Many

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-76842188195014431762011-01-16T21:07:00.003-07:002011-06-04T00:34:20.610-06:00

part 13 of ... VENGANUR Vettakudi Mariamman (temple of the family god - a female diety) We decided to meet at the family temple.  The priest gifted me with a blessed sari. Happily enjoying snacks. Drying their own chili peppers. Eating a special family meal. Neighbor boys busy with their bikes. L to R: Vikram, Usha-chithi, Radha-chithappa, Amjith, Yoshi, Vidhya This is Amjith's father's

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-51563038223129956842011-01-15T19:37:00.004-07:002011-06-04T00:34:08.303-06:00

part 12 of ...KALLAKURICHI Wonderful and sweet grandparents on his mother's side of the family. Here, I heard stories about Amjith's childhood - like how he used to run around this house in his bare bottom.  All. the. time. A young coconut as part of the Pooja (Puja) room, in celebration of Pongal. A lotus in their doorway - it's that great?! Going up to the roof. Doesn't he look huggable?

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-88981168512516381342011-01-14T18:09:00.002-07:002011-06-04T00:23:21.903-06:00

part 11 of ...PONGAL: a harvest festival Amma drew this elaborate scene! When Amjith was little, she drew this exact picture and he liked it so much he took a picture with it. This is a Pooja (Puja) room, where offerings to the gods are made. The long poles are sugar canes. Offering to the gods:In the bowl - sweet pongal.   On the banana leaf - Rice with sambar, cut plantain flowers.

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-14450573786551185622011-01-10T15:27:00.018-07:002011-06-04T00:32:18.666-06:00

part 10 of ... CHENNAI Henna / Mehndi Preethi making beautiful henna patterns on Susan's hands! Waiting for the henna paste to dry. Finished! Cooking / Eating Amjith's mother making dosa.  Susan and Amjith's favorite food! yum! Eating the dosa ~ Amjith's brother (Aaranyan) eating rice with sambar. Tea time! (Abirami) Preethi with tea. Kolam Patterns in front of the house are

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-61075294701399695402011-01-09T23:24:00.164-07:002011-06-04T00:31:58.549-06:00

part 9 of ... Roaming the streets of Northern India Visited a place where they made the semi precious stone inlay. We couldn't get him to tell us the "family secret," but he did show us a flower... and then gracefully pulled it apart. Our tour guide also took us to a place where they made woodblock prints. It was pretty neat! The green colored block is for the outline, the yellow colored

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-75422619592349950432011-01-09T10:15:00.005-07:002011-06-04T00:31:30.916-06:00

part 8 of ... JAIPUR Hawa Mahal("palace of wind") Contrary to it's name, it is more of a wall than a palace. Back then, women were not allowed in public, so this wall was a place for them to stand behind and watch the happenings of the city. Built in 1799. Us rebels - standing in FRONT of the wall! :) ~ ~ ~ Jantar-Manar ("instrument and formula") An ancient observatory built by Maharaja Jai

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-63369387799058377032011-01-08T22:40:00.005-07:002011-06-04T00:31:15.618-06:00

part 7 of ... Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) photograph courtesy of Amitsalla, GNUFDL v1.2 Legend has it that Akbar made a pilgrimage to a renowned Sufi saint, Sheik Salim Chisti, to seek his blessings. The saint predicted that Akbar would have a son. Later, when Akbar had a son (Jahangir), he built Fatehpur Sikri as a tribute to the saint. The city was built from 1571 to 1573, and

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-87987882308206016062011-01-08T15:18:00.605-07:002011-06-04T00:20:40.447-06:00

part 6 of ... Taj Mahal: A symbol of Love We couldn't just walk into the Taj Mahal. We bought our tickets at a separate location, where they gave us complementary water and shoe covers.  Then, we took an electric vehicle to the entrance; the government's attempt to reduce pollution.  We went through security, as usual. Outer gate. We covered our shoes with cloth wraps.  It is common to

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-2520331737019809262011-01-07T09:26:00.011-07:002011-06-04T00:30:58.590-06:00

part 5 of ... UTTAR PRADESH Sikandra Akbar himself picked this location for the construction of his tomb. He died before it was completed, but his son, Jahangir, completed the building. The mausoleum of the Emperor Akbar was built from 1605-1613, before the Taj Mahal. Each side of the wall has it's own gate - this is the south entrance. Notice the four white marble minarets. There are also

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-53739508901465614182011-01-06T18:51:00.239-07:002011-06-04T00:30:31.836-06:00

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px} part 4 of ... NEW DELHI India Gate This is the national monument of India. It commemorates all of the Indian soliders that fought during WWI and the Afghan Wars. Here, our guide kept saying "Take pictures, take pictures!" after every bit of

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-85632706611958895982011-01-05T10:00:00.008-07:002011-06-04T00:29:38.722-06:00

part 3 of ... The main reason for visiting India this time was to celebrate Amjith's parents' wedding celebration. Typically, when a husband turns 60 years old, there is a renewal of wedding vows - a huge celebration! ~ ~ ~ Getting there: Amjith's father rented a bus to take us to Thirukkadaiyur, a holy place of Saivism. The bus ride was 6 hours - a ride full of friends and family! We were

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-87271771873278954742011-01-02T22:50:00.017-07:002011-06-04T00:29:04.547-06:00

Part 2 of ... We had lunch at a beautiful hotel by the beach. The buffet was delicious! Pictured below: an okra and onion dish, pasta dish, chickpea dish, and a little cup of fruit. Here we saw a pool filled with "Doctor Fish" (Garra rufa). They are found in salons in certain places across the globe. We dipped our fingers in the pool to see if we were up for an actual pedicure! Here the

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-55714042527053905092011-01-01T20:58:00.255-07:002011-06-04T00:28:18.139-06:00

Part 1 of .... India, the exotic country of rich spices, brilliantly multi-colored saris, and said to be the 'heartbeat of the world'. This is my second trip, so I felt somewhat prepared and knew what to expect. Little did I know we were going to experience so much of India! ~ ~ ~ Let me begin by saying that we almost didn't make it to India. Our flight had a layover in Chicago and the UK.

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-74566543110346755712010-11-20T22:47:00.000-07:002010-12-19T15:08:42.919-07:00

Not too long ago, I stumbled upon this: p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; line-height: 24.0px; font: 12.0px Verdana; color: #016601} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; line-height: 24.0px; font: 12.0px Verdana; color: #016601; min-height: 15.0px} "I am mind itself.If I hold positive thoughts in my mind, good things are likely to

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-57577254766221460312010-11-10T23:17:00.000-07:002010-12-19T15:09:05.677-07:00

I came across these two blogposts that I particularly like from Aikido World Blog.Aikido and Spirituality   This post discusses the spiritual and technical side of aikido. It's a good reminder that aikido is not always about techniques, but that it is also way of life. Various teachers and school of aikido tend to stress one aspect more than the other."Ueshiba taught that, while it was important

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-39734230870792066062010-10-24T15:33:00.099-06:002010-11-14T15:50:10.617-07:00

(7 of 7) FUN with AIKIDO Parting is such sweet hoopla!  happiness is taking away someone's bokken rolling in peace and happiness brightly focused merriment Many Thanks: To MacBeth sensei for hosting the Western Region Camp at his dojo, Aikido of North County in Vista, California. To Christine Dyer sensei graciously made transportation and hotel arrangements for the both of

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-66812251397279725922010-10-24T14:25:00.007-06:002010-11-12T22:10:03.599-07:00

(6 of 7) Christine Dyer sensei It's always a good time when someone gets thrown! ~ For one of Dyer sensei's sessions, she taught: Jyujinage (the technique is named due to the "+" sign the uke's arms make right before being thrown) Sokumen Iriminage I'll end with some great ultimate and penultimate finishing poses! Ka-BOOM! Dyer sensei began her studies under Nakayama sensei

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-12494581059123196182010-10-24T12:24:00.003-06:002010-11-12T22:01:33.189-07:00

(5 of 7) Ken MacBeth sensei sometimes it's just too much fun! ~ For one of MacBeth sensei's sessions, he taught bokken dori.(techniques involving a wooden sword) ~kokyunage bokken dori tsuki sokumen iriminage bokken dori(tsuki = the attacker thrusts his/her bokken at your abdomen) He also gave us very detailed instruction on bokken takeaways. This particular aikido camp was

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-58623412800455759552010-10-23T14:24:00.003-06:002010-11-12T21:53:55.379-07:00

(4 of 7) Martin Katz sensei "Is that what I did? That's not what I did...  Do what I showed you!" Katz sensei either had a mischievous grin, a huge smile, or a seriously strict look on his face. Rarely will you see anything in between - he is truly present every moment of his life!  ~ Katz sensei is always very creative with his warm-ups. This particular exercise promotes zanshin  (

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-4244189117752439862010-10-23T12:23:00.012-06:002010-11-12T21:59:25.734-07:00

(3 of 7) James Nakayama sensei "Let me tell you the secrets of aikido..." ~ For one of Nakayama sensei's sessions, he taught ushirotekubitori kokyunage. ~ First: ushirotori undo Next: direct application Next: You do it... My Notes: When you step forward make sure your hips are still facing forward,something that helps is to point your toes outward when stepping forward. Don't let

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-57516115647072131132010-10-22T12:23:00.007-06:002010-11-12T22:12:03.394-07:00

(2 of 7) Stephen Toyoda sensei Let the games begin... ~ For one of Toyoda sensei's sessions, he taught kaitenage and some oyo and henka waza variations. ~ one of the OYO wazas (uke goes around the nage, and then thrown) (notice how the nage ends up in seiza!) one of the HENKA wazasIt begins as a traditional kaitenage, and then... let your uke keep turning until he is facing

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-66234292834549369412010-10-22T08:00:00.000-06:002010-12-08T23:18:16.479-07:00

(1 of 7) Can we? Maybe? Should we? Perhaps? Maybe just one? Oh, let's just do it! Is it possible? Wait... What? You're kidding me! Seriously? Ok! Let's go! ...by a stroke of last-minute good fortune, Amjith and I made it to the Oct 2010 Western Region Aikido Camp in Vista, California (affiliated with the Aikido Association of America). Kirsten Simms and Jeremy Neff A camp differs from a

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-12603181842515325052010-09-22T11:49:00.000-06:002010-09-22T11:49:00.550-06:00

Kototama: spirit sounds Kototama (also kotodama) is a system of cosmology and mysticism. It has to do with describing the universe through the vibrations of sound; there are mystical powers in words and names. Remember your childhood stories, where if a person successfully guesses or use someone's true/real name, they have some kind of power over that person? Think of the fairy tale

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-91226084008892022022010-09-12T01:52:00.003-06:002010-09-12T15:35:05.156-06:00

Lambert Park(biking info)This is at the end of our ride...So today Amjith and I did some more exploring. We found a nice rock jump on the Ziggy trail. This was more challenging than yesterday's jumps! Here is Amjith biking down the first stretch of Ruin.(Watch the red blur...) I apologize for the poor quality, these videos were taken on my iPhone.For those who are thinking about trying

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-33276959832286124552010-09-10T21:33:00.010-06:002010-09-12T15:34:03.251-06:00

Imagine yourself at a beautiful water park on a hill, surrounded by mountains everywhere you turn.You grab your water tube and jump onto the first water slide at the entrance. This is going to be awesome! You get to the bottom of the first slide on an exhilaration high, but you quickly realize that the water park has been designed in such a manner that you can not tell where you were supposed to

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-29204190754992941772010-09-06T17:28:00.054-06:002011-07-25T23:38:11.904-06:00

A biking picture story. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Deer Creek South Fork Loop in American Fork Canyon, UT.

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-71547433096140606342010-08-31T21:01:00.036-06:002010-08-31T21:40:13.035-06:00

"A fragrant breeze wandered up from the quiet river, trailed along the riverbank, and drifted back to the river again, wondering where to go next. On a mad impulse it went up to the bank again. It drifted back to the river."* — Douglas Adams *slightly modified to fit the occasion :) We were applying sunblock, changing into our swimming suits, and placing everything we didn't need safely in

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-73268791644459649002010-08-26T14:59:00.003-06:002010-08-26T18:52:42.638-06:00

I just started reading Aikido: The Peaceful Martial Art, by Stefan Stenudd. This one idea in particular was very eye-opening and refreshing. If you are a martial artist, what do you think? What stage are you in? Does this apply to you?Learning aikido can be compared to elements found in nature.STONE “immovable, tense, with sharp edges”*At this point, we are not familiar with using different

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-32971138126301626992010-08-13T15:02:00.000-06:002010-11-07T12:47:35.265-07:00

Image courtesy of Iryna Cherniavska James Nakayama Sensei was invited to Jyushinkan Dojo (the aikido dojo in Logan, Utah) to teach a seminar from August 13 to Aug. 15, 2010. Thoughts on the seminarThis seminar was very different than any other seminar I have attended in the past. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that it was my first seminar after attending kenshusei. Perhaps it

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-19244611327309020132010-08-07T15:58:00.000-06:002010-11-07T12:47:02.650-07:00

Our friend, Thad Roberts, was asked to speak at a TEDx conference in Boulder, Colorado on Aug. 7th, 2010. When Thad told us about this many months ago, we all said "Road Trip!" Image courtesy of TEDxBoulder (8/5/10) There were seven of us that met up and drove from Salt Lake to Denver. Before our adventure began, we fueled up at Cafe Rio, one of our favorite places to eat. Salem, Yoshi,

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-73721556390846314122010-07-25T14:06:00.002-06:002010-12-19T14:40:09.860-07:00

WEEK 4 (part 4 of 4) The last week. I have to admit I was becoming mentally and physically exhausted. Usually, in class, we watch as a technique is demonstrated for us a few times, and then we practice it on our own. If you're not paying attention to the technique being demonstrated, when it becomes your turn to perform the technique, you are lost and feel really stupid... "What are we doing

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-68016255226910455332010-07-18T14:06:00.000-06:002010-11-07T12:45:50.024-07:00

WEEK 3 (part 3 of 4)This week was an enjoyable week, getting to know my fellow kenshusei members better, and also having a good time hanging out with the Chicago aikidokas! I think Amjith leaving somewhat forced me to reach out and connect further with the other people around me. Many aikidokas (people who train in the art of aikido) had been waiting for this day - Sun. July 18th - Test Day!

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-83888424832972603352010-07-11T14:05:00.000-06:002010-11-07T12:45:24.920-07:00

WEEK 2 (part 2 of 4)By now, we knew everyone living at the dojo fairly well. We were more confident about what to expect this week, in terms of aikido training. It was still exciting to learn so much and to train with so many different people! Much of this week was spent learning 4th kyu techniques (what Amjith and I need to know for our next belt test). David, a fellow kenshusei member, had

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2349592845149267292.post-17826483412767896702010-07-01T16:41:00.000-06:002010-11-07T12:45:02.051-07:00

About Kenshusei: Amjith and I decided somewhat spontaneously that we wanted to go to a month-long "boot camp" where we would practice aikido about 40 hours a week for the entire month of July! I was so excited - life can't be bad when you're spending your days being thrown and throwing people around! This took place in Chicago at Tenshinkan Dojo, the headquarters of the Aikido Association of

YoshRamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17915889068729132604noreply@blogger.com0