martial arts

Aikido is a martial art of peace. Its techniques redirect an opponent's force, and end conflict without injury.

Learning Aikido is not easy. Aikido demands total honesty with yourself. Slowly, over years, it loosened old insecurities, slowed my thoughts, and put me in the present. The way I move, think, and love have all been enhanced. It gave me a confidence I never believed I could have. Now, as a nidan and fukishidoin, I am learning to teach it, so others can find the same.

Iaido is the art of the sword. Draw, strike, clean the blade, sheathe.

I own a blade only because I am a devout pacifist. And I was surprised by what that contradiction would teach me.

Iaido rebuilt my balance, posture, and strength. It trained my attention to be absolute: one stray thought, one ache, and the form breaks.

Repeating the art's death blows did not make me violent. It taught me the weight of taking a life, and, with it, a deep respect for it. The true place of the sword is in its saya.