Shinki Aikido, Mt. Pleasant Dojo

The Aiki-Exchange Blonde Ale will be on tap for the International Aiki-Budo Seminar (June 26-28, 2026) after party here in Mt. Pleasant, MI! There will also be non-alcoholic beverages, some good food and great company.

Cherry Blossoms (Sakura 桜) represent mono no aware (物の哀れ), a poignant awareness of the impermanence of life, as the blossoms are most beautiful just as they start to fall. The falling petals also symbolized the brief, honorable life of the samurai.

https://www.jal.co.jp/ar/en/guide-to-japan/experiences/cherry-blossom/what-do-cherry-blossoms-represent/index.html

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A few points regarding ‘learning’ …

Be discipline and committed, show up even when we may not want to.
Remember what appears effortless is not always that easy, it usually entails a lot of work.

Note that discomfort is an intregal part of learning.
Growth often entails working outside of our comfort zone.
Remember that correction can provide essential information.
And that criticism will test our fortitude to continue.

Contribute consistently to our own personal study.
Remember that choosing to be precise and consciously aware changes things.
Know that there is magic in the details.

Keep standards high.
Remain fluid and adaptable.
Become aware that evolution is also part of the process.
The ability to change helps us remain flexible, open and versatile, become contextually rich.

Lastly, nurture a ‘silent’ intellectual and physical engagement to reveal a Power in Stillness for self-reflection, awareness, and focus.

G. Breeland, 6th dan

REWARDING EARLY SIGN UP
In order to get a more accurate estimate of participants in our International Aikido Seminar here in Mt. Pleasant (during the last weekend in June) we are reducing the seminar fee to $100 if you sign up and pay BEFORE May 01, 2026. Otherwise the fee is $120. We are trying to estimate the amount of mat space that we will need and coordinating housing as needed.

Amazing to watch!

Seigo Yamaguchi sensei at Aikikai Honbu Dojo, 1980 Dec 8 Recorded by Lennart Linder.

Just show up!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CBGP2qvRv/?mibextid=wwXIfr koi

Some days we might not ‘feel’ like going to practice. Though at times we may truly be unable to - if we are sick, injured, or have family responsibilities- don’t misinterpret, these are all legit.
However, if we simply don’t ‘feel’ like it,
- go anyway.
Some days are just about showing up.
The practice may be far from perfect, just do the best and move carefully in the moment.
There is always something to learn even if we do not ‘get it right’.
Or…sometimes we may actually discover something, epiphanies surprise us - they often come unannounced.

Discipline, consistency, showing up when we do not want to is part of committing.
Make this a foundational habit.
When motivation is low, foster the mindset of consistent action. Practice it as a discipline, use it as a steady force.
Your teacher will quietly notice your consistency.
Your commitment, acknowledged.
Showing up and being present is what underlies all significant improvement.
Become inspired by the capacity.

Remember that for long term success, it is consistency - the steady, regular effort over time that is more effective than short bursts of extreme effort and intensity.

Sometimes the best advice is simple:
Have Discipline.
Be Patient.
Just show up.

G. Breeland, 6th dan