Common Bond Aikido

Happy New Year from the shomen hamsters

Very happy to be able to connect with friends and mentors this weekend at Vermont Aikido! Thanks to everyone for being such an important part of my Aikido journey!

Practicing kokyu nage, or "breath throw." Kokyu nage has several variations and results in "uke" (attacker or receiver) to be thrown, not locked in a pin or hold. 🌟

At Common Bond, we start every class by stepping onto the tatami mats and bowing to the "shomen." 🙇 🙇‍♀️ Our "Shomen" is the front of the dojo where we set up this hand-painted Japanese calligraphy painting (which translates to "love"), our two hamsters, and our mini katana (from a Japanese capsule machine!). Bowing to the shoman is a sign of respect for the dojo and for our Aikido teachers who came before us.

Practicing the defense of Ushiro Ryote Dori, which is when uke grabs both of nage's hands from behind. Uke is the "attacker"" or ""receiver" of the technique while "nage" is the "defender" or "thrower." The aim of the aikido we practice is not to hurt uke but to redirect their energy and neutralize them as a threat. 🌀🛑

Playing around with chokehold defense (while having a few giggles 😆)

💫 Last weekend we hosted Kagami Biraki, a celebration to mark the start of 2025! How did we party 🎉 ? With pins, throws, sword fighting, and cake to mark 3 years of our dojo! 💫

Halloween class got very spooky and silly

Such a fun time at with Mary Heiny Sensei and the Zenshinkan crew. Lots of fun, sweat, confusion, and community

So so so much fun at today with Mary Heiny Sensei. Glad to play, sweat, and learn with such a generous Aikido community