Asi Shnabel's Blog

A ikido is a modern Japanese martial art that started in the early 20th century, evolving from a more traditional skills such as Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jiujitsu (led by the Takeda family for centuries), some traditional weapons skills like the wooden sword (Bokken), short staff (Jo) and more. the focus in Aikido is to peacefully and non-aggressively subdue an attack through a variety of techniques, conducted in a non-forceful way. Aikido mastery takes years of consistent and devoted practice but as skills evolves, it is second to none and extremely rewarding. The true reward is not in the techniques performed, but the development of the conduct that guides the practice and gradually becomes our nature. Traditional Japanese Martial arts were meant to develop the practitioner as a SAMURAI . The word "Samurai" is derived from the term "Samuru", means: "To Serve". Just like the understanding of a high degree soldier, or, and OFFICER, in the western concept, the Samura...

TOHEI Sensei (1920-2011) was one of the most significant and promising figures in Aikido history. He founded the “Ki style” stream of Aikido practice and was one of a few followers of the founder who earned a 10’th DAN! Tohei Sensei promoted Ki energy study in various ways among many Aikidoka. One of his gifted gems was the mentioning of the FOUR MAJOR PRINCIPLES TO UNIFY MIND AND BODY: 1. Keep One Point: Develop awareness to you center of gravity rested in your lower abdomen. All movements originate from this area and so is our true power, health and stamina. When we are acquainted to this area we are most powerful and effective. 2. Relax Completely: Relates to the ability to relax the mind AND the body’s muscles as well. Staying relaxed in the face of danger or hostile challenge is a mastery skill in Aikido and martial arts in general. 3. Keep weight Underside: Be aware of gravity and allow it to ground and stabilize you in any performance. The power of Aikido is similar to cutting ...

“All things, material and spiritual, originate from one source and are related as if they were one family. The past, present, and future are all contained in the life force. The universe emerged and developed from one source, and we evolved through the optimal process of unification and harmonization.” Ueshiba Morihei, aka “O-Sensei”; translated by John Stevens). This paragraph, written by the founder of Aikido Master Ueshiba Morihei (“O-Sensei”) summaries the very spiritual essence of Aikido practice. Aikido is a way of uniting, harmonizing and bonding with a possible hostile challenge in a form of a controlled attack by one or more attackers. According to Aikido philosophy, the attacker is merely someone who wishes for a connection in a certain hostile way. If we answer in a confronting manner than we have a conflict of interests, leading into struggle, violence, and a harmful lack of control. No one really wins that way, because neither the “winner” or the “looser” will have peace o...