Gleason Sensei Video

Some recent footage of my teacher Bill Gleason Sensei.

Managing Change in Aikido

Here is a great post about the Internal Aiki training we have been working with by George Ledyard Sensei, chief instructor of Aikido Eastside in Bellvue WA.

Coupon

Please use this link to get a 30% off coupon at the Libbey Glass outlet store. Just go to the site and print it out! Enjoy!

http://toledostore.libbey.com/

Basics Seminar Cancelled

The Basics seminar that was schedule for this Saturday, October 31st has been cancelled due to influenza. We will, however, hold the regular class this saturday from 10 to 11:15am.

dojo membership

This next Wed., 11-04, I am hoping to have two, maybe three, prospective dojo members show up for class. If you know of anyone that you can invite, please keep that in mind. Maybe in the last five minutes we could have a total and complete head shaving ceremony for Phil-san, whaddya say?!? LOL

What a weekend...

Well if you don't know by now, Gleason Sensei, was in town this past weekend. Whenever Sensei makes a trip into town it always seem to leave me, as well as others, incredibly humbled and with a list of a lot of stuff to work on to improve my aikido training. This weekend was no different!!! But this weekend was unlike any other in the fact that I was testing for shodan, and Doug was testing for nidan. As if it wasn't intimidating enough just taking ukemi from Gleason Sensei, I was tasked with testing in front of him. Needless to say I was quite frightened. The test went very well and both Doug and myself passed!!!! I cannot write in words what an honor it is to be the first to test for shodan in front of someone from our direct lineage of aikido instructors.

This accomplishment does not belong to just me though. Our dojo has seen some good times and some bad times... and no matter what we've become a stronger dojo family from them both. This is not a victory for myself alone, but for all of us. I would not have completed the mountainous task laid in front of me on Saturday evening if it were not for all of you giving your blood, sweat, and ki on the mat with me in the months and years leading up to it. Thank you for the honest feedback, the patience, the impromptu morning test reviews, the dedication in this tough time. For that I am truly grateful.

There has been a lot of new ways presented to us at the dojo recently, and testing in front of Gleason Sensei is another one on that list. Despite the nervousness Friday, the absolute fright on Saturday all day, and the relief and soreness on Sunday, we were all still very victorious. Victorious in the sense that we all made one hell of an effort to take up the gauntlet that Gleason Sensei continually laid down for us this weekend. Even Gleason Sensei this was an "advanced seminar." I can promise you that I will continually add depth to my practice and increase my feeling, as long as I continue to have a great uke backing me up and responding honestly. I know all of you will continue to do the same. Thank you all for this, and for the making the dojo what it is.

Philip Behnfeldt

Weekend pictures

Here are two pictures from the weekend seminar:

Update!!! Congratulations to Doug Krohn for achieving Nidan, and Phil B. for passing his Shodan test...Gambatte kudasai!!

Gasshuku with William Gleason Shihan, Sept. 25-27

Author of his latest book, Aikido and Words of Power: The Sacred Sounds of Kototama, Bill Gleason Shihan, 6th Dan, is coming back to Toledo. We had an excellent turnout during his last two visits, and Gleason Sensei as always does not disappoint with his wisdom and brilliant demonstrations. Do not miss the opportunity to learn from such a well respected teacher and practitioner. And so please make time in your schedules for what will be a valuable experience.

Gasshuku Schedule:
Friday 6-8 PM
Saturday 10 AM-Noon, 3-5 PM
Sunday 10-1 PM

For those who are interested in seeing and learning more from Gleason Sensei, he will also be at Cleveland Aikikai on Sept. 17th and at Oberlin College on Sept. 18-20.

Hope to see you on Sept. 25-27. We look forward to train with you. Gassho.

Weapons/Basics Seminar Pics

sensei playing some jazz the night of the testing with his UT jazz faculty colleagues

Victor (3rd Kyu) and Sensei


















Shane (5th Kyu) and Sensei




















Donovan (6th Kyu) and Sensei




















Chuck (1st Kyu) and Sensei

A very good weekend for training in a combination of basics and weapons. Congrats to all who tested and passed. Here are some pictures:

Jay Weik in Boston July 2009