Aiki Institute Of Spokane

There are many reasons that we come to train in Aikido. Below is a list of some of the more common reasons that I have heard.

• Fitness
• Centeredness
• Increased Awareness
• Self-Defense
• Social Network
• Creative Problem Solving
• Increased Flexibility
• Increased Energy
• Stress Reduction
• Mental and Physical Challenge
• Fun
• Spirituality
• Better Breathing
• Keeps Me Out of Jail (yes that came from a student)

No doubt you have seen similar lists elsewhere. I encourage you to send me the reasons that you train. The number of reasons are only limited by the number of practitioners.

PPCO

I would like to introduce you to a tool called PPCO. Positive, Potential, Concern, Overcome. This is a tool introduced to me through Creative Problem Solving. It is a great way to debrief an event, or project, or way to run a meeting. In this case I would like to use it to further explore why we train and the true substance, and power of our training.

First step is to list the positives. What good things have happened in your day?…The moon setting during sunrise was a beautiful sight ….Ben made a particularly good esspresso this morning….Answered all my emails by 10:00am…. Steadily checked off items on the to do list…Had a nice stretch before Aikido class…

What good things have happened during the event? …I met new contacts… I saw a new product I can use…I learned a new way of using a tool …

What good things are happening in your department at work? …Hired a great new staff member… Had an informative new training… Surpassed our sales goals… Found a new market…

What good things happened in your training?…I learned a new application of ikkyo… Finally did a break-fall that did not hurt…Shikko across the mat without falling…Step forward, tenkan, pivot, step forward… You get the point?

Think about it, why do you train? What good things come about in your training? Send them to me and we will explore the potential of those good things in part two of this article.

As you can see we have a new web site.  It is my intention to make this site a central piece of the community we have at the Aiki Institute of Spokane.  The audience is not limited to those who study Aikido or other martial arts, but extends to the larger community.  In this way I wish to share with a broader audience the joys and benefits of our training and to explore opportunities to continue our training “off the mat”.

Please enjoy your exploration of this new site.  Send us your comments, stories for publication, and questions regarding Aikido and what it can bring to your life.  Consider the work we do here with adults and youth.  While training in the dojo is the rock of our foundation, we also provide unique and powerful training experiences in formats for the office or school.  Have questions?? Please ask.  In the neighborhood?? Want to know more?? Drop by!

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This June our first Reiki workshop was held.  Reiki Master Susan Mitchell of Reiki Healing Arts led five participants on a relaxing, healing, journey toward certification as a first degree Reiki practitioner. Twelve hours over two days filled with laughter, joy, love, and genuine goodwill.  This was the first workshop that this writer has participated in where snoring was considered a compliment.

Reiki is a gentle art of healing that anyone can learn to access.  Its uses range from first aid to general health to pain management to emotional comforting.  More information about Reki can be found at www.reikihealingarts.com.

This marked the first healing workshop hosted by the Aiki Institute of Spokane and the first step in building the Ki Center; a project to bring martial, aesthetic, and healing arts under one roof.  Thus bringing substance to the idea of integrating mind, body and spirit.  Stay tuned as we offer more such opportunities.