I.
Mission
Recognize and develop Ki through the coordination of mind and body,
Develop strong self-defense skills through dedicated practice and
study,
Integrate these skills into our daily lives and seek to share our
knowledge with others we encounter on our path through life,
Encourage students to adopt Aikido training and philosophy as way of
life,
Allow students to progress at their
own pace. Safety and enjoyment in practice are of paramount
importance.
II.
Core Principle
The
core principle of Berkshire Hills-Ryu Aikido is the concept of the
Continuous and Returning Center. As we practice our self-defense
techniques, we seek to identify with the center that is common to
both uke (attacker) and nage (defender). When the
common center is correctly perceived, great power and stability is
the result. The linking of our individual centers with the common
center to form a unified whole is a manifestation of Ki energy. The
practitioner's ability to feel and control the center (extend ki),
forms the basis of powerful, effective self-defense technique. The
internalization of the notion that this common center is continuous
and ever returning is the goal of our practice.
III.
Training Method
Our
teaching philosophy revolves around the idea that Aikido is best
experienced from the inside out. Each student has the living
principles of Aikido as part of his or her innate nature. It is the
instructor’s job to help the student realize the nature of and
explore the depths of these principles. Your purpose as a student is
to be open to the emergence of Aikido as a natural part of your life
process, realize your full potential through dedicated study and
hard practice and apply what you learn to your daily life.
Click to join Independent Aikido Dojos
Berkshire
Hills
Aikido