Whats in a Name

I was recently asked to respond to what my Dharma name means to me.
Li Rui 莅銳
My

name which is translated as he who remains present ,with a keen mind. My sister in law who incidentally is from Tiawan, tells me it is a good name for a masculine child.
I know that Li Rui was a famous 19th century Chinese mathematician and astronomer who made notable contributions to the revival of traditional Chinese mathematics and astronomy and to the development of the theory of equations. Another Famous Li Rui was Mao's personal secretary during the Great Helmsman's most murderous period in power. Who Later called for Democracy in China as a way to modernize.

To me it is a reminder of the tradition and the opportunity and responsibility afforded me by Shi Yong Xaing , and by extension Reverend Soyu Matsuoka , Shi Mo Hua, and Venerable Shi Shen Long.
My Name is something I hold as close as my Robes, maybe more because I didn't earn it,
it was given; kinda of like a rank you grow into.
More like an entrance exam rather than a final

Snow and rain in Oz

I'm drinking an organic espresso with oat milk ,what's in your cup?
Today is raining and somewhat cold here in Kansas and the search for new dojo continues. I have a few places in mind and I am negotiating for the best deal and location  Classes will continue regardless and I will keep you posted.
See you on the mat!!!

What we Teach at North Lawrence Ki Aikido

What happens on the mat must carry out of the Dojo and into the world .

I wish to teach my students how to

Conceive, plan, gather support for, and execute projects, small and/or large, where they took the things we practiced on the mat (respect, courage, tenacity, etc.) and put them to work in the community to the benefit of other people and/or things (that matter). When a student graduated from one of my intermediate or advanced training programs, they would have a portfolio of projects reflecting values and mentoring far and above what I knew how to execute then.

Understand and use the tools of anger management, so that anger (towards self and/or others) played as little a (destructive) role as possible in their lives. As now I understand what anger really is, most of the time: Fear and of a destructive and unhealthy point of view.

Recognize the power of diet and food consciousness / awareness in their lives. In that food or things that pass as food might be the most important self-defense and health issue in their lives, I would have spent no small amount of energy helping them learn about food and the factor it plays not only in the individual, but in how the production of it, how it's produced, plays a role in the health of a community --and beyond.

Journal, in writing, photography, and/or video, as an exercise, a practice, in looking deeply at the what, why, how, and who of their lives. Had I known how fleeting the time was, how many people they liked and loved that would go away, and how difficult it can be to put the training and learning into a useful perspective, I would have made journaling as important as anything else I taught.

How to recognize and understand the manipulation of the popular media with regards to self-worth, body image, and values. I would have helped my students defend themselves from the unhealthy depiction of "what is beauty," and "what is it to be a real man," and "what cultivates happiness," and any number of subjects that reflect unrealistic ideals meant to sell products and/or enforce unhealthy stereotypes.

Non-violent conflict resolution; yes, I would have guided them to become as proficient at the skills of negotiation and conflict resolution, without resorting to any sort of verbal, emotional, or physical violence, as I was capable.

It's a longer list than this --but the point is, of course, today I could teach a far, far better form of martial arts --that not only developed world class athletes and practitioners, but that also prepared these kids, if at all possible, for a kind of thinking and social participation that would reap as many (or more) rewards than the joy of being highly skilled technicians of the martial arts.

There was a time when I thought that teaching all the physical skills of the martial arts was, you know, "the way." That was not an accurate understanding of the potential of the role of the martial arts citizen-teacher.

Living on you own terms...

It's not what happens to you that's important , it's what you choose to believe about 'what that happening is.' 

Your your choices shape your reality and the story is who you become.  If you truly wish to live by your own measure then you have to change the narrative. Your thoughts and words are a result of the meanings you have been programmed to believe. In aikido we talk about how the mind leads the body, I am beginning to believe that the mind creates the body. Our thoughts can change our very DNA and sequence the traits we physically become.

Sunrise on the Kaw

Kaw River Levee

.Waking up each morning to walk along the river, to breathe deeply, a walking meditation.  This communion with nature recharges me and sets the tone for the day. I work with emotionally charged and challenged clients, this enables me to stay grounded and to act consciously aware of my feelings and prevents me from defaulting to a reactive mindset. 

Fall Sword Haiku

I cut once in fall 

problems require action

use of the sword.

Sunrise reflections

Walking along the river in the morning is a great opportunity to reflect and to prepare for the upcoming day. I am so very fortunate to live in such an amazing place and to have the love and support of family and friends . I am still teaching in Lenexa and looking at other training possibilities. I look forward to Next year and hope to expand teaching opportunities. I am looking to add more sword and bokken classes,along with basic and advanced self defense classes. I think we can offer a kiatsu and breathing class if enough interest along with meditation and stretching classes.