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. 

My Story

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.

What is Self Defense

I had a gentleman come in to the dojo yesterday for a private lesson on self-defense. I interviewed him first to see what exactly he was looking for and what his character was like etc…

It became apparent that what he needed was a shift in thinking. To escape and evade is the primary focus of self- defense not to subdue or to pay back the insult with injury. He asked me several times what would you do in this situation, I explained I would parry the attack and leave to escape the situation. He was puzzled by this, the client asked me again wouldn’t that make you weak? or how could your ego allow you to not answer back when confronted.  I again explained that as soon as the immediate threat was neutralized I cannot engage someone with becoming the aggressor and facing possible charges and jail time myself.

I offered to show him some basic drills and footwork to increase his balance and reaction times, after a ½ hour I thanked him for coming in and again explained I don’t teach people how to fight I teach them how to escape and avoid dangerous situations this is a far more valuable skill. The gentleman thanked me and signed up for 2 months of private instruction.

I changed his mind and shifted the paradigm of what is self-defense and what is just being another aggressive person in a volatile situation.

Self-Defense

Self-Defense is Found in the Simple Things

We teach self-defense --and self-defense is found in the simplest of things. Kindness, for example; kindness is a beautiful form of self-defense. Good food --and the appreciation of it; there’s a fine, fine kind of self-defense. Oh, and how about love of community? Participation in --and love for --one’s community is a kind of self-defense that’s impossible to put a value on. And my favorite kind of self-defense is found in a simple rule, The Golden Rule:

Treat others as you would want them to treat you.

Simply perfect.

We like Tom Callos’ (www.tomcallos.com) description of self-defense too: “Self-defense isn’t only about personal protection, it’s about taking care of the people around you and the place you live as well.”

And of course, self-defense training is all you already imagined it to be, but with this particular attitude about it, self-defense becomes about living a good life. What a great idea.

For information about our school and self-defense lessons for today’s world, contact us here. contact@olathekiaikido.com

Self Defense for the New Year call for free class.

www.olathekiaikido.com

Tips for those working in the service industry.

I have been asked to teach a self defense class for massage therapists, this weekend.
I thought about this and I came up with a list of basic info I feel is important to understand.

1. Don't advertise in Craigslist or another alternative media source like the Pitch etc...
2. Never meet a client in a hotel, Motel, Rv park, Koa, or any other unprofessional environment.
3. Do not meet a new client in an unsecured environment. Just because a current client recommends them, dose not mean it is ok to break this rule.
4. Have a plan, this is especially important when meeting some one on their turf.
5. Let someone know when you are meeting the client and what time it is over, have them call before and after the scheduled appointment.
6. Have a cell phone and a whistle and I recommend a surefire flashlight on you at all times.
7. Do not have a drink this is not covered and in your possession at all times, do not accept any food or beverage from a client.
8. Be aware of your surroundings and look for exits and possible weapons, both improvised and environmental.

9. Eat right, get plenty of sleep and exercise, you have to be fit to run or fight. Take a self defense class with a friend.
10. If you feel something is not right listen to your gut, leave immediately. You are providing a luxury service not a medical procedure. No one is going to die if the don't get a massage, but you might if your gut is right and you ignore it. 

I will expand on these in another post, I look forward to the opportunity to create this class, I will keep you posted to its progress.

Member of the 100

Cut Once

I use the Sword daily to help others. I cut once... If I have a problem I cut once... If I have something I wish to change I cut once... One problem one cut, then move on. Decide then take action