Insights…. …….observations and thoughts for contemplation and inspiration
Morihei Ueshiba O’sensei 14^th December1883 - 26^th April 1969 The beginning, For if it was not for O’Senseis’ insight, dreams and dedication…..
Kisshomaru Ueshiba 27^th June 1921 - 4^thJanuary 1999)		Moriteru Ueshiba 2^nd April 1951- present To be received
A matter of Shoshin…. After an evening of practice A Student of approx. 3 weeks practice said.. “I am trying to understand Ikkyo” A Student of approx. 16 months practice said.. “I am trying to understand Ikkyo” A Student & Sensei of several years practice said “I am trying to understand Ikkyo”
T.K. Chiba Shihan No such thing… There is no such thing as a failure or a loser in life, except when we become a failure or a loser in ourselves.		Y. Yamada Shihan No matter… We must keep the spirit of Aikido and Budo no matter how we practice
Keith Hayward Sensei Centre… Do not separate, keep to centre and remember T.C.M.P.T. Christian Tissier Sensei To be received Summit… From the summit, look to the next.	Alan Pirie Sensei 1927 – 1995 Something good… If you can not find something good to say about someone, don’t say anything.. Courtesy of Glyn Evans Sensei Joe Curran Sensei Sincere… 'Just keep studying and do your best-there's no magic formula. Just enjoy the Art and be sincere in your study'.		Experience… In time, with practice, start not to intellectualise or think about technique, Feel technique, experience technique Philip Smith Sensei To be received
Henry Ellis Sensei Nothing more… As a direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957, I have worked endlessly to protect our Aikido history and proud lineage. We must remember the words of Abbe Sensei "No matter your pretence! You are what you are and nothing more "The early Aikido was a martial art, the dojo was a martial arts dojo and not a social club, There were no tree huggers in Aikido then and no quasi religious overtones. Remember the quote of Abbe Sensei before multiplying your grade or title "No matter your pretence!  You are what you are and nothing more’		Gwynne Jones Sensei Unless… 'An error does not become a mistake unless you refuse to correct it'. Pat Neary Sensei To be received Spirit and Humility… Strength of spirit…, not arrogance, Humility…, not weakness Vince Thompson Sensei One throw… ‘One throw equals a thousand words’
Arthur Lockyear Sensei Dynamism… I first met my teacher, Chiba Sensei, in September of 1969 when as a young Karate student I visited the old Sunderland Martial Arts Academy where he was teaching a course. Two things particularly struck me about his Aikido; his martial dynamism and his level of control. His dynamism was embodied by movements that were expansive, awesome and yet graceful, but at the same time economical. He employed a use of atemi that complimented the flow of energy between uke and tori, and brought to the proceedings a powerful martial edge that was breathtaking. His control of each partner was absolute, projecting them in such a fashion that they were able to safely respond with ukemi. As I sat and watched Chiba Sensei lead this class, I was deeply impressed by his powerful presence, he was like a panther stalking the dojo, relaxed, but seemingly aware of every nuance of the Aikido being practiced, all that was happening around him. His Zan Shin (awareness, martial perceptivity and responsiveness) was almost a tangible thing. This was a pivotal moment in my life, and I have been deeply impressed and influenced by this great martial artist ever since. His development of Aikido body arts, founded on and structured by the principles of sword and stick, do I believe, create new and radical perspectives on traditional arts without betraying their martial lineage and values. Chiba Sensei is for me the Beethoven or Leonardo Da Vinci of modern Aikido.
An open mind… Keep an open mind, because just as something old is not necessarily best, so something new is not necessarily better		Principles… People may change Dynamics may change Principles remain the same
Refreshing… It’s refreshing, someone who practices and studies Aikido and Budo and seeks to live the Way. Making all welcome, no politics, no conceit nor belittling; It’s of no concern, those who turn away, made uncomfortable by integrity and humility. In this day of so many wanting and taking the easy way, and attitudes of convenience; it is refreshing, continue as you are, respecting the traditional ways and values.		Your choice……, Choose wisely……. It is most lamentable, those that feign that they are on the path of Budo, they augment their self-delusion behind veiled desperation, in vain hope that the pedestals they build for themselves might not collapse beneath them. Arrogantly and self importantly seeking accolades and the approval of sycophants. Such ignoble spirits do not even try to walk the illuminated path; by their own choosing they travel merely a tainted imitation of what might have been.
Integrity… Some qualities in one’s life, such as Integrity, do not come cheap, yet cannot be bought. however, out of ego, some sell it for nothing
Consequences…. Each man has the right choose his enemies and his friends, He may choose unwisely, but the decision is his alone to make Then he must live with the consequences As must his enemies, and his friends
What does your grade say…? Whatever obi/belt you wear (whether white, colour or black) does not necessarily denote quality… Quality is proven by the standard of your ability, your attitude and integrity.
Thank you to each who has contributed… The Insights page will grow as further content is received