4th Kyu Preparation - Salami Slice Approach II

As Irimi Nage is a topic in itself, and as I have realized that techniques can be executed in so many ways, I decided to dedicate a whole post to irimi nage in some variations. I am also feeling my mind let go of one single universally correct pattern and opening up to letting my body learn the movements...finally. Will practice this in the dojo this week.

irimi nage / omote – ura

Love the way this Sensei is explaining

Last but not least some footage from out dojo's 2011 summer camp evening rehearsals before the kyu exam

UV Gel French Manicure

As I have already been sharing with you, the only manicure that is shock resistant enough for aikido is gel nail polish. Other nail polishes crack unless you apply them over the gel nails. Then it lasts for my case for over a week with two trainings at least a week. In this video I am showing you how you can do them in a home made manner. However it takes some time to get professional in it. As a comparison I am adding a picture also with my nails done by a pro, versus the nails done by my mum in the video.

Hope it is helpful and that you enjoyed the video.

Here is the picture with gel nails done by a pro. I wanted to film it also, but it was the first time I went to this lady to have my nails done...so maybe I will ask next time ^_^

4th Kyu Preparation - Salami Slice Approach I

I went to this personal effectiveness training some month ago. I have learned some interesting stuff in there and now I would like to apply them not only in my work, but also in my aikido practice. It said that whenever you have to do something big or approach something totally new, just take it step by step. I have always been trying to approach a topic and take it in as a whole. Most of the times it it really demotivating. The trainer was comparing it to trying to eat a whole salami at once. In opposition to that she suggested to slice the salami and eat a thin slice every day.

So here is my weekly kyu exam salami slice for you. I am trying now to approach a topic, namely the 4th kyu exam material step by step. I also invite you along on the journey of analyzing the 4th kyu Aikikai Aikido exam material with pictures, videos, tips and what not! Hope you will enjoy! Feel free to comment and give any tips of personal stories any time!

Tachi waza:

Ai hanmi katate dori: kote gaeshi

Katate dori:  nikyo / omote – ura

Tips for Styling your Pendant

Hi everyone!

This post is just to give you an idea on how you could be wearing the Enso pendant that we are giving away with Anne Marie.

I personally wear my Aikido pendant from Aikitrend on a leather band, but you can combine it with other items.

Here is some inspiration for you!

 For more Aikitrend items browse their websop on

Aikitrend.com



Lauren Walsh, Australia, 1st dan,
currently uchideshi at New York Aikikai



Also don’t forget to join the GIVEAWAY if you haven’t done it yet!

GIVEAWAY! An Aikitrend and Beauty&Aikido cooperation

Hi everyone! As I have been announcing, I am hosting a new GIVEAWAY on my blog again. This time it is in cooperation with Anne Marie, a really nice and friendly aikidoka, owner of the AIKITREND web-shop.Together with her we decided to give away for all the aikido and martial art entusiasts this wonderful and stylish hand made Enso pendant. 

This hand made Enso represents the absolute enlightenment and elegance; It comes in a matte and polished finish.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE DETAILS:

Material: 950 silver

Colour: Silver

Finish: Matte/Polished

Weight: 7 grms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is super easy to join! Just use the Rafflecopter options below. Have fun, and good luck!
*Please make sure to perform all mandatory steps in order to qualify as a winner!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway coming up!!!

Hi everyone! As I have been sharing with you already on Facebook and Twitter, there is a MEGA COOL AIKIDO GIVEAWAY comming up on my blog! I loved organizing the one in January and decided to have another one now in summer. And just as I was thinking of what prize to give away, the lovely Anne Marie dropped me a mail about the relaunch of her website aikitrend and offered to sponsor the giveaway! So as we are getting ready for the giveway, click on the picture below, visit the new online shop and try to guess what will be given away ^_^

You can also share your guess in a comment!

Looking forward this great event! Hope that you also!

Aikido Breathing and Meditation Technique

Hi everyone! I discovered this great book about aikido and wanted to share it with you.

Life In Three Easy Lessons In One Easy Page


I. Presence
Substance / Rhythm / Center
You can’t get there from not here


II. Harmony
Fluidity / Adaptability / Blend
The only constant in the universe is change


III. Creativity
Listening / Melody / Lead
The mystery is infinite


Through the this meditation technique you are starting off on this road and exercising presence and turning presence into awareness.

~Feel free to try it out and let me know in a comment how it worked for you!~