The Magic of Aiki: A “Partial Arts” Approach to Meeting Life’s Challenges

We will be practicing simple movement exercises, drawn from the martial art, “Aikido,” Its name tells all. Ai-ki-do consists of three Japanese characters: “Ai,” meaning “harmony or love,” “ki,” meaning “breath, internal energy or life force,” and “do” (pronounced dõ), meaning “way, path or method.”

Aikido is unique in the martial arts in that it deliberately avoids injury to the attacker. No kicks or punches are taught. Through rapid, fluid, circular movements, an attacker’s energy is gathered up, joined with, or deflected…In this style of movement comes clues for a way of life. The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, was a man obsessed not only by martial arts, but by religion and social justice, as well. At the end of his life he himself claimed to be ‘only a Beginner’ in the quest for peaceful power, saying ‘The only true martial art is love.’” (Dan Palmer, Asheville Aikikai).

Wearing a “Beginners’ Smile”, we will be borrowing very simple movements from Aikido ~ often delightful, always surprising exercises that bring curiosity, creativity, compassion, gentle power, love, and a “lightness of being” (and even FUN) to life situations we find challenging. The movement principles will also serve our individual safety and well-being, when applied to day-to-day physical motion, reducing stress on our bodies and spirits, as we face the ordinary and extraordinary challenges of living.

If you are between 5 and 100 +/-, you are likely to experience some delightful “Ah Ha!” moments, as we play with these principles. Wear loose comfortable clothes. There will be no falling, throws, strikes, kicks, or punches. There will be surprise and laughter, so bring your sense of humor.

About the Facilitator:

Ellie Kincade holds a B.A. in Sociology from Gettysburg College and an M.A in Counseling from University of Wyoming, as well as NC Certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor (Ret.) She has over forty years experience in university counseling and a multidisciplinary holistic practice, Integrated Health Consultants, as well as her own consultation practice.

Ellie is NOT a Sensei (teacher) of Aikido, but has practiced, as a Beginner, in several different dojos. Her Aikido Senseis include: Thomas Crum (Colorado), Danaan Parry (Washington), Dan Palmer (Asheville), George Leonard (SF, Calif) and Danielle Smith (Monterey, CA.) Based on the “Belt Color” designation of Martial Arts practitioners, she claims her level in Aikido is “Suspenders!” Ellie’s consulting practice and workshops have been entirely focused on the SPIRIT, power and practical application of the simple, inspiring, nonviolent principles and beginner exercises drawn from Aikido, and is accessible to people of all ages, seeking new perspectives in

responding to Conflict, Stress and Change.