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Shinzen Dojo Clovis Aikido and meditation center (Aikido for Clovis, Fresno, Central Valley) (559) 323-1702 - Shinzen Dojo Clovis © Hideki Shiohira Shihan, 2004
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Aikido is a dynamic martial art form imported from Japan. It was created by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), also known as O'Sensei or "great teacher." The word "Aikido" is actually a combination of three words, "Ai" means to be in harmony or accord with; "Ki" is a word meaning life force or universal natural energy; and "Do" simply means a way or method of doing something. So, Aikido is the way of harmony with the energy of nature.
The purpose of Aikido is to teach us how to harmonize with all persons, places and situations. By performing the powerful, circular, flowing techniques of Aikido we learn focus, timing, balance and how to center ourselves in an ever-changing environment. We can become more attuned to the energy and rhythms within ourselves and to those around us. The practice of Aikido fosters personal and social harmony.
Though the primary purpose of Aikido techniques are not for self-defense, they can be very effective for personal protection. Through sincere practice, one gains great internal power and knowledge of the dynamics of movement. Aikido techniques do not rely upon physical strength, and are defensive in nature. The aim of Aikido technique is control, not destruction. Whatever physical energy or momentum an assailant brings to you is what you use against him, or them in the event of multiple attackers. While training, we strive to maintain a balanced mind and body, and explore attitudes and techniques which can keep us from harm and from causing harm to others. We do not train for competitions or some future event that (hopefully) may never happen. We train because we enjoy the nature of Aikido training. It's fun! Aikido is more than merely just another martial art form. It's a philosophy and a way of life. It's a different kind of martial art. Shinzen Dojo Video Shinzen Dojo Aikido : Aikido Shinzen Dojo - video link Shinzen Dojo My Space Page: http://www.myspace.com/healing_wellness Links to Video on Aikido: Founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba I Founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba II Aikido Masters Demonstrations Kissomauru Ueshiba 2nd Doshu Aikido Moriteru Ueshiba 3rd Doshu Aikido Shiohira Sensei Pacific Aikido Federation Christian Tissier Sensei Aikido Demonstration Kayla Feder Sensei Aikido Demonstration Ikeda Sensei Aikido Irimi Nage Demonstration Chiba Sensei Demonstration with Bokken Shinzen Dojo Shinzen Dojo, is a special place indeed and made even more so by the energy people bring in doing their practice here. The word "Dojo" literally means - place of the way. At this dojo, as an Aikido dojo, a sacred space devoted to ones personal development in harmonizing, giving birth to, resonating with the creative consciousness, life energy of the universe, the essence of love. The word and spirit of Shinzen is made up of two words: "Shin" - heart, soul, the clear mirror of beginner's mind; sincerity with no hidden agenda. This is "reitai ittai", body and spirit as one, the spirit of life or our original nature. "Shin" means "core" or "essence", it can also mean both "God" and "faith", or the essence... of love ... The word "zen" is virtue, it can also be known as the sword of judgment and courage, the ki of fire, which comes forth as compassion for the world. Zen in Sanskrit is a word for meditation, in Chinese, quiet contemplation, the Psalmist calls for a similar way ... Come to the quiet, Be still, and know that I am... So Shinzen the courage and sincerity to come to the stillness within and meet the light essence, the divine essence, the true essence, of who we are... surrendering into love. Meeting ourselves with compassion as we step out of our hiding places and move into the light, a resonance vibration with infinite possibilities..... Words often fall short of the true meaning and yet with these words and choosing the name Shinzen for this dojo I have set an intention for those who come here, "fellow travelers", that we might meet ourselves in all our beauty, form and formlessness, and have the experience of the word made manifest in all its beauty.... All that being said, in truth the dojo is not really a place at all, it is not a building, it is not a place, it is where ever you are now, that is the place, the sacred space of the way, into which we attempt to bring a beginner's mind, and surrender into Love. Come and share your practice with other travelers exploring the possibilities of Love.

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