Aikido is the art of finding peace in the midst of conflict. We often think that if we can emerge victorious from a conflict, then we can find peace. Other times, we think that if we put an end to all conflict, or run away from it, then peace will come. However, Aikido shows us clearly that the spirit of peace exists in the midst of the most rapid movement, all around us all the time; in other words, in the conflicts of our daily lives.
In Aikido, we look right at this sense of struggle. When someone grabs your wrist, if you try to throw him you will struggle and he will be able to resist you. Only by relaxing, letting go of struggle, can you move freely together. In the same way, in our daily lives, when we try to control others, we bring struggle.
By training in Aikido, we take the calmness and relaxation we gain from our meditation practice, and apply it to our interactions with others. Our character is revealed through our training, and refined by our training. If we physically struggle to throw our partner, we are approaching the situation with a fighting mind and a fight is bound to result. However, if we remain calm, we can move our partner's mind and their body with follow us easily.
We offer classes for adults and children ages 6 and up.
Http://www.restonkiaikido.com
