Members

Aikido

Profiles:

Adam Herbst – Started March, 2009

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George A. - Started May, 2009

” I had always wanted to practice some sort of martial arts. Usually stopped after doing a quick search on the internet. Finally, one of my friends, who had practiced Aikido, asked me to check it out. I came to a kyu demonstration at AikiConcepts one Saturday and became very interested. Jim V, one of the instructors, showed me a couple of interesting locks and convinced me to take up Aikido. “

Doug Mertaugh – Started in 2004; 1st dan

” I started Aikido at first because a friend was doing it. I love it because it provides a sense of accomplishment and really good people to work with, helping them to improve and achieve while they also help me. “

Allison – Started –

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Vincent Herring - Started in 2007.

“Aikido has interested me since childhood, and of all the martial arts, it is one of the most beautiful. I am currently interested in ethical self-defnese and policing/ controlling techniques. I am also pursuing using aiki training as a tool for self improvement in everyday life and personal relationships.”

Scott Crawford – Started 1995; 2nd dan

“I had always wanted to study a martial art, and I “shopped around” at several dojo until I found Aikido. At the time, it seemed like the essence of cool to me – to control your attacker with a minimum of effort. At first, I learned that I was completely wrong! You don’t control your attacker, you connect with them and control yourself (Alas,”minimum of effort” was misleading – this stuff, although not about physical strength, is hard!) Since then, I have never stopped learning and discovering new things. That’s what keeps me coming back year after year. Plus, it’s just a whole lot of fun! (Plus about a dozen other great reasons…)”

Alexander Meadows – Started 2004

“When I was a child, I read a description of Aikido which said, ‘The Aikido Master would never be so rude as to prevent his opponent from attacking, but neither would he be so reckless as to be in the way when the attack commenced.’  I always admired that description and the various philosophies it represents.  When questioned about my life goals, one of them was to study Aikido.  While in Chicago, I had my first opportunity and became involved with an Aikikai Aikido club at the University of Chicago.   When I came to Indianapolis some time later, I was happy to find a Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo nearby.  Though I had enjoyed my introduction to Aikido in Chicago, I found that the methodical, incremental teaching style of Yoshinkan Aikido was a much better fit for my engineer’s mind.  Philosophically, I love the reserved, pacifistic, defensive focus of Aikido.  Physically, I appreciate the stretching and body-conditioning aspects of Aikido.  Emotionally, I take great solace in stress and negative-energy relief that comes from practicing Aikido.  I look forward to a life-long trip along the path of Aikido with my fellow Aikidoka.”

Heriberto (Eddie) Acosta – Started 2008

“I had been interested in Aikido for more than 20 years. Finally in 2008 I had the great opportunity to start practice. Peace of mind is part of my vision – this beautiful and unique martial art is giving me the tools to get there.”

Adrian Hansen

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Nathan Hansen

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Doug Williams

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Randy Smith

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Scott Harmon – Started January, 2004; 1st dan

“I saw Aikido on a martial arts tape and was very interested in off balancing the attacker. I developed friendships and enjoy the development of the relationship of both uke and shite. Also enjoy the physical activity and getting used to the close proximity of your partner.”

Adam Goldsmith - Started 2010

“Since I can remember, I’ve always been intrigued with martial arts. Growing up, I briefly studied Tae Kwon Do, Kempo, and Aikijutsu. However, they all took a second seat to other obligations; such as work, sports, and miscellaneous activities.

I am now at a point in my life where I have the time and energy to make the study of a martial art a priority. I have conducted extensive research on various forms, but aikido has always stood out. Its focus on energy, balance, as well as peaceful conflict resolution, is very appealing to me.

In my short time involved in aikido, I have already begun to see how its practice can apply to other facets in my life. I am very grateful to have found Aiki Concepts, and am really looking forward to what’s yet to come…”

The Turner Family

Andrea, Colin & James

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Group Photos:

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T’ai Chi Ch’uan:

Profiles:

Leona Cortis – Started 2007

“The study and practice of Tai Chi principles and form over the last 2 1/2 yrs has given me improved balance with flexibility and relief from sciatica pain from back osteoarthritis.”

Joel Fant - “I thought this would be easy. I’ve enjoyed being wrong ever since. It’s nice to still get those ‘a-ha!’ moments upon reaching each little understanding of the principles of taijiquan. The health benefits are only the beginning, but they’re no magic pill. Diligent effort is a necessity, like regular moderate deposits into a savings account.”

Kieron Mitchell -  “I’ve been in Tai-Chi since October 2006.  But instead of a black-belt (which, of course, there is no such thing for Tai-Chi anyway), I’M STILL WORKING ON THE FIRST FORM. No joke, I don’t know it yet. The last few moves, at least, and we are still going over the basics in class.

That’s one of the big differences between internal and external martial arts. External martial arts show results quickly. Internal takes YEARS to show progress. Oh well, it’s probably about the journey or something.”

Jodo :

Evelyn Dysarz “Jodo complements Aikido, as both are about distance and timing.  Trying to keep a good forward energy, good focus, and good form and posture can be very engrossing.  All jodo we practice are kata and I am continually impressed by the excellent posture required. Good for backs, core, legs and shoulders. I’m a second degree black belt now.  We go to Guelph, near Toronto, for workshops and testing.”