PAY DUES ONLINE
*If you do not see the amount you normally pay listed above, or if you have questions, please email the Chief Instructor.
SUPPORT THE DOJO WITH A DONATION TODAY
Eugene Aikikai is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your tax deductible gift will go directly toward supporting the dojo during this time when so many are facing extraordinary hardship in the face of a global pandemic. We know that some of our students will be experiencing unexpected financial hardship as a result of the recent events related to COVID-19 and we understand. For those students, please continue to show up and train, communicate directly with Sensei about your financial needs.
For others, if you are able, please consider making a donation today to help fill the gap.
““The Art of Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here for no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your inner enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.
One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train.” ”
AIKIDO REFLECTIONS FROM AROUND THE WEB
REAL FIGHTING IS NOT THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF BUDO
The japanese word budo is omnipresent in popular culture and yet, it is one of the most misunderstood, including by budoka themselves. I would like to briefly explain the origin of this term and describe its fundamental intrinsic contradictions. Those are mostly due to the fact that budo consists in the study of ancient warfare techniques, but less for the purpose of fighting than to provide a means of education and personal development. I do not intent to resolve these contradictions, but instead, I would like to propose some ways to understand them, and more importantly, to learn how to embrace them, so that one can make the most of budo. Read More…
BY GERALD LOPEZ
Every once in a while I check my website traffic to see how it is performing. I noticed recently that the most popular search term being used to find my website is “Is aikido useless?” Initially, I felt offended by this, and ignored it just like we try to ignore annoying mosquitoes.
But, ignored mosquitoes don’t go away, and neither will this question, so I thought I would answer it for the next searcher who happens onto this blog post. Read More…
Essays and Reflections on Birankai North America's Community, Aikido, Iaido, and Zazen
Biran Online is a collection of short essays, conversations, and reflections of Aikido practice from Birankai North America, Eugene Aikikai’s affiliated organization.
COMMITTED TRAINING PERIODS
A committed training period is three months during which the student makes the study of aikido a priority. To participate in this program the student must be able to clear other life commitments, thereby allowing regular attendance at classes and the focus necessary to push themselves both physically and spiritually. In addition to attending classes, the student will be expected to develop a selflessness exemplified by helping in any way with the daily care and maintenance of the dojo, the hosting of events, and the support of other dojo members as well as the chief instructor.
Training is not limited to scheduled classes, but is ongoing at every moment of every day. The committed training period is an opportunity for self-development. There will be no reward at the end of the program. Two levels of commitment are offered.
There are two committed training periods per year
March, April and May
September, October and November
To be accepted into the committed training program the student must
Submit a written request for acceptance including a statement of ability to fulfill the commitment at either Level I or Level II.
Complete an interview with the chief instructor.
Requests for acceptance must be submitted by February 15th for the first period and by August 15th for the second period. Please note that basic courtesies such as paying dues on time, arriving to class on time and honest communication are expected. An inquiring spirit and a firm desire to learn are required.
Level I | Open to students from the rank of 5th kyu to 2nd kyu.
Minimum practice requirements:
Must attend classes at least four days per week.
Must attend the basic weapons class and one zazen session per week.
Total hours of class time in aikido must be at least 25 hours per month.
Must attend all Birankai Affiliated seminars held in Oregon unless excused in advance.
Level II | Open to all students with the rank of 3rd kyu or higher.
MINIMUM PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
Must attend classes at least five days per week.
Must attend advanced weapons class, one zazen session and two iaido classes per week.
Total hours of class time in aikido must be at least 30 hours per month.
Must attend all Birankai Affiliated seminars held in Oregon unless excused in advance.
Other requirements for committed training periods
The student will keep a record or journal of their own design of their practice and experiences. This record will be considered personal and need not be shown to anyone.
The student will submit a written report within two weeks after the completion of the three month period. This report will be on a subject of the student's choice relating to their experience and practice during the training period.
