How about a calming trip to Japan on a Monday morning? You don’t need to pack or grab your passport.
On the corner of 79th and Quivira in Lenexa, Dojo Cho Neil Segal takes his students into the world of Aikido - “The Way of Harmony with Living-Energy.”
.@joelkclive is checking out the #SamuraiClub in @cityoflenexa on this #MotivationMonday pic.twitter.com/A4AA72FhfP
— TJH (@THellhake) August 15, 2016
What sets this martial art apart from judo or karate is that there is no punching or kicking.
Aikido is based on non-violent resolution of conflict. That is not to say there is nothing physical about it!
According to Neil, the class teaches “peaceful self-defense, breathing, centering and other exercises.”
Every age (Neil’s teacher was on the mat well into his 90s), men, women and children with every physical fitness level will find a way to practice this ancient art.
The first thing you learn is how to fall properly.
Neil said he hopes the excitement surrounding Olympic gold medalist in Judo, Kayla Harrison, will lead people to seek out this path to physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Think of it as a workout for your inner being as well as your outer body.
As one definition puts it, Aikido is “meditation in action.”
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Joel Nichols can be reached at joel.nichols@kclive.tv.
