Class Description from Kayla Sensei:
In this class, we’ll explore, study and play with koshinage. I’ve found fun and interesting ways to study this technique without a partner, so don’t let the idea of koshinge intimidate you. If you have a partner, that’s great, but if not, we will use props to help you with the hip alignment. Even if you think you won’t use koshinage back at your dojo, the solo practice of the hip movement and how nage’s center contacts uke’s center, will benefit all of your techniques. I’ll include a yoga pose that mirrors the hip movement in koshinage.
For the past five years I’ve used Yutaka Mito Sensei’s maxim: “Feel, Become One, Make a Path, Don’t Throw”, as a barometer. We’ll look at these and how they inform our practice.
We’ll have study time and spirit time and we’ll bring the two together! I look forward to practicing with you and having an Aiki adventure with you.
Everyone is welcome!
Kayla Feder Sensei, 7th dan, Aikikai, is the dojo cho at Aikido of Berkeley. In 1973 at the age of 9 Kayla Sensei fell in love with Aikido and has been dedicated to growing in the art and training continuously for 48 years. For the first 20 years of her practice, she was greatly inspired by training under Morihiro Saito Shihan, who was one of the founder’s closest students. In 1980 Kayla Sensei traveled to Iwama, Japan to train with Saito Shihan as an uchi deshi (live-in apprentice). During subsequent trips to study Aikido in Japan, Sensei trained under a number of other Shihan who were close students to the founder, among many: Kisshomaru Ueshiba (O-Sensei’s son), Seiichi Sugano, Motomichi Anno, and Kazuo Chiba. Since childhood she has also practiced with and been strongly influenced by Frank Doran Shihan, Robert Nadeau Shihan, and Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan.
Kayla Sensei has taught seminars throughout the US, Europe, and Israel. In addition to her Aikido accomplishments she received a Masters degree in Holistic Health Education from JFK University in 1998. She received the rank of 7th dan in 2021.
Kayla Sensei recognizes that we all have different bodies, histories, ages and learning styles. She is dedicated to making Aikido accessible for anyone who wants to train at Aikido of Berkeley. Her teaching style supports the individual growth of each student. She has created a warm and welcoming community at Aikido of Berkeley. Sensei also includes yoga and meditation practices as part of the training at Aikido of Berkeley. She views Aikido as a holistic art and has said: “There is no end to the growth and learning we aspire to through our Aikido practice both on and off the mat”. She continues to dedicate herself to the daily process of changing and growing within herself and her practice and teaching of Aikido.
What to Bring to Class:
Bring a pair of shoes and a jo or a stick about your height or a little shorter. If your space is too small to use a full length jo, bring a bokken or a shorter stick.
Register to receive the Zoom link for the seminar class.
The seminar is by donation, and all proceeds will go to support our work as we continue to bring this practice into the world.
Suggested donation: $15-35
Donate via Paypal: (paypal.me/nolaaikido)
(If that’s too much, pay whatever feels comfortable. If you’re feeling a financial squeeze just come to class.)
Beginners are warmly welcome.
We look forward to practicing with you later today!
Please share this email with any and all you think might like to attend.
Thank you!
Brian Levy
Chief Instructor/Dojo Cho
NOLA AIkido
New Orleans, LA, USA