1st Kyu Test

1. Incognito 7.8.09 / 10am

   I think every one is arguing the same point at this time. The dispute seems like one of termanology. “In the zone” is, I feel what a westerner would describe as the same feeling as an aikiddoka would describe as “being centered”. The process Buck is describing seems to be more and more like the one Jerry is defending the more I read about their arguements. The only differance seems to be how the 2 of you descibe “confidence”. I think Buck meant it as a state of mind in which there is no doubt or fear as one performs, and that seems to be what Jerry is talking about when he says centered. Is that not what your tea master story was about? Ignore how you will perform, what you have to loose, what you have to gain, and “Just Do It” (to quote a greek god themed company we all know and love). This is exactly what the tea master did and exactly what Tiger Woods does durring his game.

   Grasshopper, the whole world is not Christian, and all matters of faith are not certain (that is why faith is required). Therefore, it is most appropriate that any one say “Christians belive” or “Christians hope” when stating veiwpoint of a groups faith. Notice how she did not use the Budhist’s arguements as a statement of fact, but stated that it was their belife that… Paul refered to salvation as “our blessed hope”, are you going to correct him too for not calling it objective fact?
2. Jerry 7.8.09 / 11am

   GrassHopper, I didn’t say I that I personally believe what the Founder believed. I’m just discussing my understanding of his beliefs.

   Like I said before, Aikido is not dogmatic. Your interpretation is just as valid as mine. There are many Christian Aikidoists, including in our federation.

   Aikido is not a religion. O’Sensei was very clear about that.
3. Buck 7.8.09 / 11am

   I think that’s a fair summary, Incognito. I mentioned semantics earlier and would point out that the symbol for Ki derives from a teapot over a fire generating steam, since one of the literal meanings of Ki is “vapor.” Similarly, we have the word Spirit and Ghost used interchangeably to describe one aspect of God in Xian theology. And who has ever visualized an opaque ghost? They are always potrayed or imagined as vapor-like, whispy, transluscent, mist-ical, transitory.

   Words fail in our attempts to describe things of substance and depth. God? Love? In Zen, words fail, period; only the experience matters.
4. grassHopper 7.8.09 / 3pm

   Incogneto: Yes, I know. My statement was meant to be a “light joke”, and as I look at it now, I think it looks more like an insult. My apologies MM- I didn’t mean to be rude.

   When Paul was referring to “our blessed hope”, he was referring to Jesus. It’s not that we hope our salvation works or that we hope it’s real. That’s something that we know is real because of our faith. Jesus is “our blessed hope” for a life worth living and a death worth dying.

   Jerry: What do you believe?

   Buck: According to the Bible, the founder is wrong.
5. Buck 7.8.09 / 3pm

   Grasshopper, with such a bold assertion, you are going to have to back it up, and be prepared for a kind but powerful kokyunage.
6. Jerry 7.8.09 / 5pm

   “Find your center” is also a play on our name: Aikido Center of Jacksonville. The whole slogan: “Find your center at the Aikido Center of Jacksonville”

   The phrase is intended to convey to prospective students a welcoming vibe (i.e. this is your dojo).

   From a website perspective, findyourcenter.net is easier to type than aikidocenterofjacksonville.com. Server redirects make sure both requests go to the same site.

   BTW, Sensei and I jointly came up with the phrase when revamping the website. We toyed with other phrases (discoveryourcenter.com), but we felt it didn’t read correctly.
7. grassHopper 7.8.09 / 7pm

   Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Peace comes from God as a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the Christian, not from man himself or man’s own efforts.

   Psalm 119:165 “Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.” This says peace is the result of keeping God’s Law. This is nearly impossible, but Christians are not under law, they are under grace. That doesn’t mean Christians can do anything they want. It’s hard to explain, but basically, it means that because of grace (Jesus’ sacrifice) , Christians live life without being under “law” (judgment, hell) and are free to strive for righteous lives. Let me put it this way. When God looks at a Christian, He doesn’t see them through the lens of the law. He sees them through His grace. The non-Christian is viewed through the lens of the law, since he hasn’t accepted grace. So, really, peace comes to those who realize they can’t keep the law, accept grace, and still try to live by it.

   With respect, would you like more answers?
8. The Dark Knight 7.8.09 / 7pm

   The Founder wasnt a christian, be it coming from God’s power, or the will of the HUMAN spirit..who is to say that he is wrong?

   “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” All of these are virtues that should not be limited to the idealogies of one particular creed or the power that creed believes in.

   Do not be so quick to judge right from wrong based on your beliefs…
9. grassHopper 7.8.09 / 7pm

   I didn’t say he is wrong. I said according to the Bible he is wrong.

   Those virtues aren’t limited to Christians. Rather, a Christian can use those virtues as an indicator as to whether or not he is living a “Christian lifestyle”. I used that example because it is relevant since Buck is a Christian.
10. MM 7.8.09 / 9pm

    Hey Grasshopper!

    When I said “Hope”, I was in direct reference to the passage my fiance quoted before me. I can explain in detail the theological run down the word representing the state of grace insigna “The Word”, but that is too much writing for me after an 8 hour work day, two aikido classes, wedding planning– and my homework is still due. 🙁 I can explain and continue this discussion another time in person then, we can get lunch sometime if you want?

    As for my schooling, this is a fair question and deserves an answer:

    I started seminary (Women of seminary) at Bishop Connolly Prep. in Massachusetts as a teen.(15,16-17?? a long time ago!!) I started in missions at this time.
    I studied with other smaller organizations at the same time.
    I took moral debate and ethics, Hebrew and OT studies there as well until I moved.

    When I moved to Florida:
    I first started at First Baptist Jacksonville through their BCF programs, That’s where I received my AS in Theology and bible.
    I then decided to go further into missions and decided to get an AA. in biblical council. I got that degree at Trinity college of Florida.

    I’m currently at UNF working on my bachelors so I can go to law school. (My degree at UNF is not Theological however.)

    Wanna talk sometime we can?

    Peace,
    MM
11. Buck 7.9.09 / 4pm

    Actually, the Orlando Aikikai website that Jerry linked to provides very good Biblical references that support and perhaps even clarify the nature of Aikido, especially for those to which Eastern ideas and practices are foreign (if not pagan-seeming). It is clear that we are not the only dojo to consider Xian spirituality within aikido. I think they’ve reconciled it nicely.

    Also, it is good to remember that in matters of religion, God doesn’t need to be defended; he can fend for himself just fine.
12. Buck 7.9.09 / 4pm

    Those who practice aikido came for different reasons. Those who remain, are drawn to its power, its beauty, its peace. Who can explain its magic?
13. Buck 7.9.09 / 4pm

    Find Your Center!
14. MM 7.9.09 / 5pm

    I tend to agree with Buck’s last statement.

    Christianity does not need aikido, and there is NO substitute for scripture; for those who are Christian there is reconciliation between the ideologies that allows Christian Aikidoka to rest assure they aren’t delving into paganism, but instead just allowing every choice they make to be a “peace making” choice– including their choice of martial art. The same way we might tell our children a native American fable because it teaches the teaching of humility. It is respecting and embracing the aspect of the martial that amplifies our own ideologies in ourselves- NOT replace it; that would be heresy.

    Again, I’m not saying there is any replacement or substitute for scripture for a Christian. I’m saying martial arts can and are just an extension to the dynamic and intricate beings we are– just one piece of a whole personality that is both linear and contrasting to the whole being simultaneously. This makes for interesting people frankly.
    Frankly, in my opinion Christ is bigger than anyone person gives Him credit for. He uses all things towards His own good, and you’d be surprised to see the things I’ve seen Him use to interact and seek His children. A God that would do anything to be with you can be found anywhere according to scripture. So why not sports, exercise, martial arts? I’m not about to tell God what He can use to commune with us or not.
15. MM 7.9.09 / 8pm

    btw: if there is any grievances with my last statement, please refer your argument to me directly in person. I don’t have the time to write a 3 page explanation of what I just said, post it, and wait for some one to read half of it before they come back with a rebuttal. I just don’t have that sort of time… I’m a real person in the real world, come talk to me in the real world or don’t bother objecting. lol
16. The Dark Knight 7.9.09 / 10pm

    applause MM to your response and the “btw” afterward…
17. Incognito 7.10.09 / 9am

    I think we should refrain from discussing religion on line and limit posts to no more the 3 sentences, unless you are the one posting on the blog. This is getting to be too much lecturing and not enough discussing. The Dark Knight has it right by being a man a few words.
18. Buck 7.10.09 / 10am

    This admonition from Incognito? Good point, but now you must live or die by your own law!
19. grassHopper 7.10.09 / 10am

    I think I agree with you Incognito. Buck, MM, conference time!
20. MM 7.10.09 / 11am

    **party down**
21. Incognito 7.10.09 / 1pm

    Short and sweet sentences are more memberable, aren’t they?
22. The Dark Knight 7.10.09 / 3pm

    agreed
23. grassHopper 7.10.09 / 3pm

    Better not ask; it’s going to turn into an argument some argument about religion, ethics, or, goodness forbid, Japanese anime!

Aikido Center of Jacksonville

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