Author Archive
Sunday, February 5th, 2012
Driving under the influence of life
I had a conversation with a student recently who was experiencing some difficulties, and I told him this: Driving is a lot like experiencing life. If you’ve driven long enough, or you are old enough, you’ve experienced a long stretch of road where you could see for quite a long way. And if you were [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Aikido by Rick Berry
Monday, January 30th, 2012
Attention to:
A. Improve your position: Change how you think! #1. Talking about a path is not the same as walking that path. Walk the talk! #2. You must start to eat primarily to improve your health; enjoyment of your food is a byproduct. #3. Pay constant attention to how you feel. #4. Be aware of your [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Aikido,Martial Arts,Off the Mat by Rick Berry
Saturday, January 14th, 2012
Attention/Intention
As I commented on Christmas Eve, I realized that I am slowly dissolving my dislikes. And in focusing on this intention I see I must continually look inside to: 1. Improve my position! 2. Have clarity of thought! 3. Seek a harmonious ear! 4. Self-valuation! 5. Relax!
No Comments » - Posted in Aikido,Off the Mat,Uncategorized by Rick Berry
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Armor! or not
Armor is heavy. Armor slows the warrior down. Soldiers wear armor and so do police officers now. That was not always the case and many deaths resulted at least in combat. Policemen did not die from gunshot wounds all that often in the past. The question is why now? What changed? What changed is simpy [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Martial Arts,Off the Mat by Rick Berry
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Obstacles to Goals (training)
Obstacle #1: lack of discipline. One plans to start tomorrow, next week or next month, not realizing that the journey of a thousand miles begins with that all important first step. Obstacle #2: Not realizing that all there is, is right here, right now! Which is when the first step must be made. Obstacle #3: [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Martial Arts,Off the Mat by Rick Berry
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
My new book
I’m excited to announce/share some news with all of you. Over the last year I have been working with one of my students, Kurt Brugel, in doing a second edition to my book; Stepping off the Mat”. My original reason for writing “Stepping off the Mat” was what I experienced I in 1977. I did [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Aikido,Martial Arts by Rick Berry
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
Armor or not!
Recently one of my old Quiet Storm black belt students arrived at the dojo requesting an opportunity, as he put it, to complete his training. I had not seen him for many, many years. He said he traveled through several other martial disciplines in that time frame. The request was for more than just the [...]
1 Comment » - Posted in Aikido,Martial Arts,Off the Mat by Rick Berry
Monday, April 4th, 2011
I think I can
Last year I was sitting with a small group of men at a table after a memorial service. Among the group was former Chester High School basketball coach, Juan Baughn. During the conversation he recited the children’s bedtime story, “The Little Engine That Could.” This opened up some interesting perspectives. Mr. Baughn’s question to someone [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Aikido by Rick Berry
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Impact II
Pay attention! Pay attention to your thoughts, they turn into words. Pay attention to your words, they turn into action. Pay attention to your actions, they turn into habits. Pay attention to your habits, they develop your character. Pay attention to your character, it becomes your destiny. These words written by an unknown author caused [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Aikido by Rick Berry
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Potential
Potential: Refers to that state or condition of anything which is not in an active state. It is a static condition which means it is dormant. DDDP is the answer. The question is, “Why do so many not live up to their full or even partially full potential?” Before I go into details I need [...]
