mizunokokoro-patch4-webszWelcome to the Mizu no Kokoro Aikikai!

Mizu no Kokoro is a Japanese concept translated as “A mind/heart like water.” More specifically it is often taken as “A mind like still water,” referring to a state of mind which allows one to calmly reflect on life and its trials. We at Mizu no Kokoro Aikikai (“a gathering of Aikidoka”) cultivate this mindset as we train in the Way of Aikido while exploring the other aspects of a mind like water; its strength, flow, and quickness, for some. In the style of Aikido practiced here, there are no competitions. We all work to strengthen each other’s practice. As one instructor puts it, “like sharpening stones and steel.”

Mizu no Kokoro Aikikai practices at the Dixie Farm Business Park, 15255 Gulf Fwy, 140-D, Houston, TX 77034
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Please join us for good, solid Aikido practice and the comradeship of those who move along the Way!

Breaking News

Dojo closed – follow-up

Mizu no Kokoro is closed and will not be opening again at it’s former location. This site will be left up for historical purposes.

Marshall Dillon knew Aikido – who knew?

Random catch on the Interwebs – I saw a video purporting to be the ‘Final Episode’ of Gunsmoke. It wasn’t, but I decided to watch the clip anyway. Setting the scene, a useless waste of skin dude smacks around a young lady; his ‘wife,’ daughter? Apparently from a comment that Marshall Dillon makes, this has happened before and the Marshall is not pleased about it. So he takes his gunbelt off and tells the bad man he’s going to ‘teach him a lesson.’ (side note: this is generally a bad idea and not an Aikido principle – just to keep that straight… on to the story) Of course, as soon as the Marshall takes off his sidearm… the bad guy pulls a knife. So… after a bit of slashing and jumping, the Marshall pulls his first ‘Aikido’ move. Check the video at ~1:50 minutes in. Good catch and turn… with an excellent atemi! But wait… there’s more! At 1:58, Marshall Dillon executes one of the prettiest kaitenage knife defenses against a yoko-menuchi strike I’ve ever seen outside of a dojo! Marshall Dillon knew Aikido… who knew?

Here’s the clip, enjoy!