The emotional lives of teens are more complex than we know. Feelings of restlessness and anger often overwhelm kids in these pivotal years. High school students generally have trouble thinking before they act – their brains are more impulsive than those of adults – and if they suffer from ADHD or learning disabilities, this can… Read More >

Out in the world, there isn’t much we can do to combat rudeness, the little moments of disrespect that we often encounter. Others seem to have a skewed idea of exactly what it means to be respectful, nevermind disciplined or compassionate! Maybe that’s why the moments in the dojo are so precious to dedicated martial… Read More >

Do you seek quick-and-easy gratification or long-term growth?   People searching for inner peace – or just a break from their hectic schedules – may reach for many different solutions. Unfortunately, not all of them are healthy! Instead of giving in to the temptation of a chocolate shake or cold beer at the end of… Read More >

Although aikido may be the superior martial art (if we do say so, ourselves), it is certainly not the only form or ideology in practice. In this article, we’re breaking down the four most popular martial art forms in St. Louis and how the difference between martial arts styles set them apart.   The Most Popular Martial… Read More >

Tranquility, awareness, focus — a strong, sound mind is a powerful tool. One filled with distraction and strife, however, is a breeding ground for a life of hardship. As a student of aikido, you have already been given many tools to harness the power of your mind. But how do you cope with life’s stressors that… Read More >

Inspiration can strike at any moment. Especially as a teacher who has the privilege of working with a range of people who embody their own unique qualities, I find that my students can occasionally remind me of aikido lessons learned throughout my own journey. The Realization This moment of clarity happened during a Tuesday night… Read More >

As Americans, we often find ourselves rooted so deeply in American traditions that we can sometimes forget to consider other cultures and their significance on this world. However, by following the teachings of Aikido, Shin-Gane’s students have already opened their minds and souls to the benefits provided by Japanese culture. Today, we dive a bit… Read More >

Every mainstream form of martial arts operates on a series of colored belts to determine class ranking and skill. You’ve probably even seen them shown in popular films and media. But what exactly do they represent? This month, we’re diving into the true purpose of martial arts belt colors and why they are so sacred… Read More >

Adolescence is difficult enough — the coming of age within which one defines his/her identity while coping with the physical changes of growing up can influence a young individual’s mind enough. Then add in the potential for confrontations with bullies, along with the stress of making friends and performing well in school, and one can… Read More >

Before practicing a martial art as humble, graceful and disciplined as Aikido, one must first understand the meaning and purpose behind its philosophy. The truth is that the origin of Aikido was not founded simply as a martial art; it was, and still is, a way of life. Only those who are dedicated to the… Read More >