Responses
Brandon is a very bright and energetic problem solver with a deep commitment to Aikido in the world. I think he will do great if anyone can at this challenging time during the unnecessary and intentionally fabricated economic collapse.
Your skills are ideally suited to help non-profits take their next step in vision, from living with an essential idea to realizing its potential in a way that everybody involved gets what they need.
"If you assume that "harmony" pretty much covers all the bases, then your aikido will be oriented a certain way. In my opinion, harmony is an essential aspect, but I believe aiki embraces a much larger field of thought and action. For this reason, I've been a huge fan of Brandon's trademark "aikido is conflict done well." Harmony may or may not be an outcome of aiki. At the same time, I readily affirm that as conflict is done increasingly well, an increase of harmony is almost an inevitable artifact."
AH! Now I understand!!! Thanks. You are a patient teacher--a quality I know and appreciate in others.
I just thought of a possible gig for you. I've been dealing with this sticky/issue laden interaction in one work relationship. As I was going out to the garage I thought, "Brandon would be the perfect person to de-escalate situations like this." And then I thought what a good fit it would be for you to be an on-call person to go to red line conflicts, and bring things back to sanity.
I found this morning's conversation the absolute juiciest....conflict resolved in a flash....no residual debris. What a rush...We tackle the thorniest issues imaginable...it takes about 5 min.....it's over. Wow. How cool is that?
Brandon is a very bright and energetic problem solver with a deep commitment to Aikido in the world. I think he will do great if anyone can at this challenging time during the unnecessary and intentionally fabricated economic collapse.
Thanks to you for all you did and do in support. Your relaxed competence and generous spirit helped keep the whole event together and made it optimally enjoyable.
Foster Gamble
Your skills are ideally suited to help non-profits take their next step in vision, from living with an essential idea to realizing its potential in a way that everybody involved gets what they need.
Ed Correia
CEO and President of Sagacent Technologies, Silicon Valley
CEO and President of Sagacent Technologies, Silicon Valley
"If you assume that "harmony" pretty much covers all the bases, then your aikido will be oriented a certain way. In my opinion, harmony is an essential aspect, but I believe aiki embraces a much larger field of thought and action. For this reason, I've been a huge fan of Brandon's trademark "aikido is conflict done well." Harmony may or may not be an outcome of aiki. At the same time, I readily affirm that as conflict is done increasingly well, an increase of harmony is almost an inevitable artifact."
Ross Robertson
Dojocho - Still Point Aikido Center
Dojocho - Still Point Aikido Center
AH! Now I understand!!! Thanks. You are a patient teacher--a quality I know and appreciate in others.
Katie Johnson
Retired Teacher
Retired Teacher
I just thought of a possible gig for you. I've been dealing with this sticky/issue laden interaction in one work relationship. As I was going out to the garage I thought, "Brandon would be the perfect person to de-escalate situations like this." And then I thought what a good fit it would be for you to be an on-call person to go to red line conflicts, and bring things back to sanity.
Dhyana Iris
Elder Care Professional
Brandon was great. Very professional, enjoyable and easy to work with.
David K. Becker, MD, MPH
Assistant Clinical Professor
UCSF Department of Pediatrics
Elder Care Professional
Brandon was great. Very professional, enjoyable and easy to work with.
Assistant Clinical Professor
UCSF Department of Pediatrics
I found this morning's conversation the absolute juiciest....conflict resolved in a flash....no residual debris. What a rush...We tackle the thorniest issues imaginable...it takes about 5 min.....it's over. Wow. How cool is that?
David Williams
my Dad
my Dad
thanks for listening while i did my deep dive to the bottom.
thanks for not saying i was being extreme.
trying to get me to look at what was going well.
by doing that i was able to recover much more quickly.
and this morning have a more balanced perspective on how things are going.
thanks for not saying i was being extreme.
trying to get me to look at what was going well.
by doing that i was able to recover much more quickly.
and this morning have a more balanced perspective on how things are going.
i.m.
a good friend and colleague
a good friend and colleague
this area will update as comments are added
Labels: bdwc, bio, professional, responses
| posted by Brandon @ 7/10/2009 08:24:00 PM
My work in the world involves three paths:
- practicing group facilitation in order to build sustainable communities wherever there is an opportunity (neighbors, non-profits, service clubs, intentional communities, religious groups, businesses, etc.). Professionally, I use variations of the phrase "doing conflict well" in consulting gigs, and aikido is one of my favorite somatic metaphors for learning that process. I use various names for the methods I teach, most of which are clarified at bdwc.net under "Big Ideas."
- proposing to other facilitators that we identify as a field of study and community of practice so we may have a collective impact, of which consequent generations may be proud, on peace-making worldwide.
- treating the larger culture as a community in the making, as though a global, communitarian mythology were being constructed that is psychologically mature and designed to opt out of fundamentalisms.
Labels: bdwc, bio, processarts, professional
| posted by Brandon @ 4/22/2009 09:00:00 AM
Ready
to direct focus
wherever it needs to be
right now
Steadyto direct focus
wherever it needs to be
right now
in relationship and any agreement
and good to
Go!
with strength and flexibility
wherever we have agreed
to make positive changes
with strength and flexibility
wherever we have agreed
to make positive changes
My work history is an even mix of special teams assignments and long term relationships for mutual benefit. What I do best is find ways everyone involved in a sphere of influence can get what they need, some of what they want, and want more of the same. Right now I'm working with Aiki Extensions through Association Building Community providing AE's Administration. I'm looking for people who need any of the below:
- a community of support for local training and international peace work, or
- a facilitator for a project or initiative who has learned to develop and communicate cutting edge work, run small non-profits, mediate top-level conflicts and build consensus between differing parties, and is known for unusually effective professional ethics, or
- a highly educated training professional with unique methodologies to offer a dynamic learning process for your organization or non-profit Board, combining systems analysis with martial discipline and performance oriented creativity, or
- an excellent place to collaborate, learn about Aikido and building peace communities, or offer a tax-deductible donation to build the work suggested here.
Labels: bdwc, bio, employment
| posted by Brandon @ 2/19/2008 02:59:00 PM
extended cover letter
~ this assumes a following conversation - feedback more than welcomed ~
~ this assumes a following conversation - feedback more than welcomed ~
To whom it may concern:
Dear Whom,
Things change.
Of this a human being can be reasonably sure.
Sometimes everything changes, not literally but in the way that one mbday wake to a morning different from every other that preceded it. The night before made this possible because, in my case, the future I had imagined died with my little boy. Perhaps the sun set on the birthday that finally made you feel Old, or the doctor's assistant called to murmur the word metastasized, or it finally hit home that ten years ago the power equivalent of two nuclear plants was expended to run the vending machines in Tokyo each day. Now the figure is much higher.
And what remains is Now, and a series of questions and moments for making decisions.
Climate Change, Privatization of remaining space, food, water, air, and energy, the resulting moves toward War, and Extinction, for example, are not any more the burdens of tomorrow that humanity may be able to lighten, given sufficient reactive fear and growth of collective wisdom. Supremely unpopular (until they are recognized as heroism) choices for entire cultures to change are what stand between us and a dark tomorrow, blue like a bruise. The revisioning of education, business, and public policy to shape a culture of Peace, the work to which you and I are called, is not for someday but for Now and we are as prepared as we need to be to model and learn in this moment a new ethic of Community and conflict done well.
To that end I have a three-part request to make.
At 38 years old, and after working in a multitude of capacities in academia and the private and not for profit sectors, I am finally finishing a Ph.D. dissertation on the psychology and mythology of culture. Please read what follows which outlines my current readiness and hopes for the future and then, if I have held your interest, go to bdwc.net and read my story and qualifications. After reading, if you know of 20 hours each week of employment related to my vocation I may provide while I write, please contact me with information. My time of building this work with little regard for my personal longer-term sustainability has passed. Any additional assistance you might provide in securing a good working relationship is more than appreciated. If you are able to connect me with direct funding for this work at this time or in the future, all the better. I ask for the gift of your support.
If you feel moved to connect for other deeply felt or less clear reasons I welcome the chance to meet with you for an exchange of listening.
Warm regards,
Brandon WilliamsCraig
My current capacity:
- Discharging executive responsibilities in professional support of a shared vision
- Facilitating group processes designed and implemented to result in ongoing groups which discern and learn from internal mistakes, keep the needs of the greater community in focus, and make dynamic mission-moving decisions while improving the quality of life of everyone involved.
- Working within an existing structure to improve the sense of connection and practice of communication between members, building the capacity of the whole to respond quickly, flexibly, and ethically to difficult situations.
In 2008 I will serve an existing organization and finish my dissertation. Then, hopefully still in partnership with that group, I will return my focus to fostering a coalition of individuals and organizations to create a partnership that builds a culture which gives rise to Community on purpose. This community will support all ages in learning and practicing the Process Arts such that peace is redefined as conflict done well and the arising, worldwide, communitarian myth is reinforced in which individual freedom, martial nonviolence, and the hands-on love of all life are woven together.
I intend to do this by co-founding a community of professional conflict facilitators who will learn, demonstrate, teach, and offer public actions. This community may then grow to include study in all levels of academic, public, and alternative endeavor, a school of its own, a residential apprenticeship program, and offerings for the ethical deepening of business and the process of shaping public policy. At this point we may offer services to the international community. From the beginning the partnership will model the behavior it advocates but inevitably both succeeds and fails in realizing. It will welcome "external" change requests and critique, remain faithful to an ongoing auto-critical process, and be transparent throughout, changing, fostering, and sharing leadership regularly and growing only to the point that a felt sense of quality of relatedness will allow.
Labels: bdwc, professional
| posted by Brandon @ 9/24/2007 01:40:00 PM
Others' Responses to Tragedy, Crisis, and Grief
"I wish there were words to comfort and fix, there just aren't any. Know that things are what they are for a reason - which is unknown. That is the mystery. If any of us had a crystal ball to see what lie ahead, I wonder if we would even be willing to proceed...perhaps that is the reason for mystery. In times like these, it would be comforting to have a crystal ball to see what good lies ahead - certainly, it must be closer than we think..."
"Like Job you have suffered much for reasons beyond the scope of comprehension. Thank you for sharing how it really is for you right now as you hold the loss of Aidan's physical presence with the challenges of your current world. Love"
"I am profoundly grateful to see the videos of Aidan. Thank you, thank you. Your latest chapter left me drenched in tears, outraged, astounded and finally, resolute."
Not asking for anything - just needing to write.
Really tired of writing stuff like this.
Even more tired of living it.
"Amen to that last sentiment...blessing on you."Really tired of writing stuff like this.
Even more tired of living it.
"I'm so sorry to hear that! As usual... words, words, words... please tell me if I can help!"
"Sending you and Lisa some good energy. I know you weren't looking or asking for a reply, just wanted to show my support by acknowledging I read your email. And that you are being
heard. Blessings"
"Just wanted you to know that you and Lisa are both very present in my heart. Aidan has been on my mind a lot lately as well, knowing that his birthday was yesturday and the one year anniversary of his passing is just around the corner. I can't believe it's been a year since we celebrated his first birthday in the park. Please let me know if I can do anything to help given
Serenity's absence. If you need a truck for moving anything, you're more than welcome to mine.
I hope to see you on the mat this week."
"O Lord have mercy!
You must be working very close to the bone for these outrageous assaults on your consciousness to go on and on. You’ve threatened the Cosmic Devil, exposed The Lie Itself to be crucified so slowly.
On the Mat
the devil of inherited distortion to daily joust with
the devil of slander, misunderstanding and reputation assassination
the devil of rejection and isolation
the devil of financial need
the devils of death and grief and stealing of comfort and transportation
all of them assault you at once and at length, but the Breath of God and The Way of Peace use their momentum against them!
Nothing can separate you from your Center –neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither present nor future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
You many be weary, weary, weary but you are not separated.
Think on the love that is yours
and laugh at the human condition. Do some serious laughing."
"I really am at a loss for words. However, I will say the following.
YOU AND LISA DON'T DESERVE ANY OF THIS!!!!
I really can't comprehend why terrible things happen to good people. The Creator and I have had some long conversations about these situations and I still don't understand!
I know that none of what I have written so far is of much comfort. Wish I had the power to go back in time and change past events for you and so many others. Praying that you get well soon and your stolen Serenity is returned soon with nothing missing."
i had a candle lit all yesterday and was sending good energy y'all's way. i got mixed up and thought that monday was aidan's birthday when it was sunday, but probably you could have used the prayers regardless. take care of yourselves!
i had a candle lit all yesterday and was sending good energy y'all's way. i got mixed up and thought that monday was aidan's birthday when it was sunday, but probably you could have used the prayers regardless. take care of yourselves!
Thank you for providing such a stunning example of fully realizing and dimensioning obstacles, losses and disappointments, instead of pretending they aren't there. That is most certainly the first step. Sometimes, for me, the second step is "How do I feel about how I feel (about my disappointment, loss, failure, obstacle)." And if this doesn't present a solution, in about thirty seconds, I ask "How do I feel about how I feel (about that disappointment)" and so forth. Eventually a solution usually comes forth, like Einstein presenting an apple. Thank you for writing from the heart.
The videos of Aidan are beautiful and precious. Of course there are no words to really express the beauty of them and of him. One thing that I think I believe (I guess my beliefs change daily/yearly/over lifetimes) is that everyone we encounter has something to teach us, if we listen with our hearts and learn. I know that Aidan has taught you and Lisa many things - this is so apparent. But, he must have been so much more "special" than we, as humans, can almost comprehend, because he must have been needed elsewhere urgently, to teach his lessons. You and Lisa have obviously been good "students" of little Aidan and have graduated his lessons of this earthly life. So empty are words, though, in the midst of greatness. Greatness both of blessing and of loss.
Ideal Employment
Why not dream where other folks can see it? These vocational ideas are useful fictions that help me get at paths I imagine can lead to my best work.
- Co-founder, Guardians of Peace Project, entering the public forum to raise funds and build the professional partnership of conflict facilitators who train, provide training for, and recruit those called to do conflict well as a vocation so the building of community results in a world that expects to serve everyone in it.
- Vice President in charge of facilitating Community Building for a professional concern that imagines humans as more than Resources and has the visions and will to create time during (expected) and outside (voluntary) the work day for Healing Friction and Associative Inquiry such that the work-lives of said humans become less stressful and more productive.
- Executive Assistant to You Know Who, that figure in peace activism, community organizing, conflict facilitation, public policy, etc. whose pleasure it is to train and mentor the next generation of leaders and mentors.
- Associate Professor, Cultural and Conflict Studies, developing a Mythological Studies program for a forward looking higher educational institution. Imagine a school that wants what Joseph Campbell did for Sarah Lawrence under the rubric of Literature.
Labels: bdwc, daily, employment, vocation
| posted by Brandon @ 6/23/2007 03:44:00 PM
On May 30, 2007 I wrote:
About being unpromoted from Yondan in San Diego.
The following arrived, parallel to phone calls along similar lines, by email...
Some but not all names have been removed, just because.
hard to know what else i could usefully add in written words since they are not my forte. i look foreword to the time we can speak and listen and i can share my feelings thoughts and ideas. and my experiences at ukiah aikido which i think a relevant here.
loving you
hugging you
missing you
You know what I believe Brandon? It was not the time for you to be able to perform at your best. I can only look at the mental disruption I suffered for years after Brooks left. My concentration and interest in anything but reconstructing my whole life was almost zero. I know everyone has their own way of healing and you have your way. I fully believe that your heart and mind would not allow you to proceed forward in Aikido at this time. There is so much to reconstruct in your belief system and your perspective on life, in general, that no matter how hard you attempted to deflect it with other thoughts and focuses, your heart would not be drawn away from the work that has to be done.
I felt a very clear feeling the first time I saw you at the Dojo that you were a very elevated and spiritual person. It was so clear to me that I asked Kayla who you were and told her what I saw in you. She confirmed my perception. In a way, the fact that you are so evolved spiritually may make your healing different than most and maybe longer . If you are anything like I am, and was, at the beginning of my healing, some very fundamental ideals and expectations were blown to smithereens. It's the faith and belief that all things happen for a good reason that has carried me through. It is a blind and bold faith that has to ignore long ponderings and questions about everything. Eventually I believe you and I will both understand the big question.....Why. Since there is really no time in the universe, who knows when that will happen.
In my case, when I realized after years that I didn't have to know the truth about my son's departure....the why....because the trees, sky, wind, plants, wild animals all know....God knows.......the truth is very well known......when I need to know I will know. The same is true for you and your wife. You will know and understand when it's appropriate... no sooner, no later. I believe that just as this loss is the worst trajedy a parent can endure, it's also the supreme gift of all. The day Brooks died I had feelings that ranged from complete and utter implosion to a feeling of absolute honor and awe. I was so sad that I couldn't be there with him at this poignant time in his life, but I knew he was a very strong man who preferred it that way. I wouldn't be able to tell him how much I loved him or goodbye. That's a seering pain that is still healing.
Aidan's photo is on Brook's photo in my home. I think of him every day and have asked Brooks to be there for Aidan. I believe he is.
In reality, the way things went last weekend with your test is very insignificant in the grand scheme of things. When you have healed sufficiently, you will move forward. Keep going Brandon. "Never, never, never give up". Continuing to live, grow, understand and accept is the lesson. It's easy to do when you aren't dealing with a loss like this. Now is your real test, not last weekend. You are a tremendous example for your son and anyone who knows you. We need you here. Grieve, love, and thrive. Love,
I am sure you are all still overwhelmed by the crazy blow of what happened down in San Diego with Brandon's demo. My jaw certainly hit the floor! So I wanted to put out there, for the record, how I felt hearing about it. (and Brandon, don't get all shy; I'm going to say nice things here ;)
I have to say that I think Brandon's response to this phenomenally unfair turn of events was so courageous, so full of class and grace, and so exemplifying of the highest ideals of aikido that I think he should be promoted TWO levels, not just the one. And I'm not being facetious. This was a life-size randori of extraordinary proportions (to say nothing of the chaos practice of life in general!) and he handled the assault of it with such openheartedness and wholly undeserved generosity of spirit. To get back on the mat and engage with such grace and presence; it was a rare and truly admirable thing.
And furthermore, as I understand it, these are the essential issues one looks for in evaluating depth of understanding at this level of aikido, not the technicalities of how you step or how you hold your arm that the panel seems to have gotten so worked up over.
I also want to put out there how very much I appreciate his contribution to the dojo. Not only do I appreciate the patience, clarity, sensitiveness and nuance of his teaching and training, but I really find it transformative just to be on the mat with him. The quality of presence and mindfulness that he works hard to bring has been really healing for me personally in terms of training through not only the moves of aikido itself, but the deeper emotional and interpersonal issues that the training stands upon.
And, the qualities that the board seems to have so disparaged - the quality of flow, of lively movement, of eagerness to embrace insight from many sources rather than hewing to a strict dogma - which, Sensei, you really embody and encourage - these are the very qualities that have kept me at the dojo and so glad to be here. It took me ten years to find a dojo like this one!
So, please let me know what I can do to support you guys in this process. Letters, petitions, sit-ins, throwing of tomatoes, march on Washington - you know.... Just say the word.
yours truly,
Hello. It has been such a long while since I have logged in to see how you all are doing. As always, after catching up on the entries, life continues to be life....we are not exempt, my dear friend. You told me last Summer, "We never know what the day could bring...it can be amazing or dreadful, we must always be prepared for both." Your words walk with me daily. The challenges, up hill climbs, endless tears, exhaustion, then light heartedness, laughter, joy, and gratitude seem to be the way as one gets older and lives through more...trying to feel the feelings in order to walk through them often seems harder than just not feeling...however, occasionally, I try not to feel through the feelings and that doesn't seem to work out so well
Know that I am with you in spirit...walking the walk too, my friend.
Love and Miss You.
I have been thinking long and hard about the Gasshuku. I was finally able to get rid of my anger and disappointment when I realized that, in a very definite and absolute sense, I don't care what the 9 or 10 people on the review board think. I started practicing Aikido for ME. I still practice
for me. As I see it improve my character, and my overall worth as a parent, husband, and friend, that's all great, but I'm doing it for me. I appreciate the careful guidance and approval of Kayla Sensei and yourself, but they are bonuses, not requirements. As for the CAA, Hombu, or the specific personages of Pat, Bernice, Stephanie, etc....nope, I honestly can't find one iota of concern for what they think. If this has social or political consequences, meh. I have more than enough social and political drama in my life for any five people.
I am fully aware that I have a degree of separation and newbie-ness that makes these statements and realizations easier for me to make than they would be for you. But all the same I hope you reach some equivalent sort of satisfaction.
Because your demo was The F**king Bomb, Lower Magellenic Cloud Grade.
Despite everything, I had a great time hanging out at the Gasshuku, and truly appreciated the opportunity to spend time with everyone from the dojo, and to get to know you and Lisa a little better. I still think your response and approach to Sunday was powerful and compassionate, and worthy of as much respect as I can muster.
Dear community,
I just had the opportunity to watch the DVD of Brandon's yondan demonstration, which I was seeing for the first time (not having been to San Diego) and without the benefit of having seen his Wednesday night demo at our dojo, to which it has been compared.
The first thing I want to say is that within minutes I knew that I was watching and excellent demonstration, and any lingering shade of doubt I might have had about his performance were completely alleviated.
On Friday night, I had the chance to chat with Sensei and a few others about the experience, again without having been a participant, and mentioned a few thoughts that I would now share with you. I think this whole event is complex, obviously, and in sorting it out have divided the issues into two categories: those pertaining to the actual demonstration; and those pertaining to the larger organizational-systemic implications of the decision, and the process by which it was made. It is the former which I would address here.
I divided the issues pertaining to the demonstration into three subcategories: overall performance; clarity of execution of techniques; and style.
I have already spoken to first, in saying that my immediate impression was that this was an excellent yondan demonstration. That perception sustained throughout. If would have been proud to have done this demonstration.
It is possible, however, that one could have a very good demo, and still there could be specific issue taken with the execution of the techniques. One could, for example, have an overall level of integrated movement, flow, connectedness, timing, etc., but still show a muddiness in the specificity of technical detail. My perception of Brandon's demonstration was that this was not the case. Virtually everything I saw on the DVD looked quite clear to me. As I understand it, however, this was one of the criticisms that was offered to justify the board's denial of his rank. How to reconcile this discrepancy?
I am led to think that this can only be explained in the context of stylistic preference. If one has made the cognitive commitment to a particular style being the only right way to do something, then other stylistic variations will appear to be wrong, by definition – or "unclear", at best. One can certainly see that Brandon's demonstration did not rigidly here to the Iwama style, though it just as obviously included elements of it. From my perspective, he was able to effectively integrate elements from multiple styles without compromising the clarity of his movement. This is something I would look for, and see as a sign of mastery, at the yondan level.
It is my opinion that the exclusive commitment to a singular style is an unfortunate choice. It is certainly useful to practice within a particular approach for a period of time, until one gains a mastery of basics, in order to build a foundation. From my perspective, though, the idea of style is inherently problematic. Any of us who have seen O'Sensei films know that there is no one who has achieve his level. At best, direct students were able to grab an element or a principle that was within their reach, which they subsequently developed over years and years. Their students, imitating them, codified the principles into systems. This is all well and good, in that it facilitates learning – until the systems become dogmas. "Dogmas" means "right" and "wrong". It is a problem. What formerly enabled learning now prevents it. Too bad!
So, it seems to me that what happened here is that due to the blinders of dogma, clarity of execution got confused with style, leading to an inaccurate assessment of overall performance. It is truly unfortunate, not just for Brandon, but for all of us because the message is "Don't learn – just conform."
About the larger organizational-systemic issues, for now, all I'll say is this. I have heard several people comment on the implications of a demonstration being treated as a test. I find it quite ironic that Pat announced that it was understood that people who gave demonstrations were recommended by their Sensei's and had already achieved their ranks....
Firstly, I think it's a great idea to pass to Brandon's judges the letters and concerns of our
aikido community with respect to the 'muddy' decision they made about Brandon's yon dan demo (which wasn't a test). And I would be happy to proof read all the letters as I am sure many people wrote with their hearts and not their grammar rules in mind.
Secondly, I was reading in 'The Spirit of Aikido' recently by Kisshomaru Ueshiba and he mentioned 'take-musu', which literally means 'martial-creative'. The Founder himself spoke about this on one of my old video tapes. He said that the aim of aikido (to paraphrase) is to be able to be in a situation and respond with no preconcieved notions or ideas or techniques, but merely to respond with just what is needed in that moment.
It says alot about the judges that at the yon dan level they are still looking for basic postures and
not yet ready to nurture this creative living aspect of aikido.
For someone as effective as an aikidoka and as an instructor as Brandon has shown all of us over and over, there should be nothing but support for him to continue his practice in harmony and beauty. I am disappointed in the inner level of the judges if they are choosing to limit creativity and are adhereing to (one form of aikido) dogma.
Aikido is more than techniques, it is a way of Being and this is a really big thing and not nearly so easy to pursue or teach as mere forms. OSensei was a master of himself, not just a master of the forms. Saito Sensei himself did not grok all that O Sensei was trying to pass on. Saito Sensei helped consolidate a mass of techniques and forms, for which we are all very grateful, but he recognized that he did not 'get' the inner teachings of OSensei. I have heard it said that OSensei himself thought no one was getting this aspect, that everyone was mastering a martial art but
not getting the inner stuff about energy, kami spirits, kan (intuition), etc..this stuff that animated Ueshiba himself.
This is the way it is with all the great teachers of the world. Their teachings become divided among all those who studied with them. What was complex becomes reduced to forms and then these forms 'must be adhered to' to the exclusion of......take-musu! Therefore, what Saito gives us is a great thing but is only a part of a whole. In otherwords, there are many forms of aikido, not just Hombu style. And none are 'more legitimate' than the others.
I have the greatest of respect for the judges of Brandon and I feel sure that in their hearts they only want to be sure that the form of aikido is passed on in a 'pure' fashion as they understand it. That is their right.
However, at this point they have revealed their own limitations and I support you, Kayla Sensei, to consider relationships with other branches of the great Aikido tree. There is room on the planet to explore all the aspects OSensei passed on. Ultimately, as i understand what he said, it's about being able to master 'no-technique'...take-musu...in the moment responding. If Hombu isn't ready to pursue that even at yon don level, then we should forge our own path
The waves of life don't necessarily arise from logic; they just are. In Tsunami season, the wave draws back, back, back - scouring the sand of it's identity. But that's not the end; you know what happens next...
We want you to know that we are thinking of you and your (further) trials. How rotten (in the original sense, as well) could it be? We are so sorry that you were the locus of such a manifestation. All our best to you and Lisa.
a stray thought, the two line response to the whole "authoritarian standard vs. creative improvisation" element of the Gasshuku weekend is: What part of 'Aikido of *BERKELEY*' did they not understand? The government of the People's Republic has been pumping
non-conformity serum into the water supply for going on 40 years now.
I could not agree more with your conclusions. As one that does not see rank as having any meaning i still feel that at Brandon's level of practice and dedication (which is really all that these higher rank tests usually reflect) should deserve recognition and passage, and from what i have heard his demonstration was more interesting than any of the others. It is disrespectful to what is going on at our Dojo and the integration of styles which we enjoy. Aikido has nothing to do with rigidity and when demonstrated, such as done by the board, should remind us to always trust our own feelings and choices. Rank or no "rank" Branden is still a great Aikidoka and great teacher and that is all that really matters to me. I hope he does not waist any time and energy worrying about the boards decision.
more coming...
About being unpromoted from Yondan in San Diego.
The following arrived, parallel to phone calls along similar lines, by email...
Some but not all names have been removed, just because.
hard to know what else i could usefully add in written words since they are not my forte. i look foreword to the time we can speak and listen and i can share my feelings thoughts and ideas. and my experiences at ukiah aikido which i think a relevant here.
loving you
hugging you
missing you
Oy, busy you are. And sorry to hear about the "politics" (for lack of a better word) regarding your demo and test. Stressful enough as it is, without having to appeal a negative decision based on long-standing issues that's perhaps beyond your control. |
"Academic politics is the most vicious and bitter form of politics, because the stakes are so low." |
Not so random musings, ascribed to O'Sensei: |
Brandon, you are undoubtedly acquainted with the song that goes "I can't give you anything but love." When a friend is in distress, I think to say "I can't give you anything but a spacious listening ear (in case that is helpful)." So, if you think it may be helpful (maybe even on the phone), by all means give me a buzz, any time. And if you think it won't be helpful, that is also OK with me, and I hereby wish you the best of luck, despite everything.
With loveYou know what I believe Brandon? It was not the time for you to be able to perform at your best. I can only look at the mental disruption I suffered for years after Brooks left. My concentration and interest in anything but reconstructing my whole life was almost zero. I know everyone has their own way of healing and you have your way. I fully believe that your heart and mind would not allow you to proceed forward in Aikido at this time. There is so much to reconstruct in your belief system and your perspective on life, in general, that no matter how hard you attempted to deflect it with other thoughts and focuses, your heart would not be drawn away from the work that has to be done.
I felt a very clear feeling the first time I saw you at the Dojo that you were a very elevated and spiritual person. It was so clear to me that I asked Kayla who you were and told her what I saw in you. She confirmed my perception. In a way, the fact that you are so evolved spiritually may make your healing different than most and maybe longer . If you are anything like I am, and was, at the beginning of my healing, some very fundamental ideals and expectations were blown to smithereens. It's the faith and belief that all things happen for a good reason that has carried me through. It is a blind and bold faith that has to ignore long ponderings and questions about everything. Eventually I believe you and I will both understand the big question.....Why. Since there is really no time in the universe, who knows when that will happen.
In my case, when I realized after years that I didn't have to know the truth about my son's departure....the why....because the trees, sky, wind, plants, wild animals all know....God knows.......the truth is very well known......when I need to know I will know. The same is true for you and your wife. You will know and understand when it's appropriate... no sooner, no later. I believe that just as this loss is the worst trajedy a parent can endure, it's also the supreme gift of all. The day Brooks died I had feelings that ranged from complete and utter implosion to a feeling of absolute honor and awe. I was so sad that I couldn't be there with him at this poignant time in his life, but I knew he was a very strong man who preferred it that way. I wouldn't be able to tell him how much I loved him or goodbye. That's a seering pain that is still healing.
Aidan's photo is on Brook's photo in my home. I think of him every day and have asked Brooks to be there for Aidan. I believe he is.
In reality, the way things went last weekend with your test is very insignificant in the grand scheme of things. When you have healed sufficiently, you will move forward. Keep going Brandon. "Never, never, never give up". Continuing to live, grow, understand and accept is the lesson. It's easy to do when you aren't dealing with a loss like this. Now is your real test, not last weekend. You are a tremendous example for your son and anyone who knows you. We need you here. Grieve, love, and thrive. Love,
My dear Brandon;
Glad to capture the two Yondon demos on video in San Diego. After your stunning demo, the next guy's looked like a first Ku test. Anyone is welcome to view the demos on DVD and decide for themselves.
I also recorded the head Sensei stating that you had both been granted the yondon rank prior to the demos.
This was a set-up and you got caught in Iwama-style politics. These wrist-twist folk are not the living, loving Aikido I signed up for in Shingu at the World Aikido Dojo of Hikitsuchi Sensei (10th Dan) where I have been a member since 1988.
I will be delighted to receive instruction from you upon your return to the loving space of
Aikido of Berkeley Dojo, where honor is given to O Sensei's statement: "May the fearful wrath of my opponent be turned into harmless laughter."
And so may you, my dear Sempai, continue to teach a loving, laughing Aikido to a world so obviously in need of transcending our constriction.
Hi Sensei -I am sure you are all still overwhelmed by the crazy blow of what happened down in San Diego with Brandon's demo. My jaw certainly hit the floor! So I wanted to put out there, for the record, how I felt hearing about it. (and Brandon, don't get all shy; I'm going to say nice things here ;)
I have to say that I think Brandon's response to this phenomenally unfair turn of events was so courageous, so full of class and grace, and so exemplifying of the highest ideals of aikido that I think he should be promoted TWO levels, not just the one. And I'm not being facetious. This was a life-size randori of extraordinary proportions (to say nothing of the chaos practice of life in general!) and he handled the assault of it with such openheartedness and wholly undeserved generosity of spirit. To get back on the mat and engage with such grace and presence; it was a rare and truly admirable thing.
And furthermore, as I understand it, these are the essential issues one looks for in evaluating depth of understanding at this level of aikido, not the technicalities of how you step or how you hold your arm that the panel seems to have gotten so worked up over.
I also want to put out there how very much I appreciate his contribution to the dojo. Not only do I appreciate the patience, clarity, sensitiveness and nuance of his teaching and training, but I really find it transformative just to be on the mat with him. The quality of presence and mindfulness that he works hard to bring has been really healing for me personally in terms of training through not only the moves of aikido itself, but the deeper emotional and interpersonal issues that the training stands upon.
And, the qualities that the board seems to have so disparaged - the quality of flow, of lively movement, of eagerness to embrace insight from many sources rather than hewing to a strict dogma - which, Sensei, you really embody and encourage - these are the very qualities that have kept me at the dojo and so glad to be here. It took me ten years to find a dojo like this one!
So, please let me know what I can do to support you guys in this process. Letters, petitions, sit-ins, throwing of tomatoes, march on Washington - you know.... Just say the word.
yours truly,
Hello. It has been such a long while since I have logged in to see how you all are doing. As always, after catching up on the entries, life continues to be life....we are not exempt, my dear friend. You told me last Summer, "We never know what the day could bring...it can be amazing or dreadful, we must always be prepared for both." Your words walk with me daily. The challenges, up hill climbs, endless tears, exhaustion, then light heartedness, laughter, joy, and gratitude seem to be the way as one gets older and lives through more...trying to feel the feelings in order to walk through them often seems harder than just not feeling...however, occasionally, I try not to feel through the feelings and that doesn't seem to work out so well
Know that I am with you in spirit...walking the walk too, my friend.Love and Miss You.
I have been thinking long and hard about the Gasshuku. I was finally able to get rid of my anger and disappointment when I realized that, in a very definite and absolute sense, I don't care what the 9 or 10 people on the review board think. I started practicing Aikido for ME. I still practice
for me. As I see it improve my character, and my overall worth as a parent, husband, and friend, that's all great, but I'm doing it for me. I appreciate the careful guidance and approval of Kayla Sensei and yourself, but they are bonuses, not requirements. As for the CAA, Hombu, or the specific personages of Pat, Bernice, Stephanie, etc....nope, I honestly can't find one iota of concern for what they think. If this has social or political consequences, meh. I have more than enough social and political drama in my life for any five people.
I am fully aware that I have a degree of separation and newbie-ness that makes these statements and realizations easier for me to make than they would be for you. But all the same I hope you reach some equivalent sort of satisfaction.
Because your demo was The F**king Bomb, Lower Magellenic Cloud Grade.
Despite everything, I had a great time hanging out at the Gasshuku, and truly appreciated the opportunity to spend time with everyone from the dojo, and to get to know you and Lisa a little better. I still think your response and approach to Sunday was powerful and compassionate, and worthy of as much respect as I can muster.
Dear Brandon,
I usually don't get involved in these discussions, but all I can say is Ahhh- politics.
I still love Aikido and miss training and am trying to figure out how to fit it in.
Hope you continue to train and enjoy Aikido with detachment.
Your friend,
Dear community,
I just had the opportunity to watch the DVD of Brandon's yondan demonstration, which I was seeing for the first time (not having been to San Diego) and without the benefit of having seen his Wednesday night demo at our dojo, to which it has been compared.
The first thing I want to say is that within minutes I knew that I was watching and excellent demonstration, and any lingering shade of doubt I might have had about his performance were completely alleviated.
On Friday night, I had the chance to chat with Sensei and a few others about the experience, again without having been a participant, and mentioned a few thoughts that I would now share with you. I think this whole event is complex, obviously, and in sorting it out have divided the issues into two categories: those pertaining to the actual demonstration; and those pertaining to the larger organizational-systemic implications of the decision, and the process by which it was made. It is the former which I would address here.
I divided the issues pertaining to the demonstration into three subcategories: overall performance; clarity of execution of techniques; and style.
I have already spoken to first, in saying that my immediate impression was that this was an excellent yondan demonstration. That perception sustained throughout. If would have been proud to have done this demonstration.
It is possible, however, that one could have a very good demo, and still there could be specific issue taken with the execution of the techniques. One could, for example, have an overall level of integrated movement, flow, connectedness, timing, etc., but still show a muddiness in the specificity of technical detail. My perception of Brandon's demonstration was that this was not the case. Virtually everything I saw on the DVD looked quite clear to me. As I understand it, however, this was one of the criticisms that was offered to justify the board's denial of his rank. How to reconcile this discrepancy?
I am led to think that this can only be explained in the context of stylistic preference. If one has made the cognitive commitment to a particular style being the only right way to do something, then other stylistic variations will appear to be wrong, by definition – or "unclear", at best. One can certainly see that Brandon's demonstration did not rigidly here to the Iwama style, though it just as obviously included elements of it. From my perspective, he was able to effectively integrate elements from multiple styles without compromising the clarity of his movement. This is something I would look for, and see as a sign of mastery, at the yondan level.
It is my opinion that the exclusive commitment to a singular style is an unfortunate choice. It is certainly useful to practice within a particular approach for a period of time, until one gains a mastery of basics, in order to build a foundation. From my perspective, though, the idea of style is inherently problematic. Any of us who have seen O'Sensei films know that there is no one who has achieve his level. At best, direct students were able to grab an element or a principle that was within their reach, which they subsequently developed over years and years. Their students, imitating them, codified the principles into systems. This is all well and good, in that it facilitates learning – until the systems become dogmas. "Dogmas" means "right" and "wrong". It is a problem. What formerly enabled learning now prevents it. Too bad!
So, it seems to me that what happened here is that due to the blinders of dogma, clarity of execution got confused with style, leading to an inaccurate assessment of overall performance. It is truly unfortunate, not just for Brandon, but for all of us because the message is "Don't learn – just conform."
About the larger organizational-systemic issues, for now, all I'll say is this. I have heard several people comment on the implications of a demonstration being treated as a test. I find it quite ironic that Pat announced that it was understood that people who gave demonstrations were recommended by their Sensei's and had already achieved their ranks....
Firstly, I think it's a great idea to pass to Brandon's judges the letters and concerns of our
aikido community with respect to the 'muddy' decision they made about Brandon's yon dan demo (which wasn't a test). And I would be happy to proof read all the letters as I am sure many people wrote with their hearts and not their grammar rules in mind.
Secondly, I was reading in 'The Spirit of Aikido' recently by Kisshomaru Ueshiba and he mentioned 'take-musu', which literally means 'martial-creative'. The Founder himself spoke about this on one of my old video tapes. He said that the aim of aikido (to paraphrase) is to be able to be in a situation and respond with no preconcieved notions or ideas or techniques, but merely to respond with just what is needed in that moment.
It says alot about the judges that at the yon dan level they are still looking for basic postures and
not yet ready to nurture this creative living aspect of aikido.
For someone as effective as an aikidoka and as an instructor as Brandon has shown all of us over and over, there should be nothing but support for him to continue his practice in harmony and beauty. I am disappointed in the inner level of the judges if they are choosing to limit creativity and are adhereing to (one form of aikido) dogma.
Aikido is more than techniques, it is a way of Being and this is a really big thing and not nearly so easy to pursue or teach as mere forms. OSensei was a master of himself, not just a master of the forms. Saito Sensei himself did not grok all that O Sensei was trying to pass on. Saito Sensei helped consolidate a mass of techniques and forms, for which we are all very grateful, but he recognized that he did not 'get' the inner teachings of OSensei. I have heard it said that OSensei himself thought no one was getting this aspect, that everyone was mastering a martial art but
not getting the inner stuff about energy, kami spirits, kan (intuition), etc..this stuff that animated Ueshiba himself.
This is the way it is with all the great teachers of the world. Their teachings become divided among all those who studied with them. What was complex becomes reduced to forms and then these forms 'must be adhered to' to the exclusion of......take-musu! Therefore, what Saito gives us is a great thing but is only a part of a whole. In otherwords, there are many forms of aikido, not just Hombu style. And none are 'more legitimate' than the others.
I have the greatest of respect for the judges of Brandon and I feel sure that in their hearts they only want to be sure that the form of aikido is passed on in a 'pure' fashion as they understand it. That is their right.
However, at this point they have revealed their own limitations and I support you, Kayla Sensei, to consider relationships with other branches of the great Aikido tree. There is room on the planet to explore all the aspects OSensei passed on. Ultimately, as i understand what he said, it's about being able to master 'no-technique'...take-musu...in the moment responding. If Hombu isn't ready to pursue that even at yon don level, then we should forge our own path
and relationships to discover the greater depths of OSensei's great teaching of peace, unity and harmony on the planet.
I remember about 30 years ago I was coming home from a trip to Hawaii. I was at the Hawaiian customs in the airport and they were looking through my bokken bag at a small tree, more of a stick really, I had pulled out of the ground...a beautiful piece of dead hardwood...by the way, they don't like people removing stuff from the Islands...then he saw my bokken in the bag and asked what it was. I told him I trained in aikido. Without hestiation, he closed my bag and waved
me on. This showed me the great unity of spirit that prevades (or can prevade) the aikido community around the world.
I am way looking forward to training again with Brandon san and I have little doubt that even though they 'took away' his yon dan, that this whole experience has brought much light to something that needs to be examined and that he and we will only grow from this experience.
With respect,
I remember about 30 years ago I was coming home from a trip to Hawaii. I was at the Hawaiian customs in the airport and they were looking through my bokken bag at a small tree, more of a stick really, I had pulled out of the ground...a beautiful piece of dead hardwood...by the way, they don't like people removing stuff from the Islands...then he saw my bokken in the bag and asked what it was. I told him I trained in aikido. Without hestiation, he closed my bag and waved
me on. This showed me the great unity of spirit that prevades (or can prevade) the aikido community around the world.
I am way looking forward to training again with Brandon san and I have little doubt that even though they 'took away' his yon dan, that this whole experience has brought much light to something that needs to be examined and that he and we will only grow from this experience.
With respect,
The waves of life don't necessarily arise from logic; they just are. In Tsunami season, the wave draws back, back, back - scouring the sand of it's identity. But that's not the end; you know what happens next...
We want you to know that we are thinking of you and your (further) trials. How rotten (in the original sense, as well) could it be? We are so sorry that you were the locus of such a manifestation. All our best to you and Lisa.
a stray thought, the two line response to the whole "authoritarian standard vs. creative improvisation" element of the Gasshuku weekend is: What part of 'Aikido of *BERKELEY*' did they not understand? The government of the People's Republic has been pumpingnon-conformity serum into the water supply for going on 40 years now.
Hello my fellow aikidoka,
I write this email for two reasons. First, to ask a few (possibly rhetorical) questions about certain
aspects of aikido, given the CAA Division 1 Board’s decision not to grant 4th Dan to Brandon Sempai after his demonstration. Second, to express my support and appreciation for Kayla Sensei and Brandon Sempai for all the work they do as instructors and as examples of dedication, kindheartedness and generosity of spirit in the greater aikido community. I also want to recognize Lisa's support of Brandon in his dedication to the practice of aikido and to Kayla Sensei's dojo.
Before I get into the heart of this email, I'd first like to disclose (for those who don't know me) the perspectives that inform my thought process. My husband and the father of our now 6-month-old daughter is Nick Walker Sensei, dojo cho of Aikido Shusekai - an independent dojo. (He has been friends with Brandon longer than I've practiced Aikido, and will be posting his thoughts on the matter in his own response to this listserv.) I have chosen to practice Aikido
because I feel it is consistent with my path in this lifetime: to me, it is yet another tool with which I can transform my own suffering and polish my spirit and soul. (And the reason I do not practice at Nick’s dojo is because I do not accept instructions well from him. When I asked him for a referral at the point that I stopped practicing in his dojo, he highly recommended Kayla Sensei.)
So:
While I did not attend the San Diego demonstration, I did attend the Berkeley demonstration on the Wednesday night prior. Brandon’s aikido Wednesday appeared highly effective, deeply graceful, clean, sharp, and all of his ukes walked away from the demo unharmed and smiling, like they had a great time. So it was with great shock and dismay that I first heard the news that the board of CAA Division 1 decided not to grant 4th Dan to Brandon Sempai.
On its face, the decision appeared arbitrary and senseless, because I’ve seen both Brandon’s execution of techniques and the effect of his aikido both on and off the mat for several years now. In an attempt to try and imagine the rationale for such a decision, I used irimi/tenkan on the non-physical plane. Perhaps Brandon had not ‘performed’ as well as he had Wednesday night? (Brandon’s aikido on a not-so-good day is still pretty darn good...hmm.) Perhaps the
Board was looking for something specific that Brandon just was completely unable to execute? Had he hurt someone? What could it have been? Since I am not a Sensei, nor am I a member of the Board, I initially found this a fruitless exercise.
Well, not completely fruitless... my attempt at irimi/tenkan eventually led me to questions about
standards. In posing the following questions, it is not my intent to provoke ill will; rather, here is
where I incorporate a Buddhist perspective. Can I approach with curiosity and equanimity anything that arises in my practice, even when there's a 'charge' or strong feeling on said topic or subject? Perhaps the following questions could be considered food for thought or for conversation later among our dojo members:
It is my sincere hope that the Board’s decision was not a retaliation toward either Kayla Sensei or Brandon Sempai for leaning toward the experimental in the evolution of their respective practices. I would be deeply disappointed if the Board’s decision occurred as a result of Brandon’s aikido not fitting someone else’s traditional ‘filters’ of what is/isn’t ‘their’ aikido.
My view of aikido is similar to that of my view as a mental health professional: there is no one
(therapeutic) style or technique that fits all ‘problems’; some styles or techniques are more or less effective than others depending with whom I work, and it’s worth experimenting to find out and evolve as a practitioner. I would hate to see negative ramifications for anyone experimenting with their aikido; it is part of what makes the art come alive for me, and what inspires me to want to practice at this dojo (and visit Nick’s dojo). I have enjoyed practicing with Kayla Sensei for as long as I've been a member of her dojo, very much due to her openness on and off the mat.
As I'm working full-time, breastfeeding full-time, and sharing caregiving duties of a 6 month old with Nick, I am much more selective in the uses of my time if it’s not related to sleep or food. I plan to return to practice at Aikido of Berkeley, and am looking forward to visiting other dojos when such occasions arise. However, as an adult with the freedom to choose how I spend my time and resources, I do not plan to attend CAA Division 1 events, because at this point I’m just not inspired to do so.
While it may demonstrate some hubris on my part to say this, I hold the perspective that Brandon Sempai is a 4th dan in our dojo, regardless of what the CAA Division 1 Board says. I base this on having practiced since 2003 in the dojo, and borne witness to the effect of Brandon’s aikido both on and off the mat. Aside from the solidity of Brandon's practice of Aikido techniques, the content of Brandon’s character – his demonstration of honor, integrity, respect for others, self-discipline, dedication, and role-modeling – has been consistent and reliable both on and off the mat. I also hold the perspective that there is no rank – military, martial arts, or otherwise – that adequately or accurately reflects the degree to which any human being endures great sorrow, pain, or disrespect, yet does not project their suffering onto other beings. So to me, Brandon is both 4th Dan and simultaneously needs no rank recognition.
Last, but certainly not least: What is most notable about the events during the CAA weekend is that despite not having been granted a higher rank just after his demonstration (I feel that both Kayla Sensei and Brandon Sempai were greatly disrespected by the members of the Board in this matter) – it appeared from Brandon’s online journal entry that he 1) didn’t walk out in a huff, 2) still chose to practice on the mat anyway, and 3) did so without a sense of retaliation or vengeance and WITH a high level of honor and integrity – in keeping with the one of the major intents of aikido. (Personally, I think Brandon should’ve gotten the 4th Dan for that alone.) It is
my understanding that Kayla Sensei and other members of our dojo who were present chose to respond to such shocking and disheartening news in the same manner.
Now THAT’s the kind of aikido I want to practice, and it’s also the kind of aikido I want my child to witness as she grows.
See you on the mat Tuesday (tomorrow) night. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Nick Walker Sensei, our 6 month old daughter, and I will be there.
Much love to all,
Leslie
I write this email for two reasons. First, to ask a few (possibly rhetorical) questions about certain
aspects of aikido, given the CAA Division 1 Board’s decision not to grant 4th Dan to Brandon Sempai after his demonstration. Second, to express my support and appreciation for Kayla Sensei and Brandon Sempai for all the work they do as instructors and as examples of dedication, kindheartedness and generosity of spirit in the greater aikido community. I also want to recognize Lisa's support of Brandon in his dedication to the practice of aikido and to Kayla Sensei's dojo.
Before I get into the heart of this email, I'd first like to disclose (for those who don't know me) the perspectives that inform my thought process. My husband and the father of our now 6-month-old daughter is Nick Walker Sensei, dojo cho of Aikido Shusekai - an independent dojo. (He has been friends with Brandon longer than I've practiced Aikido, and will be posting his thoughts on the matter in his own response to this listserv.) I have chosen to practice Aikido
because I feel it is consistent with my path in this lifetime: to me, it is yet another tool with which I can transform my own suffering and polish my spirit and soul. (And the reason I do not practice at Nick’s dojo is because I do not accept instructions well from him. When I asked him for a referral at the point that I stopped practicing in his dojo, he highly recommended Kayla Sensei.)
So:
While I did not attend the San Diego demonstration, I did attend the Berkeley demonstration on the Wednesday night prior. Brandon’s aikido Wednesday appeared highly effective, deeply graceful, clean, sharp, and all of his ukes walked away from the demo unharmed and smiling, like they had a great time. So it was with great shock and dismay that I first heard the news that the board of CAA Division 1 decided not to grant 4th Dan to Brandon Sempai.
On its face, the decision appeared arbitrary and senseless, because I’ve seen both Brandon’s execution of techniques and the effect of his aikido both on and off the mat for several years now. In an attempt to try and imagine the rationale for such a decision, I used irimi/tenkan on the non-physical plane. Perhaps Brandon had not ‘performed’ as well as he had Wednesday night? (Brandon’s aikido on a not-so-good day is still pretty darn good...hmm.) Perhaps the
Board was looking for something specific that Brandon just was completely unable to execute? Had he hurt someone? What could it have been? Since I am not a Sensei, nor am I a member of the Board, I initially found this a fruitless exercise.
Well, not completely fruitless... my attempt at irimi/tenkan eventually led me to questions about
standards. In posing the following questions, it is not my intent to provoke ill will; rather, here is
where I incorporate a Buddhist perspective. Can I approach with curiosity and equanimity anything that arises in my practice, even when there's a 'charge' or strong feeling on said topic or subject? Perhaps the following questions could be considered food for thought or for conversation later among our dojo members:
- What standards, if any, are provided in written form that describe the expectations of what needs to be demonstrated for each of the dan ranks, up to 10th Dan?
- What opportunity is there, if any, for any given Board member to practice with higher ranking dan candidates in order to review specific strengths and concerns – such that a candidate can address concerns prior to a formal demonstration?
- In what ways, if at all, may higher ranking dan candidates express the evolution of their aikido (such that basic techniques may not be seen by the naked eye, or may be discarded because they’re not as effective as another type of technique, or techniques from other styles incorporated, etc.)?
- What measures exist, if any, to evaluate the effect of a candidate’s aikido on other people as part of acquiring higher dan ranks?
- If there are no set standards for the promotion to higher dan levels, then on what evidence do Board members rely upon to make decisions to grant higher dan levels - which are fair and consistent across candidates?
- If there are no set standards for the promotion to higher dan levels, then what is the purpose of pursuing such levels in the first place?
- How can we support our Sensei/Dojo Cho and Sempai given the current circumstances (and with their consent)?
It is my sincere hope that the Board’s decision was not a retaliation toward either Kayla Sensei or Brandon Sempai for leaning toward the experimental in the evolution of their respective practices. I would be deeply disappointed if the Board’s decision occurred as a result of Brandon’s aikido not fitting someone else’s traditional ‘filters’ of what is/isn’t ‘their’ aikido.
My view of aikido is similar to that of my view as a mental health professional: there is no one
(therapeutic) style or technique that fits all ‘problems’; some styles or techniques are more or less effective than others depending with whom I work, and it’s worth experimenting to find out and evolve as a practitioner. I would hate to see negative ramifications for anyone experimenting with their aikido; it is part of what makes the art come alive for me, and what inspires me to want to practice at this dojo (and visit Nick’s dojo). I have enjoyed practicing with Kayla Sensei for as long as I've been a member of her dojo, very much due to her openness on and off the mat.
As I'm working full-time, breastfeeding full-time, and sharing caregiving duties of a 6 month old with Nick, I am much more selective in the uses of my time if it’s not related to sleep or food. I plan to return to practice at Aikido of Berkeley, and am looking forward to visiting other dojos when such occasions arise. However, as an adult with the freedom to choose how I spend my time and resources, I do not plan to attend CAA Division 1 events, because at this point I’m just not inspired to do so.
While it may demonstrate some hubris on my part to say this, I hold the perspective that Brandon Sempai is a 4th dan in our dojo, regardless of what the CAA Division 1 Board says. I base this on having practiced since 2003 in the dojo, and borne witness to the effect of Brandon’s aikido both on and off the mat. Aside from the solidity of Brandon's practice of Aikido techniques, the content of Brandon’s character – his demonstration of honor, integrity, respect for others, self-discipline, dedication, and role-modeling – has been consistent and reliable both on and off the mat. I also hold the perspective that there is no rank – military, martial arts, or otherwise – that adequately or accurately reflects the degree to which any human being endures great sorrow, pain, or disrespect, yet does not project their suffering onto other beings. So to me, Brandon is both 4th Dan and simultaneously needs no rank recognition.
Last, but certainly not least: What is most notable about the events during the CAA weekend is that despite not having been granted a higher rank just after his demonstration (I feel that both Kayla Sensei and Brandon Sempai were greatly disrespected by the members of the Board in this matter) – it appeared from Brandon’s online journal entry that he 1) didn’t walk out in a huff, 2) still chose to practice on the mat anyway, and 3) did so without a sense of retaliation or vengeance and WITH a high level of honor and integrity – in keeping with the one of the major intents of aikido. (Personally, I think Brandon should’ve gotten the 4th Dan for that alone.) It is
my understanding that Kayla Sensei and other members of our dojo who were present chose to respond to such shocking and disheartening news in the same manner.
Now THAT’s the kind of aikido I want to practice, and it’s also the kind of aikido I want my child to witness as she grows.
See you on the mat Tuesday (tomorrow) night. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Nick Walker Sensei, our 6 month old daughter, and I will be there.
Much love to all,
Leslie
I could not agree more with your conclusions. As one that does not see rank as having any meaning i still feel that at Brandon's level of practice and dedication (which is really all that these higher rank tests usually reflect) should deserve recognition and passage, and from what i have heard his demonstration was more interesting than any of the others. It is disrespectful to what is going on at our Dojo and the integration of styles which we enjoy. Aikido has nothing to do with rigidity and when demonstrated, such as done by the board, should remind us to always trust our own feelings and choices. Rank or no "rank" Branden is still a great Aikidoka and great teacher and that is all that really matters to me. I hope he does not waist any time and energy worrying about the boards decision.
I completely agree with your comments. Having said that I recall what my Sensei once told me, which is that people should train for rank to give themselves a goal and improve themselves and also to inspire other people. Brandon certainly has done both!
Belonging to organizaions always has good and bad aspects--they have to be weighed carefully. I admire Brandon for continuing to train even in the face of not having been promoted. Blending with adversity seems like the very essence of Aikido. Brandon's behavior shows what an outstanding Aikidoka he really is.
more coming...
Labels: Aikido, bdwc, CAA, conflict
| posted by Brandon @ 6/02/2007 11:07:00 PM
Did not, repeat, did NOT do this on purpose.
Sure was fun, though.
Only way it could have been better is if the bush were burning.
Only way it could have been better is if the bush were burning.
Labels: bdwc, Berkeley, Church, Epworth, image, Jesus, Methodist
| posted by Brandon @ 4/12/2007 11:18:00 PM
Process Arts mentioned in The Change Handbook
Labels: bdwc
| posted by Brandon @ 3/09/2007 04:19:00 PM
an introduction to the Pacific Coast Theological Society
Huston Smith and I have been working together for some time. He has nominated me to the Pacific Coast Theological Society and asked that I send you a brief email with a bit about my background, work, and desire to participate in that group.
I am in the process of finishing my dissertation, working with the cultural terrain described and created when the languages of mythology and psychology intersect. As a student of David L. Miller, Christine Downing, Daniel C. Noel, and others identifying as "post-Jungian," reading and interacting with Thomas Moore, Sam Keen, and Huston Smith, and receiving advisory assistance from Dennis Slattery and William Doty, I have embarked on a phenomenological survey of traditional, contemporary, and emergent ideologies beneath living social structures and the theologies they imply. What emerges from this inquiry by association is a growing art of process, wherein how culture is created moves downstage of the industrial fascination with what it is possible to manufacture and distribute. Divinity often arrives in this equation in the guise of conflict itself, calling for a martial insistence on doing conflict well rather than defining peace in terms of its absence. Redefining peace in this way demands a new kind of purposeful community building which centralizes specific choice, co-creativity and governance, begins with social justice, and rediscovers the nourishing and terrifying mystery shrouding images of God wherever they may be found.
Since childhood I have been a professional vocalist and liturgist in the Christian church. As an adult I have participated fully and refrained from participating in both the United Methodist and Roman Catholic communities, and continue to visit and share in the ritual life of various faiths and local sects of various spiritual bodies, including the Karuk sweat tradition. Beginning my education immersed in the Montessori Method, I went on to a Jesuit College Prep high school and the University of Dallas for an intensive Liberal Arts Bachelors degree with emphasis in philosophy, theology, and history, a major in theater, and a semester of study in Rome. My graduate humanities degrees involve cultural study and criticism and are granted by Pacifica Graduate Institute as "Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology." Predominantly in the United States I teach and develop various Process Arts, a method called Associative Inquiry, a Japanese martial art called Aikido, and the non-profit Association Building Community and their Guardians of Peace project.
My first exposure to PCTS was finding and making reference to Claude Welch's writing on H. Richard Niebuhr, "The Making of an American Mind? and Andrew P. Porter "The Fertility of Niebuhr's Idea of Monotheism". I am grateful to Huston Smith for nominating me and hope to join in the conversation where it stands (or reclines, as the case may be) and look forward to many fruitful exchanges.
Brandon WilliamsCraig M.A.
(866) 236-0346
(866) 236-0346
P.S. please let me know you received this and if there is anything I may help you with in the near future
Labels: academy, bdwc, collegiality, membership, philosophy, theology
| posted by Brandon @ 11/06/2006 03:51:00 PM
Martial Nonviolence (tm)
The amazing gift brought by people who really make a difference in working toward Peace is that they do conflict well rather than avoiding it. There is a delicate balance struck between domination and surrender in the practice of conflict across its many manifestation. It seems to me there are any number of valid choices in response to conflict - from becoming limp in order to do no harm to the choice to cause pain and even damage while doing as little lasting harm as possible. The choice I have a hard time respecting is to voluntarily lack careful decisions about and practice of your choice of response.
My choices
When I was a boy I struck another boy who took the lead in a group that chose to victimize me. I struck him in the face, knocked him to the ground and saw the look on his face as he became the victim instead of me. I ran home from his house crying while they all watched dumbfounded. Thereafter I developed a willingness to allow myself to be harmed in order to model non-violence. This I practiced. Then, it became clear that there was a middle ground that would allow me to intervene when others were being victimized which the surrender method did not provide. For several years I studied what was available to me - the percussive (punching and kicking) martial arts. It became clear that this was not the middle ground I had imagined so I stopped, despite enjoying the rigor and competition. In 1990 I renewed my search for the discipline that would fit my desire for a conflict method that matched my ideology and discovered an art that has some grounds for identifying itself with peace and harmony.
Aikido as metaphor
One way, rather than The Way, I approach peace work is the practice of Aikido. Since it involves taking control of another person's balance there arises the specter of domination. Since it seeks a transformation of the conflict experience, rather than practicing total annihilation of The Enemy, practitioners run the risk of being overrun by an attacker. These are the tensions, both in the bodies and in the minds of the persons participating, that make Aikido work when it works as self defense and fail when it fails. The practice of Aikido, however, can be related to but independent of physical combat concerns, in that it shapes in the practitioner, like other martial arts, a pervasive energetic insistence on this particular being different. Combat systems rightly insist that the difference is "you thought you'd be beating me down and now the reverse will be the case". Breaking with this contemporary emphasis and historical background Aikido insists, from the philosophy through technique execution, that the unexpected shift of expectations will be "whatever you thought was going to happen, I insist that everyone, including you, be able to walk away from this when they choose and with their identity and body more or less intact."
Martial Nonviolence (tm) is the process art of conflict that honors the need to struggle while insisting that friction not be framed as a zero-sum game in which someone must become the victim.
Labels: bdwc, culture, martial, nonviolence, peace
| posted by Brandon @ 6/20/2002 01:25:00 PM
resume ~ CV ~ history
Brandon D. WilliamsCraig
Culturesmith 
( 8 6 6 ) 2 3 6 - 0 3 4 6
p u b l i c at b d w c dot n e t
Objective:
To partner with your organization and working groups making the transition into dynamic community by making collaboration an art and a pleasure.
Background:
· President and co-founder of Association Building Community 501(c)3 (ongoing)
· Professional Martial Artist, Aikido (Yondan - 4th degree black belt) - Daisempai and Instructor of adults and children for Kayla Feder Sensei (Rokudan - 6th degre black belt) Dojo Cho of Aikido of Berkeley
· Ph.D. candidate Pacifica Graduate Institute: Mythology and Depth Psychology (Jungian) (six years)
· Trained Community Building Facilitator in the method of the Foundation for Community Encouragement, founded by M. Scott Peck
· Guardian of Peace (co-founder, Council, tutor) – a partnership of conflict facilitators
· Administrative Director, including I.T. and web design, for Moving On Center – international School of Participatory Arts and Somatic Research (four years)
· State of California Certified Mediator, organizational consultant, peace activist
· 22 year Professional Regional Theater career – national touring actor, director, teacher, performer, Choir Director and Liturgical Cantor, professional musician,
- Montessori background
Overview
The word Culture applies to individuals and to groups of any size, not simply to societies as a whole.
Every gathering of people brings different stories and histories together, generates, and develops its own culture that impacts every aspect of its collective life. This diversity generates friction, no matter what. Conflict is most often resented and extreme attempts are regularly made to avoid what can be a profoundly creative opportunity.
In the endless movement toward more effective collaboration, areas of life often written off as out of control or off limits are accessible to a process directly engaging a group in terms of its culture. Not everyone is willing to do the hard work required discovering and co-creating truly satisfying work. The only requirement for beginning is the determination to try.
From the moment we begin our dialogue I offer compassionate facilitation as well as modeling the kind of interactions that can develop an organizations ability to be a community of collaborating artists, sharing responsibility for their conflicts as well as their other products. I bring to bear the areas in which I have been proficient longest – my strengths in martial discipline and group facilitation, professional collaborative decision making, inspirational teaching, even music improvisation and performance, to find the road your group can travel together toward mutual investment and shared leadership.
The groups with whom I work form a core that stays together, produces the goals they set, and does so sustainably, with mind, body, and heart. Implementation of proposals and the ensuing process requires time and buy-in from existing leadership. Even if your organization is already in the process of dying - how you close your connections can make all the difference. If your group choses to live the end result can be the most satisfying creative environment any group member has ever known. Imagine the effect on the world we pass to our children if every workplace could lay claim to that. Everything works - is moving to satisfy some need. It is likely you work every day with people who love where they are and what they do. Imagine, hope, and call for change.
Professional Memberships and Associations
Aiki Extensions, Inc. - established in September, 1998 to support and enhance communication among those who apply the practice and principles of Aikido in venues outside of conventional dojo settings.
Aiki Extensions Mission Statement
Aiki Extensions Organization Structure
American Academy of Religion - Founded in 1909, the AAR is the world's largest association of academics who research or teach topics related to religion.
Association Building Community - aspires to be a consensus driven community that practices, develops, and reaches out to spread and take part in the movement toward widespread demand for the Process Arts. ABC houses the nascent Association for Cultural Movement and Education.
Foundation for Mythological Studies - primary objectives: 1) a renewed interest in the cultural heritage of mythologies, 2) the development of an approach to mythology that recognizes inherent spirituality without insistence on adherence to dogma or creed, and 3) the creation of educational projects in the fields of mythology, ecology, and depth psychology. 4) familiarity with and appreciation for mythological stories from various cultures provide a foundation for understanding that is beneficial to a pluralistic society. 5) provide non-faith-based initiatives and programs that are geared toward addressing the growing sense of isolation from each other and from nature.
International Association for Jungian Studies provides a forum and focus for the exciting and important work being done in Jungian and Post-Jungian studies all over the world and is equally (and refreshingly) open to academics, analysts, therapists, practising artists, students and candidates in training.
National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation - (Planning Team) a loose-knit community of practitioners, researchers, activists, artists, students, and others who are committed to giving people a voice and making sure that voice counts. NCDD provides the infrastructure needed in this community so we can work together to increase both our individual and our collective impact.Nexus For Change Conferences (Planning Team and "Thought Leader") - Over 330 participants from more than 20 countries gathered in March 2007 at an unprecedented, sold-out collaboration of practitioners, business & community leaders, social entrepreneurs, students, and activists. Synergies were formed and social networks established through conversations, collective sense-making, and resource sharing. The survey results were positive (70% referral and overall satisfaction with conference and facilities of 3.9). And, there is much room for improvement as well. View survey results at www.nexusforchange.org. After the conference an online community exists that allows us post our work, share information, and follow through on initiatives that emerge from the conference.
Pacific Coast Theological Society - nominated for membership by Huston Smith in 2007 and accepted to this private academic association for "theologians and philosophers interested in theology" which meets at the Graduate Theological Union Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley CA.
Peace and Justice Studies Association (PJSA) is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2001 as a result of a merger of the Consortium on Peace research, Education and Development (COPRED) and the Peace Studies Association (PSA). Both organizations provided leadership in the broadly defined field of peace, conflict and justice studies. We are dedicated to bringing together academics, K-12 teachers and grassroots activists to explore alternatives to violence and share visions and strategies for peacebuilding, social justice, and social change. PJSA also serves as a professional association for scholars in the field of peace and conflict resolution studies.
| posted by Brandon @ 3/30/2002 09:43:00 AM
WilliamsCraig Cinema Fantastique (ala IMDB)
Our Permanent Collection
In house but, as yet, unwatched
Must See
Less intensely, Will (at some point) See
Low-res PC versions in the library
Flicks we'd like to sell or give away
Brought in and then sent out again for whatever reason
Experienced on the Big Screen
In the market to acquire for permanent collection
Our Permanent Collection
In house but, as yet, unwatched
Must See
Less intensely, Will (at some point) See
Low-res PC versions in the library
Flicks we'd like to sell or give away
Brought in and then sent out again for whatever reason
Experienced on the Big Screen
In the market to acquire for permanent collection
Labels: bdwc, cinema, film, movie
| posted by Brandon @ 3/10/2002 06:10:00 PM
Summary
I am a professional facilitator and teacher, and co-founder of Association Building Community. In the 90's I coined and we developed the term " Process Arts" now used widely by Peggy Holman, Tom Devane, Steven Cady, (see this entry for the text from their The Change Handbook), John Abbe, and several others in Organizational Development, psychology, and social justice fields, to refer to the participatory practices which build cultures of change able to work with and through conflict.
Process Arts relate to the kind of education that is essential for democracy and are so named to invoke and parallel the Liberal Arts, as the curriculum of schools around the world already includes practices like conflict resolution and mediation. As an approach to full participation, Process Arts have also proven quite useful in bridging the distance between citizens and representatives, as well as "progressive" and "conservative" groups eager to discuss and have a hand in social changes already in progress.
I have focused on building and articulating my contribution to this work for the past several years, working within our community and Council, obtaining an (almost finished) Ph.D., and contributing to or initiating online and face-to-face projects which are in the process of maturing.
My wife, Lisa, and I lost our 15 month old son, Aidan, for no reason that anyone can tell us, just before Christmas 2006. We left our apartment and employment to pull up stakes and wander the nation for several months so that our fundamental sense of homelessness might find a place to become more authentic and less something to be repressed. As often happens in transitions of this scope our financial situation became rather tight and the need to connect and continue working is stronger than ever.
I hope you will invite me to visit you and hear about your work. I'd also be happy to:
- facilitate conflicts so that all needs are met and several wants are satisfied,
- demonstrate how Aikido applies to everyday conflicts,
- introduce improvisational techniques for expanding creative responses to difficult situations
- re-energize meetings and work-sessions
- initiate mythological culture-study specifically for your group's growth,
- provide in-service training,
- present any of these ideas publicly or consult privately, and
- carefully consider your needs and those of the people in your sphere of influence.
I have thousands of hours in group process, hundreds of those as a mediator or facilitator, and would be more than happy to offer process options, help plan, or be available for back-up of whatever kind is needed. Humor is a prominent feature in my offerings and deep echoes of grief and re-creation often surface and find a place to rest or move while the process continues.
I also work with large groups to create conferences and seminars. ABC has a Saving Sounds project in partnership with Conference Recording Service, collecting audio and visual records of the Process Arts as they develop, so I record conferences for part of my living. I manage teams of conference recording professionals and would be happy to connect you with CRS or lend a hand in any capacity to make an event run more smoothly. I have been planning, directing, and providing security for events and presenting in public for over thirty years, and would also be happy to provide event coordination assistance as part of your existing team.
Left entirely to my own devices I like to hang a sign somewhere everyone can see that says something like "dilemmas, disagreements, and differences welcome here" and just see who joins in. I'm ready to plant the seeds, or offer water or warmth to grow your ongoing, auto-critical practice so that daily work becomes a pleasure and post-event or crisis debriefs become more rich in the authentic details necessary to improve for next time. Ask me how!
Please look for me down any of the following paths:
public at bdwc dot net
Toll Free (866) 236-0346 voice mail and fax
Direct to my PC (510) 96-bdwc1 (510) 962-3921
public at bdwc dot net
Toll Free (866) 236-0346 voice mail and fax
Direct to my PC (510) 96-bdwc1 (510) 962-3921
| posted by Brandon @ 2/07/2002 08:02:00 PM
