Occupying Space With Your Opponent

Heard an interesting remark from an aikido master a couple of years ago that I've been able to successfully apply to my situation with cancer the past year. When asked by a student how to get up to the next level in proficiency, the master said, "You'll never get to the next level until you learn to enjoy occupying the same space as your opponent."

My Favorite Place to Play in Tokyo/Yokohama

My favorite "jazz" club in Tokyo-Yokohama. Airegin (Yokohama) near Kannai station. Airegin is the home of a great music festival called the International Impromusica Festival. I've always enjoyed performing at Airegin cause I've always felt the music is put ahead of anything else. Sometimes there are good audiences and sometimes I've played for only 2-3 people. Regardless, there has never been any kind of bad vibe from the owner. It's all about the creativity. Especially in this day and time when the money seems to control all, it's so important for artists to have a space to create and let ideas flow. Airegin is just that kind of space.

Healing Sights and Sounds of Japan 2 (HD)

Healing Sights and Sounds of Japan 1 (HD)

Nature at it's best. Spiritual and zen-like sights and sounds. This video was recorded on a cold and snowy winter afternoon in Iwate prefecture in the Tohoku region of northern Japan near Ishidoriya and Hanamaki.