Bruce Bookman
Founder, Tenzan Aikido

My deep roots in traditional aikido coupled with my belief that aikido is constantly evolving, allows me to offer each student the benefits of age-old training methods and the spontaneity that comes with years of experimentation and reflection. While it is important to have a thorough understanding of the old techniques, I feel that it is important not to let practice become stagnant. At the same time, without grounding in aikido's time-honored traditions, the student can easily get lost in abstractions.

I teach from the basic premise that aikido will bring balance, health and a meditative reflective element to one's life. Through aikido people can get in touch with their own creativity and watch it unfold not only on the mat, but, more importantly in daily life. This may be realized in one's improved ability to focus in relating to others, in one's health and in being more effective. Moving with decisiveness and clarity are emphasized in my classes and often become a metaphor for how one moves through life.

Each class is an unplanned creation where I open to my creative Source and to the needs of the students who are present. As the class progresses, I find that I am able to tap into what is needed as I teach and practice with the students. As a result, the space that is created nourishes everyone, myself included. The founder of aikido, Morihei Uyeshiba, said that practice should always be done with a joyful spirit. By the end of an hour of practice, students usually find that they have dropped whatever burdens they may have been carrying when they walked in and that their mind, body and spirit are in a better place. Both teacher and student feel elated. This type of practice on a regular basis, over time, has a profound effect one's life.