Aikido Techniques | Junior Golf

Dynamic Nature of Aikido

2009-03-25T07:29:00.003Z

Most experts say that there are no definite "styles" or "techniques" in practicing the martial art. After the development of aikido by Morihei Ueshiba, called "O Sensei," many students were inspired to train under his tutelage. The aikido founder reiterates this principle over and over again because the techniques of aikido, when applied without care, can damage or kill instead of diverting or immobilizing the opponent.

After their training, the Great Teacher encouraged his students to put up their own dojos so they can spread the tenets of his martial art. Aside from encouraging them to set up dojos and share the knowledge he taught, he also inspired them to develop their own styles and interpretations as long as these techniques adhere to the basic principle of aikido, "not fighting force with force". With the emergence of various dojos all over the world, more and more techniques were born. Despite the differences in techniques in various dojos, there is a set of the common techniques in which almost all dojos use. Each of this technique is carefully taught to the student so he or she can discover its strengths and weaknesses.

Aikido: Practicing the Art of Peace

2009-03-18T07:24:00.000Z

The etymology of the word Aikido stems from three Japanese characters. Aikido is a modern martial art that is founded by spirituality and philosophy influenced by the Omoto-kyo religion associated with the Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. Loosely translated then, the meaning of Aikido is the way of joining the spirit.

The Aikido training for multiple attacks is done "freestyle" where a person can further expand their knowledge by practicing and performing Aikido techniques beyond the structured environment of the uke and nage. In the case of uke and nage, Aikido training teaches uke to be more flexible and relaxed so that nage will not be able to catch them unaware and throw them off balance. These are only two methods of Aikido training. There are many other training methods and techniques that follow the core value of Aikido.

Although spiritual and philosophical development is important in Aikido training, it has to be put to practical means and examples in actual practice of Aikido techniques and methods.Aikido training usually consists of two parties. This concept of uke and nage can be likened to the Chinese yin and yang because in Aikido, uke and nage are not separate entities. Furthermore, in Aikido training, the receiver or uke usually initiates an attack against the nage whose aim is to neutralize the assault with an Aikido move or technique.This way, both the uke and nage learn from each other and the Aikido training is not successfully executed without oneness between the two. It is in the give and take of these two entities in Aikido training that the principles of ki and other fundamentals of Aikido techniques are learned.

Junior golf beginners equipment

2009-03-11T04:03:00.001Z

Junior golf + beginners + equipment = quite the equation for sports fanatics. In order to correctly supply an answer and conclusion for the above problem of junior golf, it is very important to identify each of the individual portions of the equation. It is very important for junior golf that are just getting into the sport of golf to be aware of the many ways in which these components interact. This will allow us to understand the essential pieces of each factor, which will help junior golf to understand the game and their roles within the sport to a more effective and efficient degree. As with any other sport, there will be a necessary period of adjustment.

Junior golf player are those who are not necessarily familiar with golf or activity, and those who will need to learn more about it, when we look at the junior golf + beginners + equipment equation. By finding the simplest terms to explain to a child, parents are able to approach the topic of junior golf with their children. After establishing that the individual is a youth, we can observe that since they are also a beginner, they are probably not aware of very much in the game. It will be necessary to explain the use of the clubs and the point of the game that the youth would be taking up. This leads into the final component of the junior golf + beginners + equipment theory. Equipment should be purchased after the child has been briefed on what golf is all about.

How to Locate the Best Junior Kids Golf Equipment

2009-03-05T04:01:00.001Z

There is a lot to decide when it comes to purchasing junior kids golf equipment. Many people may not think so at first, but it is true. While there are more adults than there are children who are interested in the sport, there is often more selection in junior kids golf equipment. This is done for the most part in order to capture the child’s attention and make them more inclined to be interested in the sport as a result of being interested in the ways in which the junior kids golf equipment is being marketed and produced for children. In many instances, when parents are trying to get their children interested in something, they will try to find a way to make the item or situation appeal to their child. In the case of junior kids golf equipment, there are many instances in which parents will look for golf items that will appeal to their children either through the images depicted on the equipment or the color schemes that are used.

When it comes to junior kids golf equipment, there are lots of equipment that is made with the images and likenesses of cartoon characters. Some of the shows that are featured on television are so popular with kids, that almost all kids’ items will offer a piece of their selection that is adorned with images from the television show. Sometimes this can have a profound effect on the price of the junior kids golf equipment. In the event that some of the junior kids golf equipment will have popular pictures on them, they are more likely to be inflated when it comes to the price of the item, since kids will be more likely to want these items because of the designs on the items.

This is often the case, even if the materials used are not the best. It can be more cost effective for parents to try to find junior kids golf equipment on the internet, if this is the case. Purchasing the items on the internet is a good idea because there are often retail stores online that will sell the same items for less than the department stores or sporting goods stores will sell the junior kids golf equipment to consumers. If a manufacturer knows that a specific theme is trendy at the time, they will be more comfortable with inflating the price for the time period that the item is desired, since parents will be more willing to spend money on these items if it is what their children will appreciate most.

It can be challenging at time for parents to get their children interested in sports. When it comes to the game of golf, it can help parents get their children excited about the game if the children are greeted with the image of something familiar on their junior kids golf equipment. Not only can it interest the child in the equipment, but it also may help them to be more open to the idea of golf as a game and sport for them to play in their free time.

Finding Junior Used Golf Course Equipment

2009-02-28T03:58:00.001Z

Things to consider for purchasing junior used golf equipment is the price. Another popular reason is just starting to become interested with the game, and they are not sure whether they are going to be making a full time sport and become a junior golf. This is especially true of individuals that are younger and just coming into contact with the game. They may seem interested, but many youths are interested in something and then will end up moving quickly on to something else. In this case, it may be best to look around for used equipment in order to get the youth the equipment that they need. The junior used golf course equipment has to offer is often very respectable. There are also a number of places from which one can investigate the junior used golf course equipment.

Flea markets are very popular. When a person is looking for junior used golf course equipment, one of the best places to look for these items would be at a garage sale of a flea market. This is because a person can find used, and sometimes new, items at a discounted price. Whether a person is looking for golf clubs, a golf bag or other essentials related to the sport, it is very easy to find the items and junior used golf course equipment.

It is very possible for individuals to look through the newspaper in order to look for information about junior golf equipment that may be for sale. Some individuals may also want to take out ads in the newspaper in order to request used junior golf equipment. By giving people a contact number, if they are looking to get rid of their old youth golf equipment, they can easily locate the individual that is looking for the specific items. These options allow individuals to contact each other within the state of Florida in order to interact when it comes to the purchasing and selling of particular golf items for individuals that would use youth sized equipment.

Aikido in Everyday Life

2009-02-24T11:50:00.001Z

Aikido everyday in life is akin to having an unshakable peace and calm that enables you to have the strength needed to withstand even the toughest of life's challenges. Remember that Aikido teaches students about flexibility, adaptability, calm and clarity. All these are useful tools in dealing with life.

Some Aikido martial artists tend to relate Aikido combat principles to everyday life like work, play and personal relationships. This results in a true oneness in the practice of Aikido everyday in life. In Aikido training, there is such a thing as uke and nage. One cannot exist without the other. Uke makes an assault on nage and consequently is the receiver of the Aikido technique which nage uses to neutralize uke's attack energy with. In training using uke and nage, one will be able to get better in Aikido techniques by learning from each other and gaining each others strengths and battling each others weaknesses together.

In constant defense and fear, we tend to be too busy to concentrate and are easily distracted. Aikido stresses this fact and so it teaches its students to remain calm in the face of an assault. More advanced techniques teach students not only to fall properly, but also to be able to rebound and plant a counter attack as one rises from a fall. Aikido masters and instructors cultivate the development of spirituality and character within Aikido students so that they can apply Aikido principles everyday in life. True understanding of Aikido simultaneously promotes better performance in practice combats as well as in performance in everyday life.

Aikido Set of Uniforms

2009-02-19T02:46:00.002Z

Aikido has their own aikido uniforms, just like any other martial arts. The uniform (aikidogi) wear in aikido is similar to the one wear in most martial arts. This is a general term used to refer to uniforms of donned for traditional martial arts class. The aikidogi are simple trousers and a white jacket or uwagi or upper garment. For aikidogi, judo and karate jackets are acceptable. For aikidokas, judo jackets might be advisable since some Aikido techniques also involve some keikogi grabbing which could tear the cloth during practice.

Sometimes, aikido uniforms are customized to handle precisely the stress in some techniques. The jacket is also a little longer around the waist. The Aikido jacket might also have shorter sleeves since basic techniques of Aikido focuses on wrist grabs and twists. Aikido schools also add hakama, which looks like a dress or skirt, to the uniform. The concept behind wearing a hakama is to be able to hide the movements of the feet. The hakama is commonly black or indigo in color and are usually reserved for aikidokas that have received the dan rank.

When buying for first aikidogi it is important to make sure that the size and fit is right. Uniforms that are too small will constrict your movements while too big a size will get in the way of executing techniques. As mentioned before, in Aikido you'll get considerable pulling, stretching, sliding, jumping and throwing thus the need for a set of uniform that will not easily tear from the regular training routine. Double stitched uniforms are usually stronger and will handle the stress. Extra knee padding is also a plus. However, do remember that these things cost a little extra but its all worth it since you'll be having an aikidogi uniform that will lasts longer. This is definitely better than buying a new one every time you tear it up during training.

The Spirit of Aikido

2009-02-14T06:40:00.001Z

Martial art systems nowadays are primarily for exercise, self-defense and physical fitness. What about aikido? The spirit of aikido is about cultivating relaxation and a serenity throughout everyday life to be able to harness this virtue in actual physical combat. The Aikido spirit continues to live on today years after it was developed by O’Sensei. There is a spiritual and philosophical development in the aikido spirit. The students of Aikido bring the aikido spirit throughout ordinary mundane activities, forming a bridge between principles of how to tackle everyday life and combat moves on the training mat.

The aikido spirit is attributed to the founder's background in Omoto-kyo religion. Omoto-kyo is a modern Japanese religion, which is said to be an offshoot of Shintoism. Omoto-kyo followers believe in beautifying the world with art to bring humans closer to the divine. However, the Omoto-kyo followers are pacifists who espouse peace over war. This is the parallel between Omoto-kyo and Aikido. That is why the Aikido spirit is often paradoxically referred to as the art of peace. One may wonder about the sanity behind the fact that a martial art which was in all intentions created for combat and winning over the enemy can indeed to be claim to the art of peace. For all intents and purposes however, the philosophical and spiritual foundation of Aikido is about maintaining a constant state of relaxation.

The aikido practitioner is able to perform difficult throws and manuvers. When we are tense and not relaxed, we needlessly waste energy on aggression and force. By going with the flow and not being afraid of what can or cannot happen to us, we cultivate a peace with a relaxed demeanor as its direct consequence. The Aikido spirit aims to cultivate a mental discipline, develop character and self-confidence with the end goal of being able to maintain peace and relaxation. It believes that in peace can one realize true power: The power to spread peace further and the strength to be able to withstand the onslaught of everyday situations. The basics in passing on the Aikido spirit can be done through practical applications that clearly show that a relaxed demeanor is more effective than an aggressive one.

The Energy of Aikido

2009-02-08T02:33:00.002Z

Aikido masters and instructors believe that the energy can only truly flow in its complete potential energy when one is relaxed. The ki flows freely and smoothly in the relaxed state. This is the reason why being relaxed and calm is taught in aikido practice. This ki is a force that is very strong and fundamental. It is believed to be superior to muscle and physical strength, which sometimes hinders the ki.

In fact, in aikido, instead of muscle and strength building, flexibility and endurance is part of the aikido martial art training. Now, it said that to be able to truly harness the power of the ki, it must be allowed to flow. It can only flow properly within us when we are in a relaxed state. The relaxed state cannot be built like muscles through exercise. A spiritual journey must be taken upon by an aikido student to be able to achieve the state of calm and peace that is vital in combat.

The Hard Style Aikido

2009-02-02T08:45:00.001Z

Within the world of Aikido a variety of styles exists. The major ones include Aikikai, Yoshinkan Yoseikan, Shodokan Aikido, Ki Society and Iwama. Aikikai is a style led by O-sensei's decendants and remains to be the largest Aikido organization. The Shodokan Aikido use to train with sparring and rule based competitions. Let us focus on one: the Yoshinkan style. Gozo Shioda, like most of the founders of the major Aikido schools, was a student of O-sensei or Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Shioda's Aikido Yoshinkan focuses on the basics of Aikido. The six basic movements or the kihon dosa are taught repeatedly to Yoshinkan students. Students of this style spend a considerable time of their training regimen repeating basic movements in Aikido techniques.

Yoshinkan Aikidokas will practice the basics in the form of solo movements called kata. Nevertheless, as Yoshinkan Aikidokas gain more experience, their movements become more fluid and will eventually develop spontaneity of techniques. Another distinguishing factor in Yoshinkan is the positioning of the Aikidoka's feet and hips. For Yoshinkan Aikidokas on the other hand, the basic or normal stance involves square hips with the front foot angled slightly out. Training under the Yoshinkan Aikido means repeatedly practicing some 150 basic techniques until you get exactly the correct execution of each movement or technique. Unlike other styles, Yoshinkan does not study any weapon forms and only practices with weapons as part of the Aikido's open hand techniques particularly in the areas of defense movements against weapon bearing opponents. Also, Yoshinkan Aikido does not participate in competitions. The focus of Shioda's Aikido is self defense.

The Underlying Principle of Everything

2009-01-30T10:04:00.000Z

In quantum physics, one of the foremost theories that promises to revolutionize how we see the world is the theory of strings. The main premise of this particular theory is that strings are the most basic structure that makes up everything we can and cannot see within the physical world. Strings of course is just a word to label this most profound substance that theoretical physicists say dictate everything we see, perceive and have in and around us in this physical world.

Although no direct correlation has ever been claimed between string theory and that of the principles of ch'i prevalent in the East, they share the same premise in the most basic sense that it is said that there is a basic energy substance that underlie everything. In understanding the nature of this substance we are able to harness its power and utilize it.

The concept of ch'i or qi in Chinese and ki in Japanese, is very much relative to the type of school that teaches it. Some say that ch'i is a force separate from matter as we know it. Some say that ch'i arises from matter. Still some say that matter arises from ch'i.

What all schools have in common however is the fact that they all more or less say that ch'i is a fundamental energy that can be harnessed to bring power to oneself wither physically, mentally or spiritually. With all the different premises that try to explain ch'i, it is clear that mere instructions in words will not be able to fully expound on what ch'i is. Perhaps because of this, it is better to pass on the knowledge of ch'i through actual and practical instruction.

One school that may be successful in being able to teach what the ch'i is and how to be able to use it for one's own benefit is Aikido. At the heart of the spirituality and philosophy or Aikido is the ki, which is similar or perhaps, one and the same with what is otherwise known as the ch'i or qi.

Aikido's ki is the heart of the principle of this particular martial art. While technically, martial arts are means for combat and war, Aikido is often known as the art of peace because it espouses a peaceful means towards aggression. Aikido ki, like in other concepts of ch'i teaches that there is a fundamental energy that can be harnessed. Aikido ki being energy means that its substance is something that flows.

The principle of peace and relaxation taught by Aikido presupposes the fact that the ki flows more smoothly and strongly when it is uninterrupted. A better illustration might be something like, if water is ki, then to harness its power, it must be allowed to flow to produce hydroelectric force.

This is why in Aikido, ki energy comes from being relaxed. It is said that in the relaxed state, the flow of ki is better aided. Aikido as a martial art is not about muscle strength or superior physical attributes. It is really about relaxation, flexibility and stamina. This allows a smaller person to be able to topple and throw a larger opponent during practice.

Aikido History

2009-01-28T10:00:00.000Z

The name aikido is formed by the combination of three characters in the Japanese language. Ai, which means joining; ki, which means spirit and do, which means way. These three words actually summarize the essence of aikido as a form of martial art— the joining of the spirit to find the way. It was only in the period from 1930s to the 40s that the name aikido was officially accepted as the name of the martial arts form.

Aikido uses techniques that do not damage or kill unlike other forms of martial arts. The movements and skills being taught are just meant to divert attention or immobilize people. This is perhaps the reason why most people prefer aikido, because of it’s focus on peace and harmony as opposed to aggression and conflict. In fact, aikido developer Morihei Ueshiba believes that to control aggression without causing any injury is the art of peace.

Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which means Great Teacher, created aikido from the principles of Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu. He incorporated the techniques of the yari, the spear; the juken, which is a bayonet; and the jo, which is a short quarterstaff). But what ultimately separates aikido from other forms of martial arts is the fact that its practitioners can attack while empty-handed. Practitioners need no weapons for protection.

As a young child, he was much into physical fitness and conditioning. This is because of his vow to avenge his father’s death. Eventually, his studies and activities brought him to the discipline of the different martial arts. He studied all. He even has certificates, fencing, fighting with spears, etc. He has learned it all. This is perhaps the reason why aikido is such a diverse and multi-disciplinary form of martial arts.

Yet despite his know how, he remains dissatisfied. He felt that there is still something missing. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a spiritual leader, Onisaburo Deguchiof the sect Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchiof taught him to take care of his spiritual growth. He then combined his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the different martial arts. Aikido was born.

His association with this charismatic spiritual leader Deguchiof also paved the way for his introduction to the elite political and military people as a martial artist. Because of this connection, he was able to establish aikido and even transferred the teachings to students, who have in turn developed their own styles of movement in aikido.

Aikido is a combination of the different styles of jujitsu as well as some of the techniques of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba is an expert. To get an overall picture, aikido combines the joint locks and throws techniques of jujitsu and the movements of the body when fighting with sword and spears.

Oriental in origin, it was brought to the west by Minoru Mochizuki when he visited France in 1951. He introduced the aikido techniques to students who are learning judo. In 1952, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official Aikikai Honbu representative. Then in 1953, Kenji Tomiki toured through the United States while Koichi Tohei stayed in Hawaii for a full year where he set up a dojo. Aikido then spread its influence in United Kingdom two years after and in 1965, it reached Germany and Australia. At present, aikido has centers all over the world.

Aikido and Combat

2009-01-26T09:57:00.001Z

Everyone has the power of life or death in one’s hands. It is the decision of the individual to slow down when pedestrians are crossing or whether to pull the trigger when going on a duck hunt.

Unfortunately, there are certain elements in society who will cause harm in order to get money instead of working for it. The person can become a victim when walking to the car after doing some shopping or when coming home late from work.

The police may not always be there to assist so it is best to be prepared always. One way to be prepared is learning a martial art. The individual does not have to be as good as Bruce Lee to kick butt but simply learn what it takes to deliver a good punch.

One of the more popular and yet very peaceful is aikido. This is because in combat, the person doesn’t strike the opponent with the intent to injure or kill. The objective is merely to subdue the opponent with minimum force to be able to get to safety.

There are various Dojos all across the country that teach aikido. The person can sign up in one and then move up the ranks.

Beginners will first work use techniques based in the shape of a square. As the skills develop, the person will move up to triangle and then eventually circle. This will take months so the student must be committed throughout the entire process.

The objective of this is for the person to be able to the various techniques with the least amount of effort unlike before. This will give the person enough energy in combat should there be more than one opponent.

The things done in practice such as the holds, grips and falls can never be compared with what happens in the streets. This is because an inexperienced person may try something different so the individual should be prepared for anything.

It is a good thing though that various competitions are held regularly so that one’s combat skills can be tested. The student can sign up especially if the dojo usually participates in such tournaments.

While in practice or during competition, the person should lower the tempo to prevent injuring the partner. After all, the real battle is out there in the streets and should only be used as a last resort.

There may even come a time that the assailant could be someone also skilled in the martial arts. The only way to win will be to use the mind since this will allow the individual to react faster in the middle of a fight.

There are various secrets in aikido. This can be from the hand to eye coordination, the flexibility of the wrist, the breathing and the speed. All of these things will count for something as the person is in combat struggling in a life or death situation.

There is a line that goes, “no pain, no gain.” Unfortunately, this will happen in order to be good at aikido since the one who has the competitive edge will be the victor in any battle. The person can do well in any combat situation as long as one is guided by senior students and the Sensei and believes in his or herself.

The Secret of Aikido

2009-01-24T09:54:00.001Z

Aikido secret that you have to know. Aikido is a martial art in which the person blocks the moves of an opponent by using the hands. Anyone who wants to learn it will not be able to move as fast as Steven Segal in one of his action films but still be effective in combat. Aikido secret movement. In a fight, the person can make a counter attack in the hopes that the individual will be subdued. There is another way of course without resorting to force, which is the technique one can learn in aikido.

The person must first become a student in order to be called a master. Aikido secret technique. This means learning the basic rules from entering the dojo until the class is over. The person will surely feel some pain after falling down a few times on the mat but this is not to torture the pupil. This martial art cannot be learned by merely watching others do it in the movies or in television. There are some who even show the step by step process in a magazine but nothing still compares to learning it from a Sensei.

Aikido secret weapon. This is all part of the training, which the student must also do properly in order to move into the more advanced classes. One of the secrets is being able to know when to use it since timing is everything. aikido secret There is a bit of hand to eye coordination just like in sports but here, the individual will merely redirect the same force back to that individual.

Another secret in using aikido has to do with the wrist. The person should be smooth enough to put one hand over the opponents to be able to make the technique work and counter the attack. Aikido secret styles. It takes a certain amount of energy to be able to perform certain moves. The individual will learn the various breathing exercises that will increase the heart rate and slow it down especially in the heat of the action. What do you think of aikido secret.

Taste the Hard Style Aikido

2009-01-22T09:47:00.000Z

There are a variety styles of Aikido: Yoshinkan, Aikikai, Shodokan Aikido, Yoseikan, Ki Society and Iwama. Aikikai is a style led by O-sensei's decendants and remains to be the largest Aikido organization. Meanwhile, Yoshinkan was founded by Gozo Shioda and is known for its rigid practice of being precise or accurate. The Shodokan Aikido use to train with sparring and rule based competitions. The Ki Society in the meantime focuses on special training or programs for developing the ki. The Iwama style gives more attention to integration of weapon and barehand techniques. These are just a few of the major schools of Aikido. Let us focus on one: the Yoshinkan style.

Shioda's Aikido Yoshinkan focuses on the basics of Aikido. The six basic movements or the kihon dosa are taught repeatedly to Yoshinkan students. Students of this style spend a considerable time of their training regimen repeating basic movements in Aikido techniques. Gozo Shioda, like most of the founders of the major Aikido schools, was a student of O-sensei or Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Most of the students of O-sensei built their own schools of Aikido based on their understandings on the teachings and basic principles of Aikido that O-sensei taught them.

Another distinguishing factor in Yoshinkan is the positioning of the Aikidoka's feet and hips. In other Aikido styles, the Aikidoka would position their body in such a way that the front foot is pointing straight forward while the back foot is at 90 degree angle to the front. The hips meanwhile are a bit to the side. This position is called kamae. For Yoshinkan Aikidokas on the other hand, the basic or normal stance involves square hips with the front foot angled slightly out.

Training under the Yoshinkan Aikido means repeatedly practicing some 150 basic techniques until you get exactly the correct execution of each movement or technique. Mastering each and every technique will lead Aikidokas to master the remaining 3,000. Unlike other styles, Yoshinkan does not study any weapon forms and only practices with weapons as part of the Aikido's open hand techniques particularly in the areas of defense movements against weapon bearing opponents. Also, Yoshinkan Aikido does not participate in competitions. The focus of Shioda's Aikido is self defense.

The Art of Aikido

2009-01-20T06:20:00.000Z

It’s all about the art of aikido. Martial Arts is one of the contributions of Asia to the world. Even until now martial arts is still a big hit with the increasing popularity of Asian movies like crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and more recently the House of the Flying Daggers.

In Aikido, one is not taught violence instead one is taught to be in harmony with the opponent to be able to defeat. Art is something beautiful to watch and something positive and Aikido is all that. The art of peace as what they call in Aikido is one of the most positive influences of Aikido to its students and to everyone who choose to know about this Japanese martial art.

Some of the techniques in Aikido include the following. Ikkyo is the first technique. The third technique is Sankyo which is a pronating technique that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder. In studying Aikido, it is important to remember that along with building physical strength to be able to defeat your opponent the mental capacity should also be developed. Just like in any art, it takes a lot of practice and discipline to perfect the art of Aikido. Ok, that’s it the art of aikido at a glance.

Practicing Aikido Dojo

2009-01-18T08:17:00.000Z

This is about practicing aikido dojo and where you can practice aikido techniques. Through authentic Aikido training, you can develop yourself spiritually and philosophically and this should reflect in your ability to employ Aikido martial art techniques in an Aikido dojo. Dojo is the Japanese term for a formal training structure for martial arts. The actual Aikido training from a traditional dojo is done outdoors in a less formal setting.

What about aikido dojo? A modern day Aikido dojo however loses most of its formality. Some of the modern Aikido dojo that are run by small groups of individuals who want to remain authentic to the spirit of the traditional dojo, students conduct a cleaning ritual after each training session. Today, to learn and be a student of Aikido, one must find an Aikido dojo conveniently near you to be able to attend practice regularly. Aikido is a martial art form that paradoxically promotes a peaceful end to aggression through various Aikido techniques.

Aikido Weapon and Techniques

2009-01-16T09:48:00.000Z

This is about aikido weapon and techniques. Most Aikido uses the weapon of the jo (staff) tanto (knife) and the bokken (sword). It’s a part of aikido techniques. These are the main weapons used in Aikido. In Aikido weapons training, you will also be taught to handle, hold, fight and defend using the tanto which in actuality is a knife or a short blade. The tanto was also extremely popular amongst the men and women who lived by the samurai code during their time. There are a couple of reasons why aikido weapons are used in Aikido classes and training sessions. Aikido has a strong weapon martial arts foundation and any training with weapons will only reinforce the basic techniques of the martial art. Mr Morihei Ueshiba was particularly skilled with the staff. He was able to integrate weapon techniques with basic Aikido movements. But among the multitude of weapons out there the sword has the most influence on the development stages of Aikido techniques. It is the ninja-to, another weapon in aikido techniques. The ninja-to are swords used by those mysterious ninjas. Samurais back then also have wakizashi swords at their disposal. Wakizashi are usually two feet long and are paired with the katana.

What about measuring the distance of attacks? An Aikido practitioner will be able to measure the distance between attacks through aikido weapons training. The proper distancing is very important in timing an attack and defense. Weapons training is also necessary since advanced Aikido techniques involve defending against people bearing all sorts of weapons. To practice each advanced move safely, Aikido practitioners needed to be familiar with each weapons' capabilities. Therefore, with Aikido weapons training, one will be able to develop his skills, intuitiveness and reflexes in both attacking and defending movements.

Aikido Protective Moves

2009-01-14T05:41:00.000Z

Aikido has many protective moves and here are some of the moves. You can use these to disarm your opponent.

1) Kotogaeshi (the wrist return). You have to place a wristlock and throw that will stretch up to the extensor digitorum. 2) Iriminage (the entering-body throw). You have to move into the space where the uke or the opponent is. This classic move resembles the clothesline technique. 3) Kokyunage (the breath throw). The various types of “timing throws.” 4) Koshinage (the hip throw). You have to drop your hips a little lower than the opponent or the uke. You then flip the opponent with a resultant fulcrum. 5) Tenchinage (the heaven and earth throw). The levels that the hands will reach. You have to grab both wrists and then moves forwardm grabbing the hand low and the other high. This unbalances the uke, which will cause him or her to topple over.

6). Shihonage (the four-direction throw). The hand is folded back past the shoulders and then afterwards locking the joints in the shoulder. 7). Kaitennage (the rotation throw) you have to move the arm backwards until the shoulder joints are locked. You then use this position to add pressure. 8) Jujinage (the throw). It is characterized by a throw that locks the arms together. This is called shape like a 10 throw because of its cross-shape, which looks like 10 in kanji.

That’s all some of the aikido protective moves.

Levels of Technique in Aikido

2009-01-12T05:38:00.001Z

Principally, there are 4 levels of technique in Aikido training. Of course, mastering each technique will involves discipline and dedication. But to be a good aikodoka, it’s not enough to master these techniques only. One must master both the techniques and the principle of the marital art. So what are the four levels of aikido techniques?

The 4 levels of technique in aikido are the katai, the yawarakai, the ki-no-nagare and the ki. The katai refers to the basic training and is intended to develop the foundation of body movements and breathing. The yawarakai teaches the defendant to prevent attacks and fuse movements to take control of the attacker or situation. The ki-no-nagare involves training the defendant to defend or counter attack by merging the movement with the attacker even before the latter makes contact. The ki is the absolute aikido technique and involves establishing a link of ki or spirit from the defender to the attacker.

There also some aikido basic techniques. Aikido basic techniques include ikky, niky, sanky, yonky and goky. The Ikky involves control an attacker by placing one hand on the elbow and one on near the wrist giving an opportunity to throw the attacker to the ground. The Niky draws in the uke using a wristlock and twists the arm while applying painful nerve pressure. The sanky is a rotating technique aimed at applying a spiraling tension on the whole arm including the elbow and shoulder; a shoulder control technique with both hands gripping the forearm. The goky is another variant of ikky.

Fundamental Techniques of Aikido

2009-01-10T05:35:00.000Z

It is the three Japanese words, ai-ki-do (joining, spirit, and way respectively). Aikido is a martial arts form that focuses on the joining of the spirit and the body and the mind to find the Way. Aikido is martial arts that resulted from the combination of several disciplines and was created by O Sensei in the 1940s. It has many techniques and moves. The basic structure of aikido comes from the throws and locks found other martial arts such jujitsu, swords and spears fighting.

Here are the fundamental techniques of aikido:

1) Ikkyo: achieved by the use of the hand on the elbow and one near the wrist. This is the grip that is also that can apply pressure into the ulnar, which can be found in the medial portion of the arm. 2) The second aikido technique, Nikyo: It is characterized by an adductive wristlock that twists the arm and then applies pressure in the nerve that can be really painful. 3) Sankyo: it incorporates a pronating move. It directs an upward tension all through the arm, the elbow and the shoulder. 4) Yonkyo: this technique uses a shoulder control movement similar to a ikkyo but this time there is no gripping of the forearm. Instead, the knuckles apply pressure on the radial nerve. 5) Gokyo: it is actually a variant of ikkyo. This time the hand gripping the wrist is inverted and twisted.

The Most Common Aikido Techniques

2009-01-08T05:55:00.003Z

As I promised in the previous posting, we’ll talk about the most common aikido techniques this time. But first, we have to remember that there are no definite styles or techniques in practicing Aikido. We can develop our own aikido techniques as long as these techniques adhere to the basic principle of aikido, "not fighting force with force". Ok, here are the top ten aikido techniques in the world:

Ikkyo (the first technique): it’s a control exercised using only one hand on the elbow and the other one on near the wrist that leverages "uke" to the ground. This technique uses a grip that can apply pressure into the ulnar nerve on the medial side of the person's arm.

Nikyo (the second technique): it involves the use of an adductive wristlock that loops the arm while applying painful nerve pressure.

Sankyo (the third technique): it is known as a "pronating" technique that directs upward-spiraling pressure throughout the person's arm, elbow, and shoulder.

Yonkyo (the fourth technique): it is also a shoulder control but with requires the use of both hands in gripping the forearm. The practitioner's knuckles—usually from the palm side—are applied to the opponent's radial nerve against the forearm bone.

Gokyo (the fifth technique): it’s a variant of ikkyo where the hand that grips the wrist is inverted. Gokyo is common in tanto and other weapon take-aways.

Shihonage (the four-direction throw): in this technique, the practitioner's hand is folded back past the shoulder and locks the shoulder joint.

Kotegaeshi (the wrist return): This aikido technique is a characterized by a supinating wristlock-throw, which stretches the person's extensor digitorum.

Kokyunage (the breath throw): it is coined for various types of flowing "timing throws" in duration of any aikido session.

Iriminage (the entering-body throw): it’s a throws where "nage" moves through the space occupied by "uke." This is considered as a classic form that resembles the "clothesline" technique.

Tenchinage (the heaven-and-earth throw): This involves the "uke" grabbing both wrists of the "nage." Moving forward, the nage sweeps one hand low ("earth") and the other high ("heaven"), so he or she can unbalance the uke.

Ok, that’s all the top ten aikido techniques, and don’t forget the basic principle of aikido, "not fighting force with force".

Aikido Techniques

2009-01-06T11:35:00.002Z

There are no definite "styles" or "techniques" in practicing Aikido. So if you ask about the aikido techniques, you’ll always find that answer. There are no definite aikido techniques. This is because of the dynamic nature of Aikido as a unique martial art. After the development of aikido by Morihei Ueshiba, many students were inspired to train under his guidance.

O Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba often called, encouraged the students to create their own dojos so they can improve the tenets of the aikido technique. Aside from encouraging the students to improve their own dojos and sharing his knowledge, O Sensei also inspired his students to develop their own aikido styles, techniques and interpretations as long as these techniques suit with the basic principle of aikido, "not fighting force with force". Yes, this is the principle that the teacher repeats over and over because the techniques of aikido can destroy or kill when applied without care.

The emerging of various aikido dojos has created more and more aikido techniques. Despite the differences techniques in various dojos, there is a set of the common aikido techniques in which almost all dojos use. Each of this technique is carefully trained to the student so they can discover its strengths and weaknesses. Most people say that there should be no inferior or superior aikido technique. It depends on the individual practicing the technique that can truly tell which technique works well for them. Ok, that’s it. On the next posting, we’ll talk about the most common aikido techniques in the world. So, don’t miss it.

Aikido, The Basics

2009-01-04T10:41:00.001Z

What is aikido? What is aikido technique? Aikido, one of the oldest forms of martial arts, was founded by Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido is a Budo or martial arts. Aikido is often supposed as a form of exercise or a dance b’cause of some of its forms. It is also viewed by some quarters as some form of martial mesmerism. It is the refinement of the aikido techniques that are being taught in traditional martial arts and is combined with a philosophy that calls on for the power of the spirit. In its essence, it is a blending of the body and the mind. So what is aikido technique? You can answer it by yourself.

Here is about the aikido technique. Aikido’s movements and techniques are circular. When a circle is created in aikido, the person is said to be protected from a collision from an opposing force. A firm centeris needed to create this circle. It takes a long time of study and practice in order to find this intense concentration and centeredness. Training is important in improving aikido technique as well as concentration. It will not be easy to keep one’s composure when faced with extraordinary circumstances. This is actually one of the goals of Aikido training. It aims to teach its practitioners to maintain their composure and their centeredness even in panic situations such as danger and calamities.

Aikido and its technique are also used as a matter to explore our true paths so that we can improve our individuality. It also teaches its practitioners to unify their body and their mind so that they will become in harmony with the “universe” and with nature. The word “universe” in aikido is not some obscure concept that one cannot achieve. It is actually quite concrete and is even within the grasp of the person. In aikido, “universe” can be achieved through actual experiences and everyday life.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T09:59:00.002Z

Just wanna wish you all a very happy new year.

Friend and Best Friend

2008-12-30T05:21:00.001Z

I have got this from a friend….

Friend: calls your parents by mr. and mrs.
Best friend: calls your parents dad & mom or tito & tita.

Friend: has never seen you cry
Best friend: has always has the best shoulder to cry on

Friend: never asks for anything to eat or drink
Best friend: opens the fridge & makes herself at home

Friend: asks you to write down your number.
Best friend: they ask you for their number
(cuz they can’t remember it)

Friend: borrows your stuff for a few days then gives it back.
Best friend: has a closet full of your stuff

Friend: only knows a few things about you
Best friend: could write a biography on your life story

Friend: will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing
Best friend: will always go with you

Friend: will ask where you’ve been
(after going AWOL)
Best Friend: will say MISS YOU &
goes on being your friend

Friend: would delete this letter
Best friend: will send this back to me and all of their online buddies

Friends Forever!

At a Restaurant or at Home

2008-12-29T04:57:00.003Z

As a businessman with lot of activities outside home and even comes home late at night, I usually eat at a restaurant. Although preparing and cooking food at home is cheaper than eating at a restaurant, but I don’t have any time to do that activities. In addition I don’t like cooking since it’s a boring activity. For me, time is money. Wasting a lot of time just for preparing my food is unnecessary. I prefer to do another thing, just like preparing my next meeting, rather than wasting time for cooking. In the other hand, eating in a restaurant can save my time. There, I just call the hostess and choose one of my favorites menus. In a minute I can enjoy my food.

Furthermore, eating in a restaurant has become apart of businessman live style since they can do their business at the restaurant. I usually meet a lot of people at a restaurant and then make a deal with some of them. These people are very prospective to be my next client. A lot of projects may be started at a restaurant when a businessman meets lot of people there. A restaurant can also be functioned as a place to serve our clients. I often bring my clients to have lunch together just to get more familiar each other. Eating in a restaurant, for me, is a way to improve my business.

If you ask me about the hygiene of the food at a restaurant, I think now many restaurants have realized the important of hygiene. They know that hygiene is one of the requirements to attract people to come to their place. They will wash and cook their food properly before being served to the customer. Hygiene has become the important part of a restaurant in order to get certified from the local authority. So I believe they have the standard of hygiene for their customers.

In conclusion, for me, it’s better to eat at a restaurant rather that to eat at home.

Are Parents the Best Teachers

2008-12-27T14:50:00.002Z

I think you’ll agree if I say that parents are the first teachers in our lives. They teach us how to eat, how to walk, how to talk, how to have a good attitudes and many more. They are also the most involved persons in our growth. They often accompany us in every moment of our lives, start from the morning when we wake up until in the night when we go to bed, and even in the midnight when we get a night mare.

In the beginning of children’s lives, parents are the best teachers. This is, I think, a natural role of parents, a natural instinct of human being to give the best for their children. They also tend to sacrifice a part of their happiness for their children. They don’t mind to wake up in the midnight just because their child is crying. They of course love us very much. They have the patience to teach their knowledge to the children. They teach us every thing, especially the good things, in order to see us get success in the future. They also give their habits and behaviors to the children in an implicit learning.

While the children grow up into the second stage of their lives, parents still have a strong influence, even though in a less portion. Teenagers usually pay more attention to their friends rather than to their parents. Sometimes, they will have no doubt to reject their parents’ advice if they think that they have their own opinion. So in this case, parents should reduce their pressure to the children, start to become friends for them and act to be more cooperative with them. This is, I think, a good strategy to keep the relationship between the parents and their teenagers.

On the other hand, we have to remember that parents are not professional teachers, though some parents have the occupation as teachers. We have to be careful because parents tend to give their children every thing, what ever the children want. Sometimes the parents don’t realize that their love will give a negative affect to the children. I think, children who always get what ever they want, will have no persistence and strong determination to get their goals in the future. The children tend to do a pragmatic way to achieve their success. So in this case, we need a professional teacher to transfer their knowledge to the children professionally. Professional teachers also have their own method to optimize the children’s abilities and personalities.

In conclusion, I will say that parents are the most committed teachers for the children though we still need professional teachers to teach the children.

Application Techniques and Effectivity of VGR Formulas

2008-12-26T04:15:00.003Z

Indonesia cacao plantations have relatively low productivity, which actually can be improved by reducing cherelle wilt using vegetative growth retardant (VGR) formula with proper composition. This paper describes research progress aimed to formulate molecular inducer capable of reducing cherelle wilt in cacao plantation.

The main constituent of the formula was VGR of chloro choline type with additional component of an acidic buffer. Chemical environment was adjusted for better effectiveness of the formula. The application to examine the affectivity was conducted by several ways with the aqueous solution at 25 to 200 ppm.

The observation was recorded twice a week. Examination in experimentation showed that foliar spray at upper side was the best among 6 methods tested. Experiments done in a commercial plantation demonstrated that VGR was able to reduce cherelle wilt in cacao. Addition of acidic buffer improved the performance of VGR formula. At 3 and 4 weeks after the treatments with the VGR formulas, cherelle wilt were decreased to become 18.8% and 39.9%. These numbers were significantly lower than the percentages of cherelle wilt on the trees sprayed only with water, which reached to 48.8% and 64.6% at 3 and 4 week after treatments respectively.

Author: Djoko Santoso & Arief Rachmawan

Article above is taken from Menara Perkebunan Journal. It’s written by Dr Djoko Santoso several years ago based on our experiments related with cacao cherelle wilt. I did the experiments to complete my bachelor in chemistry and it’s my first experience in research field.

A Story of Acer Laptops

2008-12-25T05:31:00.008Z

Hi guys… I hope every thing is ok. I dont wanna talk about swag lamps now. This time I’ll talk about my personnel experience accompany a friend buying acer laptop. I wanna talk about this topic because I don’t have any laptops and still wanna buy one but have no money yet. Last month I accompanied Randi to buy a laptop, acer laptop which simple model and low prices. I don’t know the type of the acer laptop, but I knew that he like that one.

So why he bought acer laptop? I don’t know the answer exactly, but let’s start this story from the beginning. Just like a legendary story, I start this story with the words: Once upon a time… Randi has to go to Bogor for a training. One of the requirements to follow that training is everyone has to bring a laptop. Unfortunately, he has no one, while the office’s laptop is in use by other. So he thought that it’s better to buy one for himself. And because he has no experience and information about laptops, he asked me to accompany him to go to Medan to buy one. Actually, it’s hard for me to make a decision, because I don’t have any knowledge on laptop too, but I knew that he just needs a friend to give him any advice. So I decided to go with him, and starting our hunting to find a proper laptop for him. We went to Carefour Medan, a shopping center that sale most everything, including laptop.

He didn’t know what kind of laptop he wanna buy. I thought that he even didn’t know acer laptop, HP, Toshiba and other brands. We just based our hunting on his budget. He has around 7 million rupiahs or about US$ 700. We visited almost every laptop store to get one which match with his budget. We saw many laptops, but still didn’t get the proper one and even still have no idea which laptop he wanna buy. After more than one hour we’ve looking around, we got the laptop finally. Yes, that is an acer laptop cost about US$ 650. I don’t remember the spec, but it’s powered by celleron processors and have 120 GB HD. I saw that he’s so happy to find that laptop. I just smiled. Of course I like the acer laptop too. Acer laptop is No 1 laptop in my country, Indonesia. I hope one day I can buy one for myself, the better one of course.

Essential Oils Blog

2008-11-21T10:56:00.002Z

Hi guys! How’s life there? I hope every thing is ok. Here I’m in Indonesia, especially in Medan, North Sumatera is fine. Besides doing my daily activity in the office, now I’m still struggling to learn a lot about blog, both in wordpress and blogger. I’ve already own some blogs and sites but there are still few visitors. Just like this blog, you see almost no visitors. But I’ll never give up optimizing my blogs and sites to get more and more visitors.

One of my new blog is all about essential oils. Actually, it’s a five month old site written in English and now I’m trying to optimize that site through a blog written in Indonesian. So some articles are written in English and some others in Indonesian. I dedicate that blog for my beloved wife who loves cajuput essential oils very much. She has been using cajuput oil since she was a child. She always uses cajuput oil and rubs it onto her throat, back and abdomen after take a bath in the morning. She said that she likes its fresh and warm aroma. This essential oil for her is useful for coughs, colds, bronchitis, and also muscular aches. I use the oil sometimes, when I feel unwell. I like its greenish and fresh aroma. Besides cajuput oil, my wife also likes other essential oils, especially aromatherapy essential oils.

The blog uses a free wordpress theme “Pemuda” made by Nurudin Jauhari. I chose that themes for its red and blue color in a white background. And of course I prefer the three column blog rather than the two one. I’m still trying to customized the blog and add some useful plugins, just like, all in one SEO pack, cform, stats, wp stats dashboard and many more. You have to know that this is my first experience using commercial hosting blog. I just used wordpress.com before. But I like this challenge. I am sure that I’ll be better in blogging by practice and practice. Yes, practice makes perfect. Ok guys, that’s all...

Free Software SEO and PPC from Traffic Travis

2008-11-11T02:32:00.002Z

I have got this email from Traffic Travis Team. They offer us new free software for search engine optimization and pay per click program analyzer. Of course there is also a professional version that you can buy. For downloading the free software and the other detail, please visit directly to their site. And here is the email:

Hi Arief

Welcome to Traffic Travis 3.0, I hope that you have already begun making full use of the software. There are a lot of features in there, some of them are absolute gems and will help you a lot in your search engine optimization and promotion of your website(s). I strongly recommend that you watch all the help videos inside the software to ensure that you gain the most benefit from it. Over the next few days, I'm going to be presenting to you a 5 part mini-course on Search Engine Optimization. This is to ensure that your Search Engine Optimization knowledge and expertise is up to standard so that you can not only make the best use of TT, but you'll even be able to use this knowledge to tweak your own website and do other things with off site factors (such as link building) in order to maximize your search engine rankings. Keep an eye out for Part 1 which I will email to you tomorrow.

Kind Regards,

Traffic Travis Team
Email: support@traffictravis.com
http://www.traffictravis.com

Affilorama Group Limited, PO Box 2486, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand

Pectin extraction and its characterization from cacao husk

2008-10-24T12:03:00.002+01:00

Cacao husk is an abundant by-product of cacao plantation in Indonesia. It has a great potential for pectin production. It contains pectin (18%), tannin (2%), catekin (0.01%) and antocianin (1.04%). Pectin is commonly used as gelling agent in food industries. During 1998, pectin consumption in Indonesia reached more than a thousand metric ton, which was imported with value of 5.2 US $. This experiment aims to determine initially the effects of extracting acid and extraction time to the yield and properties of the pectin produced from cacao husk.

The husks are processed with three acid compounds, which were chloride acid, acetic acid and citric acid. Extraction times were 45 and 60 minutes at 70 – 80C and pH 1.5. For economic reason, these extraction times were tested for chloride acid only. The results indicated that the highest yield, which is 9.34% of the fresh weight, is from the husk processed with acetic acid. Other variables such as water, ash and methoxyl content are similar to the standard of Indonesian Food Codex. The yield from 60 minutes extraction time, which was 5.02%, was higher than that of 45 minutes.

Bagong Kussudiardjo

2008-10-18T12:02:00.001+01:00

Bagong Kussudiardjo was born in Yogyakarta, 77 years ago. He was from a poor family. His father was a wayang painter while his mother was a housewife. His family loved traditional Javanese dances very much. When he was still three years old, his father had taught him how to dance well and introduced him to the wayang characters. These must have made him into a real traditional Javanese lover.

After graduated from senior high school, he continued his study to Indonesian Academy of the Arts, Jakarta (ASRI). While he was studying, he worked as a newspaper man to pay for his tuition fee. He also made and sold batik in his small store on Malioboro Street. He earned his degree four years later.

He started his career as a lecturer in IKIP, ASRI and AIR FORCE. Because of his achievement as a distinguished lecturer, his institution sent him to USA to continue his study in Choreographer-Martha Graham, majoring in Asian and European Dances. He came back to Indonesia in 1958 and established Bagong Kussudiardjo Dance Studio.

Learning A Foreign Language

2008-10-17T11:11:00.002+01:00

Many people have learned a foreign language in their own country; others have learned a foreign language in the country in which it is spoken. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. In this essay, I will name some of the advantages of each approach and I will argue in favor of the first approach.

One who has learned a foreign language in his own country may spend less money than one who has learned a foreign language in the country in which it is spoken. He did not spend his money to live in the country. He might derive greater satisfaction because he can master the language by his own approaches. If there were any mispronounce, it would be better understood because he has learned the language in his own country.

On the other hand, one who has learned a foreign language in the country in which it is spoken might master the language faster than the others. One can learn and practice the language every day because he has to use it in his daily activity. He can improve his language ability by speaking with a native speaker. Otherwise, he can learn about the cultures and tradition of the country that will give him more knowledge.

In my opinion, I must argue in favor of the first approach. I have learned a foreign language in my own country. I can learn the language without leaving my family and I still can do my daily activity. It may not be a better way, but it is my way.

Smoking shouldn’t be permitted in restaurants

2008-10-16T11:23:00.002+01:00

In my opinion, I absolutely agree that smoking shouldn’t be permitted in restaurants in order to reduce health problems. Many health problems (for example cancer, impotent, heart attack etc) are caused by secondary smoke. Least of all smoke will cause caught and inconvenient experiences. People who don’t smoke have the right to breathe fresh and clean air, so they must be protected from the danger of smoke.

Furthermore, smoke reduces the pleasure of having eating. One of the pleasures of having eating is when we smell the aroma of the food which comes from various spices and flavoring. If we eat in a smoking area, where people are smoking, the taste of smoke will blend with the taste of food so that generate different taste that we don’t like. The smoke also makes restaurants rooms become smoky. Of course this condition makes us (nonsmokers) uncomfortable and will decrease our eating desire (selera makan).

Finally, I have to say that smoking area isn’t effective at all. In a restaurant, smokers may be segregated from the nonsmokers, but it’s difficult for us to stop the smoke itself flow into the non smoking area. As we know that smoke tends to drift from a smoky area to a non smoky area. This fact, of course, makes the segregation between smoking and non smoking area isn’t effective. In addition, we will also going home with the smell of smoke on our hair and clothing.

In conclusion, I’ll say that smoking shouldn’t be permitted in restaurants because it causes health problems and reduces the pleasure of having eating. Government should makes a law addressing to this problems.

Public Transport or Highways and roads?

2008-10-14T11:32:00.001+01:00

In my opinion, public transport is an important part of the city so it has to be developed by the government. Although highways and roads are also essential for the modern city, but I have some reasons that public transport has to get support from the government. First of all, the amount of vehicles in the roads can be decreased by using public transport. Nowadays, when car becomes a part of life style in the middle-up class family, the city encounters many problems. During rush hour, the street will be crowded by enormous amount of the cars, generate traffic problems. Of course this problem will also create air pollution and waste of energy. A big city with complex traffic problems has to limits the use of private car by publishing proper laws. For this reason, in my view, public transport can be the alternative solution.

Furthermore, convenient public transport can also increase the safety of the people. I think when professional drivers take the responsibility in their jobs, accidents in the roads can be reduced. Professional drivers are also able to be more concentrate when driving, compared with common people, especially during the evening, while people are so tired from working along the day.

So, if I were the government, I’ll pay more attention to the public transport. I’ll equip the public transport with all of the convenience the people need, I’ll provide clear traffic sign, I’ll give the professional drivers good salary and so on. For me, public transport is essential for the city and can stimulate the developments of highways and roads.

About Subjunctive

2008-10-12T09:24:00.001+01:00

From this day, I’ll try to mengejar kembali impian lama yang sempat terkubur oleh timbunan takdir yang telah digariskan oleh Yang Kuasa. Yes, I have to make my dream come true. I have to study abroad for a better life. Ok, first of all, I’ll try to refresh my English especially my toefl ability.

Today I will write about subjunctive. What is subjunctive? Subjunctive is a change in the usual form of the verb. Subjunctive merupakan sebuah perubahan bentuk dari kata kerja, dan biasanya berupa kata kerja bentuk pertama. Not for all of verbs, but just certain verbs, for example ask, suggest, propose, require and prefer. See some example below:

1. Yoan prefers that his boy friend speak with her personally. Jadi bukan … his boy friend speaks…

2. The doctor suggested that he not smoke (bukan … he will not smoke).

3. The law requires that everyone have his car checked at least once a year (bukan … everyone has…).

Jadi sekali lagi untuk kata kerja seperti ask, suggest, propose, etc maka ada perubahan dalam bentuk kata kerjanya. Kata kerja yang mengikuti kata tsb adalah kata kerja bentuk pertama (verb word). So be careful when using the verbs.
Ok, that’s all for today. Thanks and see you….

Essential Oils at a glance

2008-09-11T11:37:00.001+01:00

Essential oils contain highly concentrated and scented vegetable extracts. Essential oils are derived from various plants by extracting method. Steam distillation is the normal method by which essential oils are derived from vegetative matter. Extracted essential oils are transparent and clear oils but some are colored. Essential oils which are extracted from lemon, orange, tangerine, patchouli and lemongrass are yellow in color. These oils are concentrated, volatile, and usually stored in a small bottle. They easily evaporate, leaving no residue and should be kept tightly closed.
Essential oils are grouped by their lightness and are classified into top, average and base oils. The top oils evaporate rapidly due to their lightness and should be handle with care when storing them. Base oils evaporate the least rapidly. Oils mixes that are the most stable and balanced are those that consist of oils from all three categories top, average and base.

Notice that essential oils are always sold in tinted glass bottles to protect them from light. Sun light (UV) and high temperatures are the main enemies of essential oils. Amber glass bottles offer good protection from UV. Essential Oil containers are best kept in a dark, cool place with temperature fluctuations kept to a minimum. Be careful to keep the lids tightly, otherwise your oils will evaporate into thin air. Essential Oils are best stored in amber glass bottles with a tight lid. Under good conditions essential oils can be stored for periods of 6 months to several years. Some oils like myrrh, sandalwood, frankincense and patchouli will even improve or “mature” with age, very similar to a good wine.

Many essential oils are flammable and/or act as strong solvents. Eucalyptus oil for example can be used to remove glue from old stickers or to strip paint. Avoid contact of essential oils with the skin as they can cause irritation. Using latex gloves and wearing protective glasses is recommended when handling essential oils. Use caution when using essential oils. Concentrated essential oils are too strong to be applied directly on the skin. Carrier oils are used when thinning essential oils for massage. Try not to use essential oils on sensitive areas such as the eyes. For application to the skin, dilute the essential oil with a good quality carrier oil e.g. jojoba, almond or olive oil. 3% essential oil with 97% carrier oil is a safe ratio.

There are two ways in which essential oils work; psychologically - by way of the body’s sense of smell on the central nervous system by vaporizers or smelling of the oils; and physically - through the skin by mixing the oils for massage, foot baths or steam inhalation.

Author: Ani Rachmawan

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Do you believe in Graphology?

2008-09-05T04:26:00.001+01:00

Have you ever heard about graphology? Last week, I read the term for the first time in a national newspaper. It’s written that graphology comes from the word graphos, means writing and logos, means science. So graphology is the study of handwriting, in relation to human psychology. Graphology can be used to know about self-motivation, emotional stability, mental state, intellectual quotient and even strength and weaknesses of someone. Graphology has also been used in some countries in relation to company recruitments.
In educational field, it can be used to know about student’s interest and talent. Graphology also tells us about one’s personality traits and self-motivation. I also read from the internet, that people use graphology to choose their couples (doesn’t make sense for me).

In the other hand, scientists still don’t believe in graphology. I read an essay “How Graphology Fools People” written by Barry L. Beyerstein, told me that graphology is just a pseudoscience. From Wikipedia, I also read that graphology isn’t effective to predict personality and job performance.

So, what do you think? Do believe in graphology?