Contact
Linda HillAikido Ai
714-595-2672
pseudo-deshi@att.net
Aikido Ai's 35th Annual Mt. Baldy Retreat
Memorial Day Weekend - May 26-29, 2017
Train with top-notch instructors in the external and internal aspects of Aikido, Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong and Zen. Enjoy workshops that explore martial art principles and processes as well as the zen experience. Explore what O-Sensei called “the Great Path beyond technique.”
Always keep your mind as bright and clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the highest peak, empty of all thoughts.... Fill yourself with the power of wisdom and enlightenment. ~ Morihei Ueshiba
The Mt. Baldy Zen Center’s mountain peaks, pine forest and fresh air create the ideal setting to train. Workshops are held outdoors as well as indoors on mats. Practice zen with the ordained monks and take that clear mind into your martial arts training.
2017 Retreat Instructors
Frank McGouirk, 7th dan, Shihan, Aikido
Chief Instructor of Aikido Ai with more than 50 years in martial arts: Aikido (7th dan), Sifu in Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, and Chi-Lel™ Qigong teacher. Zen Priest. Certified instructor in Limalama weapons.
Cyndy Hayashi, 7th dan, Shihan, Aikido
Daisempai of Aikido West under the direction of Frank Doran, 8th dan; Dojo Cho of Stanford Aikido, with more than 40 years in martial arts. Kyudo 3rd dan. Five Precepts with Zen Master Seung Sahn. Director of the Young People’s Program at Aikido West. California Aikido Association Administrator for 34 years.
Danielle Molles Smith, 6th dan Aikido
Chief Instructor of Aikido of Monterey, celebrating 44 years in Aikido (6th dan); Hakko Ryu Jujutsu (3rd dan); Seibukan Jujutsu (4th dan); Iaido (1st dan); training in Tai Chi Chuan and Chi-Lel Qigong, and certified Pilates instructor.
Michael Smith, 6th dan Aikido
From Aikido of Monterey, with 31 years in martial arts including Aikido (6th dan), Kyudo (2nd dan), and Aikibojitsu (5th dan/Licensed Teacher).
Teja Bell, 5th dan Aikido
Began practicing Aikido in 1971. Black belt in Tae Kwon Do; has studied Hapkido and practiced Tai Chi Chuan since 1975, and continues to practice and teach Qigong, BaGua, Xing Yi, YiQuan, and Liu He Ba Fa Chuan. Rinzai Zen Lineage Master.
The Mt. Baldy Zen Center is a monastic training camp for Zen monks and students. The Mt. Baldy Retreat seeks to bring to our martial training the meditative, aware, and clear mind that O-Sensei spoke of and exemplified. Our instructors bring lifetimes of experience to inform your perception, centeredness, and correct action.
After check-in, dinner, and orientation, the Friday evening keynote workshop will introduce techniques and themes that will be developed throughout the retreat. Instructors will reflect and build on these techniques during their workshops.
A short Zen meditation starts the mornings. Take this time to learn and practice calming the mind and centering in awareness. In the All Arts Workshop, each instructor will teach part of the extended class. Guests are encouraged to try skills and techniques with which they do not have experience. Zen's "beginner's mind" will become more meaningful.
There are workshops indoors and outdoors. Weapons classes are usually held outdoors. The Friday night workshop in the dojo has often included training with some weapons, such as knives. Ukemi is practiced on the dojo mats.
There is plenty to do, and also time to relax. Walk to the waterfall, or read, or enjoy a cup of tea when you wish. There are many ways to make the retreat especially yours.
Registration Packages
Full Retreat - Friday p.m. thru Monday noon
Includes lodging, morning, day and evening workshops, three daily meals, afternoon and evening snacks, dharma talks and morning Zen sessions with the monks.
Regular: $360. Early Registration by April 10: $340
Two-Day Retreat
From 9 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday, Includes Saturday morning and afternoon workshops, Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch, Sunday morning Zen, and Sunday morning and afternoon workshops.
Regular: $265. Early Registration, by April 10: $255.
One-Day Retreat (on Saturday and/or Sunday)
Includes workshops 9 am to 5 pm, dharma talk and lunch. $20 per day deposit required with registration.
Regular: $75 per day. Early Registration, by April 10: $60 per day.
$50 deposit is included in the online registration. For cancellations after May 15, no refunds on deposit.