Contact
Linda HillAikido Ai
714-595-2672
MtBaldyRetreat@gmail.com
Aikido Ai's 37th Annual
Mt. Baldy Retreat
Memorial Day Weekend - May 24-27, 2019
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.
Your 2019 Retreat Instructors
Frank McGouirk, 7th dan, Shihan, Aikido
Chief Instructor of Aikido Ai of Southern California 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, 7th dan Aikido
Dojocho of One Point Center Aiki Arts and Sensei Emeritus of Aikido of Monterey, celebrating 46 years in Aikido (7th 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
Dojocho of One Point Center Aiki Arts, with 33 years in martial arts including Aikido (6th dan), Kyudo (2nd dan), and Aikibojitsu (5th dan/Licensed Teacher).
Teja Bell, 6h 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 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, read, practice with new friends, and enjoy a cuppa and snack when you wish. There are many ways to make the retreat uniquely yours.
Registration Packages: Lots of Choices
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. A $50 deposit is included in the registration. Friday check-in between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. On Monday we end with lunch at noon.
Regular: $410. Early Registration by April 15: $378
Two-Day Retreat with Saturday night B&B
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: $310. Early Registration by April 15: $275.
One-Day Retreat (on Saturday or Sunday)
Includes workshops 9 am to 5 pm, dharma talk and lunch. $20 per day deposit is included in registration.
Regular: $95 per one day. Early Registration, by April 15: $80 per one day.
Both Day Retreats (on Saturday And Sunday)
Includes workshops 9 am to 5 pm, dharma talk and lunch. $20 per day deposit is included in registration.
Regular: $190 total. Early Registration, by April 15: $173 total.
Optional black shirts are available with this year's embroidered Mt. Baldy Retreat logo on the left chest. See the registration form for long-sleeve sweatshirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, short-sleeve t-shirts, and youth sizes t-shirts.
Cancellations and Refunds
Early cancellation is completely refundable. For cancellations after May 15, the deposit is nonrefundable; balance is refundable. No call and "no show" is nonrefundable.