Event Details
Meipo Martin Sensei, with jo
location: 1728 62nd St Berkeley
limited parking available in lot
access is restricted, we’ll send you the access code with your registration confirmation
day + time: Tuesday, 3/17, 6:30-8 PM
mat fee: sliding scale, $20-40*
masking: we ask participants to wear (K)N95 masks and will provide one if you forget yours—learn why
limited space, pre-registration required
*No one turned away for lack of funds
If you have any questions, please send us an email at oaklandaikido@gmail.com
About the instructor
Meipo Martin Sensei
“By some strange twist of fate, I ran into Aikido while I was in college in 1991. I was a Karate student and I had seen many different forms of Kung Fu. I thought I knew what martial arts were supposed to be like. Yet, what I saw in that Aikido class had me totally blown away. It was swift and graceful, yet strong and compelling. I was intrigued. After watching for about ten minutes, I took off my shoes to give it a try. That was the beginning of my Aikido journey, and it changed the trajectory of my life forever.
I grew up in a tough neighborhood in Hong Kong. Fist fights against bullies in school was a constant feature in my early life. What I learnt very quickly was that, whether you win or lose, having to fight constantly hurts — both physically and emotionally. Plus, winning one fight just brings more fights. When will it ever end?
I love teaching Aikido -- in particular, to women. I have taught women’s self-defense classes. I have also given the series in a women’s shelter to victims of domestic violence. There is a distinctive look in their eyes that is unforgettable. When people are scared, they carry themselves a certain way, which acts like a bully-magnet. The more they are bullied, the more they behave that way... Nobody should have to live in fear. Through Aikido, I want to break that cycle. Unlike the common misconception of martial arts, Aikido is about assertion rather than aggression, and its principles are very applicable in everyday life. I want our students to see that they have options, and that they are much stronger than they thought. They do not have to go through the same thing I did as a child.
I am very grateful that the late Hiroaki Izumi Sensei and the late Kenneth Cottier Sensei of the Hong Kong Aikido Association set me on a good path with solid foundation. When I moved to the US in 1999, Clyde Takeguchi Sensei of Capital Aikikai kindly took me in as his student. Not only did these amazing teachers teach me Aikido, but they also showed me love, patience and compassion. Having benefited tremendously from their teaching, I hope to give forward to our students, so that we all continue to grow and develop into better, stronger and happier people.”
Meipo Martin Sensei also has a wonderful blog- Mama Meipo’s Memo Pad.