Signposts on the Path

To say my talk with Matt Fluty Sensei got deep would be an understatement.We waded into some heavy but hopeful, and highly inspiring territory.I always read the transcripts of the interviews before I try to write these intros. For this one I feel like it deserves time (weeks) that unfortunately I don’t have at the moment to even begin to scratch the surface of Matt Sensei’s incredibly acute spiritual acumen.Importantly, we discussed the therapeutic value of Aikido during wartime—a reality that’s eerily becoming more urgent for us—reflecting on how O-Sensei lived through a most perilous era, through two “world wars”, and still had the spiritual genius to produce the miraculous gift of Aikido.If Aikido was developed as a spiritual and physical answer to that calamitous time, it could absolutely hold answers for our current maligned milieu. This is one reason why it’s absolutely vital for us modern practitioners to keep alive what O-Sensei’s art was truly rooted in, Ban Yu Ai Go—the spirit of the loving protection of all things in the universe.Matt Sensei views Aikido practice predominately through the lens of Misogi (purification). I sure am leaning this way myself.He does a masterful job of explaining how untreated trauma creates a rigid “defensive physiology” that could lead individuals (and cultures) towards either withdrawal or hostile contention. By sincerely practicing Aikido, we actively purify the seeds of fear, aggression, and hatred that exist within our own hearts.Perhaps the most inspirational and refreshing perspective Matt Sensei relayed was his answer to the declining numbers in dojo populations. He views Aikido communities as vital models of genuine human interconnectedness.He compares the dojo to a torii—a traditional Shinto gate. Even if classes are small, we must keep these physical portals open so people can step away from a culture of rampant consumption to interface with real life energy. Ki.Matt Fluty Sensei splits his teaching time at Aikido Center Sacramento and Tahoe Mountain Aikido and lives in a really cool tree house!I implored him to write some more. After you hear this episode, reach out to him and do the same. His message is important and worth hearing far and wide.“Ki to the City” remains a reader-supported publication. If you draw inspiration from these dialogues and wish to help me keep this podcast alive, I humbly ask for your support. Please consider signing up to be a paid subscriber.If you would prefer to make a one-time contribution, you can email me directly at [email protected], and as a token of my gratitude, you will receive a complimentary copy of Don Dickie Sensei’s deeply reflective volume of poetry, Silent Winds of Aikido. Get full access to Ki to the City at kitothecity.substack.com/subscribe