An Open Invitation to all Aikido Students


I am writing this as an open invitation to all aikido students who wish to participate in our training center.

In order to insure the highest level of training, the retreats will be limited to twenty participants and divided into the levels of fundamentals, intermediate and advanced. The word Okugyo indicates the advanced level, yet the training will go into depth at each level. Each student will be required to pass all aspects of one level before participating in the next.

The Okugyo training will emphasize the spiritual as well as the physical aspects of aikido. Students will participate in daily meditation, reading and discussion, and other activities designed to help the student move towards an integrated understanding of Aikido.

It has long been my goal to create an environment for this kind of personal training. Okugyo seminars will not make any distinction between affiliation or rank, but will be open to all who approach it with a sincere and humble attitude.


Sincerely,

William Gleason

Sunday, January 25, 1970

What Happens at an Okugyo Retreat?

An intensive Aikido retreat at the Okugyo Center is designed to be a transformative experience. By setting aside time to work with the physical and spiritual foundations of Aikido, we create a unique context for the direct realization of Aikido principle. All retreat participants must engage the complete training schedule from beginning to end. Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted for the duration of the seminar.

The 5 day Format

This 5 day training program is an integrated way of training in the
most fundamental principles of Aikido, and is an opportunity to be
immersed in all the areas of training deeply enough for them to make a
shift in your practice and understanding.

Seiza Naikan - The meditation practice of Seated Introspection
Hanashiai - Private guidance in your meditation practice each day
Norigoto - Kototama and Dharani chanting practice
Diet - Aiki principle applied to food
Caretaking - Manifesting Aikido principle in daily activity
Keiko - Five hours of on the mat Aikido training daily
Mondo - Daily lecture and question and answer sessions

Okugyo retreats are held from Wednesday evening through Sunday at noon.

Wednesday Evening

05:00 - 06:00pm Check in
06:00 - 06:45pm Light Dinner
07:00 - 07:45pm Beginning Instruction in Meditation and Chanting
08:00 - 09:30pm Okugyo Orientation
10:00 - Lights out

Thursday, Friday and Saturday

06:00 - 06:30am Wake up
06:30 - 08:00am Seiza Naikan/Hanahiai/Norigoto
08:00 - 08:30am Breakfast
08:45 - 09:30am Caretaking
10:00 - 12:00pm Keiko
12:30 - 02:45pm Lunch and Rest
03:00 - 05:00pm Keiko
05:30 - 06:20pm Dinner
06:30 - 07:30pm Mondo
8:00 - 09:30pm Norigoto/Seiza Naikan/Hanahiai
10:00pm - Lights out

Sunday Morning

07:00 - 07:30am Wake up
07:30 - 09:30am Seiza Naikan/Norigoto/Open Sozan
09:30 - 10:00am Tea
10:00 - 12:00 Noon Closing Keiko
01:00 - Lunch
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