Merlyn Holmes practices how to move with the energy of her opponent in an Aikido class. Holmes explained, "It just clicked. The application of Ki-Aikido to life, at work, in a university setting is very rich and has lots of possibilities."
Lessons in the Aikido studio have helped Holmes succeed in her job as a communications coordinator at the University of Colorado.
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"I have found over time with the Ki-Aikido practice that I am able to stay in that place of calmness much longer and really hear and respond to the range of things and voices coming at me in a much more enjoyable manner," Holmes said.
Fifth degree black belt and Ki-Aikido instructor Susan Chandler teaches the parallels between this Japanese martial art and business.
Chandler said, "It's strictly defensive martial arts where you move with someone else's force rather than blocking them. And then use that energy to take them to the ground, to balance them and take them to the ground."
Chandler speaks at business functions and shares her message of mental arts. "We talk about the training as being for daily life and having to do with situations where you're under pressure and in conflict in anything you do and finding that place of confidence and calm and clear mindedness," Chandler said.
Although Holmes has been practicing Aikido for only a couple of years, she's now turned into a lifer.
Holmes said, "The philosophy underneath it is so rich and so nourishing and then the practice of it I love!"
Aikido classes are also offered to children and can be a useful tool to teach confidence and conflict resolution in youngsters as well.