Dear Clayton & Gloria,
I am writing to thank you both for the fascinating demonstration of Ki in increasing muscular resistance through focusing one’s mind on the task. More than that I enjoyed simply meeting, splitting a sandwich, and talking with Clayton before Gloria’s planned “demonstration” of whatever I had no inkling. I am positive that if I lived in Hawaii I would value Clayton’s friendship and learning Aikido with him.
As I told Clayton, in my youth I was National Prep School Wrestling Champion in my weight class three years running and later earned a wrestling scholarship at Syracuse University where I continued wrestling. Lately I have organized a group of former, still interested wrestling students to get exercise and refresh them on wrestling techniques I taught them 30 or so years ago when they competed.
Ever since meeting you, Clayton, and briefly experiencing the mysterious power of Ki at your demonstration, I have been wondering how in the fast moving and un-smooth, combat sport of amateur wrestling Ki could be applied. I’d be interested on your comments here.
In closing, I hope we meet again, Clayton, and that we will be able to maintain a long distance friendship and continuing conversation.
With Warmest Regards,
Sincerely,
R Chappell
Hello R,
So nice to hear from you. I, too, had a great time interacting with you before, during, and after the Ki demonstration!
Being a champion wrestler and having spent time with you, it sounds like you were and still are already practicing some of the Ki principles. As you know, and being an athlete myself, calmness is crucial. This is something I learned from my Dad.
I played football, basketball and tennis and because of the state of calmness I was in while performing at a high level I could see things clearly and had a sense of what was about to happen before it happened. Some people call it “court sense” or peripheral vision. So I was able to respond more often than react. As you know, when one “reacts” it’s often too late. I’m not talking about anticipating. I’m
talking about responding as the situation or circumstance arises.
I believe you were a champion in wrestling and now in life because you respond calmly when necessary. So this may give you an idea of how Ki principles can be applied in wrestling because “living calmness” is a Ki principle.
Aloha,
Clay