<img alt="Picture-26-468x306" src="http://socialspark.com/uploads/socialspark/public/assets/1312/Picture-26-468x306.png" /><br /><br />I don't think anyone can say that they wouldn't like to make a little extra cash off something they'd be doing anyhow, and after hearing about "Shit my Dad Says" getting a syndication deal off a Twitter account it's obvious that there's a market that can be tapped into. But, that's how you can game the social networking systems.<br /><br />Today I was reading about the Sponsored Tweets program that has recently been set up by Izea. Basically, users of Twitter can sign up for an account with Izea to get in on the sponsored Tweet campaigns. Here's the low down:<br />1. You sign up for an account.<br />2. You set your prices, category, and keywords.<br />3. You wait for offers to come in to be reviewed; you can approve or reject offers as you like.<br /><br />Then you get paid for your efforts! If that sounds like a program you'd like to get in on, <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/post?slot_id=90602&url=http://bit.ly/3KZC7I" rel="nofollow">sign up for sponsored tweets</a> today! You might as well get paid for something you'd be doing anyhow!<br /><br /><br /><p><em>This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/disclosure?slot_id=90602&url=http://sponsoredtweets.com/" rel="nofollow">Sponsored Tweets</a>. All opinions are 100% mine.</em></p><br /><a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/disclosure?slot_id=90602&url=http://socialspark.com/code_of_ethics" rel="nofollow"><img alt="SocialSpark Disclosure Badge" border="0" src="http://socialspark.com/metrics/view/post?slot_id=90602&url=http://socialspark.com/images/disclosure_badges/disclosure_badge_grey_new.png" style="border:0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-3181222466345415440?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<center><img src="http://www.casiberia.com/images/products/OH1102.jpg" width="350px" alt="three rabbit wakizashi tsuba" /></center><br /><br />Here's a picture of the wakizashi tsuba I got for my wakizashi remount project. I wanted to find some rabbit or moon menuki to go with it in order to keep the theme along the lines of the Japanese rabbit in the moon myth, but instead sold my dragonfly menuki in order to get a pair with birds in branches. I figure that is more in line with the nature them I have going on right now!<br /><br />More pictures soon!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-4918926447108928479?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<img alt="Ultra60small" src="http://socialspark.com/uploads/socialspark/public/assets/1382/Ultra60small.jpg" /><br /><br />Now, I normally don't like to diss my computer or the speed at which it operates, or my internet connection. But, when I work on Blogger I notice an awful lot of lag time in the image uploader. And I'm talking about minutes sometimes, depending on what the file size is. <br /><br />So, today I pulled all the crap (compressed disk space and files I no longer needed) off my machine before getting to work and I still noticed a bit of lag. I figure the lag must be caused by my internet connection, and that's when I found out about the <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/post?slot_id=93342&url=http://www.charter.com/ultra" rel="nofollow">charter ultra fast 60</a> Mbps service! <br /><br />Those of you who don't realize it should know that that's a pretty good speed internet connection. Right now my current internet connection speed is right around 54 Mbps, which isn't too shabby. But 64 Mbps would be a 20% increase! Uploading images, emailing large attachments, everything I do on the internet would be considerably faster! It might just be time to look into Charter as an option.<br /><br /><p><em>This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/disclosure?slot_id=93342&url=http://www.charter.com/ultra" rel="nofollow">Charter</a>. All opinions are 100% mine.</em></p><br /><br /><a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/disclosure?slot_id=93342&url=http://socialspark.com/code_of_ethics" rel="nofollow"><img alt="SocialSpark Disclosure Badge" border="0" src="http://socialspark.com/metrics/view/post?slot_id=93342&url=http://socialspark.com/images/disclosure_badges/disclosure_badge_grey_new.png" style="border:0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-6567685312763682714?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SwQSUZSx47I/AAAAAAAAAII/2e5KA8gLpmk/s1600/DSCN0512.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SwQSUZSx47I/AAAAAAAAAII/2e5KA8gLpmk/s400/DSCN0512.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405465594347774898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SwQSUPxQeFI/AAAAAAAAAIA/uwZz3LYBaZk/s1600/DSCN0511.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SwQSUPxQeFI/AAAAAAAAAIA/uwZz3LYBaZk/s400/DSCN0511.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405465591791253586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SwQSTtbr2VI/AAAAAAAAAH4/6Byw07_dPDU/s1600/DSCN0515.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SwQSTtbr2VI/AAAAAAAAAH4/6Byw07_dPDU/s400/DSCN0515.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405465582573967698" /></a><br /><br />This week I made some head way in completing my wakizashi remount project in order to wear my short sword during ken-jutsu classes. I was holding on the the above fuchi, kashira, and menuki, but decided to sell them (and did) in order to buy a more cohesive set for my Wakizashi. I plan to pick up a matching set of fuchi, kashira, and kojiri in a blackened iron imported from Japan this week! I'll send images as soon as the new set arrives!<br /><br />Very exciting!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-718454206964589841?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

Last we my ken jutsu sensei taught me a few new kata! The first new kata starts in a combination of seiza and cross legged sitting. Basically, the form is begun sitting in the arch of the left foot with the right foot in front of the left knee. This turned out to be an extremely challenging position, forcing me to work on posture, balance, and flexibility all at the same time. <br /><br />Next we worked on two new kata involving a draw and thrust combination. These two kata are performed from a standing position. They were both as challenging at the seated kata, and required their own set of skills. I'll be digging up my notes this week and will have names for you soon!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-476631230404886219?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<object width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TZBH9S_0VY4&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TZBH9S_0VY4&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><br />While I don't know a whole lot about the style being shown in the video above, I do think the two sword, wakizashi & katana, kata is interesting. I received my wakizashi tsuba yesterday and can't wait to finish mounting my wakizashi to use during kata.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-6276375043240775519?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<object width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MbAyVbJ2yok&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MbAyVbJ2yok&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><br />My last post made me start thinking about Wakizashi, and here's an interesting video showing wakizashi Tameshigiri! Enjoy<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-6892217514462023151?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

This week I've been searching for a wakizashi sized tsuba and was totally surprised at how difficult it was to actually find a reasonably priced item. You see, since my Kenjutsu teacher started letting me wear two swords (katana & wakizashi) during kata I think it's time to finish my old Kris Cutlery Wakizashi blade and start wearing it! I'll be sure to post some pictures of the final mounting and one of me wearing the whole rig once it's all finished.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-326292156700260982?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yBMDIpr7ihQ&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yBMDIpr7ihQ&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br />I just watched this video on Yoshinkan Aikido and found it quite interesting. Having spent my aikido experience among the ASU crowd, seeing another style of aikido such as Yoshinkan was a lot of fun. Check out the video, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-5351391821864393797?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

With the weather getting colder in the North a trip to a warmer locale is starting to sound better and better every day. While this post may just be a "wish list" or dream trip for me, I still would like to share the details on the <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/post?slot_id=77742&url=http://www.accorhotelsasia.com/supersale" rel="nofollow">Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific</a>. Accor has quite a few destinations included as part of their 3 day promo. One destination that caught my eye was Japan, a land I've wanted to visit since I got involved with aikido, iaido and ken jutsu. <br /><br />Anyhow, as I perusing the Accor hotel list I saw that they're offering a one hundred and twelve dollar (US) per night rate on a hotel room! That seems quite affordable to me, I would love to visit hombu dojo, maybe even take a class! I'd also, on my dream vacation, love to just see Japan. Destinations such as Edo Castle, Mount Fuji, and SENGAKUJI - Shrine of the 47 Ronin - would have to be on the queue of places to visit! Especially if I could actually afford to stay for a short period of time.<br /><br />If you're thinking about traveling abroad, check out the Accor 3 day deals, it might make your trip a bit more affordable. <br /><br /><map name="map5932"><area href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/disclosure?slot_id=77742&url=http://www.accorhotelsasia.com/supersale" shape="rect" coords="0,0,206,45" rel="nofollow" /><area href="http://socialspark.com/code_of_ethics" shape="rect" coords="207,0,225,45" rel="nofollow" /></map><img alt="Post?slot_id=77742&url=http://socialspark" border="0" src="http://socialspark.com/metrics/view/post?slot_id=77742&url=http://socialspark.com/images/disclosure_badges/disclosure_badge_grey.png" style="border:0" usemap="#map5932" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-482216256176184897?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

I wanted to share the results after I tried wearing two swords during kata in ken Jutsu. Two sword practice is something that is very rarely performed, at least in the dojo I have been a part of. Wearing a wakizashi changes noto and the body mechanics of cutting. If you haven't tried performing kata wearing two swords, I recommend you take is very easy and go super slow at first.<br /><br />I went a little too fast I think and there were a few unpleasant "thunks" where mune met kashira during noto. Other than that, I enjoyed the practice! Good luck and feel free to post your results.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-7534444856324085406?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

As some of you may remember, I perform quite a bit of web design for a wide variety of clients. Like most of us, in the beginning they had little to no knowledge of web <a href="http://www.wpdesigner.com/hosting/hosting-terminolgy/">hosting terms</a>or how to spot which companies offer the <a href="http://www.wpdesigner.com/">best web hosting</a> solutions at the best price. <br /><br />I've found that I often rely on subtle hints when suggesting a web hosting company to one of my clients. Especially when a client is getting ripped off by their existing web host. So, do your homework and compare web hosting companies before you dive in!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-2307416959211655494?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<center><a href="http://affiliates.izea.com/event/v3/4730-3258-3871/social_spark" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://affiliates.izea.com/event/v3/4730-3258-3871/social_spark.jpg" alt="PayPerPost" title="PayPerPost" width="300" height="250" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br />If you have a blog, write regular post, give your honest opinion, and would like to make money off your efforts, visit <a href="http://affiliates.izea.com/event/v3/4730-3258-3870/social_spark" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://affiliates.izea.com/event/v3/4730-3258-3870/social_spark.gif" alt="" title="" width="1" height="1" border="0" />PayPerPost v4.0</a>. Pay Per Post connects bloggers with advertisers who want bloggers to write their honest opinions about a wide array of topics. Post participation is optional and you'll get to make a good amount of extra cash doing something you already were doing anyhow.<br /><br />So, head on over to <a href="http://affiliates.izea.com/event/v3/4730-3258-3870/social_spark" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://affiliates.izea.com/event/v3/4730-3258-3870/social_spark.gif" alt="" title="" width="1" height="1" border="0" />PayPerPost v4.0</a> and sign up today!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-161937223888574821?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<object width="225" height="150"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4PHqXiGAJ-8&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4PHqXiGAJ-8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="225" height="150"></embed></object><br /><br />Here's a video from the MMA group in Burlington Vermont which has asked me for a web design quote for their website. Right now I'm setting up a template for a new site, but I thought I'd give the Burlington Brawl a quick plug on my blog. Check them out and enjoy.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-7306402242921431904?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/115wODCCZ4I&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/115wODCCZ4I&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Here's the second installment of my aikido shodan test at Aikido of Maine. I really enjoyed the bokken kata towards the end of the video. Check it out and enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-4985150637786961079?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

I know it's not a huge deal, but a slow internet connection can really through a wrench in the gears of my web design, multiple blogs, video uploading, and for those of you who take part in it, online gaming. Today I was reading some stuff on the <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/post?slot_id=42006&url=http://connect.charter.com/landing/ultra/BLG_Ultra.html " rel="nofollow">Ultra60 Information Page</a>, which isn't terribly informative despite the title. They do give you a toll free number and hype up the service which is 60Mbps! That's right 60Mbps. Just imagine what you could do on a connection like that!<br /><br />So, how do you take part or sign up? Give the Charter toll free line a call from the info page. Or, wait I could just give it to you right here : 877-959-1627. Just give them a call to see the 60Mbps internet service is avalable in your area. You might also follow <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/post?slot_id=42006&url=http://www.twitter.com/chartercom" rel="nofollow">Charter’s Twitter Feed</a> for news and updates, but I'm not sure how helpful the Twitter thing will be.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><map name="map2926"><area href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/disclosure?slot_id=42006&url=http://connect.charter.com/landing/ultra/BLG_Ultra.html " shape="rect" coords="0,0,206,45" rel="nofollow" /><area href="http://socialspark.com/code_of_ethics" shape="rect" coords="207,0,225,45" rel="nofollow" /></map><img alt="Post?slot_id=42006&url=http://socialspark" border="0" src="http://socialspark.com/metrics/view/post?slot_id=42006&url=http://socialspark.com/images/disclosure_badges/disclosure_badge_grey.gif" style="border:0" usemap="#map2926" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="Ultra60small" src="http://socialspark.com/uploads/socialspark/public/assets/698/Ultra60small.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-8518966105451000648?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

So, after much time and effort, here's part 1 of 2 of my shodan test! <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XZtDMtL0bVY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XZtDMtL0bVY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Though the video took me a while (3 months) to edit and upload to Youtube, it was definitely worth it! Thanks to Gary and Anya of Aikido of Maine for allowing me to take my test in Portand and many thanks to the dojo members who came out to help me train for the test! Ok, check it out and let me know what you think.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-432777546122482478?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

Some of you may have already seen the article in the Washington Post article, "Purity of Federal 'Organic' Label is Questioned. If you haven't, read the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/02/AR2009070203365.html">article</a> and then check out this letter being sent out by Christine Bushway calling for bloggers to get on board to support the great organic products we all love.<br /><br /><blockquote><br /><table class="MsoNormalTable" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td style="padding: 1.5pt;">By now many of you have read the <em>Washington Post</em> article, "Purity of Federal 'Organic' Label is Questioned," published July 3, 2009. This article, which is being picked up in other print and online publications, focused on old news and urban legends and chose to reinforce rhetoric that is not only inaccurate but serves a narrow agenda whose motivations went unquestioned in the article</td><br /><td style="padding: 1.5pt;"><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><img id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://www.magnetmail.net/images/clients/OTA_Com/ChristinePhoto.gif" border="0" alt="" /></p><br /></td><br /></tr><br /></tbody></table><br />OTA, on behalf of its members, immediately refuted the <em>Post </em>article with a full <a href="http://www.mmsend5.com/ls.cfm?r=220358111&amp;sid=6900246&amp;m=768269&amp;u=OTA_Com&amp;s=http://www.organicnewsroom.com/2009/07/organic_trade_association_refu.html">media alert</a>. OTA has contacted the top editors at the <em>Washington Post</em> directly and worked through the holiday weekend to get our message out in the blogosphere and on-line derivative coverage. The <em>Washington Post</em> article was published in the <em>Los Angeles Times</em>, was the second most read article on the Nation section of the <em>Post</em> web site, the most e-mailed article on the<em> Post</em> web site, and author Kimberly Kindy has been hitting the radio circuit doing interviews.<br /><br />This is a serious attack on the integrity of organic farmers and processors and has resulted in consumer mistrust of organic products. The Post article generated over 200 comments to their website with a dizzying array of primarily negative reactions. If ever there were a time for the industry to rally together, now is that time. OTA will keep the membership apprised of its actions to counter this attack, and will alert you to ways you can help.<br /><br />Currently there is unprecedented opportunity to further the development of organic agriculture worldwide, for the betterment of the planet and our collective futures. For instance in the United States, we are seeing support from the Obama Administration with key appointments at USDA filled by those who understand organic agriculture and with increased organic funding that will reach historic levels in this year's budget appropriations. In addition, consumers, despite a tough economy, continue to support organic and value its place in a healthy future. This should be a time to expand the demand for organic products and move the industry forward in a positive direction.<br /><br />However, this opportunity is now also at significant risk.<br /><br />The "circular firing squad" that exists within the organic community is destructive. It is counterproductive for industry organizations to pit one "type of organic" against another, and a fallacy to believe that airing these internal battles will achieve anything but a discrediting of the value of organic agriculture and products overall. If anything, it provides further fodder for opportunistic negative journalism.<br /><br />Every time we engage destructive tactics, or support those that do, we only confuse policy makers and reduce the likelihood of much-needed government support for organic agriculture. Mixed messages force officials to move on to issues and agendas from industries that have clear goals and asks. We also confuse the consumers who are looking earnestly to make good choices for their families and the environment, particularly during this time of heightened price consciousness.<br /><br />Who wins when we point fingers at each other? I predict it won't be anyone within the organic sector, including consumers.<br /><br />I ask you, now more than ever, to get behind your trade association and speak with one voice about the integrity and benefits of organic agriculture and products. Let's all take the big view and higher road in the months to come. It is critical to the future of our industry.</blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-5768970094727470049?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

This week I took the first step in settting up an "aikido for kids" class with the Union 38 school district in Western Massachusetts. My idea is to provide aikido principals with in good mix of games as well as some standard paired aikido practice. <br /><br />Sounds good right?<br /><br />Well, in my opinion, it's even better in practice. In the past I've assisted my teacher with a class for at risk teens. He provided a good mix of discipline, technique, and fun for the kids at the same time. I hope to emulate this process and provide an entry level introduction to aikido.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-5200468695591733235?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k9FLLYMGrvw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k9FLLYMGrvw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I just found a great video on Youtube after searching for kids and aikido! I search with a purpose as I'm working on setting up an aikido program with the after school program in the Whately school district of Western Massachusetts. It's my opinion that aikido and positive role models can have a positive influence on children & adults alike, which is what I hope to provide with my aikido program! <br /><br />Very exciting.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-3122900102829326142?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

Right now, the aikido-matt blog is hosted at blogger, a free service that has to include the term "Blogspot" in the url. Not something I'm terribly pleased to have in my visitors address bar, there's something about a private domain that seems a bit more legitimate. Maybe it's time to make a move to a private domain and web hosting plan?<br /><br />That's when I started looking for the <a href="http://webhostinggeeks.com/bestvpshosting.html">best vps hosting</a> I could find for the least amount of cash. Enter Web Hosting Geeks and their site dedicated to sharing various products and hosting plans from some of the best web hosting companies available today. I was able to narrow my web hosting choices down by prices or features and windows or linux platforms. Kind of a one stop shop for web hosting plans, which can be a bit faster than bouncing around Google for an hour or two before finding what you want.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-2638243298095166857?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

Having used several katana in my pursuit of ken-jutsu, I wanted to share my review of the Tea Culture katana from CAS Hanwei. To date, the Tea Culture katana is one of the nicest blades I've had the pleasure of using. At about 29.5", it feels good in the hand, not too heavy and not too light with a nice balance. The furniture is also quite nice, I especially like the "battle wrap" tsuka. The only gripe I have on the overall package is that there appears to be a scratch in the suede ito wrapping, it came this way and is unfortunate. Other than that, I'm quite pleased with the Tea Culture katana.<br /><br />Now for some pictures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqzJBFCpI/AAAAAAAAAHo/NLjZuYA-4MI/s1600-h/tsuba-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqzJBFCpI/AAAAAAAAAHo/NLjZuYA-4MI/s400/tsuba-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309791018751953554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqylLf9JI/AAAAAAAAAHg/QhI5eXlwR5M/s1600-h/tsuba-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqylLf9JI/AAAAAAAAAHg/QhI5eXlwR5M/s400/tsuba-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309791009131984018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqyQsxaDI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Zg2h35qqB38/s1600-h/hamon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 66px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqyQsxaDI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Zg2h35qqB38/s400/hamon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309791003634395186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqx3t86ZI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/CZ7lnvDQNRc/s1600-h/habaki-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqx3t86ZI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/CZ7lnvDQNRc/s400/habaki-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309790996928457106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqxbGefNI/AAAAAAAAAHI/ovFsWcHzbUg/s1600-h/kissaki.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 123px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bJY01BfbyRc/SbAqxbGefNI/AAAAAAAAAHI/ovFsWcHzbUg/s400/kissaki.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309790989246692562" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-8236210643943522813?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

<center><img src="http://www.bujindesign.com/images/p_cotton_hakama_lrg.jpg" alt="Bujin Design Hakama" /></center><br /><br />Last week I received my new hakama from Bujin Design! I ordered one of the heavy weight cotton hakama, and I must say I wasn't let down by the result. Everything feels well made and durable, it's not too heavy, and the length was just right. <br /><br />After such a good experience with Bujin, I definitely recommend their services to anyone on the market for a new Gi or hakama.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-3775642075501478033?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>

Over the past few years, as I've finally hit my thirties, I've found that my need for stretching has increased. That led me to find a local yoga class; I tried bikram and I thought it was a good practice, but I found it a bit too extreme. My local bikram teachers pushed a harder style of yoga where I found myself really hitting the poses. It was vigorous but not quite what I was looking for. <br /><br />So, the search was back on, and I ended up finding a small yoga group at the Whately MA , town library. It was a slower practice, more affordable, and really emphasized building core strength. The prefect compliment to my aikido practice, and I'd highly recommend the pairing of yoga and aikido to anyone else. For more info on the Whately MA yoga classes, <a href="http://www.whately.org/library/events.htm">click here.</a> <br /><br />If you're interested in some goods geared towards the Yogic lifestyle, click below.<br /><p><a href="http://shop.dharmaboutique.com/?Click=11"><img border=0 src="http://shop.dharmaboutique.com/v/vspfiles/templates/109/images/banners/banner2.gif"></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4161909710055401901-6173440085074734852?l=aikidomatt.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>