Home

Jun
29
Mon
AikiLab – A Modern Approach to Aikido – Beginners Welcome @ Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre
Jun 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Following his spell binding presentation last year at the University of London, The International Institute of Peace Studies (Scotland) and the Swiss Cottage Community Centre (London), sensei Corky Quakenbush is back in London to teach his innovative approach to Aikido known as Aiki-Lab – the result of more than thirty years of practice and research.

Sensei Corky classes are open to all – complete beginners and practitioners alike.
While most forms of Aikido are taught through the repetitive emulation of stereotyped katas, Aiki-Lab does not rely on such pre-planned techniques; its focus is on the flow of energy arising from the intentions of those involved, in order to create a space for aiki to manifest. In other words, the goal of Aiki-Lab is to develop a presence that allows for a “center-to-center” connection with an opponent leading to a spontaneous, harmonious response to an attack – known as an aiki resolution.

Topics to be covered in this event
Overview – How an understanding of authentic attack energy can positively alter your experience of Aikido, reduce habitual responses that take you out of harmony with the attack, and open the door to deeper levels of understanding of aiki
1. Principles of physical aikido: Connection, turning off the line of the attack, entering.
2. Consciousness of attack intention
     A. Energy flow as affected by intention.
     B. Energy flow between participants in a conflict situation.
     C. Learning to distinguish flow patterns and how they form into spontaneous manifestations of technique – or do not.
     D. Troubleshooting first level –
          a. Training to maintain attack intention
          b. Learning to notice and counter-train reflexive patterns
3. Commitment to attack relative to commitment to defence.
     A.  Limbic system responses to attack and attacking
     B.  Limbic system hypnosis
          a. Recognizing sub intentions through resistance
          b. Understanding the cognitive link to limbic system responses
     C. Building awareness of manifested intentions
4. Finding the optimal ki flow state.
     a. Developing a sensitivity to the flow state
     b. Understanding how ki flow state is differentiated between activities done alone, those  done in competition and those done in cooperation.
5. Strategies for training for the optimal ki flow state
6. Bio-mechanics in the aiki interaction
7. Principles of physical Aikido:  Manifestation of physical principles without set forms.
NB This is a not-for-profit event. Some concessions and/or bursaries may be available depending on costs being met.

 

 

Jun
30
Tue
AikiLab – A Modern Approach to Aikido – Beginners Welcome @ Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre
Jun 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Following his spell binding presentation last year at the University of London, The International Institute of Peace Studies (Scotland) and the Swiss Cottage Community Centre (London), sensei Corky Quakenbush is back in London to teach his innovative approach to Aikido known as Aiki-Lab – the result of more than thirty years of practice and research.

Sensei Corky classes are open to all – complete beginners and practitioners alike.
While most forms of Aikido are taught through the repetitive emulation of stereotyped katas, Aiki-Lab does not rely on such pre-planned techniques; its focus is on the flow of energy arising from the intentions of those involved, in order to create a space for aiki to manifest. In other words, the goal of Aiki-Lab is to develop a presence that allows for a “center-to-center” connection with an opponent leading to a spontaneous, harmonious response to an attack – known as an aiki resolution.

Topics to be covered in this event
Overview – How an understanding of authentic attack energy can positively alter your experience of Aikido, reduce habitual responses that take you out of harmony with the attack, and open the door to deeper levels of understanding of aiki
1. Principles of physical aikido: Connection, turning off the line of the attack, entering.
2. Consciousness of attack intention
     A. Energy flow as affected by intention.
     B. Energy flow between participants in a conflict situation.
     C. Learning to distinguish flow patterns and how they form into spontaneous manifestations of technique – or do not.
     D. Troubleshooting first level –
          a. Training to maintain attack intention
          b. Learning to notice and counter-train reflexive patterns
3. Commitment to attack relative to commitment to defence.
     A.  Limbic system responses to attack and attacking
     B.  Limbic system hypnosis
          a. Recognizing sub intentions through resistance
          b. Understanding the cognitive link to limbic system responses
     C. Building awareness of manifested intentions
4. Finding the optimal ki flow state.
     a. Developing a sensitivity to the flow state
     b. Understanding how ki flow state is differentiated between activities done alone, those  done in competition and those done in cooperation.
5. Strategies for training for the optimal ki flow state
6. Bio-mechanics in the aiki interaction
7. Principles of physical Aikido:  Manifestation of physical principles without set forms.
NB This is a not-for-profit event. Some concessions and/or bursaries may be available depending on costs being met.

 

 

Jul
1
Wed
AikiLab – A Modern Approach to Aikido – Beginners Welcome @ Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre
Jul 1 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Following his spell binding presentation last year at the University of London, The International Institute of Peace Studies (Scotland) and the Swiss Cottage Community Centre (London), sensei Corky Quakenbush is back in London to teach his innovative approach to Aikido known as Aiki-Lab – the result of more than thirty years of practice and research.

Sensei Corky classes are open to all – complete beginners and practitioners alike.
While most forms of Aikido are taught through the repetitive emulation of stereotyped katas, Aiki-Lab does not rely on such pre-planned techniques; its focus is on the flow of energy arising from the intentions of those involved, in order to create a space for aiki to manifest. In other words, the goal of Aiki-Lab is to develop a presence that allows for a “center-to-center” connection with an opponent leading to a spontaneous, harmonious response to an attack – known as an aiki resolution.

Topics to be covered in this event
Overview – How an understanding of authentic attack energy can positively alter your experience of Aikido, reduce habitual responses that take you out of harmony with the attack, and open the door to deeper levels of understanding of aiki
1. Principles of physical aikido: Connection, turning off the line of the attack, entering.
2. Consciousness of attack intention
     A. Energy flow as affected by intention.
     B. Energy flow between participants in a conflict situation.
     C. Learning to distinguish flow patterns and how they form into spontaneous manifestations of technique – or do not.
     D. Troubleshooting first level –
          a. Training to maintain attack intention
          b. Learning to notice and counter-train reflexive patterns
3. Commitment to attack relative to commitment to defence.
     A.  Limbic system responses to attack and attacking
     B.  Limbic system hypnosis
          a. Recognizing sub intentions through resistance
          b. Understanding the cognitive link to limbic system responses
     C. Building awareness of manifested intentions
4. Finding the optimal ki flow state.
     a. Developing a sensitivity to the flow state
     b. Understanding how ki flow state is differentiated between activities done alone, those  done in competition and those done in cooperation.
5. Strategies for training for the optimal ki flow state
6. Bio-mechanics in the aiki interaction
7. Principles of physical Aikido:  Manifestation of physical principles without set forms.
NB This is a not-for-profit event. Some concessions and/or bursaries may be available depending on costs being met.

 

 

Jul
2
Thu
AikiLab – A Modern Approach to Aikido – Beginners Welcome @ Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre
Jul 2 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Following his spell binding presentation last year at the University of London, The International Institute of Peace Studies (Scotland) and the Swiss Cottage Community Centre (London), sensei Corky Quakenbush is back in London to teach his innovative approach to Aikido known as Aiki-Lab – the result of more than thirty years of practice and research.

Sensei Corky classes are open to all – complete beginners and practitioners alike.
While most forms of Aikido are taught through the repetitive emulation of stereotyped katas, Aiki-Lab does not rely on such pre-planned techniques; its focus is on the flow of energy arising from the intentions of those involved, in order to create a space for aiki to manifest. In other words, the goal of Aiki-Lab is to develop a presence that allows for a “center-to-center” connection with an opponent leading to a spontaneous, harmonious response to an attack – known as an aiki resolution.

Topics to be covered in this event
Overview – How an understanding of authentic attack energy can positively alter your experience of Aikido, reduce habitual responses that take you out of harmony with the attack, and open the door to deeper levels of understanding of aiki
1. Principles of physical aikido: Connection, turning off the line of the attack, entering.
2. Consciousness of attack intention
     A. Energy flow as affected by intention.
     B. Energy flow between participants in a conflict situation.
     C. Learning to distinguish flow patterns and how they form into spontaneous manifestations of technique – or do not.
     D. Troubleshooting first level –
          a. Training to maintain attack intention
          b. Learning to notice and counter-train reflexive patterns
3. Commitment to attack relative to commitment to defence.
     A.  Limbic system responses to attack and attacking
     B.  Limbic system hypnosis
          a. Recognizing sub intentions through resistance
          b. Understanding the cognitive link to limbic system responses
     C. Building awareness of manifested intentions
4. Finding the optimal ki flow state.
     a. Developing a sensitivity to the flow state
     b. Understanding how ki flow state is differentiated between activities done alone, those  done in competition and those done in cooperation.
5. Strategies for training for the optimal ki flow state
6. Bio-mechanics in the aiki interaction
7. Principles of physical Aikido:  Manifestation of physical principles without set forms.
NB This is a not-for-profit event. Some concessions and/or bursaries may be available depending on costs being met.

 

 

Jul
3
Fri
AikiLab – A Modern Approach to Aikido – Beginners Welcome @ Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre
Jul 3 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Following his spell binding presentation last year at the University of London, The International Institute of Peace Studies (Scotland) and the Swiss Cottage Community Centre (London), sensei Corky Quakenbush is back in London to teach his innovative approach to Aikido known as Aiki-Lab – the result of more than thirty years of practice and research.

Sensei Corky classes are open to all – complete beginners and practitioners alike.
While most forms of Aikido are taught through the repetitive emulation of stereotyped katas, Aiki-Lab does not rely on such pre-planned techniques; its focus is on the flow of energy arising from the intentions of those involved, in order to create a space for aiki to manifest. In other words, the goal of Aiki-Lab is to develop a presence that allows for a “center-to-center” connection with an opponent leading to a spontaneous, harmonious response to an attack – known as an aiki resolution.

Topics to be covered in this event
Overview – How an understanding of authentic attack energy can positively alter your experience of Aikido, reduce habitual responses that take you out of harmony with the attack, and open the door to deeper levels of understanding of aiki
1. Principles of physical aikido: Connection, turning off the line of the attack, entering.
2. Consciousness of attack intention
     A. Energy flow as affected by intention.
     B. Energy flow between participants in a conflict situation.
     C. Learning to distinguish flow patterns and how they form into spontaneous manifestations of technique – or do not.
     D. Troubleshooting first level –
          a. Training to maintain attack intention
          b. Learning to notice and counter-train reflexive patterns
3. Commitment to attack relative to commitment to defence.
     A.  Limbic system responses to attack and attacking
     B.  Limbic system hypnosis
          a. Recognizing sub intentions through resistance
          b. Understanding the cognitive link to limbic system responses
     C. Building awareness of manifested intentions
4. Finding the optimal ki flow state.
     a. Developing a sensitivity to the flow state
     b. Understanding how ki flow state is differentiated between activities done alone, those  done in competition and those done in cooperation.
5. Strategies for training for the optimal ki flow state
6. Bio-mechanics in the aiki interaction
7. Principles of physical Aikido:  Manifestation of physical principles without set forms.
NB This is a not-for-profit event. Some concessions and/or bursaries may be available depending on costs being met.

 

 

Jul
4
Sat
AikiLab – A Modern Approach to Aikido – Beginners Welcome @ Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre
Jul 4 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Following his spell binding presentation last year at the University of London, The International Institute of Peace Studies (Scotland) and the Swiss Cottage Community Centre (London), sensei Corky Quakenbush is back in London to teach his innovative approach to Aikido known as Aiki-Lab – the result of more than thirty years of practice and research.

Sensei Corky classes are open to all – complete beginners and practitioners alike.
While most forms of Aikido are taught through the repetitive emulation of stereotyped katas, Aiki-Lab does not rely on such pre-planned techniques; its focus is on the flow of energy arising from the intentions of those involved, in order to create a space for aiki to manifest. In other words, the goal of Aiki-Lab is to develop a presence that allows for a “center-to-center” connection with an opponent leading to a spontaneous, harmonious response to an attack – known as an aiki resolution.

Topics to be covered in this event
Overview – How an understanding of authentic attack energy can positively alter your experience of Aikido, reduce habitual responses that take you out of harmony with the attack, and open the door to deeper levels of understanding of aiki
1. Principles of physical aikido: Connection, turning off the line of the attack, entering.
2. Consciousness of attack intention
     A. Energy flow as affected by intention.
     B. Energy flow between participants in a conflict situation.
     C. Learning to distinguish flow patterns and how they form into spontaneous manifestations of technique – or do not.
     D. Troubleshooting first level –
          a. Training to maintain attack intention
          b. Learning to notice and counter-train reflexive patterns
3. Commitment to attack relative to commitment to defence.
     A.  Limbic system responses to attack and attacking
     B.  Limbic system hypnosis
          a. Recognizing sub intentions through resistance
          b. Understanding the cognitive link to limbic system responses
     C. Building awareness of manifested intentions
4. Finding the optimal ki flow state.
     a. Developing a sensitivity to the flow state
     b. Understanding how ki flow state is differentiated between activities done alone, those  done in competition and those done in cooperation.
5. Strategies for training for the optimal ki flow state
6. Bio-mechanics in the aiki interaction
7. Principles of physical Aikido:  Manifestation of physical principles without set forms.
NB This is a not-for-profit event. Some concessions and/or bursaries may be available depending on costs being met.

 

 

Jul
5
Sun
AikiLab – A Modern Approach to Aikido – Beginners Welcome @ Highgate Library Civic and Cultural Centre
Jul 5 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Following his spell binding presentation last year at the University of London, The International Institute of Peace Studies (Scotland) and the Swiss Cottage Community Centre (London), sensei Corky Quakenbush is back in London to teach his innovative approach to Aikido known as Aiki-Lab – the result of more than thirty years of practice and research.

Sensei Corky classes are open to all – complete beginners and practitioners alike.
While most forms of Aikido are taught through the repetitive emulation of stereotyped katas, Aiki-Lab does not rely on such pre-planned techniques; its focus is on the flow of energy arising from the intentions of those involved, in order to create a space for aiki to manifest. In other words, the goal of Aiki-Lab is to develop a presence that allows for a “center-to-center” connection with an opponent leading to a spontaneous, harmonious response to an attack – known as an aiki resolution.

Topics to be covered in this event
Overview – How an understanding of authentic attack energy can positively alter your experience of Aikido, reduce habitual responses that take you out of harmony with the attack, and open the door to deeper levels of understanding of aiki
1. Principles of physical aikido: Connection, turning off the line of the attack, entering.
2. Consciousness of attack intention
     A. Energy flow as affected by intention.
     B. Energy flow between participants in a conflict situation.
     C. Learning to distinguish flow patterns and how they form into spontaneous manifestations of technique – or do not.
     D. Troubleshooting first level –
          a. Training to maintain attack intention
          b. Learning to notice and counter-train reflexive patterns
3. Commitment to attack relative to commitment to defence.
     A.  Limbic system responses to attack and attacking
     B.  Limbic system hypnosis
          a. Recognizing sub intentions through resistance
          b. Understanding the cognitive link to limbic system responses
     C. Building awareness of manifested intentions
4. Finding the optimal ki flow state.
     a. Developing a sensitivity to the flow state
     b. Understanding how ki flow state is differentiated between activities done alone, those  done in competition and those done in cooperation.
5. Strategies for training for the optimal ki flow state
6. Bio-mechanics in the aiki interaction
7. Principles of physical Aikido:  Manifestation of physical principles without set forms.
NB This is a not-for-profit event. Some concessions and/or bursaries may be available depending on costs being met.

 

 

Jun
13
Mon
FROM JULES VERNE TO GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITES @ Mills Centre, Highgate School
Jun 13 @ 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm

The satellite business is much larger than many of us realise.  This talk will describe the history of geostationary communications satellites, from concept to implementation, before concentrating on the operations of British company Inmarsat, and the role that it was able to play in the mystery of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.  The speaker, Emanuele Guariglia, is Director, Earth Stations Engineering at Inmarsat.

 

Oct
10
Mon
Are we alone in the Universe: the strange case of KIC 8462852 @ Mills Centre, Highgate School
Oct 10 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Are we alone in the Universe: the strange case of KIC 8462852 – a talk by Dr William Whyatt in the ‘Mondays@Mills’ series at Highgate School.

Mar
20
Mon
Mondays @ the Mills: A history of climate change: why planet Earth is habitable @ Mills Centre, Highgate School
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

Mondays @ the Mills: A history of climate change: why planet Earth is habitable

20th March 2017

A history of climate change: why planet Earth is habitable
Dr Philip Pogge Von Strandmann, London Geochemistry and Isotope Centre, University College London

Earth has been inhabited by life for almost 90% of its 4.5 billion year existence. The picture of a barren, volcano- and lava-rich landscape was therefore only true for a very short time. Given that life requires fairly narrow climatic and chemical conditions, this means that the Earth’s climate has been remarkably stable for most of its life. This cannot simply be a coincidence, and therefore means that there must be active climate-stabilising mechanisms. This talk will examine these mechanisms, both in the past and what they mean for the future of our existence.

Talks take place on Mondays at 7pm in the AV Room in the Mills Centre. Refreshments, including wine, are available from 6.30 pm and afterwards.

Jul
3
Mon
Mondays @ The Mills: The geography of wine @ Mills Centre, Highgate School
Jul 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

Mondays @ the Mills: The geography of wine

3 July 2017

The geography of wine

Phil Harrison, Highgate School
It is often remarked that wine is ‘geography in a bottle’ – that it is a fundamental reflection of the place in which it is grown. This discussion will examine some of the factors that influence global viticulture, concentrating on the great wine regions of France and Spain as well as those in the New World. There will be consideration of soils, climate and topography, as well as that quintessentially French concept of terroir.

Talks take place on Mondays at 7pm in the AV Room in the Mills Centre. Refreshments, including wine, are available from 6.30 pm and afterwards.

Sep
18
Mon
Mondays @ The Mills: Women and revolution from the bluestockings to Virginia Woolf @ Mills Centre, Highgate School
Sep 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

Mondays @ the Mills: Women and revolution from the bluestockings to Virginia Woolf

18 September 2017

In an exciting and engaging lecture illustrated by contemporary cartoons, Highgate’s Head of History and Foundation Historian Dr Benjamin Dabby will draw upon his ground-breaking research into the culture of Britain’s ‘long nineteenth century’ to overturn the conventional account that women were confined to the domestic sphere and excluded from public life.  In revealing a world in which public debate about the progress of the nation was shaped increasingly by women, he will show how women’s and men’s gendered identities were as hotly debated then as they are today. Dr Dabby’s latest book: Women as Public Moralists in Britain has been published recently by the Royal Historical Society, and copies will be on sale for £30.

Talks take place on Mondays at 7pm in the AV Room in the Mills Centre. Refreshments, including wine, are available from 6.30 pm and afterwards.

Oct
9
Mon
Mondays @ the Mills: Ecuador and the Galápagos @ Mills Centre, Highgate School
Oct 9 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

Mondays @ the Mills: Ecuador & the Galápagos

9 October 2017

Dr Scott Crawford and Dr Ben Weston, Highgate SchoolThe Biology department organises biennial international expeditions for sixth form pupils; past visits include Honduras in 2012 and Madagascar in 2015.  This year a party of twenty four pupils visited the Amazonian region of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands to take part in active conservation research in association with a group of university scientists. In this presentation, the group leaders, Dr Crawford and Dr Weston, will review the expedition and outline the biological significance of the various habitats that the pupils explored.

 

Talks take place on Mondays at 7pm in the AV Room in the Mills Centre. Refreshments, including wine, are available from 6.30 pm and afterwards.

Nov
23
Thu
Highgate Debate: This house believes that gender equality is unachievable @ Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution
Nov 23 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Free and open to all but do phone to book your place. In these lively debates, prominent and informed speakers argue their points of view on issues of current importance. They are ‘seconded’ by pupils from local schools, and audience members also have the opportunity to sway the opinion of those attending.

The motion: This House Believes that Gender Equality is Unachievable

Proposing: Ann Hussey, QC and barrister specialising in family law 

Opposing: Vicky Pryce, economist and former joint head of the UK government economic service

Feb
5
Mon
Mondays @ the Mills: The 10th Annual Kyffin Williams Lecture – Conservation Challenges @ Mills Centre, Highgate School
Feb 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

The 10th Annual Kyffin Williams Lecture: Conservation Challenges


Jenny Williamson, Easel Painting Conservator

Jenny Williamson has come to know Kyffin Williams’s pictures well through her work at galleries across Wales.  In this talk to mark Kyffin’s centenary year she will answer questions such as ‘what does an art conservator do?’ ‘what does she aim to achieve?’, ‘what techniques does she use?’ and ‘what pitfalls does she need to avoid?’

Talks take place on Mondays at 7pm in the AV Room in the Mills Centre. Refreshments, including wine, are available from 6.30 pm and afterwards.

Feb
26
Mon
Mondays @ the Mills: Forensic Science – DNA Evidence @ Mills Centre, Highgate School
Feb 26 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

Forensic Science – DNA Evidence


Dr Georgina Meakin, University College London

TV shows would have us believe that DNA found at crime scenes always comes from the offender.  This is incorrect and Dr Meakin’s talk will explain why advances in DNA profiling technology are actually making it harder to solve crimes.  She collaborates with DNA experts from across the world on research into the transfer and persistence of DNA and other trace evidence.

Talks take place on Mondays at 7pm in the AV Room in the Mills Centre. Refreshments, including wine, are available from 6.30 pm and afterwards.

Mar
19
Mon
Mondays @ the Mills: Help, the Gamer Has Left the Basement! @ The Mills Centre
Mar 19 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Play is a normal way for humans to engage with their environment and subsequently acquire knowledge as well as develop competences. Digital technologies have pushed the potential for games into areas where people engage with one another in virtual and augmented reality. The aim of this talk is to share insights into how games are shaping society and to explore the benefits whilst discussing the potential drawbacks.

Lecture by Manuel Oliveira

 

May
21
Mon
Mondays @ the Mills: Votes for Women: a brief history @ Mills Centre, Highgate School
May 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

 Votes for Women: a brief history

Elizabeth Crawford

An illustrated talk on the history of the women’s suffrage movement, 1866-1928, with mention of the part north London played in the campaign.  Elizabeth Crawford is the author of several books on the women’s suffrage movement.  Her latest book is Art and Suffrage: a biographical dictionary of suffrage artists. She is also a dealer in books and ephemera by and about women, specialising in suffrage memorabilia.

Talks take place on Mondays at 7pm in the AV Room in the Mills Centre. Refreshments, including wine, are available from 6.30 pm and afterwards.

Jun
1
Fri
AN INTRODUCTION TO AIKI-LAB AIKIDO: Overcoming Aggression with Beneficent Intention @ At the Highgate Library Civic & Cultural Centre
Jun 1 @ 6:45 pm – 9:30 pm

Sensei Corky Quakenbush (Los Angeles) is back in London to present his unique Aiki-Lab method – at the Highgate Civic and Cultural Centre.

Complete beginners are especially welcome! No Aikido technique, throw, fall or force is strictly necessary!

Corky is the mastermind of the ground-breaking approach to Takemusu Aikido known as AikiLab – a YouTube sensation. Whereas most forms of Aikido are taught through the repetitive emulation of katas or techniques, his approach does not rely on such stereotypes. Instead, the main focus of Aiki-Lab is on the flow of energy arising from the intentions of those involved in a confrontation…

Corky’s re-invention of the Art – the result of more than thirty years of practice and research – his unique gift for teaching, allied to a friendly and open personality, has led to a growing demand for his teaching world-wide.

In this hands-on presentation, you will understand how certain intentional moves which channel beneficent intention towards an opponent, often lead to a safe and harmonious resolution of an attack.

Please book ASAP!

Five £10 concessions  available. Please e-mail us in advance.