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Apr
29
Wed
Beta Testing @ Jacksons Lane
Apr 29 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Beta Testing is a hotchpotch remix of juggling subculture and influences such as TED talks, The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy and a fear of the haddock.

In what began life as a blog, set up after a late night conversation about circus, art and how to make the perfect pizza, Beta Testing looks at the intricacies and probability of juggling.

Sparks, Udry and Pang share theory, secrets and more than a few laughs as they take us through throwing, catching and dropping.

You can watch the trailer here and read a review of the show here.

Early Bird: Book before Fri 17 Apr and save 10%

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.

 

 

Jul
25
Sat
Hitch! – Mary Bijou Cabaret @ Jacksons Lane
Jul 25 @ 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm

For the closing night of this year’s festival prepare for a thrilling adventure into the dark, twisted world of Alfred Hitchcock.

Walking a thin line between hilarity and horror, Hitch! was created by a troupe of international circus and cabaret artists, veterans of NoFit State Circus and the underground live art scene of London.

The audience is terrorised and tantalised as bizarre acts delve into the extraordinary mind of ‘The Master of Suspense’.

Basically, we’re seeing off the festival with a huge, peculiar, slightly terrifying but definitely awesome circus cabaret. Hang around afterwards for a late bar, cocktail concoctions and some post-show performances to die for…

Click here to see the full programme of Postcards 2015.

Jul
14
Thu
Jess Love: And the Little One Said @ Jacksons Lane
Jul 14 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Combining high-level circus skills with pathos, humour and beauty, Jess Love creates a vision that is at once delicately touching, visually enchanting and heart-warmingly playful. Dark clowning, dirty acrobatics and surreal sideshow feats go hand-in-hand with slapstick, roller-skating, hula hoops, skipping and hopscotch acrobatics – phew! With crafted storytelling and awe inspiring images on a bed of roses and broken glass, it’s so sweet you’ll want to squeal!

“LIVELY AND ENTERTAINING…SERIOUSLY WACKY…EXCITING…CHARISMATIC”★★★★ THE AGE

We have introduced a Pay What You Decide policy for Postcards Festival 2016shows.

You can attend the shows without paying for a ticket beforehand, but tickets can be reserved in advance (max 4 per booking). When the show finishes, you will have the opportunity to make a donation – either by cash on the door or card at the Box Office.

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.