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May
10
Sun
Meet the Crime Writers @ Lauderdale House
May 10 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Join crime writer, reviewer and former editor of the Ham & High Matthew Lewin as he chats to fellow writers Alison Joseph, John Harvey and Glenn Chandler about where they get their ideas, what inspires them, how they solve their mysteries and whether writing for the stage and TV differ to books.  We promise a stimulating and ‘revealing’ evening of fascinating conversation.

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
16
Thu
London Calling @ Hornsey Town Hall
Jun 16 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

A celebration of London life through the ages, with readings, riotous anecdotes and live music. Dickens, Emmeline Pankhurst, Pepys, Blake, Boswell, Ian Dury, Dostoevsky and Virginia Woolf are among those featured. The actors are Daniel Dresner and Kate Walsh, who is about to join Radio 4 as a continuity announcer; music is by Bow and Bellows (violin, vocals, horn, accordion).

 

 



 

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.

Sep
29
Thu
Black Sheep @ Jacksons Lane
Sep 29 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

After moving from Germany to London over ten years ago to live and work in a more diverse community, renowned sword swallower, circus artist and dazzling burlesque artist Livia Kojo Alour learned that life-long feelings of self-hatred and otherness are part internalised racism and part survival techniques. With a successful career under her stage name MisSa, but tiring of playing someone else full-time, Black Sheep has been long in the making, serving as a candid autobiographical work and a euphoric reclamation of Livia’s identity and ongoing fortitude.

Black Sheep is a story about a Black woman finding love and a testament of personal strength, developed through transcending the white gaze, overcoming institutional racism and leaning into radical vulnerability. Securing her place as a pivotal UK Queer Black voice while telling her story via a heady mix of physical theatre, spoken word, song and sword swallowing, Black Sheep is timely, unsettling and deeply personal.

Suitable for ages 14+

Sep
30
Fri
Black Sheep @ Jacksons Lane
Sep 30 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

After moving from Germany to London over ten years ago to live and work in a more diverse community, renowned sword swallower, circus artist and dazzling burlesque artist Livia Kojo Alour learned that life-long feelings of self-hatred and otherness are part internalised racism and part survival techniques. With a successful career under her stage name MisSa, but tiring of playing someone else full-time, Black Sheep has been long in the making, serving as a candid autobiographical work and a euphoric reclamation of Livia’s identity and ongoing fortitude.

Black Sheep is a story about a Black woman finding love and a testament of personal strength, developed through transcending the white gaze, overcoming institutional racism and leaning into radical vulnerability. Securing her place as a pivotal UK Queer Black voice while telling her story via a heady mix of physical theatre, spoken word, song and sword swallowing, Black Sheep is timely, unsettling and deeply personal.

Suitable for ages 14+

Oct
1
Sat
Black Sheep @ Jacksons Lane
Oct 1 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

After moving from Germany to London over ten years ago to live and work in a more diverse community, renowned sword swallower, circus artist and dazzling burlesque artist Livia Kojo Alour learned that life-long feelings of self-hatred and otherness are part internalised racism and part survival techniques. With a successful career under her stage name MisSa, but tiring of playing someone else full-time, Black Sheep has been long in the making, serving as a candid autobiographical work and a euphoric reclamation of Livia’s identity and ongoing fortitude.

Black Sheep is a story about a Black woman finding love and a testament of personal strength, developed through transcending the white gaze, overcoming institutional racism and leaning into radical vulnerability. Securing her place as a pivotal UK Queer Black voice while telling her story via a heady mix of physical theatre, spoken word, song and sword swallowing, Black Sheep is timely, unsettling and deeply personal.

Suitable for ages 14+