In my latest discussion with Kayla Feder Sensei, Chief Instructor at Aikido of Berkeley, I had the privilege of delving into the heart of this martial art in a profound way.
From the very beginning of our conversation, as I observed Kayla Sensei sitting in her serene garden, the topic of "grounding" or "earthing" immediately came up. She spoke about the ancient wisdom of connecting with Mother Earth by simply putting bare feet on the planet. It’s a practice she’s been doing for years, finding it to be one of the most healing things we can do for ourselves.
What struck me most was how this idea of being in touch with nature seamlessly wove into the philosophy of Aikido. O Sensei constantly emphasized the importance of nature. Reading any of his wisdom teachings, we both noted, reveals this consistent theme: appreciating nature, touching nature, and recognizing how much it is a part of who we are. She described it as mirroring nature on the mat, a feeling that becomes more ingrained with further practice. This is ultimately a way of life that seeks harmony with the natural world.
Our discussion then drifted to the spiritual aspects, as Kayla Sensei shared her insights on a healer named Lorna Byrne who sees angels and emphasizes the importance of noticing the birds, trees, and wind around us. This concept of being present and aware of the natural world, even in its subtlest forms, echoed the sentiments of O Sensei. The core of this connection lies in opening the heart, a key theme that kept resurfacing throughout our talk.
Kayla Sensei eloquently articulated O Sensei’s discourse on heaven, earth, and human. She explained that within us, as human beings, there’s a spark of the divine, a bright light of love, compassion, and beauty, alongside our very human nature. Aikido, for her, is so beautiful because it encompasses all these aspects. While there are technical elements—learning where to put your hands and feet—there are also the hidden and divine realms to explore.
The hidden realm involves subtle listening: listening to your partner, listening to nature, listening to the attack, and paying attention to energy.
The divine realm, often inexplicable, is where the movement of Aikido and the energy between partners becomes truly beautiful and profound.
I was particularly fascinated to learn about Kayla Sensei's early introduction to Aikido. She started at the incredibly young age of nine - drawn to it because it offered a path without winners or losers, unlike the competitive sports she played. This desire for something non-competitive resonated deeply with her, and she immediately knew Aikido was what she had been searching for.
At 16, she went to Iwama, Japan, to study as an Uchideshi with Saito Sensei, a journey that felt like destiny. She was received incredibly well, with Saito Sensei being remarkably supportive.
Her experiences training with other Sensei further illuminated the vastness of Aikido. She illustrates the importance of "researching" Aikido by training with as many different people as possible, highlighting how diverse and rich the practice is.
Despite the challenges and difficulties, Kayla Sensei expresses deep gratitude for her journey, emphasizing that even painful times contribute to depth.
This interview with Kayla Feder Sensei was a truly enlightening experience for me. It reinforced my belief that Aikido is far more than a martial art; it's a holistic path to connecting with nature, understanding the divine within us, and fostering healing and compassion in the world. Her passion and deep understanding of Aikido's spiritual essence are truly inspiring, and I encourage everyone to listen to this incredible conversation.
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