Three Pillars Sword and Staff

Seeing Clearly

Moving Freely

Living Joyfully

2025 classes are underway. See the dates and times below or email Jim or Robert for more information.

What did you learn today? What did you teach?

A retired engineer and a retired firefighter, we are really all about just one thing… sharing the journey to rediscovering our ability to see clearly, move freely, and live joyfully. That’s it. We all once had it; we can all have it again.

And every week, we get together and get to work. Starting with 20 minutes of strength training (kettlebells) and finishing with 25 minutes of seated meditation. And in between, plenty of challenging sword and staff training. Pick and choose – or come for all three sessions.

So… with the ultimate goal of living joyfully, our time together offers something for the body (strength training), something for the mind (meditation), and that extra something that pulls it all together (training in the traditional Japanese sword and staff).

Did we forget to mention that it’s great for both men and women of all ages and mature teens (even retired folks)… and that it’s just good fun?

If you were looking for a little something a little different, but truly challenging, and a little something to get you off the couch and out of the house, then consider joining us as we train in the sword and staff.

The class fee is $10, which goes to replacing training gear. If you supply your own gear, classes are free.

Take the first step! Mark your calendar, invite a friend, and join us. We can’t wait to meet you!

“If not now, when?”


Upcoming Dates

Kettlebells In The Park
THU MAY 8 4:00PM - 4:25PM
These are weekly kettlebell classes at Montgomery Park. Kettlebell training is a great addition to a regular Zen or Aikido practice and these classes are designed to get you started. Drop-ins are welcomed, and observers are encouraged. These classes are great for retirees. Bring a kettlebell (a free-weight can be used in a pinch). For many, kettlebell training is the lead-in to sword and staff training starting at 10:30.

Three Pillars Sword and Staff Training
THU MAY 8 4:30PM - 6:00PM
These are weekly classes at Montgomery Park, which occur after kettlebells. Drop-ins are welcomed, and observers are encouraged. These classes are great for retirees. There is a $10 class fee, but it is free if you bring your own equipment (bokken, jo).

Meditation in the Park
THU MAY 8 6:00PM - 6:30PM
These are weekly seated meditation classes at Montgomery Park, which occur after sword and staff training. Seated meditation is a great addition to any serious wellness or martial arts training. Drop-ins are welcomed, and observers are encouraged. Instruction is available as needed. These classes are also great for retirees. Bring a blanket and a cushion to sit on (a folding chair will work as well). 

Kettlebells In The Park
SAT MAY 10 5:45PM - 6:10PM
These are weekly kettlebell classes at Montgomery Park. Kettlebell training is a great addition to a regular Zen or Aikido practice and these classes are designed to get you started. Drop-ins are welcomed, and observers are encouraged. These classes are great for retirees. Bring a kettlebell (a free-weight can be used in a pinch). For many, kettlebell training is the lead-in to sword and staff training starting at 10:30.

Three Pillars Sword and Staff Training
SAT MAY 10 6:15PM - 7:45PM
These are weekly classes at Montgomery Park. Classes start just after kettlebells. Drop-ins are welcomed, and observers are encouraged. These classes are great for retirees. There is a $10 class fee, but it is free if you bring your own equipment (bokken, jo, kettlebell). Bring a blanket and cushion for meditation. See you soon.

Meditation in the Park
SAT MAY 10 7:45PM - 8:15PM
These are weekly seated meditation classes at Montgomery Park, which occur after sword and staff training. Seated meditation is a great addition to any serious wellness or martial arts training. Drop-ins are welcomed, and observers are encouraged. Instruction is available as needed. These classes are also great for retirees. Bring a blanket and a cushion to sit on (a folding chair will work as well). 


Videos


Recent Substack Posts


Receive notices of upcoming classes and daily Zen nuggets: Sign up to Substack


Receive notices of upcoming classes: Sign up to Meetup


Join Our Zen Community: Zen Optimism