Michelle Keip - A martial artist making a difference

June 8, 10:18 AMSF Martial Arts ExaminerPaul Rest

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Michelle Keip, a 2^nd degree black in Aikido, is a martial artist making a difference. 

Michelle, along with her husband, David, is founder of Wellspring Aikido Arts, located in Santa Rosa, CA.  She is also an Instructor with Kidpower International, which she has taught both in the United States and in Europe (also along with her husband, David).   

Michelle has created a most innovative martial arts programs for kids.  “Samurai Sprouts” is “a holistic, nature-based curriculum for young children inspired  by Aikido, the martial art of peace” for boys and girls, ages 4 to 7.   She continues, “Samurai Sprouts…readily take this transformational vision for themselves.  They’re eager to see themselves in the heroic image of the Samurai.  They naturally respond to other small beings who reflect back their own innocence and vitality.“ Michelle wrote and illustrated an activity book for young children based on Samurai Sprouts, called Shape." She also wrote a chapter for Warrior Mothers: Stories to Awaken the Flames of the Heart, edited by Thais Mazur.

An important part of Michelle’s work in the world is her creek and community restoration work with the Spirit Creek Stewardship, which is a ministry of The Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.  Spirit Creek is the headwaters of Irwin Creek,  which flows into the Laguna de Santa Rosa, one of Sonoma County’s most important and essential natural resources and home to a great diversity of wildlife.  The Spirit Creek Stewardship, which Michelle founded, is in collaboration with neighbors, schools, local businesses, environmental organizations and the city of Santa Rosa. Inspired by their partner STRAW, “Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed” of The Bay Institute, the collective is in the process of creating a model for restoration ecology work to empower spiritual communities to be good stewards of their watersheds. 

She notes in her writings that the Dalai Lama has said the next Buddha will come as a community and not as one person.  Michelle believes in building a community with each of the facets of her life and then linking them together as one harmonious fabric.

Michelle states that the Founder of Aikido, O Sensei, gives her courage and guidance.  “He began each day with prayer and meditation and wove rituals of invocation and gratitude throughout his day…Aikido grounds my aspiration: may we all wake up together in the sacred treasure inherent in all life.”

You can contact Michelle through Wellspring Aikido Arts.