2017 Student Handbook

2115 Midland Ave, Unit #7 Scarborough, On 647-896-2257 [email protected] www.torontoaikido.com

Contents

Introduction and History………………………………………………………………………………... 3 • Aikido ...... 3 • Yoshinkan Aikido ...... 3 • Seimeikan Aikido Dojo ...... 3 • Toronto Aikido Centre (Shunpukan Dojo) ...... 4 Dojo Etiquette…………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 • Tradition, Respect and Discipline ...... 5 Adult Fees and Grading ……………………………………………………………………………….. 7 • Fee Schedule ...... 7 • Adult Grading Requirements ...... 8 Grading Techniques……………………………………………………………………………………..11 8th Kyu - Yellow Belt with stripe ...... 12 7th Kyu - Yellow Belt ...... 13 6th Kyu - Orange Belt with Stripe ...... 14 5th Kyu - Orange Belt ...... 15 4th Kyu - Green Belt ...... 16 3rd Kyu - Brown Belt with two stripes ...... 17 2nd Kyu - Brown Belt with one stripe ...... 18 1st Kyu - Brown Belt ...... 19 Toronto Aikido Calendar ...... 21 Glossary ...... 24 • General Terms used in Class ...... 24 • Counting in Japanese ...... 25

Introduction and History

Aikido

Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was born in Japan on December 14, 1883. As a boy, he often saw local thugs beat up his father for political reasons. He set out to make himself strong so that he could take revenge. He devoted himself to hard physical conditioning and eventually to the practice of martial arts, receiving certificates of mastery in several styles of jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting. In spite of his impressive physical and martial capabilities, however, he felt very dissatisfied. He began delving into religions in hopes of finding a deeper significance to life, all the while continuing to pursue his studies of budo, or the martial ways. By combining his martial training with his religious and political ideologies, he created the modern martial art of Aikido. Ueshiba Sensei decided on the name "Aikido" in 1942 (before that he called his martial art "aikibudo" and "aikinomichi").

On the technical side, Aikido is rooted in several styles of jujitsu (from which modern judo is also derived), in particular Daitoryu-(aiki)jujitsu, as well as sword and spear fighting arts. Oversimplifying somewhat, we may say that Aikido takes the joint locks and throws from jujitsu and combines them with the body movements of sword and spear fighting. However, we must also realize that many Aikido techniques are the result of Ueshiba Sensei's own innovation.

Yoshinkan Aikido

The Aikido Yoshinkan Foundation was founded in 1955 by Gozo Shioda. Shioda Sensei's style of Aikido is known as Yoshinkan. This name was inherited from his father, who owned a Kendo (Japanese fencing) and Judo dojo under the same name. Literally, the word Yoshinkan translates as:

"YO" means cultivating; "SHIN" means spirit or mind; "KAN" means house.

The Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo (headquarters) is located at the heart of Tokyo in Shinjuku where many different courses are offered for instructors, the police force, overseas students and children. The dojo is a modern, open design facility with administration offices and additional facilities for "uchi deshi" (live-in instructor trainees). The current head of the Aikido Yoshinkan Foundation is Yasuhisa Shioda, who is the son of Shioda Sensei.

Yoshinkan style emphasizes fundamental movements and basic solid techniques as well as gaining philosophical insight into the conduct of life and human relationships.

Seimeikan Aikido Dojo

The Seimeikan Dojo was established in 1985 as a member of the International Yoshinkai Aikido Federation. Seimeikan's Head Instructor was Mitsugoro Karasawa who studied directly under Shioda Sensei. Karasawa Sensei is a Seventh Dan black belt and has over 45 years of Aikido teaching and involvement. Literally, the word Seimeikan translates as:

“SEI” means pure; “MEI” means light up; “KAN” means house.

Seimeikan is a place in which to light up or reveal your purity. Seimeikan’s intent was to provide a place where students could train their minds and bodies, to create a true spirit of harmony and to ultimately create better human beings, both mentally and physically.

Toronto Aikido Centre (Shunpukan Dojo)

Unfortunately, in 2003, Karasawa Sensei decided to retire and planned to close the Seimeikan Dojo. The student body was eagerly looking for a way to continue train at the same level and style. At the last minute, he was won over by the students’ appeal and zest to continue training. He turned over the day-to-day management to one of his longest training students, Alan Shumak, who is a Fifth Dan black belt. Karasawa Sensei occasionally teaches and oversees certain classes to provide motivation and growth to the senior students whenever possible, and maintains a regular presence at the dojo.

The dojo was renamed as the Toronto Aikido Centre with Karasawa Sensei bestowing its Japanese name as the Shunpukan. Literally, the word Shunpukan translates as:

“SHUN” means spring; “PU” means breeze; “KAN” means house.

Shunpukan is the place of the spring breeze. Karasawa Sensei felt that the new dojo would be revitalized by the breeze of new challenges and fresh ideas.

Dojo Etiquette Tradition, Respect and Discipline

One of the most important aspects of the study of Aikido is learning to discipline one's own behaviour and self-control. A prime example of this discipline is the etiquette we observe with our Senseis and fellow students, in the dojo or practice area. Unfortunately, the etiquette we observe is often confused with worship. Aikido is not a religious practice. When we bow or observe special ceremonies, we do so for the purpose of training our minds, not worship or submission.

Etiquette is also confused in our minds with respect. The etiquette we practice may reflect respect. We can show respect, and we do so by following the correct dojo etiquette. It isn't important that others respond to our respect; to be respectful is the important part. Visitors are also expected to observe these conduct guidelines.

To be impolite is to be lacking in consideration of others; to be inconsiderate is to be lacking, somehow, in some essential kindness. The correct Aikido etiquette is basically acting politely and with consideration of others. Some of the manners we try to observe are:

• When entering or leaving a dojo we face the front of the practice area and bow. We use this bow as an opportunity to remind ourselves to be grateful for this place to train; • We take off our hats and shoes, dispose of chewing gum, and stop any other distracting practices that might interfere with our training or others' training; • We take off our street clothes and put on a training uniform (a dogi, if possible). This helps us shed our outside concerns and focus our attention on our current task - Aikido training. Grateful for the opportunity to study Aikido, we want to focus all our attention and energy on that one task; • Proper, complete clean and proper uniforms are preferred. Our study is a formal one, and the completeness of our dress reflects the attention we give to our study. A complete uniform also affords greater protection of our bodies; • When we greet a fellow student or a Sensei, we do so with a traditional bow and the phrase “Osu!” This is customary in the practice of Yoshinkan Aikido. Bowing is also a sign of humility and reminds us that we are unendingly involved in a relationship with the people around us; • Punctuality is encouraged. Try to be ready and on the mats 5 minutes prior to the start of class. • If you arrive for class late (a practice that is not encouraged), do not act in any way that would be disruptive to the sensei or to the class. Bow onto the mats and stay kneeling in seiza until instructed to join the class by the Sensei or in their absence the highest ranking student. • When coming into or leaving the practice mat, we bow again to the front of the dojo. This expresses our intent to concentrate fully on our Aikido training, and acts as recognition of all the individuals, past and present, who have contributed to Aikido.

Other points of etiquette:

• All jewelry and watches must be removed before practice. Jewelry may cause injury to yourself or your fellow students. Make sure all finger and toe nails are trimmed short so as not to cause undue injury to others. TOE Nail Polish is NOT appreciated at any time. Please clean any marks left each class! • Upon entering the dojo, when you see the Sensei or Senpai’s (seniors), greet them by bowing and saying "Osu!". • Place shoes neatly in the shoe rack. • When class is ready to begin, before the teaching Sensei sits, all student’s line up in a straight line sitting in seiza. The person to your right should be equal or higher rank: the person to your left, equal or lower in rank. This will now include all students…only the specific teaching sensei will not be lined up. • The senior student who will be leading the exercises will say "Shinzen ni rei". This means "bow to the front shrine (a symbol of respect of the Aikido founder and tradition"). The senior student will then say, "Sensei ni rei" which means "bow to the Sensei";

• When a technique is being taught, or when Sensei is speaking, the students kneel (seiza) quickly. When corrected by the Sensei, they standing bow and say either "Osu" or "thank you"; • During the class, any student who wishes to leave the mat or practice something other than what the class is practicing must first ask the permission of Sensei or when absent the most senior student on the mats, by kneeling close by and waiting to be excused. On returning to the mats, bow and wait in the corner until recognized to be returned, then bow and return to your partner. • If the dogi becomes disarranged during practice, the student and partner must first bow, then kneel (seiza) and the student, straightens his/her uniform, stands, and bows again before resuming practice; • Always begin and end your training with your partner by bowing to each other; • Never shout, curse or become angry on the mat. If there is a disagreement, ask the Sensei what is right; • When Sensei is off the mat, treat the next senior student with the same respect you do Sensei; • When the class is ending, the students quickly line up and kneel, before the Sensei sits; • Students remain kneeling until Sensei has stood up, left the mat or the class has been excused; • Students should wait for the class to be dismissed, then knee walk, following the other students to bow and thank all the students for training with them.

Other important aspects of etiquette deal with more commonplace concerns.

• Please remember to pay your dues on time. They are due and should be paid prior to the start of the month. • Fees paid cover the rent and bills, but not the daily maintenance of the dojo. Is the responsibility of everyone in the dojo to sweep and clean the mats, empty garbage when full, fill paper rolls when empty, etc… • When possible, please assist with the maintenance of the dojo. Replacing empty paper rolls as well as cleaning whenever required. • Twice a year (fall and spring) assist on the designated dojo cleaning dates. • In our enjoyment of Aikido training, we should not forget about our responsibilities to Aikido, and to our Sensei’s. When training as a visitor in another dojo, please check the visitation policies, and remember that your behaviour reflects on your home dojo.

Adult Fees and Grading

Fee Schedule

Fee’s include membership in the Aikido Yoshinkai Foundation (AYF) and Shunpukan dojo, the student handbook, newsletters, and the opportunity to test for kyu and dan levels. There is a yearly membership fee for adults and children. Monthly plans are allowed after the first three month period. Cash, Debit and cheques are accepted payment types. Please make cheques payable to TAC. Returned cheques are subject to a $30.00 service charge. Training fees are due and payable prior to the first of the month. A Late fee of $10.00 applies after the 10 th of the month. One time visitor mat fee is $15.00. All fees subject to HST.

New Members:

New Adults: 3 months including membership fee $195.00 - cash or debit only

(after the 15th of month, $240.00 for 3 1/2 months) Adult Annual Fee paid up front $745.00

Adults – Annual Membership Fee $45.00*

Annual Quarterly Monthly 8th Kyu – 6th Kyu $800.00 $220.00 $ 85.00 5th Kyu and Up $895.00 $255.00 $ 95.00 Family (Two Adults, One Child) $490.00 $175.00

Children – Annual Membership Fee $ 30.00*

New Youth: 3 months plus membership fee $195.00 Quarterly Monthly One Child 2X per week $210.00 $80.00 Two Children 2X per week $350.00 $130.00 Three Children 2X per week $440.00 $155.00 Family – Any Three Members (One Adult incl) $475.00 $170.00

*There will be no refunds due to illness, vacations etc. After two months of absence without fee payment, there is a re- instatement fee of $45.00 for Adults or $30.00 for Youths (membership fee re-activation). If you have any questions regarding payment options or the training fees, please ask Shumak Sensei. Discounts are available for advanced payments as well as for family discounts – please see the office for details.

Adult Grading Requirements

You will be notified when you have the proper requirements. .To grade, students must pay grading fees prior to testing and training fees must be up-to-date.

Kyu Belt Fee Min Classes Min Weeks 8th Yellow with stripe $20.00 8 4 7th Yellow $25.00 10 4 6th Orange with stripe $30.00 16 6 5th Orange $35.00 20 8 4th Green $45.00 25 10 3rd Brown with two stripes $55.00 30 15 2nd Brown with one stripe $70.00 40 15 1st Brown $80.00 50 5 months

1st Dan Black TBA* 100 10 months 2nd Dan Black TBA* 130 12 months 3rd Dan Black TBA* 200 24 months 4th Dan Black TBA* 270 36 months

Fees may change without notice. *TBA based on current exchange of Japanese Yen.

Please Note: These times and class periods represent the minimum requirements for advancement. Both the minimum class periods and time spans must be met. You will be notified when you are eligible for grading. There can be special advancement if students display exceptional skill and attitude during training and testing. If you have any questions about grading requirements, please do not hesitate to ask.

Your First Class

What can you expect for your first class? Will it be difficult? Will you fit in? Will you be made fun of? Will you get hurt? Will you survive?

All these questions can run through the mind of a new student. I am happy to say that even the most physically challenged student, or those with no previous martial arts experience will survive just fine. Can you learn and master your first technique in class number one? Not usually! But you will come out with some basic idea of what a class is like, and how much there is to learn about Aikido.

Just remember, that EVERYONE has been here before. Everyone has to start with a first class. So what can you expect? Lets explore what a new student will first go through...

Entering the dojo - OSU! Everyone says it. What does it mean? Basically, at this point, it means hello. It is also a way of showing respect for the dojo and for other students in general. Accompanied with a standing bow, this gets us through the door. Then we remove our shoes and continue inside.

The change room - Removing our street clothes, we quickly change into our training uniform (dogi). First, we tie the pants...slip the two strings through the loop and then tie it like our shoes...easy...unless we forget, and this only happens once (if the pants fall down, we never forget again!). Next is the top, and at this time, we remember to remove all jewelry (This includes any body piercings that could damage us or others), then we wrap our obi (belt) around our waist. Wrap it around twice, as if it was one belt with one end on top and the other underneath. Next we tuck the top piece under the bottom, like in the start of a reef knot. Then we tuck the top piece (the same) through the bottom once again. This is easy for Boy Scouts and any knot experts. For others, just ask a senior student.

Entering the training area - - Upon leaving the change room we turn into the mat area. As we enter the training area, we bow once again, out of respect for the hall, and to remind us of our own need to grow. Moving to the far right, at the corner of the mats, we step onto them (traditionally left foot first). Sitting in seiza (kneeling on your shins), we do a sitting bow to the front shrine (Shinzen).

Warming up, practicing , waiting... - While waiting for the command to line up (seiretsu), try to loosen up with stretching - ask seniors for some assistance - or try to practice things you may have seen already. When commanded, assume the proper seat at the far left of all other students, kneeling properly on your shins with your knees on the line of the mats.

Class starts - From this point on, just follow the lead of the senior students. You will hear the following commands:

1. Makuso (close your eyes/meditate); 2. Makuso yame (open your eyes); 3. Shinzen ni rei (bow to front shrine); 4. Sensei ni rei (bow to Sensei); 5. Next, you will be told to form up in lines for exercises; 6. Follow the leading student in front of the class.

Senior students will assist you with things you may not know how to do.

After exercises, you will be assigned to a senior student for your first 4-8 classes of introductory training. Sensei will oversee the training early on, when not otherwise occupied with the main class. After promotion to 8 th kyu, you will join in the mainstream class training.

I hope this helps to ease your transition from a bystander to a class participant. Feel free to ask any students if you have questions or feel uncomfortable in any way. Please be certain to advise your instructors if any activities make you uncomfortable or strained in any way.

Grading Techniques

8th Kyu - Yellow Belt with stripe

1. Kamae Basic stance (both sides)

2. Shikko-ho Knee walking (forward and backward)

3. Koho ukemi ichi, ni Back breakfalls #1, #2

4. Sokumen ukemi Side breakfalls

5. Shomen tsuki renshu Front punch method (in Basic Stance)

6. Back Breakfalls #3 Koho ukemi san

7. Shumatsu dosa ichi After class exercise #1

8. Katate mochi shihonage osae ichi, ni One hand grasp all direction throw pin #1, #2

"A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind."

7th Kyu - Yellow Belt

1. Kamae Basic stance (both sides)

2. Bokken suburi ni hon ichi, san Wooden sword two kinds of striking #1, #3

3. Zenpo ukemi Front breakfalls

4. Koho kaiten ukemi Back rolls

5. Hyaku hachi ju do tai no henko dosa 180º pivot body change

6. Hiriki no yosei ichi Elbow power #1

7. Shumatsu dosa ni After class exercise #2

8. Shomen uchi nikajo osae ichi, ni Front strike 2nd control throw pin #1 and #2

9. Aya mochi ikkajo nage ni Cross hand grasp 1st control throw #2

10. Oyo waza Applied Techniques a) Shoulder Grasp b) One Hand Grasp

“If your opponent tries to pull you, let him pull. Don't pull against him; pull in unison with him.”

6th Kyu - Orange Belt with Stripe

1. Kamae Basic stance (both sides)

2. Jo sanjuichi no kata (jyu) Jo thirty one kata (first 10)

3. Hiriki no yosae ichi, ni Elbow power #1, #2

4. Geri ukemi Kicking breakfalls (uke holds one foot)

5. Ayamochi hyaku ukemi Cross hand jumping breakfalls

6. Tai no henko dosa ichi Cross step in body change #1

7. Shomen giri shomen irimi nage Front kick front step in throw

8. Yokomen uchi sankajo osae ichi, ni Side strike 3rd control pin #1, #2

9. Shomen uchi hijiate nage ichi, ni Front Strike hitting elbow breath throw #1, #2

10. Oyo waza Applied technique a) Chest grab b) Both hand grab

"The Way of a Warrior cannot be encompassed by words or in letters: grasp the essence and move on toward realization!"

5th Kyu - Orange Belt

1. Kamae Basic stance (both sides)

2. Bokken suburi rohon Wooden sword six kinds of striking

3. Jo sanjuichi no kata Jo 31 movement kata (all 31)

4. Mune mochi hiyaku ukemi Chest grasp (grabbing dogi) jumping breakfalls

5. Taeno henko dosa Ichi Elbow power #1,

6. Yokomen uchi nikajo osae ichi, ni Side strike second control pin #1, #2

7. Shomen uchi shomen irimi nage ichi, ni Front strike front step in throw #1, #2

8. Kata mochi sokumen irimi nage ichi, ni Shoulder grasp side step in throw #1, #2

9. Katate mochi kaiten nage ichi, ni One hand grasp rotary throw #1, #2

11. Oyo waza Applied technique a) Front Punch b) Front Kick

"Techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance, you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space. ."

4th Kyu - Green Belt

1. Bokken Kumitachi go hon (sotai) Wooden sword five kinds of movement with partner

2. Tobikoshi ukemi Jumping breakfalls (over partner's back)

3. Kihon dosa renzoku Continuation of basic movements

4. Kamae (Sotai) Basic stance with partner

5. Yokomen uchi yonkajo osae ichi, ni Side strike 4th control pin #1, #2

6. Shomen uchi kotegaeshi nage osae ichi, ni Front strike reverse hand throw pin #1, #2

7. Hanmi handachi ryote mochi shihonage osae ichi One sitting one standing both hand grasp all direction pin #1

8. Suwari ryote mochi kokyu ho ichi Both sitting both hands grasp breath method # 1

10. Katate mochi sumiotoshi nage ichi, ni One hand grasp rotary throw #1

9. Shite waza One previous technique

10. Oyo waza Applied technique (any three) a) One hand grab b) Chest Grasp c) Front kick d) Front Strike e) Face thrust f) Behind Both Wrist Grab

11. Katate ayamochi renzoku juwaza Cross hand grasp free style, in order, both sides

Ikkajo nage 1st control throw Nikajo nage 2nd control throw Sankajo nage 3rd control throw Shihonage All direction advanced Hijiate kokyu nage Hitting elbow breath throw

Seeing me before him, the enemy attacks, but by that time I am already standing safely behind him.

3rd Kyu - Brown Belt with two stripes

1. Tanto sotai dosa Knife 9 movement kata with partner

2. Jo kokyu nage Jo four kinds of breath throws

3. Kamae (sotai) Basic stance with partner

4. Tai no henko dosa ni (sotai) 95º pivot body change with partner

5. Suwari katate mochi hijiate kokyu nage ichi, ni Both sitting one hand grasp hitting elbow breath throw #1, #2

6. Katate mochi hijishime ichi, ni One hand grab elbow lock #1, #2

7. Ushiro ryote mochi ikkajo osae ichi, ni Behind both hand grasp 1st control pin #1, #2

8. Shomen uchi udegarami osae ichi, ni Front strike arm lock throw pin #1, #2

9. Ryote mocha nikkajo osae ichi, ni Both hand grasp 2 nd control pin #1, #2

10. Shite waza One previous technique

11. Katate mochi or Shomen tsuki renzoku juwaza One hand grasp or Front thrust free style, both sides

Ikkajo nage 1st control throw Nikajo nage 2nd control throw Sankajo nage 3rd control throw Shihonage All direction advance Hijiate kokyu nage Hitting elbow breath throw Shomen irimi nage Front step in throw Sokumen irimi nage Side step in throw Kotegaeshi nage osae Reverse hand throw pin

“In your training do not be in a hurry, for it takes a minimum of ten years to master the basics and advance to the first rung. Never think of yourself as an all-knowing, perfected master; you must continue to train daily with your friends and students and progress together in Aikido .”

2nd Kyu - Brown Belt with one stripe

1. Jo nage Jo four breath throws, four techniques

2. Kamae (sotai) Basic stance with partner

3. Hiriki no yosei ichi, ni (sotai) Elbow power with partner #1, #2

4. Hyaku hachi ju do tai no henko dosa (sotai) 180º pivot body change with partner

5. Ryote mochi shomen irimi nage ichi, ni Both hands grasp front step in throw #1, #2

6. Shomen uchi juji nage ichi, ni Front strike cross arm throw #1, #2

7. Ushiro ryote mochi sokumen irimi nage ichi, ni Behind both hands grasp side step in throw #1, #2

8. Suwari ryote mochi kotegaeshi osae ichi, ni Both sitting both hands grasp reverse hand throw #1, #2

9. Shite waza Two previous techniques: one from 4 th kyu, one from 3 rd kyu

10. Shomen uchi or ryote mochi renzoku juwaza Front strike or both hands grasp free style, both sides

“If you say, that person’s technique is fast…that person is slow, you are only seeing the form of the people. You must scrap such thoughts. In blending with the person’s energy (timing), at the moment when you are really together with that person, both fast and slow are gone.”

1st Kyu - Brown Belt

1. Ukemi zenshu & Koshinage ukemi The student must be able to do back breakfalls (#1,#2 and #3), forward breakfalls, correctly and with the speed of the class, and must be able to do high jumping breakfalls over partner’s back and cross hand flipping. Static breakfalls over partner’s back.

2. Kihon dosa zenshu & renzoku, seiza-ho, rei-ho, shikko-ho The student must be able to do all basic movements, as well as continuation of movements correctly, which includes the correct way of bowing, sitting on the mats and knee walking forward and backwards.

3. Kamae (sotai) Basic stance with partner

4. Buki waza ishu (one from below): i. Bokken kumitachi go hon ii. Tanto sotai dosa kyu hon iii. Jo sanjuichi no kata iv. Jo nage

5. Hanmi handachi katate mochi shihonage osae ichi, ni One sitting one standing one hand grasp all direction pin #1, #2

6. Shomen uchi sumiotoshi nage ichi, ni Front strike corner drop throw #1, #2

7. Katate mochi ikkajo osae ichi, ni One Hand grasp 1st control pin #1, #2

8. Suwari ryote mochi kokyu ho ni Both sitting both hands grasp breath method #2

9. Shite waza One technique from 4 th kyu, one from 3 rd kyu, one from 2 nd kyu

10. Katate ayamochi or Yokomen uchi juwaza Cross hand or Side strike free style (From all techniques, perform at least five different ones continuously in free style. Do not perform in set order.)

“The purpose of aikido is to realize harmony, through rooting the principles of techniques inside ourselves, without the thought of conflict.”

Toronto Aikido Calendar

Kagami Biraki (New Year Practice) Approx Third Sunday in January

Shinboku Kai (Friendship Night) is on the last Friday of alternating months when arranged. Food is either brought into the dojo, or members partake at a prearranged location.

Kyu gradings are generally completed on the first and third Mondays of each month, as necessary.

Dan gradings are twice a year on Sundays, as necessary.

Other important Dates:

Spring Clean-up – Early April, all students assist in the cleaning and de-winterizing of the dojo.

Annual Demo – Approx. second week of April

Family Picnic – Approx. Third Sunday of July

Fall Clean-up – Early November, all students assist in the cleaning and winterizing of the dojo.

Holiday Schedules will be posted individually as they occur. Typically classes are cancelled on the Saturdays – Mondays on long weekends. Watch the website or office bulletin boards for details.

Glossary

While the translations below may not satisfy a scholar of the Japanese language, they do capture the sense in which the terms and phrases are used in Aikido. Students are encouraged to study this glossary and add this dimension to their training.

General Terms used in Class

Terms Explaining AIHANMI Shite and uke in same stance (e.g. both in right stance) AIKIDO Literally, "the Way of Harmony" with the forces of energy of Nature and the Universe. ANZA Cross-leg sitting position ARIGATO Thank you very much! GOZIAMASHITA BOKKEN Wooden training sword BUDO A code of manner and behaviour for the samurai's life including the arts of combat with ethical and philosophical implications BUKIWAZA Weapons techniques DOGI Clothing or uniform worn when studying an Art or Way. (Note: dogi should not be shortened to the slang form "gi" or an important meaning is lost FUMIKOMI Cross step FUMIKOMI KOTAI Cross back to change stance GYAKUHANMI Shite and uke in opposite "mirror image" stance DOSA Movement HAJIME Begin HANMI HANDACHI One person sitting (shite) and one person standing (uke) HIDARI Left HITOEMI Side facing stance in which shoulders and feet are on one line HOJODOSA Supplementary movement HIYAKU UKEMI Jumping breakfalls JO 4 foot staff KAKARI GEIKO “Round robin" style training. KAMAE Basic stance KIHONWAZA Basic technique KOHAI Junior Student KOTAI Change OSU A strong, positive budo salutation or greeting indicating mutual respect MA-AI Basic distance, with the implication of proper or appropriate distance such that a technique can be done well and with balance MIGI Right MOKUSO Close eyes, meditate NAGE Throw ONAJIKU Repeat the same technique on the other side OSAE Pin or control OTAGAI NI REI Bow to each other (as a group) OYOWAZA Advanced technique REI Bow RENZOKU Continuation SEIRETSU Lineup SEIZA Kneeling position SENPAI Senior Student, First to follow the path. Sr’s should be referred to as Senpai “Name” SENSEI Teacher/instructor 3rd dan or higher, Sensei’s are referred to this way in the dojo…NEVER by name! SHINZEN Front shrine SHITE The person who executes an Aikido technique

Terms Explaining SHITE, UKE KOTAI Shite and uke change (also shi / uchi kotai) SENSEI NI REI Bow to teacher SHOMEN NI REI Bow to the front SODEMOCHI HIYAKU Sleeve-grasp jump SOTAI DOSA Movement with partner SURIASHI Sliding foot SUWARIWAZA Kneeling techniques TACHI WAZA Standing techniques TAIHENKO Body change TANTO Wooden knife TENKAI Pivot TENKAN Body change TOBIKOSHI Jump and go over TSUGIASHI A movement in which the front foot slides (suriashi) and the rear foot follows UKE The person who receives an Aikido technique USHIROWAZA Behind technique YAME Stop ZANSHIN "Remaining attentive" - in Aikido, zanshin is practiced at the end of a technique, focus concentration, and the relationship between shite and uke are maintained :.

Counting in Japanese

Number Counting Technique Set(-hon, -pon count suffix for techniques) 1 ichi ippon 2 ni nihon 3 san sanhon 4 shi yonhon 5 go gohon 6 roku roppon 7 shichi nanahon 8 hachi happon 9 kyu kyuhon 10 ju juppon .

Toronto Aikido Centre would like to Thank You!

Thank you for your dedication, training and trust.

We look forward to your continued cooperation, feedback, and support in the coming year.

Sensei AJ Shumak