GREENWICH AIKIDO DOJO: MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Greenwich Aikido Dojo! Aikido has its own terminology, etiquette, protocols, and methods of training. This handbook provides general information and advice to students new to aikido (or more experienced students coming from another aikido organisation or martial art). New students are not expected to learn the handbook off-by-heart but we do encourage you to read it early in your training. We also encourage students to speak to an instructor or senior student if they have any questions or want to discuss any of the topics. Information in red text is particularly important as it relates either your own health and safety or that of other students. The handbook may be updated and the latest version will be available at http://www.greenwich- aikido.com. This is version 1.2 with minor updates.

CONTENTS

Aikido 2 Grades 2 Organisation 2 Instructors 3 Location 3 Class times 3 Membership fees 3 Training fees 4 Health and safety 4 Insurance 5 Data protection 5 Advice on equipment 5 Advice on etiquette 5 Advice on training 8 Advice on grading 9 Glossary 11 Forms and techniques 12 BAF grading syllabus Appendix 1

GREENWICH AIKIDO DOJO March 2018

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AIKIDO

Aikido is a Japanese martial art created during the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) after having reached the highest level of mastery in other classical Japanese martial arts. A simple translation is not possible but aikido can be interpreted to mean the way (do) of harmony (ai) with vital energy (ki). Aikido is accomplished by blending with the movement of an attacker to redirect the force of an attack rather than oppose it head-on. Aikido does not rely on weapons but wooden weapons are sometimes used in training (sword, staff, and knife). Aikido does not have competition: training is by repeated practice where the ultimate aim is not to perfect physical techniques but to improve character. Aikido training helps promote physical and mental health, and over time can improve awareness, self-confidence and other skills useful in everyday life. Aikido training is also an opportunity to meet and learn from people regardless of age, gender, occupation, or wider background.

GRADES

Grades are awarded by practical examination against set criteria, starting at 6th kyu and rising to 1st kyu (all white belt). The rate of progress varies by individual but, on average, new students can anticipate grading about once every year. The first yudansha (black belt) grade is shodan (1st dan). Contrary to popular belief, ‘shodan’ designates that a student is no longer a beginner not that he or she is an expert. A hakama (pleated skirt) is worn by all yudansha and, with permission, by women graded 6th kyu or higher.

ORGANISATION

Greenwich Aikido Dojo was established in 2004 and is affiliated to the British Aikido Federation (BAF). The BAF was established in 1968 (originally as the ‘Aikikai of Great Britain’) and was the first organisation in Britain accredited by the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan to teach aikido. The organisation was renamed the ‘British Aikido Federation’ in 1977 with Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan 8th Dan, Aikikai Foundation) as its Technical Director. Other Japanese and British shihan (master teacher) also instruct at frequent BAF weekend courses and at the annual BAF Summer School. The BAF is officially recognised by the Aikikai Foundation at the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan and is a founder member of both the International Aikido Federation (IAF) and the Joint Aikido Council (JAC). The Aikikai Foundation is the primary organisation for the development and promotion of aikido throughout the world, and the current Doshu (head) of the Aikikai Foundation is Moriteru Ueshiba (grandson of Ōsensei Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido).

Links • Aikikai Foundation http://www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/index.html • International Aikido Federation http://www.aikido-international.org/iaf-about • British Aikido Federation http://bafonline.org.uk • Joint Aikido Council http://jointaikikaicouncil.co.uk • Greenwich Aikido Dojo EMAIL [email protected] INTERNET http://www.greenwich-aikido.com FACEBOOK https://en-gb.facebook.com/gwhaikido/ PHONE Adam on 078 9067 2980 or Derrick on 075 9057 8800

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INSTRUCTORS (all grades recognised by the Aikikai Foundation)

Colman Glynn (Shidoin 6th Dan) Colman started practicing aikido in 1985 in Ireland under John Rogers (Shihan 6th Dan). In 1989 he joined the Ryushinkan dojo in London under Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan 8th Dan) and was awarded 1st Dan in 1991. Colman currently holds the rank of 6th Dan and is a Shidoin (national coach) in the BAF as well as a certified level 2 coach. Colman opened the Greenwich dojo in 2004, and in 2012 he travelled to Japan to train at the Hombu Dojo. He continues to train regularly at Ryushinkan as well as teach at Greenwich.

Derrick Norton (3rd Dan) Derrick started practicing aikido in 1986 in Leeds under Ken Marsden (Shihan 6th Dan). In 1988 he joined the Ryushinkan dojo in London under Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan 8th Dan) and was awarded 1st Dan in 1996. Derrick currently holds the rank of 3rd Dan and is a certified level 2 coach. He joined the Greenwich dojo at its inception in 2004 and remains a member of Ryushinkan. In 2012 he travelled to Japan to train at the Hombu Dojo.

Adam Walsh (3rd Dan) Adam started practicing aikido in 2000 in Kingston-on-Thames under Peter Novak (2nd Dan) and later trained at Ryushinkan. He joined the Greenwich dojo in 2007 and was awarded 1st Dan in 2009. Adam currently holds the rank of 3rd Dan and is a certified level 2 coach.

LOCATION

We practice at Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road, Greenwich, London SE3 7SE. The nearest rail station is Westcombe Park (10 minutes walk). Street parking is available in the local area.

CLASS TIMES

Wednesdays REGULAR CLASS 8.00pm to 9.30pm (Room 7)

Thursdays BEGINNERS CLASS 7.15pm to 8.10pm (Room 9) REGULAR CLASS 8.15pm to 9.45pm (Room 9)

Saturdays REGULAR CLASS* 10.00am to 12.00pm (Room 15)

*Please bring weapons to the Saturday class if you have them. We also hold a special course about once every two months, and the BAF holds frequent weekend courses (see website for details).

MEMBERSHIP FEES

Membership fees are annual (rates below) and students need to be a member of the dojo and BAF before starting to train. At present, we cannot train people under 18 years of age. We also offer provisional membership for £5: this counts towards the BAF fee and is valid for three classes. After the third class, students wishing to continue training need to pay the balance of the relevant BAF fee plus dojo annual fee. All fees are non-refundable, and the dojo and BAF both reserve the right to refuse, suspend or terminate membership at any time. Visiting BAF members are very welcome to train with proof of current membership and valid insurance.

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Status BAF annual fee Dojo annual fee Total annual fees • Adult (18 or over) £35 £25 £60 • Student / concessionary £25 £15 £40 • Senior (65 or over) £20 £10 £30

TRAINING FEES

Training fees can be paid by: cash per class; cash per month; or monthly order (rates below). Our monthly rates allow members to attend all classes in that calendar month or part thereof but exclude special courses. Fees are paid in advance and are non-refundable, and the dojo does not accept payment by cheque. A ‘double class’ comprises the two consecutive classes on Thursday. The most cost-effective method of payment for regular students is by standing order. Payment should be made in advance on the 1st day of each month (to NatWest Bank, Sort Code 60-09-16, Account 51347857) and maintained unless extended absence from training. NB: The ‘hourly rate’ below is for illustrative purposes only based on a student attending most classes paying by order.

Status cash per …double monthly monthly ‘hourly class… class by cash by order rate’ • Adult (18 or over) £20 £30 £90 £75 £3.50 • Student / concessionary £15 £20 £55 £50 £2.50 • Senior (65 or over) £10 £15 £40 £35 £1.50

HEALTH AND SAFETY

YOU MUST STOP AIKIDO TRAINING IMMEDIATELY IF, AT ANY TIME AT ALL OR FOR ANY REASON AT ALL, YOU ARE INJURED OR FEEL UNWELL OR DO NOT WANT TO CONTINUE. Aikido training should not pose any particular problem to someone with normal health and fitness. However, the risk of injury or illness from aikido training can never be ruled out, and prospective members are required to read and sign a ‘risk warning’ as part of their application. The aim of this warning is to make the reader aware of the risks inherent in aikido training so that he or she can make an informed decision on whether or not to take part. Aikido training is a form of physical exercise: all members - prospective and existing - must seek professional medical advice if they have, or think they might have, any injury, illness or condition which may mean they should not undertake physical exercise or aikido training. Aikido training involves close physical contact and students should maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and remove any make-up. Your keikogi (or other clothing) must be clean, odour free, and in reasonable condition. Foot hygiene is particularly important and students must wear shoes or sandals between the changing room and dojo. Injuries and first aid To reduce the risk of injury, please keep finger / toe nails short and tie back long hair. Watches and jewellery must be removed (items which cannot be removed must be covered with a plaster or tape as must any cuts or sores). Any injuries should be dealt with immediately and any blood should be removed as soon as possible. As soon as practical, the instructor or senior student should complete an ‘incident / accident form’ (blank copies in the folder): the form has a ‘tear off’ page with NHS advice on sports injuries which can be given to the patient. A basic first aid pack, including cool pack and antiseptic wipes, is available in the cupboard. 4

INSURANCE

Members of the BAF, on payment of a premium as part of the BAF annual membership fee, are covered by ‘member-to-member liability and personal accident insurance’ when training at an affiliated club. No other insurance is provided or implied by membership. Like all insurance schemes, there are important conditions and limitations to the BAF scheme which may mean that the scheme does not apply to an individual in whole or part. Personal circumstances vary so each person is responsible for deciding if the scheme is applicable and suitable to them: see http://jointaikikaicouncil.co.uk/insurance. Prospective members are required to read and sign ‘insurance advice’ as part of their application. The aim of this advice is to make the reader aware there are conditions to the insurance scheme which may mean the scheme does not apply to him or her even if a fee has been paid.

DATA PROTECTION

Information from each member’s application form is held electronically and shared between dojo instructors and officials. Prospective members are invited to consent for personal information to be held on the databases of the dojo as part of their application: these databases are not shared with third parties nor used for non-aikido purposes. Members will be asked on an annual basis to confirm that the information held by the dojo is accurate, and members may request a copy of their stored information at any time.

ADVICE ON EQUIPMENT

We recommend new students not to buy a keikogi (training suit) or other equipment until they join the dojo and the BAF: clean, loose and inexpensive clothing is quite acceptable initially (but please avoid any garish / offensive designs, images or words). Any keikogi should be white in colour with minimal branding and design (most students wear a ‘judo style’ suit but some prefer a ‘karate style’ and other styles are also available). If needed, please speak to an instructor or senior student for advice on the knot used to tie the obi (belt). We do not dictate specific makes or brands and students are free to purchase from any supplier. Having said that, the dojo is a member of a loyalty scheme which allows it - on behalf of members - to buy suits and other equipment at reduced cost from Nine Circles Ltd (www.ninecircles.co.uk). The dojo passes on any reductions in full. Please speak to a senior student or instructor if you have any questions about what suit or other equipment to buy.

ADVICE ON ETIQUETTE

Introduction Dojo etiquette is derived primarily from Japanese culture and is intended to promote health and safety, mutual respect, and a positive environment in which to study and practice aikido. New students should note all bows are based on respect and have no religious meaning of any kind. It may take time to understand dojo etiquette and some elements may feel strange at first: this is natural and new students should not be concerned if they forget or make mistakes.

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Before class Please arrive with enough time to help put out the tatami (mats), get changed, and pay any fees. We understand that students may sometimes be late for class and make allowances for this but please make an effort to avoid being late for class consistently. Visitors are welcome to watch but are asked not to distract students during class and to observe etiquette as guests. Entering the dojo A dojo is a place to study and train. Mycenae House does not have dedicated facilities for aikido training so the practice room should be treated as a dojo once all the tatami are laid out and until the tatami start to be taken up (ie the room only needs to be regarded as a dojo if all the tatami are laid out). Apart from hakama, please avoid getting changed in the dojo and do not consume food (including gum) or drink on the tatami. Smoking is not allowed at any time. As you enter the dojo, perform a standing bow in the direction of Ōsensei’s picture and kamiza (head of dojo). After entering, put your belongings and any weapons neatly along the rear or side wall but not the front. Please do not use another student’s weapons without their permission. Stepping on the mat Put your shoes neatly at the rear of the tatami - heels first - so that you can step on (and off) without bare feet touching the floor. Shoes must never rest on the tatami nor be worn on it. Once on the tatami, perform a seated bow in the direction of the kamiza. If the class has not started, do some stretching exercises or sit in seiza (correct sitting) and prepare mentally for class. Sitting in seiza is part of training but you may sit cross-legged if you are injured or, at first, you find the position uncomfortable. However, please do not sit with your back to the kamiza, leaning against a wall, or with legs stretched out. Start of class A couple of minutes before the start of class, and in any event when the sensei (teacher) enters the dojo, students should sit in seiza in a straight line and prepare mentally for class. The person sitting to your right should be of equal or higher grade; the person to your left, equal or lower grade. If there are other aikido-ka (students) behind you then make sure there is space for them to bow. Ensure your keikogi is tidy and that your obi is tied correctly. The instructor will step on the tatami and sit facing the kamiza before bowing: students should perform a seated bow in unison which the instructor may initiate by saying ‘shomen ni rei’ (bow to the front). The instructor will then face the class and everyone should perform a second seated bow saying ‘onegaishimasu’ (please teach me) which the senior student may initiate by saying ‘sensei ni rei’ (bow to sensei). If you arrive late. Please stand at the rear of the tatami and wait until the instructor invites you to join the class. After being invited, and without disrupting training, step onto the tatami, perform a seated bow in the direction of the kamiza, and join the class. During class Please refer to the instructor taking the class as ‘sensei’ (teacher) and in any given class there is only one sensei. In Japanese, the person’s surname is often also used: eg Jane Smith might be called “sensei” or “Smith sensei”. However, using the surname this way can sound odd when speaking English so it is also acceptable to use the instructor’s first name instead of surname (eg “Colman sensei”) noting that other dojo / organisations may use a different protocol.

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The instructor will demonstrate / explain exercises and techniques: please give this your full attention as a critical part of training revolves around learning how to observe. During each demonstration please sit in seiza (unless injured or difficult) at the rear of the mat: unlike the start / end of class there is no need to sit in grade order. Students should bow to the instructor at the end of each demonstration before practicing together. Begin and end each practice with your partner with either a standing or sitting bow as appropriate to the technique. If the instructor is training with your partner then please watch in seiza, sitting at the rear of the tatami if possible. After receiving instruction, both partners should bow. You and your partner may postpone training together if the instructor is teaching someone in your vicinity and needs space to demonstrate: again, please sit and watch in seiza unless injured or difficult. Aikido training involves trial and error: if you are not clear about a technique then by all means observe yudansha or senior students and try again. Yudansha and senior students need to set a clear example for beginners and junior students by practicing what has been demonstrated (ie not variations or personal preferences). Unless invited, it is generally better to save questions for the instructor until after the class has ended. If it is necessary to ask a question during a class then approach the instructor but do not interrupt, bow as appropriate, and wait for acknowledgement. If you are a yudansha or a senior student (ie 1st or 2nd kyu) practising with a beginner or junior student then it is acceptable to provide basic advice if necessary but avoid overly long, complex or subtle explanations: it is generally better to ‘show and do’ rather than ‘talk and explain’. Please carry out any directions promptly. The focus during a class should be on training not talking so any discussion needs to be brief, quiet, and restricted to aikido. Too much talk during a class is impolite and may interfere with others’ concentration. It goes without saying that students should never shout, swear, or become angry during class. End of class Students should sit in seiza in grade order as for the start of class. The instructor will face the class before turning to face the kamiza and bowing: everyone should perform a seated bow in unison which the instructor may initiate by saying ‘shomen ni rei’ (bow to the front). The instructor will face the class and everyone should perform a second seated bow which the senior student may initiate by saying ‘sensei ni rei’ (bow to sensei). Students should say ‘domo arigato gozaimashita’ (thank you very much) as they make the second bow. Students should remain in seiza until the instructor has left the tatami or has indicated the end of class. Once the instructor has left the tatami the senior student may initiate a final seated bow by saying ‘dojo ni rei’ (everyone bow). Before leaving the tatami you should find your partners and bow to them, thanking them for training (but this may not be practical if the class was crowded). Stepping off the mat Before stepping off the tatami, perform a seated bow in the direction of the kamiza before standing, stepping into your shoes / sandals, and leaving the tatami. If you will need to leave early. Please inform the instructor in advance and leave the mat with the usual bows. IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE DUE TO INJURY, ILLNESS OR OTHER URGENT REASON THEN YOU MUST MAKE THE INSTRUCTOR OR ANOTHER STUDENT AWARE OF THE SITUATION. Leaving the dojo If all the tatami are still down then treat the room as a dojo and perform a standing bow (unless you need to leave urgently) at the door in the direction of Ōsensei’s picture and kamiza. The dojo ‘reverts’ to being a room as soon as the tatami begin to be taken up. 7

After class Please help put the tatami away before any other ‘after class’ practice, discussion or questions. We understand that students may sometimes need to leave as soon as the class has ended and make allowances for this but please make an effort to avoid leaving every class before the tatami are put away. If you still need to pay then do so promptly before being asked, and please bring the correct amount of money to avoid delay.

ADVICE ON TRAINING

Observing the instructor There are many aspects to learning aikido, eg talking with aikido-ka, reading books, watching DVDs and internet clips, self-reflection, grading and so on. A critical element revolves around observing your instructor when he or she demonstrates an exercise / technique. Specific aspects may be pointed out but you should always try and observe the instructor’s movement and position (including when demonstrating ukemi). By doing this, you are training yourself how to see each technique (and its ukemi) and, over time, how to see and use aikido principles. Techniques have many variations and it is a mistake to see one particular version as the ‘only one’ or ‘best one’. If attending a class or course with a different instructor please make every effort to train as demonstrated by that instructor even if it is different to what is practiced at Greenwich. Training with a partner All forms of learning are relevant but nothing can substitute for actual practice: ie routine training in the dojo, typically with a partner. Warm-ups are essential prior to physical training but only perform stretches to your level of ability not that of the instructor or other students: DO NOT STRETCH BEYOND MILD DISCOMFORT OR IF YOU RISK EXACERBATING OR CAUSING AN INJURY. Students will experience different types of training as they progress, from basic exercises and ‘solid’ practice to more ‘flowing’ practice and later ‘free’ practice. Please bear in mind that: • what may appear to be techniques may be ‘kihon dosa’, ie basic exercises to help students learn how to move in preparation for actual techniques; • the ‘practical form’ of a technique may be different to its ‘training form’ (the latter being intended to allow techniques to be practiced with greater safety); and • gaining expertise requires significant repetition: no amount of innate physical skill or mental ability can teach a body how to move or move others in line with aikido principles. During training, you will typically alternate between the role of tori (the person performing the technique) and uke (the person receiving the technique). Tori and uke need to work in partnership so that each can learn and develop. Unless instructed otherwise, tori should perform each exercise or technique four times - alternating right and left - before changing roles with uke. There is no need to bow when changing roles, only at the start and end of each partner practice. The role of tori Uke is your partner not your enemy and you must always respect his or her ability to take ukemi. This may mean performing a slower or less advanced version of the technique than demonstrated. Be aware that uke may tap the tatami, their own body, or you to indicate pain or a problem and any tap must be respected: YOU MUST STOP THE EXERCISE OR TECHNIQUE IMMEDIATELY IF UKE ‘TAPS’ OR OTHERWISE SIGNALS PAIN OR A PROBLEM.

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One of the greatest risks in aikido training is a clash of heads. When executing any technique, but especially nage waza (throwing techniques), take care that your uke does not collide with others and be especially careful if the dojo is crowded: DO NOT THROW UKE WITHOUT REGARD EITHER TO HIM / HER OR TO OTHERS IN THE CLASS. If you are a beginner or junior student, please do not assume that fellow students are invulnerable to injury even if yudansha (black belt): they are not! You may not be aware of your own strength or the risk faced by your uke in any particular technique. Take care when performing armlocks to uke on the ground: uke is more at risk because his or her movement is more restricted. The role of uke Tori is your partner not your enemy and you must always respect his or her ability to execute a technique. This may mean performing a slower or less advanced version of the attack than the one demonstrated: UKE MUST IMMEDIATELY ‘TAP’ OR OTHERWISE SIGNAL IF A TECHNIQUE IS CAUSING UNDUE PAIN OR A PROBLEM. Ideally, you should tap twice - clearly and in quick succession - to avoid the gesture being overlooked. You may tap the tatami, yourself, or tori. Over time, and with practice, students will find they can tolerate more difficult techniques. The role of uke should not be regarded as a passive phase to be completed as quickly as possible. Indeed, many instructors regard ukemi as more important: • the role of uke requires providing your partner with the right sort of attack / physical motion such that it is natural for tori to use the technique being taught and practiced; • taking the role of uke gives yudansha and senior students an opportunity to guide beginners and junior students into the correct form of the technique; • good ukemi improves fitness, reduces the risk of injury, and improves your own level of self- protection since developing your awareness of tori will improve your skill as tori; and • during advanced practice, ukemi opens the possibility of kaeshi-waza (counter-techniques) that can be used to your advantage.

ADVICE ON GRADING

There is no requirement to grade but students are strongly encouraged to do so. Grading is a part of training and grades are useful signposts in a student’s personal development. The advice below is intended for students considering grading under the auspices of Greenwich Aikido Dojo: the aim of this advice is not to set hard and fast rules (as exceptions may occur) but to help those students who are looking to grade to manage their own expectations and training. Timing and manner of application Students looking to grade should familiarise themselves with the BAF process and forms (see website). Normally, applications with instructor approval for 1st kyu and yudansha grades need to be sent to the BAF at least six months before Summer School, and approved applications for other grades need to be submitted soon after arriving at Summer School. Students considering applying to grade should indicate their interest to Colman sensei as follows: • 6th kyu to 5th kyu: three months’ notice (eg by end April before next Summer School); • 4th kyu to 2nd kyu: six months’ notice (eg by end January before next Summer School); • 1st kyu / shodan: ten months’ notice (eg by end September before next Summer School); and • nidan and above: two years’ notice (eg by end July 2018 for the Summer School in 2020). 9

These deadlines allow Colman sensei sufficient time to consider each student well in advance of forms needing to be signed and submitted. Before making a decision, Colman sensei will consider each individual in the context of: previous training; frequency of training; regularity of training; and quality of training (as tori and as uke). Students indicating an interest in grading should raise any personal circumstances with Colman sensei that may affect their training or examination. Previous training The BAF syllabus for each grade (Appendix 1) sets out the minimum number of classes required since joining / previous grading: 40 classes for 6th kyu to 5th kyu; 50 classes for 4th to 2nd kyu; and 100 classes for 1st kyu. For yudansha grades, the BAF syllabus stipulates the minimum number of years of active training required since the previous grading: two years for shodan; three years for nidan; four years for sandan; and five years for yondan. Kanetsuka sensei, as Technical Director of the BAF, may also set other stipulations (see BAF site). A student should already meet the relevant criteria (or be on a clear trajectory to meet them) to be eligible to grade. Frequency of training A student with (or is likely to have) the required number of hours / years should still be training frequently to be eligible to grade (previous training is relevant but cannot be ‘kept on ice’). In this context, ‘frequent’ means attending classes / courses instructed by Colman sensei, supplemented by other BAF courses. Holidays and similar abstractions aside, the following guidelines will help ensure students are prepared for grading (physically, mentally, and technically): • 6th kyu to 5th kyu: usually one dojo class per week and sometimes two classes per week in the six months prior to grading (and perhaps one dojo course in that period); • 4th kyu to 2nd kyu: at least one dojo class per week but typically two classes per week in the six months prior to grading (and at least one dojo course in that period); and • 1st kyu to shodan: at least two dojo classes per week but typically three classes per week in the ten months prior to grading (and most if not all dojo courses in that period). Higher yudansha grades require a commensurately greater commitment and training quality over a substantially longer period of time (see BAF syllabus for minimum number of years). Regularity of training A student with (or is likely to have) the required number of hours / years should still be training regularly to be eligible to grade. In this context ‘regular’ means attending specific dojo classes more-or-less on a predictable basis. Work-life balance can be difficult but students are encouraged to adopt a clear training schedule as part of their personal development through aikido. Quality of training (as tori and uke) Students should be ready to grade well before the exam not ‘just in time’ for the exam: a student should already have the requisite knowledge and skills as tori and uke (or be on a clear trajectory to attain them) to be eligible to grade. The large number of techniques and variations preclude being able to cover all of them in class: please study the syllabus to identify any gaps in your knowledge and/or execution of technique and ukemi, and address issues / raise questions with senior students and instructors well in advance of grading. Feedback from grading It is natural to be pleased with success and less pleased with failure but each grading, regardless of result, is an opportunity to learn. The result of any single grading - success or fail - should be seen in its long-term context and compared to the aim of aikido in terms of personal development. 10

GLOSSARY

Common terms are below (some have a more nuanced meanings). Other useful sources include: http://www.stenudd.com/aikido/aikido-glossary.htm http://www.aikidofaq.com/dictionary/dictionary.htm GENERAL EXERCISES aikido way of harmony with vital energy torifune furitama rowing / centering exercise ōsensei great teacher junbi taiso warm up exercises sensei teacher tai no henko body movement exercise onegaishimasu please teach me hiriki no yosei body line exercise domo arigato gozaimashita thank you very much shumatsu dosa finishing exercise rei bow kokyo ho breathing exercise dozo please (go ahead) haishin undo back stretch modekai once more kotei change POSITION yame stop kamae basic posture dojo training hall hidiri hanmi left stance keikogi training suit migi hanmi right stance eri collar ai hanmi same stance (tori / uke) sodo sleeve gyaku hanmi different stance (tori / uke) obi belt seiza kneeling (feet under legs) hakama pleated skirt keiza kneeling (on toes) bokken wooden sword jo wooden staff MOVEMENT tanto wooden knife tai sabaki body movement tekubi wrist tsugi ashi shuffle step - same stance kote / ude forearm irimi ashi cross step - change stance empi / hiji elbow tenkai hip turn kata shoulder tenkan body turn (usually 1800) or pivot mune chest irimi tenkan step forward and turn jodan upper body sokomen side approach chudan middle body shikko knee walking gedan lower body ukemi breakfall ashi leg / foot geri kick GRIPS mae front katate dori one hand grip (on wrist) yoko side morote dori two hand grip (on wrist) ushiro rear kosa dori cross grip (R to L or L to R) hara / tanden inner centre of gravity kata dori shoulder grip tori person performing techniques ryote dori grip both wrists uke person receiving techniques ushiro ryote dori grip both wrists from rear maai interval between tori & uke kiai explosive shout STRIKES zanshin mental awareness shomen uchi open strike: centre of head metsuke eye contact yokomen uchi open strike: side of head irimi / omote entering version of technique chudan tsuki punch to body tenkan I ura turning version of technique jodan tsuki punch to head

KATAME WAZA controlling techniques NAGE WAZA throwing techniques ikkyo 1st control / technique irimi nage entering throw nikyo 2nd control / technique shiho nage four-direction throw sankyo 3rd control / technique kote gaeshi wrist out-turn (throw or pin) yonkyo 4th control / technique tenchi nage heaven-and-earth throw gokyo 5th control / technique kaiten nage rotation throw rokyu 6th control / technique koshi nage hip throw kata gatame shoulder pin kokyu nage timing throw 11

FORMS AND TECHNIQUES

Not all forms and techniques are listed, and explanations should not be regarded as definitive as there are other interpretations. Most techniques have two basic variations: irimi (entering form) used typically when tori is pulled; and tenkan (turning form) used typically when tori is pushed. Training forms § tachi waza tori and uke both standing § suwari waza tori and uke both sitting § hanmi handachi waza tori sitting, uke standing § katame waza* controlling techniques § nage waza throwing techniques § atemi waza striking techniques § ushiro waza techniques applied to attacks from the rear § jiyu waza free-style attack / defence techniques § kaeshi waza reversal (counter) techniques § jo dori staff taking techniques § tachi dori sword taking techniques § tanto dori knife taking techniques § futari dori multiple attackers

*The types of katame waza are: kansetsu waza (limb / joint techniques); osae waza (immobilisation / pressure techniques); and shime waza (strangulation techniques). Attack forms: gripping § gyaku katate dori one hand grip (on wrist) either R – L or L – R § ai katate dori one hand grip (on wrist) either R – R or L – L § kosa dori cross grip (on wrist): another name for ai katate dori § hiji dori elbow grip § sode dori sleeve grip (above elbow) § kata dori shoulder grip § morote dori two hand grip (on wrist) § ryote mochi two hand attack (often abbreviated as ryo) § ryote mochi ryote dori two hands grip both wrists (also called ryo katate dori) § ryo kata dori both shoulders gripped § mune dori lapel gripped at the mid-chest § mune dakishime bear hug § kubi shime strangle (choke) § ushiro attack from behind § ushiro ryote mochi ryote dori both hands gripped from behind (ushiro ryo katate dori) § ushiro ryo hiji dori both elbows gripped from behind § ushiro ryo kata dori both shoulders gripped from behind § ushiro eri dori collar gripped from behind § ushiro kubi shime katate dori strangle from behind with one wrist gripped § ninnin dori practice with two uke (usually one attack morote dori and second attack is ushiro kubi shime katate dori) § sannin dori practice with three uke (usually two uke attacking morote dori and one uke attacking ushiro kubi shime katate dori)

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Attack forms: striking § uchi swinging / sweeping strike § shomen uchi downward strike (centre of head) § yokomen uchi diagonal strike (side of head) § tsuki jab, straight thrust or punch § jodan tsuki punch to the head § mune tsuki punch to the chest (upper body) § chudan tsuki punch to the stomach (mid body) § gedan tsuki punch to the groin (lower body § geri kick (eg jodan, chudan or gedan as per tsuki) § uchi geri sweeping kick

Controlling techniques § ikkyo - ude osae 1st control - arm immobilisation (no joint pressure) § nikyo - kote mawashi 2nd control - wrist twist in circle (towards uke) § sankyo - kote hineri 3rd control - wrist twist inside (towards uke) § yonkyo - tekubi osae 4th control - wrist immobilisation (nerve pinch) § gokyo - ude nobashi 5th control - arm stretch (uke palm up) § rokyo - ude hishigi 6th control - arm lock (also called hiji shime) § kote-gaeshi wrist twist outwards (away from uke) § kata-gatame shoulder control (pin)

Throwing techniques § irimi nage entering throw (body check throw) § shiho nage four-direction throw (multi-direction throw) § tenchi nage heaven and earth throw § uchi kaiten nage inside rotary (spin) throw § soto kaiten nage outside rotary (spin) throw § ude kime nage elbow lock throw § ude garami nage arm entwined throw § juji nage crossed arms throw § koshi nage hip throw § kokyo nage timing throw / breath power throw

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