DOCSLIB.ORG

Awa Newsletter Spring 2016

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Awa Newsletter Spring 2016 Aikido World Alliance Spring 2016 Newsletter If your opponent strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly. -O’Sensei Letter from the Editor attack with aggressive force, rather than a harmonious Rob Linxweiler, Nidan blend, I have become the aggressor. Or at least, I have Kiku Matsu Dojo, Chicago, IL joined the aggressor team. Greetings from Chicago, fellow aikidoka, and welcome We blend with an attack to dispel it, but if we are to our first newsletter of 2016. We are grateful to spend not in control of our own aggression, we risk injury to another year of training with friends new and old. I ourselves, our attacker, or both. And while most of apologize for the tardiness of this edition. our training is on the mat, we should carry that same notion out the door of the dojo and into the world. If Here in the United States, we have found ourselves we bring the same calm, centered balance that we embroiled in one of the most contentious election strive for in the dojo to our daily lives, we can hope seasons most of us can recall. Opinions are extremely to engage in civil discourse without risking injury— polarized, and violence—both verbal and physical— physical or otherwise—to ourselves or our opponents. has found its way to the fore around the country as the extremes meet. We live in a country that values Look for opportunities to extend your practice free expression, so we should be able to objectively outside the dojo. As you navigate the world of ego, self- welcome the wide variety that forms our political interest, and miscommunication, turn your mind tenkan spectrum. As dedicated aikidoka, however, it’s difficult and blend with your aggressor. Rather than meet their to watch these displays without feeling that we should intention head-on, blend and dissipate. Look to your own be able to do better, and perhaps to guide others to a intentions to be sure you have not become the aggressor. more enlightened perspective. May your practice be fruitful! What can we do to help? O’Sensei often spoke in abstract terms, but there is always value to be found in his words: “To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.” When he mentions controlling aggression, O’Sensei doesn’t really specify who the aggressor is. I always assumed that he was talking about the “other guy,” because I’m not the aggressor, right? But if I meet an NEWSLETTER Spring 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS: DAN PROMOTIONS: A Letter from Sensei by Sato Sensei...................................4 Shodan Masakatsu Agatsu—The Only True Victory Is Victory Jeremy McMillan, Kiku Matsu Dojo, IL Over Oneself by Mary Tracey...........................................5 Aleksander Schwartzman, NYAA, NY On the Road by Laura DeGraff Sensei..............................6 Hidehiro Beppo, Aikido of Rossmoor, CA Glenden Johnson, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Golf and Aikido by Eric Bigelow........................................6 Brayden Ours, White Eagle Dojo, WV Ode to Northwest Camp by Anthony Tolbert...................8 Frank Randall, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Shodan Essay—What Is Shugyo? by John Caldwell........9 Ted Whalen, Aikido of Rossmoor, CA What Aikido Means to Me by Curtis Ross........................9 Lori Hargis Johnson, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Maxwell Johnson, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Nidan Essay: Aikido History and the Future of Aikido David Kreutzer, Gishinkan Dojo, NC by Yuki Matsuoka............................................................11 Anthony Lewis, Shoseikan Dojo, TN Yondan Essay: The Application of Aikido in My Daily Deborah Phillipeck, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Life by Simone Maranto....................................................11 Joanna Zabulewicz, Wadokan Dojo, Poland Everything I Know about Life I Could Have Learned Germania Solorzano, Kiku Matsu Dojo, IL from Katatekosadori Kotegaeshi: A Comedy of Joseph Hendrzak, Valley Forge Aikido, PA Metaphors...........................................................................16 Robert Steinberg, Valley Forge Aikido, PA Seminar Calendar.............................................................17 Ronald J. Wegrzyn, Valley Forge Aikido, PA Abdelhafid Roubache, Musashi Dojo, Qatar NEWSLETTER PRODUCTION STAFF: David Binder, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA John Hannon, Editor, Petaluma, CA Tammy S. Gordon, Hemlock Bluffs Aikido, NC Kris Sumner, Editor, Kiku Matsu Dojo, Chicago, IL Jamie Renell, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Rob Linxweiler, Editor, Kiku Matsu Dojo, Chicago, IL Fred Mautz, AWA Photographer, Lakewood, CO Tereza Trifonova, Shiseikan Dojo, Bulgaria Mariana Stanchev, Shiseikan Dojo, Bulgaria To make newsletter suggestions and submissions for consider- Adrian Atanasov, Razgrad Dojo, Bulgaria ation, email [email protected] or [email protected]. Ventsislav Trifonov, Shiseikan Dojo, Bulgaria ANNOUNCEMENTS: Daniel Trifonov, Shiseikan Dojo, Bulgaria Petar Rumenov, Shiseikan Dojo, Bulgaria Katsurada Returns! October 6 to 9, 2016, Katsurada Shihan will return for Fall Matt Poulson, Wadokan Dojo, Texas Camp. See you there! Nidan Congratulations! Robin Johnson, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Welcome to the AWA family Colin Claud, born to proud Ken Kondell, Kimeshinkan Dojo, AZ parents Erin & Eric Claud of Mid South Aikido! Kristin Sumner, Kiku Matsu Dojo, IL Congratulations to Vic Robinson Sensei of Aikido of Adam Gaweda, Gishinkan Dojo, NC Morgantown who welcomed a new granddaughter! Laura Ann Galdamez, Wadokan Dojo, TX Congratulations to George Minasov of Kiku Matsu Dojo Joseph Nash, Gishinkan Dojo, NC and Iryna Shmuylo on their wedding! Tony Ventimiglia, Gishinkan Dojo, NC Jason Schneider, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Congratulations to David and Laura (Hiles) Galdamez of Wadokan Dojo on their wedding! Justin Thompson, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Anthony Tolbert, Kiku Matsu Dojo, IL NEW DOJOS: Robert Linxweiler, Kiku Matsu Dojo, IL Kimeshinkan Dojo in Glendale, AZ Piyatissa Perera, Musashi Dojo, Qatar Kirtland AFB Aikido Club in KAFB, NM Alexander Reiss, Musashi Dojo, Qatar Hemlock Bluffs Aikido in Cary, NC Dennis Lam, Aikido of Rossmoor, CA(continued) 2 NEWSLETTER Spring 2016 DAN PROMOTIONS: (continued) Pete Murphy, Wadokan Dojo, TX Frank Peng, Aikido of Rossmoor, CA Krista Roland, Wadokan Dojo, TX Greg Schneiderman, Aikido of South Brooklyn, NY John Thomas, Shoskinkan Dojo, TN Frank Bouchonville, Zen Arts Center, NJ Sandan John Croser, Musashi Dojo, Qatar Stephanie Flores, Aikido of South Brooklyn, NY John Lothes II, UNCW Aikido Dojo, NC Gifford Pace, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Mark Favaloro, White Eagle Dojo, WV Michael McGuigan, Aikido of South Brooklyn, NY Mateusz Wojosiechowski, Kishinkan Dojo, Poland Paul D’Amato, Kiku Matsu Dojo, IL Oscar Canals-Maldonado, Bayamon Dojo, Puerto Rico Van Scott Fisher, Keishinkan Dojo, TN Aleksey Gurevich, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA John Kevin Ryan, Aikido of Rossmoor, CA Johan Willem Schutz, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Carlos Juan Rosario, Bayamon Dojo, Puerto Rico Yondan Jonathan Knipping, Kiku Matsu Dojo, IL Simone Maranto, Kyushinkan Dojo, GA Aaron Dale, Keishinkan Dojo, TN Rokudan Richard Price, Kure Beach Aikido, NC 3 NEWSLETTER Spring 2016 picture treatments: 0.25pt black stroke, 50% drop shadow from upper right. A Letter from Sensei to confront whether we did it correctly or not. Many Andrew Sato Shihan, Rokudan times our partners support that illusion by not saying any- AWA Chief Instructor thing or even giving us a pat “there ya go” or “good Kiku Matsu Dojo, Chicago, IL job!” It is not comfortable for any of us to confront ourselves The Winds of Change and our shortcomings. At the moment of the attack and counter in aikido we have a chance to make it all Here we are closing in at the end of another year in life, alright. It is only a brief moment or glimpse, but if we re- both on and off the mats. Fall always brings that thought member to we can seize any insight and work on it. This closer to home for me. I see the colors turn, feel the crisp- is how we open up to changing our way of thinking, do- ness in the air and memories and once forgotten parts of ing and being. I can’t count the many chances I have my life both sadly and gladly return to my mind. had and missed how many times I let the moment of insight slip away. What I can say is that the few times We all try our best in life but when things don’t go our I have acted on those insights have been some of the way sometimes excuses of why it didn’t work or why it best times in life for me. Seeing it, understanding it and wasn’t our fault come to mind as a defense against ad- then doing something about it can bring such a great mitting that we might have screwed up…. feeling of release. It is what keeps me going. Even better is having an opportunity to make a change arise after How can we as students of aikido learn to use the prin- you thought it was too late. ciples and tools of this art to become better, not just in our waza, but as humans relating to each other? On the 2015 celebrates the AWA ten year anniversary. We mat we get to do over each technique we bungle until have grown up, had success, made some mistakes and we feel it is good enough, passable, or will work. But do through it all we’ve come out ok. Our next year should we ever ask our partner how they felt about it? Did it be even better as we change, mature and become actually work? Was it passable? Was it good enough? even more dynamic as an Aikido community. Don’t let We don’t often ask each other, “How did it go for you?” the opportunities in your life be missed, change is the When our perspective is one-sided and we don’t have only constant in the way….. 4 NEWSLETTER Spring 2016 Masakatsu Agatsu—The Only True Victory is Victory progress in rank by trying your best Over Oneself day after day, without being perfect.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tenzan Aikido Test Requirements
    Tenzan Aikido Test Requirements 7th Kyu (25 hours) Katate dori (ai-hanmi) Ikkyo*- hand to elbow, Wrist grab right-to-right/left-to-left Iriminage 2 - hold collar Katate dori (gyaku hanmi) Irimi and Tenkan with partner, Wrist grab right-to-left Ikkyo*, Kotegaeshi, Shihonage*, Kokynage (forward ukemi) Kokyudosa 6th Kyu (30 hours) Tsuki (punch) Kotegaeshi, Iriminage (Var. 1) Katate dori (ai-hanmi) Sankyo* Pin 3 no hand change, Jujinage Shomenuchi Ikkyo*, Iriminage (Var. 2) Self-defense technique against boxers attack Iriminage – use fade Morote dori (right-to-left stance) Kokyuho *omote and ura Your Family Martial Arts Center 7700 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103 tel: 206-525-4032 fax: 206-525-4838 www.TenzanAikido.com Tenzan Aikido Test Requirements 5th Kyu (50 hours) Katate dori (ai hanmi) Kotegaeshi, Nikyo (scooping method), Shihonage, Sankyo* (pin # 3) direct method Katate dori (gyaku hanmi) Iriminage, Nikyo (ura only), Jujinage Shomenuchi Kotegaeshi Tsuki Nikyo (ura only) Morote dori (right-left stance) Kokyunage (into a forward roll) Ryote dori Tenchinage (heaven and earth throw) Self-defense: Uke in sparring stance Irimi w/palm to double leg takedown Your Family Martial Arts Center 7700 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103 206-525-4032 www.TenzanAikido.com Tenzan Aikido Test Requirements 4 Kyu (50 hours) Katate dori (gyaku hanmi) Kaitenage** grab wrist & neck, Kokyu nage (spirals, 2 variations) Shomenuchi Nikyo*, Shihonage (omote only), Kaitenage, Suwariwaza Ikkyo*, Nikyo*, Iiriminage 2 Yokomenuchi Shihonage*, Nikyo*, Kotegaeshi, Iriminage 2 Tsuki Kaitenage, Shihonage*, Hijishime ( elbow bar ) Self-defense Standing headlock Sankyo Weapons Boken: Uchikomi, kirikaeshi and Kiriotoshi with partner Jo: Kesa uchi aginst kesa uchi (no step + one step var) Tsuki/makiotoshi continuous partner practice *omote and ura, **soto and uchi, ***kinonagare Your Family Martial Arts Center 7700 Aurora Ave.
    [Show full text]
  • This Sporting Life: Sports and Body Culture in Modern Japan William W
    Yale University EliScholar – A Digital Platform for Scholarly Publishing at Yale CEAS Occasional Publication Series Council on East Asian Studies 2007 This Sporting Life: Sports and Body Culture in Modern Japan William W. Kelly Yale University Atsuo Sugimoto Kyoto University Follow this and additional works at: http://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ceas_publication_series Part of the Asian History Commons, Asian Studies Commons, Cultural History Commons, Japanese Studies Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons, and the Sports Studies Commons Recommended Citation Kelly, William W. and Sugimoto, Atsuo, "This Sporting Life: Sports and Body Culture in Modern Japan" (2007). CEAS Occasional Publication Series. Book 1. http://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ceas_publication_series/1 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Council on East Asian Studies at EliScholar – A Digital Platform for Scholarly Publishing at Yale. It has been accepted for inclusion in CEAS Occasional Publication Series by an authorized administrator of EliScholar – A Digital Platform for Scholarly Publishing at Yale. For more information, please contact [email protected]. This Sporting Life Sports and Body Culture in Modern Japan j u % g b Edited by William W. KELLY With SUGIMOTO Atsuo YALE CEAS OCCASIONAL PUBLICATIONS VOLUME 1 This Sporting Life Sports and Body Culture in Modern Japan yale ceas occasional publications volume 1 © 2007 Council on East Asian Studies, Yale University All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permis- sion. No part of this book may be stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of the publisher.
    [Show full text]
  • Sag E Arts Unlimited Martial Arts & Fitness Training
    Sag e Arts Unlimited Martial Arts & Fitness Training Grappling Intensive Program - Basic Course - Sage Arts Unlimited Grappling Intensive Program - Basic Course Goals for this class: - To introduce and acclimate students to the rigors of Grappling. - To prepare students’ technical arsenal and conceptual understanding of various formats of Grappling. - To develop efficient movement skills and defensive awareness in students. - To introduce students to the techniques of submission wrestling both with and without gi’s. - To introduce students to the striking aspects of Vale Tudo and Shoot Wrestling (Shooto) and their relationship to self-defense, and methods for training these aspects. - To help students begin to think tactically and strategically regarding the opponent’s base, relative position and the opportunities that these create. - To give students a base of effective throws and breakfalls, transitioning from a standing format to a grounded one. Class Rules 1. No Injuries 2. Respect your training partner, when they tap, let up. 3. You are 50% responsible for your safety, tap when it hurts. 4. An open mind is not only encouraged, it is mandatory. 5. Take Notes. 6. No Whining 7. No Ego 8. No Issues. Bring Every Class Optional Equipment Notebook or 3-ring binder for handouts and class notes. Long or Short-sleeved Rashguard Judo or JiuJitsu Gi and Belt Ear Guards T-shirt to train in (nothing too valuable - may get stretched out) Knee Pads Wrestling shoes (optional) Bag Gloves or Vale Tudo Striking Gloves Mouthguard Focus Mitts or Thai Pads Smiling Enthusiasm and Open-mindedness 1 Introduction Grappling Arts from around the World Nearly every culture has its own method of grappling with a unique emphasis of tactic, technique and training mindset.
    [Show full text]
  • Minimum Requirements for Shoden
    Midwest Academy of Martial Arts 4S100 Rte 59 – Naperville, Illinois 60563 – 630/836-3600 www.TheMidwestAcademy.com Shoden Level Minimum Standards of Study Shoden Keiho # 1 o Wrist Turnover Notes for Omote, Renketsu o Elevated Elbow Control and Ura levels of study o Forearm Control Uke: Short Cross Push/Grab o Palm Flexion Control o Minor Inside Foot- sweep o 2 handed shoulder pull- down o Rotary Head Throw o Half Moon Head Press o Hooking Head Throw Shoden Keiho # 2 o Hip Wheel o Major Hip Throw o Palm Extension Control Uke: Short Straight Push/Grab o Floating Drop or Swinging Punch o Single Arm Shouldered Throw o Scooping Throw o Major Outside Reap Shoden Keiho # 3 o Hip Shove o Valley Drop o Major Inside Reap Uke: Short Percussive straight o Single Leg Takedown strike/jab o Minor Outside Takedown Shoden Keiho # 4 o Response to kick with straight punch o Response to kick with Uke: Long Front Thrusting Kick roundhouse kick o Response to kick with backfist o Response to kick with spinning sweep o Response to kick with leg turnover Shoden Keiho # 5 o “Z -lock” o Single handed throw o Slashing head throw Uke: Short Straight Wrist Grab o Four corner throw 1 Midwest Academy of Martial Arts 4S100 Rte 59 – Naperville, Illinois 60563 – 630/836-3600 www.TheMidwestAcademy.com Shoden Level Minimum Standards of Study Continued Kihon All included Kihon used in See Seizan Ryu Kempo Shoden material Jujustu Kihon Reference History / Philosophy / o History of Seizan Suggested Reading List Training Concepts Ryu o Sho-Chiku-Bai o Autumn Lightning – o Irimi
    [Show full text]
  • Chokushin Aiki Jujutsu
    Chokushin Aiki Jujutsu The Beginner's Guide This guide is intended for the beginning student. If you have any questions concerning this guide, please contact me through the web page or email www.aiki-ju-jutsu.com [email protected] The style syllabus is part of a separate document so any reference to specific techniques in this document are for general reference and example purposes only. For General Reference 9 Be punctual, enter the dojo at least five minutes before class starts. 9 Do warm-up exercises and practice by yourself, or with other students until class starts. 9 While you practice, always be alert, careless practice causes accidents. 9 It is of the utmost importance that you keep your GI and yourself as clean as possible. 9 Keep your finger and toe nails trimmed to avoid cuts. 9 In the event you happen to be late, warm up by yourself off the mats and do not bother other students. Ask the instructor if you may enter the class only after you have completed your warm-up. 9 If you become injured at any point throughout the training session you will report the incident immediately to the Sensei or the Sempai. This document is FREE for the personal use of any student of any style. This document is Not for duplication or sale in whole or part without the written permission or Sensei Paul Fox. [email protected] www.aiki-ju-jutsu.com Page 1 of 15 Entering the Dojo (Training Hall) When you enter the Dojo you will be properly attired in a clean gi.
    [Show full text]
  • Growing Judo! Make Sure Your Submissions Are
    GGrroowwiinngg JJuuddoo OOccttoobbeerr 22001111 Monthly publication of the Club Support Services Committee of the USJA United States Judo Association P.O. Box 1880 Tarpon Springs, FL 34688‐1880 www.usja‐judo.org (877) 411‐3409 FAX: 888-276-3432 EIko Shepard assisting Ken Camlek and Betsy Gauthier-Koth (Stevens Point Judo Club) with Ryogan Tsuki a technique from Ju-No-Kata. Doug Tono looks on. In this month's issue: New SPECIAL OFFER for USJA Donor and New Life members! Coaching News: "What Are We Trying To Do?" An Introduction to Foam Rolling Inspirational Stories from Ed Carol Aikido Commitee News Judo Etiquette--a handout for your students! Regular Features: New Clubs, New Coaches, Promotions and more! Table of Contents Announcements: USJA fees and New Offer for USJA Donors . 3 What are We Trying to Do? by Bill Montgomery . 4 New USJA Clubs, Newly Certified Coaches . 6 New USJA Life Members, USJA Donors . 7 An Introduction to Foam Rolling, Part I, by Jeremy Bushong . 7 Inspirational Stories by Ed Carol . 9 USJA Aikido Committee Update. 11 Judo News From Around the Country . 13 Judo Etiquette by Michael Dunn . 14 Upcoming Events. 15 USJA Promotions . 17 In Memoriam . 18 Please contribute your news to Growing Judo! Make sure your submissions are: CONCISE, well-written and proofread. Contain correct details (dates, contact information, etc.) and include hyperlinks to event forms. In WORD format (not PDF!) or in the body of the email. Send photos as separate attachments in JPG (preferred) or another standard form (GIF or bitmap OK). Your original work, or submitted with the permission of the creator.
    [Show full text]
  • The Invention of Martial Arts About the Journal
    ISSUE EDITORS Spring 2016 Paul Bowman ISSN 2057-5696 Benjamin N. Judkins MARTIAL ARTS STUDIES THEME THE INVENTION OF MARTIAL ARTS ABOUT THE JOURNAL Martial Arts Studies is an open access journal, which means that all content is available without charge to the user or his/her institution. You are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles in this journal without asking prior permission from either the publisher or the author. C b n d The journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Original copyright remains with the contributing author and a citation should be made when the article is quoted, used or referred to in another work. Martial Arts Studies is an imprint of Cardiff University Press, an innovative open-access publisher of academic research, where ‘open-access’ means free for both readers and writers. cardiffuniversitypress.org Journal DOI 10.18573/ISSN.2057-5696 Issue DOI 10.18573/n.2016.10060 Martial Arts Studies Journal design by Hugh Griffiths MARTIAL issue 2 ARTS STUDIES SPRING 2016 1 Editorial Paul Bowman and Benjamin N. Judkins 6 The Seven Forms of Lightsaber Combat ARTICLES Hyper-reality and the Invention of the Martial Arts Benjamin N. Judkins 23 The Fifty-Two Hand Blocks Re-Framed Rehabilitation of a Vernacular Martial Art Thomas A. Green 34 The @UFC and Third Wave Feminism? Who Woulda Thought? Gender, Fighters, and Framing on Twitter Allyson Quinney 59 Ancient Wisdom, Modern Warriors The (Re)Invention of a Mesoamerican Warrior Tradition in Xilam George Jennings 71 Fight-Dancing and the Festival Tabuik in Pariaman, Indonesia and lemanjá in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil Paul H.
    [Show full text]
  • Suomin Aikido Academy Preparation Cycle Handbook
    Aikido Renaissance School Preparation Cycle Comprehensive System of 20 Complete Lessons Aikido Learning for Beginners by Edward Suomin SAA Affiliate Member Qualification Program www. SuominAikidoAcademy. com Preparation Cycle | Affiliate Member Qualification Program Global Online Aikido Instructions Table of Contents ______________________________________________________________ Preface ……………………………………………………………………..…….……………………1 Foreword Ultimate Values of Aikido Practice ……………………..…………………….…...….……2 Methodology and Curriculum SAA Learning Phases and Progress Cycles ……………………………….….…………..4 Preparation Cycle Basic Positions and Movements (BPM) Section ………………………..…………….6 Preparation Cycle Basic Techniques (BT) Section ……………………………………………….…….…………19 Preparation Cycle Affiliate Member Qualification Exam ……………………………………….………….…32 DISCLAIMER Be informed that the publisher and the author of this handbook are not responsible for any injuries or any harm that may result from practicing the exercises and techniques described in this publication. Before engaging, consult your doctor as to any restrictions that may be connected with the offered physical practice. Copyright © 2014 by SAA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. www.suominaikidoacademy.com Comprehensive System of Aikido Learning Preparation Cycle | Affiliate Member Qualification Program Global Online Aikido Instructions Preface Welcome to Suomin Aikido Academy (SAA)! You are about to become a part of our Aikido community, the practitioners who are striving to discover the harmony of the reality.
    [Show full text]
  • Aiki Beginners Guide
    Pinner Aikido Club www.pinner-aikido.com Beginner’s Guide to Training Pinner Aikido Club – Beginner’s Guide to Training Foreword This document is a newcomer’s guide to Aikido to aid in their training and to explain basics that will be introduced as part of their training. It can be used as a guide to assist progress through the grades over the coming years. History Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) founded the way of Aikido in the early 1900’s. After mastering many traditional fighting arts he devised his own techniques that did not depend on physical strength but on circular motions that blended with the energy of the attacker. He decided that true victory was not the defeat of an opponent but the resolution of discord within oneself. He developed the art of Aikido as a means of deflecting harm away from yourself but without necessarily inflicting damage on an aggressor. Ai-Ki-Do The word Aikido in Japanese is made up of three kanji (characters). "AI" means "to meet, to come together, to harmonise"; "KI" means "energy, spirit, mind" (in a larger context "KI" means "the spirit" or "the nature" or "of the universe," and not just the spirit of human beings). "DO" means "the Way" which signifies that the study of Aikido does not involve merely self-defence techniques but includes positive character-building ideals which a person can incorporate into his or her own life. AIKIDO therefore means the way of harmonising with the spirit of the universe. Philosophy The most unusual aspect of Aikido is that although it is primarily a self-defense art, it takes as the basis of its philosophy the idea of being in harmony with the opponent rather than being in conflict.
    [Show full text]
  • Youth Program Handbook
    Youth Program Handbook Welcome to Tacoma Aikikai Onegaishimasu Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step on your martial arts and aikido journey. We hope that this guidebook helps give an introduction and overview of training in the youth program at Tacoma Aikikai. Our goal is to provide a supportive and structured environment that allows every youth to excel to the best of their abilities. In finding their own unique potential, youth also develop leadership skills to help others along the way. What is Aikido? Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed in the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, commonly known by his students as O-Sensei. Literally translated as the art of peace, aikido focuses on harmonizing with the energy of an opponent. We use large circular movements to blend with an attack. On the mat, we use effective, but defensive, joint locks and throws to neutralize and control without hurting our partner. Training includes lots of rolling and falling so that we can safely receive techniques. Aikido is peaceful Aikido is unique in being a “non-violent” martial art. There is no competition – we train to improve ourselves. We learn to take care of our partners with controlled techniques. By diffusing conflict on the mat, we learn how to diffuse conflict off the mat. Aikido has many benefits The benefits of aikido training are profound are far-reaching. Youth can observe changes in focus, confidence, and self-control almost immediately. Here are few things you may notice after beginning to train Concentration – aikido, like other martial arts, is proven to boost focus and concentration.
    [Show full text]
  • Nikyu Densho
    BUSHIDOSHIN RYU TAIJITSU MARTIAL ARTS/SELF DEFENSE PROGRAM RED BELT REQUIREMENTS (NIKYU DENSHO) SECRET HOUSE # 5 : WEAPONS TRAINING - STAFF ART (CHUDAN ROKUSHAKU BOJITSU) SECRET HOUSE # 6 : SUBMISSION GRAPPLING/CHOKING METHODS (SHODEN & CHUDAN OSAEKOMI JITSU) I. PRELIMINARY KNOWLEDGE (NI-KYU DENSHO) A. HOURS: 60 HOURS ARE MINIMUM (72 OR MORE IS PREFERABLE). B. STUDENTS MUST KNOW ALL SCHOOL RULES, CUSTOMS, & ETIQUETTE C. CLEAN UNIFORM, ASSOCIATION CREST AND PROPERLY TIED BELT ARE EXPECTED. D. NOTEBOOK IS TO BE TURNED IN FOR GRADING AT THE TIME OF TESTING. E. IMPROVEMENT ON ALL PREVIOUS REQUIREMENTS, PLUS THE FOLLOWING; II. WEAPON DIVISION : SIX FOOT STAFF ART (LOWER AND MIDDLE TRANSMISSIONS) … ROKUSHAKU BOJITSU (GEDEN/CHUDEN DENSHO) STANCES (BOJITSU NO KAMAE) STRIKING METHODS (BOJITSU KIRI) SELF DEFENSE TECHNIUQES (BOJITSO NO KATA) 1. Upward posture (Jodan) 1. Upwards (Age) 1. Thrust defense (Ryote atemi) 2. Middle posture (Chudan) 2. Temple (Kasumi) 2. Outside slash defense (Shomenuchi) 3. Lower posture (Gedan) 3. Head (Tento) 3. Inside slash defense (Shomenuchi) 4. Straight line middle (Ichimonji) 4. Body (Do) 4. Upward bo keeping (Jodan atemi) 5. Natural posture (Hira) 5. Leg (Ashi barai) 5. Side keeping (Yoko atemi) 6. Straight line lower (Ihen) 6. Wrist (Kote) 6. End keeping (Tenkan hajitsu) 7. Eye focused posture (Seigan) 7. Foot (Toki) 7. Overhead defense (Ushiro atemi) 8. Heaven & earth posture (Tenchijin) 8. Thrust (Tsuki) 8. Double side strike defense (Ryouke waza) 9. Rear posture (Heito) 9. Flipping strikes (Furi) 9. Low sweeping defense (Harai uke) LONG STAFF EXERCISES (BOJITSU NO KATA) 1. Fighting form (Bushidoshin bojitsu shodan no kata) 2. Figure eight form (Happo no kata) III.
    [Show full text]
  • Kyu & Dan Rank Requirements
    Kyu & Dan Rank Requirements 5th Kyu 2nd Kyu 1. Shomenuchi Ikkyo (omote & ura) 1. Hanmi Handachi - Katatetori Nikyo (3 directions & 3 ways) 2. Shomenuchi Iriminage 2. Hanmi Handachi - Shomenuchi Iriminage (omote & ura) 3. Katatetori Shihonage (omote & ura) 3. Hanmi-Handachi Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi (omote & ura) 4. Ryotetori Tenchinage (irimi & tenkan) 4. Shomenuchi Shihonage (4 ways) 5. Tsuki Kotegaeshi (omote & ura) 5. Shomenuchi Kaitenage (5 ways) 6. Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi 6. Yokomenuchi Gokyo (2 ways) 7. Morotetori Kokyuho 7. Morotetori Nikyo (2 ways) 8. Sitting Kokyuho (Kokyu Dosa) 8. Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage 9. Tai No Henko (Tenkan Exercise) 9. Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage 10. Bokken: 1st , 2nd, 3rd Suburi (basic strikes)* 10. Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage (static & in motion) 11. Jo: 1 Basic Yokomen, 1 Basic Tsuki* 11. Bokken: Ki Musubi No Tachi* Jo: 1st thru 4th Kumijo* 12. Class & Seminar Attendance (see below) 12. 3-Person Randori (multiple attack) 4th Kyu 1st Kyu 1. Suwari Waza Shomenuchi Ikkyo (omote & ura) 1. Suwari Waza Ikkyo, Nikyo, Sankyo, Yonkyo, Gokyo, Rokyo, 2. Suwari Waza Katatori Nikyo (omote & ura) Iriminage, Kaitenage, etc. 3. Suwari Waza Katatori Sankyo (omote & ura) 2. Hanmi-Handachi – All previous plus Ushiro Waza 4. Shomenuchi Nikyo (omote & ura) 3. Yokomenuchi – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.) 5. Yokomenuchi Shihonage (omote & ura) 4. Shomenuchi – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.) 6. Tsuki Iriminage (5 ways min.) 5. Tsuki – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.) 7. Ushiro Tekubitori Sankyo 6. Katatetori Ai Hanmi – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.) 8. Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi 7. Katatetori Gyaku Hanmi – Jyu Waza (5 techniques min.) 9. Sitting Kokyuho (Kokyu Dosa) 8.
    [Show full text]