Sho Chiku Bai

Ken has 3 characteristic called "Sho" (Pine), "Chiku," (Bamboo) and "Bai" (Plum).  These characteristics are independent of each other and yet are linked up together to produce variations, the basic form of which is kumi-tachi (matching exercise).  All of the Ken techniques are adaptable to Taijutsu (empty-handed exercises) adding depth to the dimensions of Aikido.

                                                                             Traditional Aikido, Vol 5, p. 22

Aikido History

Several have asked about the history of Aikido.

Here is a link to an excellent overview co-authored by Saito Shihan

http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=713

The Culture of an Aikido Dojo

The experiences while training Aikido go beyond learning techniques.  Jay Sensei of Ohio discusses the advantages of fellowship, collaboration....and...well, listen to his brief but solid description.

Hasso Gaeshi: Where is "there"?

 

Where is "there?"  

Is it straight up?  Is it anchored to the ground?  Are you reaching for a connection with the Universe?  Is "there" one position or are stable but searching?

Aikido is is an inquiry, not just a compilation of techniques.  As O'Sensei said, the only competition in Aikido is with one's self!

The Bokken as an inquiry

HI all,
Aiki-ken and Aiki-jo teach us Tai-Jitsu AND are a source of larger prinicples, too.

Here is a  great example of how many :principles" are embedded in "simple" bokken strikes!

See how many principles you can identify!

Aiki-ken and Aiki-jo....Why we train with them !

"Training in the aiki ken and jo leads to a increased understanding of combative distance, positioning, and body centering. It develops good posture and strengthens the arms and shoulders which in turn aids in the execution of empty-handed techniques."

- from <http: //www.iwama-ryu-tr.org/eng/iwama.html>

 

 

Aikido and Connecting !

Below is a link to a 2 minute video from one of my favorite teachers, though he does not teach the techniques of Aikido! 
This brief white-board talk is about "CONNECTING" with other people, an important principle of Aikido and a useful strategy for relating to others.

http://www.posdev.net/pdn/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=People-with-significant-personal-impact-on-others..html&Itemid=81