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

Aikido has a geometry of its own. The power in the movement of  Aikido comes from circular motion around a stable, energized center. Aikido is represented by the shapes of the triangle, circle and square.  Some suggest that O'Sensei extracted these from Shinto cosmology and the theory of interconnectedness of matter and being.

One core shape of Aikido, the Circle, is present and apparent throughout the universe. Contemporary thinking is that this is the fundamental shape in sub-atomic particles.  Ki is thought to flow into the body in a great spiral and radiates out similarly.  Still, it must be remembered that Aikido is also based on the linear strikes of Japanese swordsmanship.

The Triangle can be said to represent the triangular posture predominant in Aikido, triangulation of arms to centre/hips, and triangular offline avoidance.  The Square is about relationship to ukes ('attackers'); this can represent solidity of stance, or the principles of “being down-heavy."

The triangle also can be seenin  the ideal stance or hanmi for stability -the feet in a close triangle.  The close stance allows for speed and stability, and translates into "half-body." At a practical level the back foot is canted slightly to relieve any strain on the medial meniscus.

  The alignment of the hips and the circular arcs of movement allow for the generation of significant power, like the winding and uncoiling of a spring.

Not all of Aikido may be explained by leverage or bio-mechanics.  Over time, Ki energy combined with breath (kokyu) available to the aikidoka so that little tor no muscular resistance is needed to blend with the attack and execute a technique or throw.

Aikido Keiko !!

Progress comes to those who train and train; 

reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.

      Morihei Ueshiba

Budo is ultimately about getting up one more time than you fall down. Barry Sensei

 

Saito Shihan Demonstrates ushiro attacks

It is so amazing the details that Saito Shihan has worked out to teach Aikido.

Here is a short clip of uke ushiro attacks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyNsMXwqNzc&NR=1

Fundraising for Japan

Hi all,  our dojo is developing a fundraising project for raising $$ for Japan.  Please send me any ideas you may have.  So far, Cheeko-san has suggested a public boken ring, with sponsors for every 100 strikes.

Also, see below from Takemusu Aikido Association President, Bill Witt:

Hello Everyone,

Here is a picture of the damage to the Ibaraki Shibu Dojo (Iwama Dojo).

As I mentioned before, Doshu will be traveling out to Iwama next week to assess the damage and decide what to do next.

I will let you all know more, if I get later news.

Regards,

Bill

Hans Goto Sensei in Sarasota Feb 11-12, 2012

Goto Sensei has agreed to do a seminar in Sarasota on Feb 11-12, including a tradition of buki-waza on the beach at Siesta Key.

Hans Goto has almost 40 years experience in the martial arts. His main focus has been Aikido, with extended residential training in Iwama, Japan at the Aikido Shrine under Morihiro Saito Shihan. Goto Sensei is the first non-Japanese citizen to undergo this intensive traditional style training. Besides holding a 7th degree Black Belt in Aikido, he has also trained in Judo, T'ai Qi Quan, and Wushu. Goto Sensei is Head Instructor and founder of Bay Marin Aikido and on the Board and Executive Committee of Takemusu Aikido Association.

Training with Hito Hiro Sensei

Jan, Eric, Frank, and I were really privileged to have great training with HitoHiro Sensei this weekend.
Exceptional experiences and I will do my best to relay some of the core elements we learned.

One thing for sure, and I think Jan, Eric, and Frank will attest to this: 
Doing basic forms, in tai jitsu, aiki-ken, and aiki-jo are essential to developing solid Aikido skills.

Aiki-Extensions....Taking Aikido off the Mat

We have become members of  http://www.aiki-extensions.org/

This is an organization I encourage all to check to check out.

"Aiki Extensions is an organization dedicated to disseminating and applying Aiki principles and methods outside the traditional martial arts training situation. AE members have applied Aiki principles in such areas as business, bodywork, psychotherapy, teaching, mediation, and sports. They have found that Aiki principles enhance their professional effectiveness and personal well being."

Sword Dance & Shodowgraph

Thanks to Jan Sempai for locating this most unusual theatre production; originally located by Aviv Sensei of Fredericksburg.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmlkmVoPuQA&feature=player_embedded#at=137

"The most awesome thing you will see today is the following video shown below. Believe me. The picture above does not do the video any justice.

Called, “Sword Dance and Shadowgraph,” this live interactive and computer generated imagery performance was recently filmed in Tokyo Japan, at the The Galaxy Theater in January and was performed by Taichi Saotome.

It involves a live actor on stage armed with a Katana who is defending himself many animated shadow adversaries on the screen located behind him. The result of the fight choreography matched with the CGI presentation on the projected screen is something pretty spectacular and definitely a cool treat for the eyes to witness.?

Welcome to the new kamiza at Traditional Aikido Sarasota

Interview iwth current Dojo Cho of Iwama Dojo

Here is a link to an interesting interview with the current Dojo Cho of the Founder's dojo in Iwama.  I think he will be doing a seminar with Aviv Sensei next Fall. 

http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=102

Hiroshi Isoyama entered the Iwama Dojo of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba as a boy of 12. He is one of a few rare individuals - another being Morihiro Saito - to have been exposed to the founder during the period of maturation of modern aikido. Isoyama is passionate about his study of aikido and this dynamism is reflected in his explosive technique. Now retired after a long career in the Air Self Defence Force, Isoyama is devoting full time to his pursuit of training and teaching. He is becoming increasingly well-known internationally as well and has frequently traveled abroad in recent years.

Aikido and YOU!!

As soon as you concern yourself with the 'good' and 'bad' of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with, and criticizing others weaken and defeat you.
Morihei Ueshiba

interview with Saito Shihan on 50th yr in Aikido

Powerful, reflective interview after 50 years in Aikido!

Martial Arts and Modern Life: The Broader Meaning of Kuzushi

Martial Arts and Modern Life: The Broader Meaning of Kuzushi

Aikido and "Multiple Attacks"

Aikido is the way that teaches how one can deal with several enemies. Students must train themselves to be alert not just to the front but to all sides and the back.
O'Sensei  ~1935



Many of the things O'Sensei said (or is reported to have said) can have multiple interpretations.
As to the above, "who is the enemy?' Must one also look "up an down" as well as all sides and the back.

Aikido is about awareness...of one's self, one's relationship to another, and relationship to the "many."

Saito Shihan would say learn something from other teachers, too

Interesting trailer on Yamada Sensi; if you watch closely you will see a technique we trained yesterday at keikio in Sarasota

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKy1Dd6IBrU

Connection with your self & others is the "Ki" to Aikido

When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him;
if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.    
                          Moirhei Ueshiba, O'Sensei