It is sometimes said that there are 3 levels of Aikido practice – fixed practice, free practice and creative practice.
However, there are also times when Aiki applications just seem to create themselves. And so it was with the below application. An accidental backward trip over a hakama during ushiro practice resulted in a spontaneous sutemi waza (sacrifice throw) response. Before you knew, we were recreating the movement and practising a new form of Aiki application (at least for our dojo).
In the post-war period of his life, the teachings of Master Morehei Ueshiba (Founder of Aikido) involved significantly less focus on the teaching of pins. This trend has for the large part continued since O’sensei’s death to the point that there are now schools of Aikido that only teach so-called “health pins”.
However, there are still those of us who enjoy and find value in the study of Aiki pins. At our dojo, for example, we believe the study of pins plays an important role in ensuring that Aikido, in addition to its many other benefits, offers a complete form of self-defence.
The below short video features slow motion demonstrations by Takeda Satoshi Sensei (7th Dan AKI Aiki kai) of a number of rarely seen Aikido pins. The video was taken during Sensei’s recent visit to Queensland at classes given at Aikido Kenkyukai International Fudoshin Dojo, Sunshine Coast and Fudoshin Warrior Dojo, Brisbane.
The below pics show demonstrations of other rarely seen pins in modern Aikido practice. All of the demonstrations are by the Founder.
Have a great Friday
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo
Aikido Kenkyukai, Brisbane
Suwari waza (sometimes referred to as Zagi waza) is a form of Aikido practice performed from the initial position of nage and uke sitting opposite and facing each other while kneeling (seiza).
In the below video Takeda Satoshi Sensei (7th Dan AKI Aikikai) demonstrates the application of Aiki principles for Suwari waza where the uke strikes the temple of the nage. This form of traditional attack is referred to as shomenuchi.
As Sensei is exploring responses from Suwari waza shomenuchi from a purely Aiki perspective, there is no predetermined outcome or pin as occurs when practising purely syllabus based Aikido. The focus is on principle, with particular emphasis on not meeting an attack with physical resistance.
The above video was recorded at our dojo on 25 November 2017 as part of a special class by Takeda Satoshi Sensei during his 2017 visit to Australia.
Have a great weekend
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo
Aikido Kenkyukai, Brisbane
The term “nikyo” in Aikido literally translates to the “second teaching”. At its essence a nikyo is a joint-lock technique that pronates the wrist. This in turn torques the arm and applies painful nerve pressure.
In the below video, Chicko Xerri Sensei AKI (6th dan Aikikai) explains how sword movements facilitate the creation and application of nikyo shapes for Aiki practice.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At its most basic, Aiki refers to the ability to negate and redirect an attacker’s power without reliance on specific technique and with a distinct absence of muscular tension usually associated with physical effort.
In our school Aikido techniques are not an end in themselves, but rather a “way” to progress to the study and practice of Aiki. In essence we study to master form so that we can ultimately become formless in our practice.
Our dojo is an Aikido Kenkyukai Fudoshin dojo operating under the guidance and mentorship of Chicko Xerri Sensei, 6th dan AKI (Aikikai), Tokyo. Chicko Sensei has been practising and teaching Aikido for more than 45 years and is endorsed by Doshu Ueshiba.
Have a great weekend.
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo
It is not uncommon to read a description of Aikido to the effect that it involves the use of circular movements to negate and dispel an attack. A more accurate statement, however, is that Aikido uses spiralling movements to negate and dispel an attack.
Generally speaking, movements that spiral upwards are used to take the balance of the uke (ie the partner receiving the technique). Downward spiralling movements ordinarily lead the uke into a fall.
Understanding spiralling movements in Aikido is essential if one is to proceed to higher levels of Aiki practice. In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (Aikikai 6th Dan) provides a brief introduction to, and demonstration of one of the many spiralling movements that form part of our Aiki studies.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
At its most basic, Aiki refers to the ability to negate and redirect an attacker’s power without reliance on specific technique and with a distinct absence of muscular tension usually associated with physical effort.
In our school Aikido techniques are not an end in themselves, but rather a “way” to progress to the study and practice of Aiki. In essence we study to master form so that we can ultimately become formless in our practice.
Our dojo is an Aikido Kenkyukai Fudoshin dojo operating under the guidance and mentorship of Chicko Xerri Sensei, 6th dan AKI (Aikikai), Tokyo. Chicko Sensei has been practising and teaching Aikido for more than 45 years and is endorsed by Doshu Ueshiba.
Have a great weekend
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo
Aikido Warrior Dojo 
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