Dojo videos and pics

Our First Shodan Tests – Video Slideshow

When it comes to milestones in an Aikido practioner’s journey, one’s  shodan grading is no doubt one of them.  This Saturday, two of our founding dojo members Brendan and Matt stepped up to test for this major achievement.  They both performed excellent gradings and exhibited skills more than equal to the task. It was a absolute privilege and honour to sit on their grading panel.

Congratulations to both Brendan and Matt and also to all the ukes that assisted and demonstrated such fine ukemi skills.  Also a big thank you to Eden for taking photographs and producing the below slideshow.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

 

Martial moves – Peter Kelly Sensei returns

While in town for the upcoming Brisbane Aikido Yuishinkai seminar this weekend, our Chief Instructor Peter Kelly Sensei dropped in to the dojo to take our Thursday night class.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATo say his teachings were most insightful would be an understatement. I’ve heard the statement sometimes said that Aikido techniques can be divided into 2 categories – “those for go and those for show”. Peter’s motto is more like there are 2 types of techniques – “those for go and those you haven’t figured out yet”.

Anyone with any doubts that Aikido is a powerful and most effective martial art would certainly have had them wiped away on Thursday night.  Strong centred attacks were the name of the game. Full kuzushi on contact using traditional sword based movements, a heaven-man-earth body structure and applied yin-yang principles was how it was played. Loved every minute of it!

Big thanks to Peter Sensei for taking the time out of his busy schedule to visit us.  As is typically the case, we had a camera and took some photos.

Looking forward to attending this weekend’s seminar.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

 

Good to be back – Aikido Warrior Dojo class album – 28 June 2014

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAfter 6 weeks of usually being no more useful than a ceremonial hood ornament at the dojo and finally on Friday getting a medical clearance for “light admin duties”, today was the day I had been waiting for –  the chance to get back on the mat for an attempt at some serious training.

I wasn’t sure how I would go after 2 abdominal surgeries and some major scar tissue still on the mend, but I figured it was time to give it a go and give things a test.  Muscle memory combined with some strategic ukemi landings and the occasional gritting of the teeth, kept me in one piece and I had a great time.  Big thanks to everyone for making sure I didn’t end up on the receiving end of a front or awkward breakfall, let alone an unexpected strike to the stomach!

Those who were there know that Eden dropped down to take some photos. While I think by looking at them I appear to have aged 10 years in 6 weeks – they make a nice addition to the dojo’s photo memorabilia.

All the best

Ian

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

 

Training Notes – Ukemi and maintaining connection

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis training note examines the importance of maintaining connection when receiving ukemi, from both a safety and self-defence perspective.  The video extract is from a class given by Peter Kelly Sensei (7th Dan Aikido Yuishinkai) at the Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane,  on 17 May 2014.

Ukemi practice and the development of high level ukemi skills are an important part of Aikido Yuishinkai. In this video, Peter Sensei highlights the self-defence folly of adopting a “runaway” ukemi approach where the uke ceases to look at the nage throughout the receiving of the technique and subsequent ukemi.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo