Aikido training

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 (Fundamental principles)

This video training note refers to the first in a new series of training videos prepared by Peter Kelly Sensei (7th Dan Aikido Yuishinkai) dealing with the topic of ukemi and uke arts in Aikido Yuishinkai practice.

Peter KellyThe Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, Master Koretoshi Maruyama, has asked that the development and advancement of high level ukemi skills be given a priority  focus in our Aikido training in Australia this year. To this end Peter Kelly Sensei, Technical Director for Aikido Yuishinkai in Australia, has been travelling the country to give ukemi (and other Aikido) training to Aikido Yuishinkai members.

In support of this training, Peter Sensei has prepared a series of training videos to assist instructors and students in developing the requisite skills. The below video is Part 1 in the series.  Topics covered include:

  • What is ukemi?;
  • Responsibility of the uke to give a tangible attack so that the nage has something to work with;
  • The folly and danger of acrobatic/circus rolling in Aikido practice;
  • The importance of rolling “like a cat”
  • Exercises to develop good ukemi skills;
  • Responsibility of the uke to not anticipate attacks, stay connected and remain centred for as long as possible;
  • Remaining relaxed when taking ukemi, including when breakfalling.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training Notes – Ryotedori kokyunage and koshinage

Peter KellyThis video training note examines ryotedori kokyu nage and koshi nage applications.  The video extract is from from a class given by Peter Kelly Sensei (7th Dan, Aikido Yuishinkai) at the Aikido Warrior Dojo on 17 May 2014.

Peter Sensei’s interpretation of koshi nage (hip throw) is heavily influenced by the approach taken by Yoshio Kuroiwa Sensei. Peter Sensei makes the following comment in this regard:

“Yoshio Kuroiwa Sensei always taught with a stick to teach lines and internal power vectors and triangulation. He was very martial, an ex boxer. Great understanding of movement. I have tried very hard to follow his style of Koshi. If it’s easy and smooth, no can defence.”

In the video extract Peter Sensei notes that O’Sensei often joked that he could do koshinage all day and not get tired.  The ukemi challenges associated with koshinage are also explored.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

 

 

 

Saturday morning training – Photo album.

A photo album from our Saturday morning training session on 29 March 2014. The accompanying bossa nova is played by our very own Craig Boyd Sensei. Big thanks to Eden for taking the photos.

 

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

 

Aikido Warrior Dojo – First class photo album

Saturday was the first adults class for Aikido Warrior Dojo  at our new premises  in the leafy north-west Brisbane suburb of The Gap.  With plenty of open space, nice facilities and a high ceiling, it ticked all the boxes for a positive, safe and pleasant place to train.

Supported by visiting friends from Aikido Republic Dojo and the Hills District Dojo, we ended up with a full mat. Our training time, which proved to be a most energetic session, was very much focussed on rediscovering lessons learnt from the last 2 Aikido Yuishinkai national seminars and exploring new applications for them.

With such an auspicious occasion at hand, the camera was rolling.  Without further ado, these were the results.

Thanks to everyone who attended for training safely, with an open mind and an explorer’s heart.

Yours in Aiki

Ian Grant Sensei
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo