Aikido Warrior

Training Notes – A breakfall is just a roll

The below video examines the structural similarities between a forward roll and a breakfall and includes a training exercise whereby students learn to appreciate that a breakfall in substance is nothing more than a roll. The video is from a class given by Peter Kelly Sensei, Chief Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai Australia, at our dojo on 17 May 2014.

At our dojo we have a tailored program for new students that allows them to learn to breakfall in a fear-free and safe environment.

The program has proved particularly successful. For further information on the program and the types of exercises that are include see – Learning to breakfall: Its a lot easier than it looks.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training Notes – Katadori and controlling the space

This training note provides guidance on how to control the space when responding to a katadori attack (i.e. a single hand shoulder grab). The video extract is from a class given by Peter Kelly Sensei (Aikido Yuishinkai) at our Dojo on 17 May 2014.

While the video extract deals specifically with a response to a katadori attack, the principles discussed and demonstrated are equally applicable to a wide range of other techniques where it is necessary for the uke to step to the rear. Principles discussed include the correct foot positioning, maintaining forward energy, direction of centre and sinking/grounding.

In the context of sinking and grounding, Peter Sensei comments:

“Sinking/grounding is paramount in aikido as it represents the vertical plane. All aikido techniques have both a vertical and horizontal plane. This is what O’Sensei called the cross of Aiki.”

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training Notes – Ryotedori kokyunage and koshinage

This 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

Visiting Guest Instructor – Peter Kelly Sensei – 17 May 14

Aikido Warrior Dojo will be hosting a special class on Saturday 17 May 2014 (2.30 pm – 5.00pm) by Peter Kelly Sensei.

Peter Sensei has recently been appointed by Master Koretoshi Maruyama as the technical advisor for Aikido Yuishinkai in Australia. Peter Sensei is also the Chief Instructor of The Aikido School of Excellence in Tasmania.

Peter Sensei will be covering a range of principles and techniques relevant to Aikido Yushinkai, with particular emphasis on those relevant to the new syllabus and our school’s revised direction.

The cost of the class is $10 and all Aikido Yuishinkai practitioners are welcome to attend. For persons who have not trained at Aikido Warrior Dojo previously, please arrive 30 minutes before the class commences for registration.

Address details for the dojo may be found on our home page (see here).

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Class photo album – 26 April 2014

A photo album from our Saturday morning training session on 26 April 2014. This was our first class with Thom Hansen Sensei (who has been practising Aikido for some 30 years) as guest senior instructor.

Our dojo is most fortunate to have Thom Sensei not only as our patron and mentor, but also as guest senior instructor on the last Saturday class of each month.

A Big thanks as always to Eden for taking the photos.

All the best

Ian

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo