Aikido

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

After 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 – Shomenuchi Ikkyo

In this video training note Peter Kelly Sensei, Chief Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai Australia, provides instruction on how to correctly perform shomenuchi ikkyo from the Aikido Yuishinkai syllabus.

The instruction not only includes the shape or outer form of the technique but also covers the inner structural aspects that make it work in a martial context. Key Aikido Yuishinkai principles discussed and shown include “center pole”, sinking, “heaven-man-earth”, centre-line, controlling the space and the “horizontal-vertical plane”.

Ian Grant Sensei
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo
Brisbane

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.

The 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 – 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