Ian Grant Sensei

Training Notes – Ukemi and maintaining connection

This 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

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

Training Notes – Morotedori kokyu ho

Morote tori kokyu ho was one of the three techniques O’Sensei taught at all of his classes. At basic level, the technique is practised against a uke who is offering resistance. O”Sensei considered that the regular practice of morotedori kokyu ho was essential to build an “aiki body“.

Given the high emphasis that the Founder placed on morote tori kokyu, it is regularly practised at our dojo.

In the below videos Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th Dan) demonstrates morotedori kokyu ho at kihon (basic) and ki no nagare (free flowing) levels.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Technical details – Basic (kihon) level – Morihiro Saito Sensei

Morotedori kokyu ho – ki no nagare

In the below video, Saito Sensei demonstrates how to apply Morotedori kokyu ho at a higher level free flowing technique. This level of application should not be attempted until mastery of the basic version has been achieved.

Hanmi

In the following video, Saito Sensei explains in more detail the hanmi principles underlying morotedori kokyu ho.

Correct way to grab

Morotedori kokyu ho – Peter Kelly Sensei

In the below video, Peter Kelly Sensei, Aikido Yuishinkai Tasmania, provides training tips on morote tori kokyu ho. Peter Sensei describes the movement as follows:

“The basic premis is a double spiral, both the hara and the arm. The left hand atemi to the abdomen helps get the pelvis in the correct position to not use strength in the hand which is twisted and held down with alot of resistance. The resistance helps to generate powerful hips and body.”

Morotedori kokyu ho (ura)

In the below video Saito Sensei demonstrates how Morotedori kokyu ho is applied if the nage commences the exercise with a tenkan movement.

An alternate approach

In the following video, Takashi Kuroki Sensei of Nishio Aikido gives instruction on an alternate approach to Morotedori kokyu ho. This approach is also practiced at our dojo.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Peter Kelly Sensei drops in for a visit

Aikido Warrior Dojo had the pleasure of having Peter Kelly Sensei as guest senior instructor for its Saturday class on 17 May 2014.

Peter Sensei has recently been appointed by the Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, Master Koretoshi Maruyama, as the Technical Officer for the newly reformed Aikido Yuishinkai Australia. Peter Sensei has the daunting task of ensuring that Maruyama Sensei’s teachings are correctly followed and that appropriate standards are maintained in all Aikido Yushinkai dojos in Australia.

In addition to the new appointment, Peter Sensei continues to be the Head Dojo Instructor for the Aikido School of Excellence in Tasmania and the Chief Instructor for Aikido Yuishinkai Tasmania. In his spare time, he is organising and hosting this year’s National Seminar.

Given this backdrop, we were particularly appreciative that Peter Sensei somehow found the time to attend our dojo, as part of a fleeting weekend visit from Tasmania no less, to take a Saturday class. Not surprisingly, we had a big turnout at the dojo, not only from our own members, but instructors and members from a cross-section of Brisbane Aikido Yuishinkai dojos.

Themes explored in the class included developing correct footwork, entering, body posture, relaxed application, sinking and ukemi skills consistent with the focus of our School to discover and explore the Aikido of O’Sensei. These themes were examined through a wide array of techniques and attack responses, including koshinage, kokyunage and ikkyo applications.

A blog alone can not do justice to the critical lessons learned at the class. Fortunately, a video of the class was organised. Over the coming weeks, major aspects of the class will be examined on this site and supported by the class video as an instructional aid.

In the meantime, see below a collection of just some of the many photos taken of the class by our dojo photographer, Eden Grant. If those attending would like a copy of any photograph, please email the dojo and we can arrange for it to be electronically sent to you.

Thanks also to the Dojo admin team who keep that side of things humming so the rest of us can just focus on the Aikido.

Finally, big thanks to Peter Sensei for taking the time to travel down from Tasmania for the weekend to give such an excellent and inspiring class. I’ve already received emails asking if I know when you will be visiting Brisbane again.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo