Ian Grant

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

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 – 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

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

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