Jeremy Gehrke

Learnings from the sword – Dealing with shoulder grabs

A key aspect of our practice at the dojo is to use traditional sword movements to enhance and improve our unarmed arts. Our practice in this regard incorporates the use of a wide range of bokkens including the shoto (short sword), suburito and Musashi oar.

Exploring Aikido in this way is in line with comments made by Master Morihei Ueshiba (The Founder of Aikido) that Aikido at its essence is a form of taijutsu that incorporates traditional sword principles

In the below video Ian Grant and Jeremy Gehrke Sensei use the short sword to explore the Aiki principles associated with absorbing and redirecting an an attack in the form of a shoulder grab (katadori).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Aiki principles and katadori

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei explores some of the key Aiki principles that underpin Aikido forms to address an attack from a shoulder grab. An integral part of the instruction in both videos is the use of the bokken to enhance understanding of the basic movements used in this type of practice.

Chicko Xerri Sensei – Brief Bio

Our dojo is a Fudoshin dojo operating under the guidance and mentorship of Chicko Xerri Sensei, 6th dan AKI (Aikikai), Tokyo. Chicko Sensei has been practising and teaching Aikido for more than 40 years and is endorsed by Doshu Ueshiba.

Have a great weekend

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Fudoshin Dojo

Aiki Studies – Moving offline with natural posture

In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei explores the Aiki concept of moving offline while at the same time a maintaining a natural posture. This method of movement typified the expression of Aikido demonstrated by Master Morihei Ueshiba (The Founder of Aikido) in the later parts of his life.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Exercises and applied practice

In the below video Aikido Warrior Dojo seniors demonstrate exercises and practical applications to develop skills in moving off-line while maintaining natural posture.

Chicko Xerri Sensei – Brief Bio

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Fudoshin Dojo

Tora no Isshoku (Tiger’s Step) Kata

In the below video Jeremy Gehrke Sensei demonstrates the traditional sword kata – Tora no Isshoku (Tiger’s Step). It is the 2nd kata in what is referred to as the Daichi no Waza (Earth Set). The Earth Set is the first and most basic of the set katas in our traditional sword program.

Technical notes

The Daichi no Waza is designed to build strength in your legs.
The Kata involves and introduces all of the basic cuts.
While performing the set you should focus on deep stances, good balance, and precise cuts.
Making sure that all the cut start and end in the correct spots. They can be performed slowly and without power, with emphasis on the movements in the individual kata.

Traditional sword classes are held at the dojo every Wednesday at 7.30pm. Everyone, regardless of experience, is welcome.

Have a great week

Jeremy Gehrke Sensei
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Yokomenuchi kokyu nage

In the below video senior students from our dojo demonstrate a direct entry variation of the Aikido technique Yokomenuchi kokyu nage.

In this particular variation, the nage initially executes a direct entry hand sword cut up the uke’s centreline to take their balance. This initial taking of the uke’s balance sets up the remainder of the technique and is critical to its successful application.

Have great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Fudoshin Dojo

Video overview of last Wednesday’s class

See below a quick demo at the end of Wednesday’s class covering most of the techniques that we practised. Big thanks to Jeremy for helping out with the impromtu run through and to Peter for filming it.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo