Master Morihei Ueshiba

A road less travelled – Aikido pins

In the post-war period of his life, the teachings of Master Morehei Ueshiba (Founder of Aikido) involved significantly less focus on the teaching of pins. This trend has for the large part continued since O’sensei’s death to the point that there are now schools of Aikido that only teach so-called “health pins”.

However, there are still those of us who enjoy and find value in the study of Aiki pins. At our dojo, for example, we believe the study of pins plays an important role in ensuring that Aikido, in addition to its many other benefits, offers a complete form of self-defence.

The below short video features slow motion demonstrations by Takeda Satoshi Sensei (7th Dan AKI Aiki kai) of a number of rarely seen Aikido pins. The video was taken during Sensei’s recent visit to Queensland at classes given at Aikido Kenkyukai International Fudoshin Dojo, Sunshine Coast and Fudoshin Warrior Dojo, Brisbane.

Other Pins

The below pics show demonstrations of other rarely seen pins in modern Aikido practice. All of the demonstrations are by the Founder.

Have a great Friday

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo
Aikido Kenkyukai, Brisbane

Aiki studies for 2 hand grabs – Kokyu nage

The term morote dori refers to a traditional attack form whereby the uke grabs the nage’s wrists with 2 hands. Responses to a morote dori attack are practised in our school both from a static position under resistance and also in free flowing form.

In the below video Takeda Satoshi Shihan (7th Dan AKI/Aiki Kai, Kamakura BudoKan) uses both static and free flowing forms of morote dori to explain the Aiki principle of “gathering an attack”. Sensei explains how to use this principle to take the uke off balance and then project the uke with a kokyu intent.

Associated Aiki principals also referred to in Sensei’s instruction include:

relaxed posture,
centre line,
moving as a single unit and
focussing on the entirety of the uke rather than the point of contact.

The video was recorded as part of special class given by Satoshi Sensei at our dojo on 25 November 2017.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo, Brisbane
Aikido Kenkyukai

Takeda Satoshi Sensei – Sunshine Coast Seminar

I had the good fortune opportunity on 19 November 2017 to a attend a mini seminar by Takeda Satoshi Shihan at Aikido Kenkyukai International Fudoshin Dojo Australia, Sunshine Coast Australia. It was the first time I have had the opportunity to train with Sensei. Fortunately, the opportunity would repeat itself as Sensei visited our own dojo a week later.

Whenever I go to a seminar I always hope to either learn something new, gain a deeper insight into something I already have some knowledge of, or otherwise just be inspired. The mini-seminar delivered all three. Further, Sensei was incredibly generous with his time and went to much efforts to ensure we understood his teachings and unique perspectives on higher level Aikido practice.

Key learnings included an exploration of such Aiki concepts as:

Gathering an attack rather than fighting it;
Finding the zero-point in an attack;
Using centreline to take balance and move a uke;
Advanced ukemi; and
The importance of relaxed good posture.

Sensei also explained the difference in the way grab based attacks were carried out in pre-war and post war Aikido, specifically the combined use of atemi (strikes) in pre-war times. As an additional bonus, Sensei also demonstrated of various Aiki Budo pins rarely seen in modern Aikido practice.

Dojo friend Steve (AKA Haybigz Bender) recorded the seminar and kindly agreed to let me post his highlights video (see below).

Huge thanks to Chicko Sensei for organising the event and also to all the folk from the 2 Sunshine Coast Dojos for making me feel so welcome.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Aiki Studies: Nikyo shapes and the sword

The term “nikyo” in Aikido literally translates to the “second teaching”. At its essence a nikyo is a joint-lock technique that pronates the wrist. This in turn torques the arm and applies painful nerve pressure.

In the below video, Chicko Xerri Sensei AKI (6th dan Aikikai) explains how sword movements facilitate the creation and application of nikyo shapes for Aiki practice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Difference between Aikido and Aiki

At its most basic, Aiki refers to the ability to negate and redirect an attacker’s power without reliance on specific technique and with a distinct absence of muscular tension usually associated with physical effort.

In our school Aikido techniques are not an end in themselves, but rather a “way” to progress to the study and practice of Aiki. In essence we study to master form so that we can ultimately become formless in our practice.

Aikido Kenkyukai Fudoshin dojos

Our dojo is an Aikido Kenkyukai 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 45 years and is endorsed by Doshu Ueshiba.

Have a great weekend.

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo

Aiki studies – Spirals

It is not uncommon to read a description of Aikido to the effect that it involves the use of circular movements to negate and dispel an attack. A more accurate statement, however, is that Aikido uses spiralling movements to negate and dispel an attack.

Generally speaking, movements that spiral upwards are used to take the balance of the uke (ie the partner receiving the technique). Downward spiralling movements ordinarily lead the uke into a fall.

Understanding spiralling movements in Aikido is essential if one is to proceed to higher levels of Aiki practice. In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (Aikikai 6th Dan) provides a brief introduction to, and demonstration of one of the many spiralling movements that form part of our Aiki studies.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Difference between Aiki and Aikido

Chicko Xerri Sensei

Have a great weekend