Peter Kelly Sensei

Training Notes – A breakfall is just a roll

The below video examines the structural similarities between a forward roll and a breakfall and includes a training exercise whereby students learn to appreciate that a breakfall in substance is nothing more than a roll. The video is from a class given by Peter Kelly Sensei, Chief Instructor, Aikido Yuishinkai Australia, at our dojo on 17 May 2014.

At our dojo we have a tailored program for new students that allows them to learn to breakfall in a fear-free and safe environment.

The program has proved particularly successful. For further information on the program and the types of exercises that are include see – Learning to breakfall: Its a lot easier than it looks.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

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 – 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

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

Visiting Guest Instructor – Peter Kelly Sensei – 17 May 14

Aikido Warrior Dojo will be hosting a special class on Saturday 17 May 2014 (2.30 pm – 5.00pm) by Peter Kelly Sensei.

Peter Sensei has recently been appointed by Master Koretoshi Maruyama as the technical advisor for Aikido Yuishinkai in Australia. Peter Sensei is also the Chief Instructor of The Aikido School of Excellence in Tasmania.

Peter Sensei will be covering a range of principles and techniques relevant to Aikido Yushinkai, with particular emphasis on those relevant to the new syllabus and our school’s revised direction.

The cost of the class is $10 and all Aikido Yuishinkai practitioners are welcome to attend. For persons who have not trained at Aikido Warrior Dojo previously, please arrive 30 minutes before the class commences for registration.

Address details for the dojo may be found on our home page (see here).

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo