It is sometimes said that there are 3 levels of Aikido practice – fixed practice, free practice and creative practice.
However, there are also times when Aiki applications just seem to create themselves. And so it was with the below application. An accidental backward trip over a hakama during ushiro practice resulted in a spontaneous sutemi waza (sacrifice throw) response. Before you knew, we were recreating the movement and practising a new form of Aiki application (at least for our dojo).
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
In the below video, Chicko Xerri Sensei AKI (6th dan Aikikai) uses the Aikido syllabus technique Shomenuchi ikkyo to explain and demonstrate how the study of Aikido ultimately progresses to the practice of Aiki.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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
The concept of yin yang is typically associated with the practice of Chinese arts. However, it is also an important aspect of Aikido practice, particularly for those of us who seek to use our Aikido as a method of progressing to the study of Aiki.
The importance that Master Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido (O’sensei), placed on an understanding of yin yang was referenced in an interview in 2008 with Henry Kono Sensei. Kono Sensei recalled the following conversation with O’sensei.
“All of us, the foreign students, had cooked up a little party for his birthday with a cake and everything. That day, he was very relaxed and happy so I thought it might be the right moment to try my luck with a question. I asked him “O Sensei, how come we are not doing what you are doing?” He just smiled and replied “I understand Yin and Yang, you don’t”.” (Source: http://www.guillaumeerard.com).
In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (Aikikai 6th Dan) provides a brief introduction to, and demonstration of the importance of yin yang to the practice of Aiki. Chicko Sensei also explains how yin yang interplays with the concept of connection and initiating movement when dealing with an attack.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
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.
“Yin/Yang : Two halves that together complete wholeness. Yin and yang are also the starting point for change. When something is whole, by definition it is unchanging and complete. So when you split something into two halves – yin / yang, it upsets the equilibrium of wholeness. This starts both halves chasing after each other as they seek a new balance with each other.
The word Yin comes out to mean “shady side” and Yang “sunny side”.
Yin Yang is the concept of duality forming a whole. We encounter examples of Yin and Yang every day. As examples: night (Yin) and day (Yang), female (Yin) and male (Yang).” (Source: http://personaltao.com/).
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 week
Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Fudoshin Warrior Dojo
Aikido Warrior Dojo 
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