Wednesday, June 30th

This Wednesday we focused on ushiro ryote dori techniques. We did shiho nage (omote and ura versions), kote-gaeshi, kokyu-nage, sankyo omote.

Wednesday class - just before break for Lewa Marathon

So tonight we had another two hour class where we explored several techniques. It is really fun to have longer class as students can dwell longer on each techniques and adopt to changing partners. Very good work today. We did yokomen-uchi shihonage (omote and ura waza versions) and then moved to ai-hanmi ikkyo ura waza, then ai hanmi nikkyo ura waza. Then, at the very end of the class we tried to apply the same nikkyo ura waza principle to ushiro ryote dori attack. Difficult, but fun.

On Aikido techniques - a friendly tip

I just feel like I should say something to all of you to help you relax.

Guys - this is just the beginning. The path is long and eventful (hopefully), but if you do not grasp everything at the first go - it's OK. With time we will be coming back to these techniques over and over again - there will be plenty of chances to revise and re-learn and try with many different people who react differently. There even will be time for questions. If you feel you seriously are missing some crucial points - you can always ask me. I will not bite.

The most important tip I will ever give you is: do not give up - just keep practicing.

Friday, June 18th

Last Friday we had 20 participants. We tried gyaku-hamni kokyu-nage and then moved to gyaku-hamni ikkyo and then nikkyo. Both omote and ura versions.

Wednesday, June 16th

Today we had another 2-hour class at Goan Gym Khana. Was kind of weird doing aikido while the loud music was being played next door and someone started grill and filled dojo with smoke ;-)

We continued on shiho-nage, gyaku-hamni and also shoen-uchi shiho-nage then moved on to yokomen uchi shiho-nage. I think the class was fun.

Classes locations

Have just updated our main page with info on location of the places where our classes take place.

Friday, June 11th

Today was the day we tried shomen-uchi ikkyo omote. Then we got the taste of shomen-uchi sankyo. After Wednesday's two-hour class this class of just one hour seemed very short.

Wednesday class

Yesterday we had our first class outside protective umbrella of Japanese Embassy. Due to venue limitation at the Embassy we had to pursue a search of other places we can practice Aikido. Yesterday we had 2 hour class at Goan Gym Khana at Nairobi Museum Hill.

We dwelled for quite a while on different aspects of gyaku-hamni shihonage. Initially just ura version, later we also tried omote.

We also had rokkyo, also known as hiji-kime-osae.

Hopefully it will be possible to have classes at new venue on permanent basis.

Class on Friday, May 4th

Today we focused on ushiro-ukemi. We tried to use it with shomen-uchi kiri-otoshi, then with gyaku-hamni ryote-dori tenchinage. It was a very inspiring and interesting class. We had also many new students ;-)

Birankai International exam requirements

AS I promised last Friday - I included on our web page Birankai International exam requirements. You can find it here.