I would like to begin by welcoming the newest member of Nairobi Aikikai by the name of Albert-I hope you will stay long enough to appreciate the martial art of peace and harmony.
Warm up exercises were courtesy of Reza before Jason took over and took us through the basics of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote and Gyaku Hanmi Kakatedori Ikkyo Omote.
The techniques we went through during the two hour session were:
From the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance:
-Sumi otoshi
-Uchi Kaiten Nage(Omote and Ura)
-Kote Gaeshi
-Kokyu Ho
-Shiho Nage
From the Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori stance:
-Soto kaiten Nage
-Reverse Kote Gaeshi
Apparently,Ai Hanmi Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage has several versions and Sensei reviewed the one he introduced on last Friday's session in addition to two others.
Finally,I would like to wish Sensei a very happy birthday which we observed with some extra cold bottles of Tusker Malt and Guinness Kubwa plus some 'njugu'...many happy returns Sensei!
Next class:Wednesday,November 2.Weapons class:Jo and Iaido.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011 session at the Japan Information and Culture Centre hall
The two hour session kicked off with warm up exercises followed by Ushiro and Mae Ukemi from both Suwari waza and Tachi waza before embarking on the techniques of the day.
The following techniques were executed from the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance:
-Kokyu Nage
-Shiho Nage
-Kote Gaeshi
-Uchi Kaiten and Soto Kaiten nage
-Udekimenage in both Omote and Ura.
From the Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori stance there was:
-Kokyu Ho
-Irimi Nage.
In addition to the above techniques,there was Ryote Dori Kokyu Nage and the session came to a close with the good old Kokyu Ho Koyu Dosa.
I must admit both Ai Hanmi Katatedori Uchi Kaiten and Soto Kaiten Nage were a handful for me but I believe with more and more practise,all shall be well.
The following techniques were executed from the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance:
-Kokyu Nage
-Shiho Nage
-Kote Gaeshi
-Uchi Kaiten and Soto Kaiten nage
-Udekimenage in both Omote and Ura.
From the Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori stance there was:
-Kokyu Ho
-Irimi Nage.
In addition to the above techniques,there was Ryote Dori Kokyu Nage and the session came to a close with the good old Kokyu Ho Koyu Dosa.
I must admit both Ai Hanmi Katatedori Uchi Kaiten and Soto Kaiten Nage were a handful for me but I believe with more and more practise,all shall be well.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 session at the Goan Gymkhana
Before proceeding any further, I must say it was great seeing Reza back after M.I.A. for quite a while.
The session kicked off with warm up exercises followed by Mae Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza and I realised thanks to Sensei that I had a bad habit of bending the elbow when executing Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza.
The techniques we went through in the first hour were as follows:
-Ai Hanmi and Gyaku Hanmi Katate dori Irimi Nage Omote.
-Morote dori Kote Gaeshi(Omote,Ura) and Morote dori Juji Nage.
-Ushiro Ryote dori Kokyu Nage.
-Ryo Kata dori Irimi Nage.
The last two techniques were quite a challenge for me but I gave it my best shot.
The second hour was all Bokken and apart from reviewing Ichi No Tachi, Sensei introduced to us Ni No Tachi which was very interesting only that it was all confusion when it came to switching roles.
Batto-Ho time was here and I had only bits of Iwanami still in my memory but Sensei reviewed it as well as Ukifune Gaeshi and Noarashi Gaeshi before introducing Utsusemi...Awesome session!
The session kicked off with warm up exercises followed by Mae Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza and I realised thanks to Sensei that I had a bad habit of bending the elbow when executing Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza.
The techniques we went through in the first hour were as follows:
-Ai Hanmi and Gyaku Hanmi Katate dori Irimi Nage Omote.
-Morote dori Kote Gaeshi(Omote,Ura) and Morote dori Juji Nage.
-Ushiro Ryote dori Kokyu Nage.
-Ryo Kata dori Irimi Nage.
The last two techniques were quite a challenge for me but I gave it my best shot.
The second hour was all Bokken and apart from reviewing Ichi No Tachi, Sensei introduced to us Ni No Tachi which was very interesting only that it was all confusion when it came to switching roles.
Batto-Ho time was here and I had only bits of Iwanami still in my memory but Sensei reviewed it as well as Ukifune Gaeshi and Noarashi Gaeshi before introducing Utsusemi...Awesome session!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Whats your definition of aikido?
http://japanese.about.com/library/blhiraculture1.htm?nl=1
Aikido finds its origin in ancient China, but the concept of "ki" ("ki" refers to the power that is the driving force of life) is connected with Shinto and has a peculiarly Japanese development. Largely a spiritual exercise, it has no offensive techniques. It relies on throws and holding techniques without resorting so much to strength. Also, one's technique becomes more efficient as one one learns the special aikido art of breathing.
Aikido is actually relatively new, and had not been organized and named until the 1920's. Fundamental aikido techniques can be learned without difficulty by old or young, male or female. It is certainly effective for spiritual cultivation.
Aikido finds its origin in ancient China, but the concept of "ki" ("ki" refers to the power that is the driving force of life) is connected with Shinto and has a peculiarly Japanese development. Largely a spiritual exercise, it has no offensive techniques. It relies on throws and holding techniques without resorting so much to strength. Also, one's technique becomes more efficient as one one learns the special aikido art of breathing.
Aikido is actually relatively new, and had not been organized and named until the 1920's. Fundamental aikido techniques can be learned without difficulty by old or young, male or female. It is certainly effective for spiritual cultivation.
taught martial arts and strategy by a tengu?
FYI; A tengu is a Japanese mythical mountain goblin. Apparently one of these taught Minamoto Yoshitsune on Mt. Kurama, north of Kyoto. Read on;
http://www.samurai-archives.com/yoshitsune.html
http://www.samurai-archives.com/yoshitsune.html
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011 session at the Goan Gymkhana
It had just rained but inside the 'dojo' I was all sweaty as I did some warm up exercises as I waited for the day's two hour session to commence.
Daniel Sempai took over the first hour and since it was only him and I,we got down to business.
It was Kata dori Ikkyo Omote from Suwari waza that set the ball rolling which actually was the first time I practised the technique from Suwari waza having only previously practised it from Tachi waza.What followed was the same technique this time from Tachi waza.
The following techniques covered the first hour(in no particular order):
a)Morote dori Ikkyo(Omote and Ura).
b)Morote dori Nikyo(Omote).
c)Morote dori Yonkyo(Omote and Ura).
d)Morote dori Shiho nage.
Sensei took over the second hour and he took us through the finer details of executing a technique from a Morote dori stance and it was all smooth and continuous when he did it but wait till I tried it out....damn!
Some of the techniques that followed were a refinement of the ones that we had tackled in the first hour:
a)Morote dori Ikkyo(Omote and Ura).
b)Morote dori Kote gaeshi.
c)Morote dori Gokyo.
Sensei explained to us that the opening for Ikkyo,Nikyo,Sankyo,Yonkyo,Gokyo and Rokyo was basically the same and that one had the choice to choose to 'ignore' either hand which meant executing the technique from a Ai Hanmi stance or a Gyaku hanmi stance.I had quite a challenge executing the Gokyo tecxhnique at the end since I ended up fliping Uke's wrist palm down instead of palm up and Sensei stressed that the angle needed to be an acute angle for Uke to feel pain and tap out...I really look forward to practising with Sensei since he makes it real and always keeps one on his toes to simulate a real life attack.
After a sweaty two hours,there's no better way to cool down than gulping two extra cold bottles of Tusker Malt.
Next class:Wednesday,October 26.Weapons class:Bokken and Iaido.
Daniel Sempai took over the first hour and since it was only him and I,we got down to business.
It was Kata dori Ikkyo Omote from Suwari waza that set the ball rolling which actually was the first time I practised the technique from Suwari waza having only previously practised it from Tachi waza.What followed was the same technique this time from Tachi waza.
The following techniques covered the first hour(in no particular order):
a)Morote dori Ikkyo(Omote and Ura).
b)Morote dori Nikyo(Omote).
c)Morote dori Yonkyo(Omote and Ura).
d)Morote dori Shiho nage.
Sensei took over the second hour and he took us through the finer details of executing a technique from a Morote dori stance and it was all smooth and continuous when he did it but wait till I tried it out....damn!
Some of the techniques that followed were a refinement of the ones that we had tackled in the first hour:
a)Morote dori Ikkyo(Omote and Ura).
b)Morote dori Kote gaeshi.
c)Morote dori Gokyo.
Sensei explained to us that the opening for Ikkyo,Nikyo,Sankyo,Yonkyo,Gokyo and Rokyo was basically the same and that one had the choice to choose to 'ignore' either hand which meant executing the technique from a Ai Hanmi stance or a Gyaku hanmi stance.I had quite a challenge executing the Gokyo tecxhnique at the end since I ended up fliping Uke's wrist palm down instead of palm up and Sensei stressed that the angle needed to be an acute angle for Uke to feel pain and tap out...I really look forward to practising with Sensei since he makes it real and always keeps one on his toes to simulate a real life attack.
After a sweaty two hours,there's no better way to cool down than gulping two extra cold bottles of Tusker Malt.
Next class:Wednesday,October 26.Weapons class:Bokken and Iaido.
Friday, October 21, 2011 session at the Japan Information and Culture Centre hall
It was yet another Friday and after resting the previous day having been a national holiday,I was looking forward to a very energetic session.
It all began with the all familiar exercises followed by Ushiro and Mae Ukemi from both Suwari waza and Tachi waza which left me sweating and the gi drenched....
The techniques and attacks of the day are as follows in no particular order:
a)Chudan Tsuki Iriminage.
b)Shomen Uchi Sumi Otoshi and Irimi nage.
c)Morote dori Kokyu Ho.
d)Ai Hanmi katatedori Juji nage.
e)Gyaku Hanmi Yonkyo Ura.
The two hour session ended with Kokyu Ho Koyu dosa which to me seems simple when someone else does it but quite a challenge when I try it out...
The technique that stood out for me was Morote dori Kokyu Ho since at first it was a struggle to effectively execute the technique but with guidance from Daniel Sempai I finally got the picture though the execution still lacks continuity.
Great two hour session!
It all began with the all familiar exercises followed by Ushiro and Mae Ukemi from both Suwari waza and Tachi waza which left me sweating and the gi drenched....
The techniques and attacks of the day are as follows in no particular order:
a)Chudan Tsuki Iriminage.
b)Shomen Uchi Sumi Otoshi and Irimi nage.
c)Morote dori Kokyu Ho.
d)Ai Hanmi katatedori Juji nage.
e)Gyaku Hanmi Yonkyo Ura.
The two hour session ended with Kokyu Ho Koyu dosa which to me seems simple when someone else does it but quite a challenge when I try it out...
The technique that stood out for me was Morote dori Kokyu Ho since at first it was a struggle to effectively execute the technique but with guidance from Daniel Sempai I finally got the picture though the execution still lacks continuity.
Great two hour session!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 session at the Goan Gymkhana
This was going
to be one special Wednesday since we practised Iai Batto-Ho for a whole one hour! It was awesome!
Before that, in the first hour of techniques,Sensei took us through Irimi Nage and Sumi Otoshi from both Shomen Uchi and Chudan Tsuki attacks respectively.
I must confess Sumi Otoshi sends a chill down my spine since I burst my hip bone two weeks ago but all in all,it was a good one hour session capped by Ai Hanmi Katate dori Kote Gaeshi which Sensei used to explain to us how to properly execute the Sumi Otoshi technique till the end.
The second hour was dedicated to a review of Jo Sansho One and I was glad I managed to start on the second part though I am yet to grasp it well.
The third hour as I had earlier hinted was dedicated to Iai Batto-Ho and Sensei reviewed Iwanami,Ukifune Gaeshi and introduced us to Noarashi Gaeshi...Damn I can't wait to own an Iaito and hear it 'whooshing' as I execute a move.
to be one special Wednesday since we practised Iai Batto-Ho for a whole one hour! It was awesome!
Before that, in the first hour of techniques,Sensei took us through Irimi Nage and Sumi Otoshi from both Shomen Uchi and Chudan Tsuki attacks respectively.
I must confess Sumi Otoshi sends a chill down my spine since I burst my hip bone two weeks ago but all in all,it was a good one hour session capped by Ai Hanmi Katate dori Kote Gaeshi which Sensei used to explain to us how to properly execute the Sumi Otoshi technique till the end.
The second hour was dedicated to a review of Jo Sansho One and I was glad I managed to start on the second part though I am yet to grasp it well.
The third hour as I had earlier hinted was dedicated to Iai Batto-Ho and Sensei reviewed Iwanami,Ukifune Gaeshi and introduced us to Noarashi Gaeshi...Damn I can't wait to own an Iaito and hear it 'whooshing' as I execute a move.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011 session at the Goan Gymkhana
Somehow I have a tendency of aiming at Tori's belt knot instead of the solar plexus when executing a Chudan Tsuki attack but I guess bad habits die hard.
The first hour as is now customary during Monday class was conducted by Daniel Sempai and the techniques on offer were:
Sumi Otoshi and Chudan Tsuki Irimi Nage. In Sumi Otoshi,it is imperative not to pull Uke but rather guide him while turning one's hips then stepping in with one's whole body while controlling Uke's arm at the elbow.
The second hour belonged to Sensei and he took us through:
a)Ikkyo(Omote and Ura!)
b)Nikyo (Ura)
c)Sankyo (Omote and Ura)
d)Irimi nage
e)Koshinage
All the above techniques were executed from an Ushiro Ryote dori attack.
Sensei pointed out the importance of locking in both elbows and keeping one's point to bring up Uke's elbows for a smooth execution of an Ushiro Ryote dori technique.
Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage also featured and once again Sensei pointed out the importance of letting Uke's shomen go until the end while controlling his elbow.
Next session:Wednesday, October 19.
The first hour as is now customary during Monday class was conducted by Daniel Sempai and the techniques on offer were:
Sumi Otoshi and Chudan Tsuki Irimi Nage. In Sumi Otoshi,it is imperative not to pull Uke but rather guide him while turning one's hips then stepping in with one's whole body while controlling Uke's arm at the elbow.
The second hour belonged to Sensei and he took us through:
a)Ikkyo(Omote and Ura!)
b)Nikyo (Ura)
c)Sankyo (Omote and Ura)
d)Irimi nage
e)Koshinage
All the above techniques were executed from an Ushiro Ryote dori attack.
Sensei pointed out the importance of locking in both elbows and keeping one's point to bring up Uke's elbows for a smooth execution of an Ushiro Ryote dori technique.
Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage also featured and once again Sensei pointed out the importance of letting Uke's shomen go until the end while controlling his elbow.
Next session:Wednesday, October 19.
Friday, October 14, 2011 session at the Japan Information and Culture Centre hall
The rainy weather had nothing on me and this was one two hour session that featured an array of techniques listed below.
From the Ai Hanmi Katate dori stance,there was:
a)Ikkyo(Omote and Ura)
b)Nikkyo (Ura)
c)Sankyo (Omote and Ura)
d)Yonkyo (Ura)
e)Gokyo and
f)Rokyo.
Sensei took us through the above techniques once again only this time from a Chudan Tsuki attack.
Shomen Uchi Kata Gatame and Ai Hanmi Katate dori Koshinage summed up the two hour session and it is Koshinage that made my day especially the one Sensei explained whereby after placing Uke on one's shoulder blades,one spins and Uke lands several feet away...I figure that one could teach a would-be mugger quite a lesson in a real life situation.
From the Ai Hanmi Katate dori stance,there was:
a)Ikkyo(Omote and Ura)
b)Nikkyo (Ura)
c)Sankyo (Omote and Ura)
d)Yonkyo (Ura)
e)Gokyo and
f)Rokyo.
Sensei took us through the above techniques once again only this time from a Chudan Tsuki attack.
Shomen Uchi Kata Gatame and Ai Hanmi Katate dori Koshinage summed up the two hour session and it is Koshinage that made my day especially the one Sensei explained whereby after placing Uke on one's shoulder blades,one spins and Uke lands several feet away...I figure that one could teach a would-be mugger quite a lesson in a real life situation.
Monday, October 17, 2011
@ Goan Gymkhana 12 Oct 2011
Just realized this post is looooong overdue, sorry guys, I believe no harm done :)
The main attack in this session was chudan tsuki, stance was aihanmi and the techniques covered were ikkyo, nikkyo, sankyo, and yonkyo all in ura and omote. The thing about chudan tsuki attack is tori has to be very, very fast if it is done dynamically as opposed to statically whereby uke holds tori's hand, and that ladies and gentlemen all of us failed miserably, well practice and more practice is required. The finishing of all techniques above remain the same.
Another technique sampled was shomeni uchi irimi nage ura and omote.... not badly done but if more dynamism was considered by all it would be great!
The weapons hour started with practice of shomen uchi with a partner (of course not hitting your partner with a bokken, but won't mind doing that to Daniel ;) if he allows me) and followed by a session of uchi no tachi. Practicing with different partners made it better but at the same time challenging.
An extra 30 minutes was dedicated to teach Sempai Daniel iwanami and ukifunegaeshi. I need to learn how to sheath my bokken!!!
Shiun
Jus in case you missed it - we (Birankai Europe) have a newsletter called Shiun.
Please feel free to collect your copies here.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Our Second Anniversary
Tomorrow we will have second anniversary of this event which introduced Aikido in Kenya.
This has been quite challenging time for me, also for some of us. Many people came to join our practice, few students stayed for longer... There were many boring classes, a few fun and interesting ones (those were mostly run by Piotr Masztalerz sensei). but for me - personally - it was fun. I also think it brought new dimension into my understanding of Aikido. I would like to thank all of you who make this possible. Because - please remember - it is your coming to classes and spending several hours a week sweating in pain that make all of this possible.
But let's skip the official and boring speeches (but how Kenyan it is, huh?). Let's just meet on Sunday, October 16th at 20:00 in Havana (Westlands) to celebrate with a glass of something golden and sparkling in hand.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011 session at the Goan Gymkhana
This was one session that featured mainly my most challenging techniques:Yonyko and Sankyo.
After the usual conditioning exercises,the two hour session got underway with Daniel Sempai taking over the first hour and Sensei taking over the second hour.
Here is a list of the techniques that were on offer:
a)Yokomenuchi Yonkyo Omote
b)Yokomenuchi Sankyo Omote and Ura
c)Yokomenuchi Nikyo Ura
d)Gyaku hanmi Katatedori Yonkyo Omote
e)Gyaku hanmi Katatedori Kokyu ho
f)Ai hanmi Katatedori Shiho nage
g)Gyaku hanmi Katatedori Shiho nage.
Sensei stressed the importance of performing the techniques in a continuous motion and Tori should be cautious as not to add anything onto Uke's motion....I must admit it will take me some time before I can blend into Uke's motion while being relaxed.
Another thing Sensei pointed out was that when Uke is performing an Ura motion he should avoid stopping midway but rather continue with the motion towards Tori's centre and also when intercepting Uke's Yokomenuchi motion,it is essential for Tori to move out of line and enter forward thus throwing Tori out of balance.
O yeah....my 'cutting' motions still leave a lot to be desired but I believe 'practice makes perfect' and time will tell how well I shall have grasped these essential moves.....Great class!!!
After the usual conditioning exercises,the two hour session got underway with Daniel Sempai taking over the first hour and Sensei taking over the second hour.
Here is a list of the techniques that were on offer:
a)Yokomenuchi Yonkyo Omote
b)Yokomenuchi Sankyo Omote and Ura
c)Yokomenuchi Nikyo Ura
d)Gyaku hanmi Katatedori Yonkyo Omote
e)Gyaku hanmi Katatedori Kokyu ho
f)Ai hanmi Katatedori Shiho nage
g)Gyaku hanmi Katatedori Shiho nage.
Sensei stressed the importance of performing the techniques in a continuous motion and Tori should be cautious as not to add anything onto Uke's motion....I must admit it will take me some time before I can blend into Uke's motion while being relaxed.
Another thing Sensei pointed out was that when Uke is performing an Ura motion he should avoid stopping midway but rather continue with the motion towards Tori's centre and also when intercepting Uke's Yokomenuchi motion,it is essential for Tori to move out of line and enter forward thus throwing Tori out of balance.
O yeah....my 'cutting' motions still leave a lot to be desired but I believe 'practice makes perfect' and time will tell how well I shall have grasped these essential moves.....Great class!!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
@ Goan Gymkhana 3 Oct 2011
The first hour was mainly conditioning exercises by Daniel. They included ukemis, push-ups and others that can only be demonstrated (don't think they have a name for them yet :) ). More familiar ones were Ushiro katadori and uke does an ukemi, and gyakuhanmi katatedori kokyunage which sensei insisted on fluidity, of movements in this and other techniques, later on.
After a well deserved 5 minute break, the 2nd hour was underway, with Sensei taking us through Ikkyo, Nikkyo, Sankkyo, and Yonkyo revisions.
Next was ushiro ryotedori attack with the techniques being Shihonage, Kokyunage, Iriminage, and Jujinage. All seemed to work for me as tori, well to some extent I must add, but only on one side -when I open to the left side-
The last attack I believe was Shomenuchi and a technique whereby uke finds his hands tangled (not sure of the name)
Last and certainly not the least, a brief history of aikido in Kenya. In Oct 3 1992, a certain young man found his way to an Aikido dojo (intentionally or by chance only he can clarify that) for the very first time. He has been practicing the art since then and on Oct 6 2009, introduced Aikido to certain enthusiastic young men and women in a far away land known as Kenya.
That means on Oct 3 2011 he was celebrating 19 years in active aikido and on Oct 6 2011 Aikido in Kenya will be 2 years old. The young man mentioned above is Mateusz Tomasz Waga our Aikido sensei.
Three cheers for the sensei, HIP HIP!!.... HOOOOORAY!!! HIP HIP!!.... HOOOOORAY!!! HIP HIP!!.... HOOOOORAY!!!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011 session at the Japan Information and Culture Centre hall
For starters,I would like to congratulate Tony,Bartek and Douglas for passing their kyu grading exams.
To set the day rolling,it was Mae Ukemi from both Suwari waza and Tachi waza followed by Hanmi handachi Kokyu nage.
Tai no Tenkan Ho prepared us for various Kokyu Nage techniques of which Ai Hanmi katate dori Kokyu Nage stood out for me.
Other techniques of the day were:
a)Shomen Uchi(Omote and Ura)
b)Ryokata dori Kokyu Nage(Omote and Ura)
c)Soto Kaiten Nage
d)Kata dori Kokyu Nage...Oh yes! There was Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage from Tachi Waza and then Uke ended up being pinned down in the Suwari Waza position-Wow!
The two hour session was crowned by Sensei presenting Tony with his Yonkyu certificate...awesome!
To set the day rolling,it was Mae Ukemi from both Suwari waza and Tachi waza followed by Hanmi handachi Kokyu nage.
Tai no Tenkan Ho prepared us for various Kokyu Nage techniques of which Ai Hanmi katate dori Kokyu Nage stood out for me.
Other techniques of the day were:
a)Shomen Uchi(Omote and Ura)
b)Ryokata dori Kokyu Nage(Omote and Ura)
c)Soto Kaiten Nage
d)Kata dori Kokyu Nage...Oh yes! There was Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage from Tachi Waza and then Uke ended up being pinned down in the Suwari Waza position-Wow!
The two hour session was crowned by Sensei presenting Tony with his Yonkyu certificate...awesome!
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