Thursday, March 29, 2012

THE TEN KEY POINTS IN AIKIDO

The 10 key points in Aikido

Anyone practicing Aikido needs to assimilate these basic principles in order to apply them during the execution of Aikido techniques.

Keep in mind that the principles are interrelated: to correctly apply one, it will be necessary to apply others. By reviewing the principles several times you will appreciate this for yourself.

The ten fundamental points are…

1.Master the “hanmi” position (stance) and unbalance the opponent.

2.Use “kokyu”.

3.Move in “awase”.

4.Use circular and spiral movements.

5.Exploit leverage.

6.Place “atemi”.

7.Use “kiai”.

8.Think Bukiwaza / Taijutsu.

9.Think One / Many.

10.Adopt the spirit of Budo.

The better they are assimilated, the more one comes to understand that these points are no more than the application of common sense principles. Nevertheless, to learn them, it is absolutely necessary to follow the advice of a competent instructor… and to practice regularly. Nothing will be gained and thoroughly assimilated without sustained effort.

Point 1 -Master the “hanmi” position and unbalance the opponent
A correct hanmi stance is characteristic of Aikido. SAITO Morihiro Sensei always said that the founder was very particular about this point.

A good hanmi…
Good hanmi allows the hips to be placed correctly (without tension in the body), which leads to correct positioning of the whole body…

There are several types of hanmi (Ken no hanmi, Jo no hanmi, Hitoemi). Hanmi is a necessary prerequisite when starting to learn techniques. It must also be used when actually executing techniques.

…to be stable and unbalance the adversary
The notions of hanmi and balance are inseparable. Good hanmi gives the stability needed to unbalance an adversary. This is particularly true when practicing in kihon (static training) but it is often neglected when practicing in ki-no-nagare (fluid training). No mater how big your opponent is, he can be controlled if you take their balance.

Hanmi allows movements in any direction and hence makes
it possible to respond to attacks from anywhere.

Point 2 -Use kokyu
Kokyu is a difficult notion to understand and assimilate. It is nevertheless essential to every technique. To use kokyu is to exploit the support of the ground and to convey this through the body. It requires correct positioning of the whole body … too relaxed and the body looses strength; too tense and the body becomes rigid, easy to unbalance, and incapable of effectively transmitting the forces involved. There is a striking similarity here with meditation, where the body should be neither too tense nor too relaxed.

It is equally important to exploit one’s breathing: a calm and powerful exhalation is indistinguishable from good kokyu (see also the point below about kiai).

Point 3 -Move in awase
Harmony in space, time and strength…
“Awase“signifies “adaptation” and “synchronisation”. It is important on several levels during the execution of techniques…

From the viewpoint of timing
From the viewpoint of the forces involved
A movement should be carried out with effectively the same timing as the opponent. Awase cannot be achieved if one reacts too soon, or too late.

At the same time, the strength and kokyu applied in a technique must be adapted to that of one’s partner(s) / adversary (ies). The more firmly you are held, the more relaxed you should be; and vice-versa.

In the Iwama Dojo, it was forbidden to block a technique using strength. This is because each Aikido technique applies to a particular type of attack. A different technique would be used if the situation changes. Aikido has a sufficient range of techniques to respond to all types of situation.

Harmonisation of one’s gaze…
Awase also involves the harmonisation of one’s gaze… to correctly direct kokyu, one’s gaze should be aligned appropriately with respect to an adversary.

Point 4 -Use circular and spiral movements
Circles and spirals are present in all Aikido techniques. A curved movement is the best way of moving in awase with an adversary. To allow energy to circulate, and to use the ground support, curved lines are essential. This is the physical principle that, for example, allows the spine to support much greater pressures than it could if it were straight.

During his classes, SAITO Hitohiro Sensei often
traces spirals to illustrate this principle.

Point 5 – Exploit leverage
The principle of a lever can be used to minimise the effort required to move an object. The founder of Aikido knew how to exploit this law of physics is his ingenious art.

The principle of the lever is very apparent in bukidori, but
it is present in all Aikido techniques.

Point 6 – Place atemi
The founder said that atemi (strikes with the foot or fist) counted for 99% in Aikido.

Atemi provoke a reaction from an adversary but they also ensure that a technique is performed at the correct distance. In many cases, the incorrect positioning that renders techniques completely useless could be avoided if proper attention were given to atemi.

An atemi is necessary to perform sankyo omote well.

The notion of atemi must be kept in mind at all times … regardless of role: whether reacting to an attack or initiating one. All too often, an attacker comes too close, forgetting that he is practicing a budo, and exposing himself to an atemi…

Correctly placed in time and in the form of a movement, atemi contribute to the execution of techniques with the whole body.

Point 7 – Use “kiai”
Kiai are an integral part of traditional martial arts, of which Aikido is no exception.

Kiai is an expression of the very essence of Budo.
SAITO H. Sensei

Kiai are, however, rarely practiced in dojos, mainly because the Americans, who occupied Japan after the war, prohibited martial arts training. The use of kiai would have drawn attention to contempt for such rules. On the other hand, martial arts practitioners in the countryside were much more at ease, which was one of the reasons that led UESHIBA O’Sensei to settle in Iwama.

In all films with recorded sound, you can hear the founder uttering strong kiai. At Iwama, his kiai were well-known to the villagers and greatly contributed to the fear that he inspired in them.

Kokyu will be all the more powerful when
it is accompanied by a good kiai.

Point 8 – Think Bukiwaza / Taijutsu
SAITO Morihiro Sensei insisted that when practicing Taijutsu (unarmed techniques) one should think of Bukiwaza (weapons techniques), and the contrary. Weapons techniques and unarmed techniques are merely different aspects of the same thing. The genius of the founder was to identify the fundamental points in common and to apply them to all situations of conflict. The more one advances in training, the more apparent this becomes.

Weapons training develops correct posture…

Point 9 – Think one / many
Multiple adversaries should be seized as a whole, like a single adversary, while against just one attacker, movements suitable for multiple adversaries are appropriate.
The best way to avoid opposing the force of an attack (that is to say, to move in awase) is to imagine that several attackers are to be dealt with at the same time.

This principle permits effective extrication, moving away from lines of attack and correct positioning with respect to one’s opponents.

In the technique “ninin dori”, it is clear that two adversaries become one.

Moreover, to be effective, techniques have to be performed with the whole body, not simply the arms. An aikidoka must use the whole body. Each part: the arms, hips, feet …, needs to work together when performing a technique. Before learning to “move in awase with an adversary”, one must learn to “move in awase with the parts of one’s own body”… suburi practice is there for that purpose.

Point 10 – Adopt the Budo spirit
Last, but by no means least, a budo spirit should be maintained during training. SAITO Hitohiro Sensei explains that each technique should be performed as if it were a question of life or death. For example, during suburi training it is important to visualise an imaginary adversary for each of the suburi.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012 session at the Goan Gymkhana

If Sarah and Douglas thought that the Wednesday session two weeks ago was difficult,then I only wish they could have attended this session then they would have redefined the word "difficult".

Since it was only Sensei,Daniel and myself present,Sensei decided to review 3 Kyu techniques and I must confess this session literally drenched me with sweat the entire two hours!

Sensei reviewed almost all techniques for 3 Kyu save for a few and the ones that stood out the most for me was the three versions of Koshi Nage and Hanmi Handachi Kaiten Nage.

As for my execution of Koshi Nage,that is a tale for another time.....

Monday, March 26, 2012

Friday, March 23, 2012 session at the Japan Information and Cultural Centre hall

As customary with most Fridays,the two hour session began with warm up exercises followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

There were a couple of bruised hips courtesy of Ukemi.....

TECHNIQUES AND ATTACKS:

-Shomen Uchi:Ikkyo(Omote and Ura),Nikyo(Omote and Ura),Shiho Nage(Omote and Ura)and Sumi Otoshi respectively.

-Hanmi Handachi Shiho Nage.

There were some new faces and after their wrists going through the Nikyo experience,I wonder if we shall see them again.....

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 session at the Goan Gymkhana

FIRST HOUR-AIKIDO WITH MATEUSZ SENSEI

This particular session was all about Yokomenuchi:

-Ikkyo(Omote and Ura).

-Nikyo(Omote and Ura).

-Sankyo(Omote and Ura).

The Sankyo 'cut' is still a great challenge to me and I am still wondering when I shall execute it well...

SECOND HOUR-WEAPONS(BOKKEN)WITH MATEUSZ SENSEI

We began with doing Shomen while in a horse stance(Kibadachi)followed by Shomen with both heels touching(I can't recall the name of the stance).

I am not sure of the moves we did using Bokken but all I can say is that after performing Shomen with a Bokken severally,I feel like I am beginning to get the feel of handling a real sword though a lot needs to be done before I can actually handle one well enough.

THIRD HOUR-IAI BATTO-HO WITH MATEUSZ SENSEI

It was Hakama time and I was looking forward to putting on a Hakama for the second time and boy does it feel good...

Sensei reviewed the twelve moves from Shindo Munen Ryu and although I could hardly recall any except Iwanami,I am confident with time and with Sensei's tireless efforts in ensuring that we learn the very best,I shall confidently be able to perform all twelve moves.

Thanks again Sensei for letting me keep the Hakama at least now with a Hakama around me at home,I hope some of Sensei's Aikido mastery shall rub off on me....

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Missing

Am missing yet another Wednesday class,damn!

Anyway bout the ways that Aikido has changed me
1)Am no longer able to stand with legs apart-now one leg must be in front of the other.
2)Biceps(my version of)-this I have concluded is because of wielding those weapons.It makes shopping for sleeved tops,a bit complicated.Haiya!light bulb moment-tht's why am having more sleeveless wear,hmmmmhhhh.
3)Less fear of falling-obviously Sensei Mateusz would say nt enough less bt well..work in progress
4)The word energy is more personal-it doesn't conjure images of windmills,car engines and nuclear reactors
5)Having new year resolutions that have to do with ukemi,2012 was a first.
6)I have an idea of what I want to still be doing at 60


Enjoy your class people,see you on Friday.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Monday, March 19, 2012 session at the Goan Gymkhana

The session began with Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from Suwari Waza before we embarked on the techniques and attacks of the day.

Sensei had earlier sent his apologies through Daniel Sempai and thus Daniel Sempai took us through the two hours with the following techniques and attacks:

-Opening for Morotedori Kokyunage.

-Morotedori Ushiro Tenkan.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori:Uchi Kaiten and Soto Kaiten(without the the throw).

-Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori:Uchi kaiten Sankyo(Omote and Ura)and Irimi Nage(Omote).

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo(Omote and Ura).

-Kata dori:Ikkyo,Nikyo and Sankyo(Omote and Ura for all three techniques).

The two hours were crowned with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa before calling it a day....

NEXT SESSION:WEDNESDAY,MARCH 21 AT THE GOAN GYMKHANA

Monday, March 19, 2012

Friday, March 16, 2012 session at the Japan Information & Cultural Centre hall

This was one of my most intense sessions since Sensei introduced to us techniques featuring two Uke with Tori performing two different techniques on each Uke...Wow!

The following was what was on offer on this day:

-Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

-Mae and Ushiro Shikko.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori:Shiho Nage(Ura)and Kokyu Ho.

-Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Morotedori Nikyo.

-Morotedori Kokyu Nage(with first one Uke then two Uke).

-Morotedori:Nikyo & Irimi Nage(with two Uke).

-Morotedori:Kokyu Ho & Irimi Nage(with two Uke).

By the end of the class I was dead beat so much that when it came to folding Sensei's Hakama,I couldn't recall a thing!!!

NEXT SESSION:MONDAY,MARCH 19 AT THE GOAN GYMKHANA.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Jana

Sensei Mateusz:Sammy,how do you want the class,easy or difficult?
Sammy:Difficult
The good thing that was the result of that answer is that I have long(ish)hair so it is covering the bump above the eye and clothes are hiding the dark bruise on my thigh.
Yes,it was that kind of class.
And the ukemi block is back.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 session at the Goan Gymkhana

It was a Wednesday to remember for me as it was the first time ever I had put on a Hakama in readiness for the Iaido session courtesy of Sensei and I felt good in it.

As Sensei had pointed out,Wednesday sessions will feature Tanto during the first hour and I had the priviledge of choosing between 'easy' and 'difficult' techniques and I went for the latter to the chagrin of my colleagues(lol).

FIRST HOUR-AIKIDO WITH MATEUSZ SENSEI

-A quick warm up that featured Tobikoshi Ukemi.

-Chudan Tsuki:Kokyu Nage,Irimi Nage(Omote and Ura).

-Shomen Uchi:a variation of Kokyu Nage.

-Ryo Katadori Kokyu Nage(Omote and Ura).

-'Little Ikkyo' and 'Little Yonkyo'.

SECOND HOUR-JO WITH MATEUSZ SENSEI

Nope there was no Jo Sansho One this time around but Sensei took us through techniques such as:Nikyo,Kokyu Nage and Sumi Otoshi(I guess) using Jo and boy was it a challenge for me especially throwing Uke off balance using a Jo.

THIRD HOUR-IAI BATTO HO WITH MATEUSZ SENSEI

Drum rolls please!!! There I was resplendent in a Hakama for the first time ever and I was out to enjoy the moment though unfortunately there was no snapshot of this precious moment!

Sensei took us through a review of the twelve moves from Shindo Munen Ryu,namely:

-Iwanami

-Ukifune Gaeshi

-Noarashi Gaeshi

-Utsusemi

-Matsukase

-Zangetsu Hidari

-Zangetsu Migi

-Doto Gaeshi

-Raito Gaeshi

-Yoto

-Into

-Inazuma Gaeshi.

The techniques that stood out for me were both 'little Ikkyo' and 'little Yonkyo' and I look forward to learning more of these great techniques.

Great three hour session!!!

NEXT SESSION:FRIDAY,MARCH 16 AT THE JAPAN INFORMATION AND CULTURE CENTRE HALL.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Monday, March 12, 2012 session at the Goan Gymkhana

I always look forward to Monday sessions because during the first hour,it is the only chance during the week that one has the opportunity of having Sensei as Uke and learn the nitty gritty that always seems to evade me from time to time.

Sensei stressed a very important point;that of never diverting the direction of the attack which to me is usually the case as was evident when I tried out Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage Ura.

FIRST HOUR:DANIEL SEMPAI
After warming up,below is what featured during the first hour:

-Tai no tenkan ho.

-Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage(Omote and Ura).

-Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo(Omote and Ura).

-Gyahu Hanmi Katatedori:Uchi Kaiten Nage and Soto Kaiten nage.

-Suwari Waza Kokyu Ho.

SECOND HOUR:MATEUSZ SENSEI

-Opening for Tenchi Nage whereby,Tori unbalances Uke by guiding his arm towards his weak spot on the imaginary 'triangle'.

-Various versions of Tenchi Nage.

-Ryotedori Kokyu Nage.

-Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage Ura.

-A different opening for Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Ura.

I really look forward to every session because with each session I get to learn something new about Aikido and most importantly,I improve on the execution of the techniques and learn to pay more attention to the finer details of each technique....I also need to learn to make a technique flow instead of breaking it down into parts as I am usually fond of doing.

NEXT SESSION:WEDNESDAY,MARCH 14 AT THE GOAN GYMKHANA.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Friday, March 9, 2012 session at the Japan Information and Culture Centre hall

Having read the article about Aikido in the Business Daily courtesy of Douglas' copy,I was all psyched up for the days' techniques which were as follows:

-Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

-Mae and Ushiro Shikko.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo(Omote).

-Shiho Nage(Ura) through Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

-Kote Gaeshi(Ura) through the opening of Shiho Nage(Ura) through Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote .

-Nikyo(Ura) through the opening of Kote Gaeshi(Ura).

-Ryo Katadori Kokyu Nage(Omote and Ura).

The two hour session ended with Haishin Undo and once again the 'dojo' was quite packed and at times we even bumped into each other but all in all it was a great session.

NEXT SESSION:MONDAY,MARCH 12 AT THE GOAN GYMKHANA.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 session at the Goan Gymkhana

FIRST HOUR-AIKIDO:
During the first hour,Sensei spiced up the attacks by making them more realistic by using a tanto.I must agree that using a tanto makes Tori more alert and on his toes since this simulates a real life attack.

The following were the attacks we went through:
-Chudan Tsuki:Kote Gaeshi(Omote & Ura),Ikkyo(Omote),Shiho Nage(Ura) and Sankyo(Omote) respectively.

-Yokomen Uchi Nikyo(Ura).

-Shomen Uchi Gokyo(Ura).

-A technique whereby the opening is for Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote then finally Uke ends up with the arm locked between Tori's arms after being spinned round.

SECOND HOUR-WEAPONS(BOKKEN):

-Sensei reviewed both Ichi no Tachi and Ni no Tachi.

THIRD HOUR-IAI BATTO-HO:

-It was quite a while since I practised batto-ho and this was evident when I could not recall anything(damn!!!).

-Sensei reviewed all the twelve moves from Shindo Munen Ryu beginning with Iwanami and ending with Inazuma Gaeshi.

Fantastic three hours I must conclude!

NEXT SESSION:FRIDAY,MARCH 9 AT THE JAPAN INFORMATION AND CULTURE CENTRE HALL.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Friday,2/3/2012

Hot tatamis notwithstanding,the Aikido demo the previous Saturday worked!
There were many newcomers and this made the class interesting.You could feel the Sensei's frustration at having a first timer and a 2nd Kyu in the same dojo.
Personally,I liked the class,someone told me'You are really good at this'My ego danced.
This post is for the newcomers:
1)Everyone was a beginner-at one point we all wondered how to move your feet,lift your wrist,hold Uke's elbow in one move.The frustration you feel is valid.
2)Give it time-Sensei Mataeusz was telling us sometime back how some things are making sense after 20 years.Yap,20 YEARS!In Aikido patience is called for.
3)Learn to fall or overcome your fear of falling.Learn to trust,otherwise you'll fulfill Sensei Mateusz dream of a broken something in the dojo.And blood.
4)We are all works in progress.Aikido is a non-competetive sport,being better,faster,stronger isn't the issue.Sensei Piotr says there's a principle behind every Aikido move.Learn the principles and that is good enough.
5)The most important lessons from Aikido have nothing to do with Aikido.Stick around and you'll see what I mean.

Monday, March 5, 2012 session at the Goan Gymkhana

FIRST HOUR:DANIEL SEMPAI

After about half an hour or so of some physical exercises to condition the body,the following techniques and attacks featured in the first hour:

-Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo(Omote and Ura).

-Shomen Uchi Kote Gaeshi and Ikkyo(Omote).

SECOND HOUR:MATEUSZ SENSEI

-Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori:Shiho Nage(Omote and Ura-two versions),Kokyu Ho,a different version of Tenchi Nage.

Sensei also a version of Tenchi Nage(I guess?)whereby Tori enters through Uke with both arms straight thus unbalancing Uke and throwing him down which is much easier in theory than in practise at least for me that is....

I might have missed out on some techniques but all in all it was a great session and I look forward to tomorrow's session.

NEXT SESSION:WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 AT THE GOAN GYMKHANA.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Friday, March 2, 2012 session at The Japan Information and Culture Centre hall

Wow! Since I began attending Aikido classes, I have never seen such a large number of newcomers like I did on Friday which I hope is a positive sign for Aikido spreading all over Kenya in the near future.

The techniques of the day were as follows:

From the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance:

-Ikkyo(Omote).

-Kote Gaeshi.

-Shiho Nage(Omote and Ura).

-Kokyu Ho.

-Sankyo(Omote).

-Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Ryote dori Kiri Otoshi.

-Shomen Uchi Kiri Otoshi.

-Suwari Waza Ikkyo(Omote).

-Yokomen Uchi Nikyo(Ura).

The day ended with Kokyu Ho Kokyu dosa which I at first confused with Haishin Undo.

It is a big Karibu to all the Kohai and a special welcome to the Japanese Aikidoka(I can't seem to recall his name) who is currently here in Kenya as a volunteer and who holds the rank of Shodan in Aikido.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Some photographs from last Saturday

OK, so be it - with comments.

Now, this is just unacceptable - why is he smiling??? Reza just tried to gut you with blunt, dirty and rusty knife, so why is he smiling?
From Nairobi Aikikai

A bit slouching, but within acceptable limits
From Nairobi Aikikai

Nice Ukemi, nice Zanshin
From Nairobi Aikikai

Sammy, IN FRONT OF YOU!!! But still nice ;-)
From Nairobi Aikikai

Yes, exactly like that!
From Nairobi Aikikai

Blue player wins!
From Nairobi Aikikai

Let me thank you again for showing up. It was very hot, scorching sun, burning tatami, but I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

A tribute

If anyone of you feels like you want to go and attend and celebrate - please feel free to contact me ;-)
From Nairobi Aikikai

Demo

Just came across this

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 session at the Goan Gymkhana

FIRST HOUR:AIKIDO
It was all about Ushiro Ryotedori and from this stance we executed the following techniques:

-Ikkyo(Omote).

-Nikyo(Ura).

-Yonkyo.

-Sankyo(Omote).

-Iriminage.

-Shihonage(either Omote or Ura).

-Kokyunage.

-Jujigarami.

My steps were all over the 'tatami' as I got mixed up at times since Sensei introduced to us another opening for Ushiro Ryotedori but all in all,it was an Aikido packed one hour.

SECOND HOUR:JO SANSHO ONE
It was time for Jo Sansho One and once again I familiarised myself with part one and two though when it came to switching roles,I got myself mixed up all together.

The third hour was supposed to be the all too familiar Iai Batto-Ho seeing that Reza was all excited in a Hakama and Iaito in hand but unfortunately a power blackout hindered us from doing anything and thus we had to end it there much to Reza's dismay....

NEXT SESSION:FRIDAY, MARCH 2 AT THE JAPAN INFORMATION AND CULTURE CENTRE HALL.