Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

After a whole week without some 'pain',we were back again for some action to wrap up 2014 and although it was Kawakami Sensei's last session with us for this year,we ensured that we asked Sensei as many questions as possible.

We began with light stretching exercises before embarking on the attacks/techniques mentioned below:

-Various versions of Shihi Nage from the Katatedori and Ai Hanmi Katatedori stances respectively.

-Shiho Nage with two Uke.

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage (two versions).

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Katadori Shiho Nage Omote.

-Ushiro Ryo Katadori Shiho Nage.

-Ryo Katadori Shiho Nage.

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote.

-Shomen Uchi Shiho Nage.

Kawakami Sensei demonstrated various versions of the attacks/techniques mentioned above and stressed that whether the attacker is tall or short, big or small, it is 'the key point' that mattered. For example, in the case of a Shiho Nage twist,it is more effective to 'twist' the four fingers along the knuckles than it is to twist an assailant's wrist.

Sensei promised if all goes well, he will be back next year since now he knows Aikido is 'alive and well' in Kenya.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MASAYUKI Kawakami

-KIYAGA Ben

-AGUTA Tony(part of the session)

-OSORO Douglas

-LALA Mohseen

-MUTHII Joshua

-OMONDI Steven

-NYANG'OR Vincent

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESXSION:THURSDAY,DECEMBER 11 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thursday, November 27, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Kawakami Sensei was at it again taking us through the brief warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi as well as Mae and Ushiro Shikko before embarking on the attacks/techniques of the 1 hr 45 min session.

Sensei informed us that back in Japan the Aikido sessions are usually around three hours on average and in various groups.

He went on to inform us that he will try as much as he can to guide us through a number of attacks/techniques before he leaves for Japan on December 10.

Here are some of the attacks/techniques whe guided us through:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura.

-Ryote Dori Kote Gaeshi.

-Katadori Nikyo Omote and Ura.

-Shomen Uchi Sankyo Omote.

-Tsuki Ikkyo Omote, Yonkyo Omote and Kote Gaeshi respectively.

-Ai hanmi Katatedori Samkyo Omote version including my favourite one:'cornering' Uke against a wall and watch him 'tap like crazy'.

Sensei demonstrated various attack/technique variations and always emphasised on taking note of the 'key points' for example he explained to us the difference of doing Katadori Nikyo Omote with Uke's arm stretched as well as destabilising Uke using the 'move like water' movement.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MASAYUKI Kawakami

-KIYAGA Ben

-OSORO Douglas

-LALA Mohseen

-MUTHII Joshua

-OKUMU Julius

-BOKEA Joseph

-NYANG'OR Vincent

-Mohamed

-A newcomer to Aikido

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,DECEMBER 9 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Tuesday, November 25, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Kawakami Sensei was present and in "full regalia" sporting a dogi and black belt.

We began with the "Japanese style" warm up before embarking on the day's "menu" which included the following:

We were grouped into twos and Sensei read out some attacks/techniques from the Birankai curriculum for us to execute. It was a sort of "mock grading" as Sensei wanted to gauge our various levels.

Some of the attacks/techniques we were tested on include the following:

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote and Ura.

-Katatedori Kote Gaeshi.

-Ushiro Ryo Katadori Shiho Nage.

-Ryotedori Shiho Nage Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi.

Kitayama Sensei then proceeded to revise the attacks/techniques mentioned above with various various as well as others mentioned below:

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote.

-Tsuki Shiho Nage Omote and Ura.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage omote and Ura.

-Katadori Ikkyo Omote,Shiho Nage (various versions),Yonkyo Omote and Kote Gaeshi respectively.

-Hanmi Handachi Shiho Nage Omote and Ura.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MASAYUKI Kawakami

-TOSHIYUKI Kitayama

-OSORO Douglas

-LALA Mohseen

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-BOKEA Joseph

-NYANG'OR Vincent

-Mohamed

-MWAKIO Sammy

P.S.

Kindly note that next Tuesday (December 2) and Thursday (December 4),there will be no Aikido sessions as the JICC conference room will be used to conduct Japanese elections.

On that same note, kindly note that beginning Tuesday, December 16, 2014 and ending on Thursday, January 8, 2015 the Japan embassy will be closed for the annual Christmas/New year break.

The last Aikido session for this year will be on Thursday, December 11, 2014 and the sessions will resume on Tuesday, January 13, 2015.

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,NOVEMBER 27 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Kawakami Sensei took us through his second Aikido session in Kenya and as expected by the end of the session, more 'casualties' joined the list with aching wrists and arms.

I forgot to mention last time that Kawakami Sensei practised with O Sensei in Japan back in the 1960s, thus it comes as no surprise when he makes each one of us tap out even before we feel the pain.

Kitayama Sensei informed us that he would not be available as he had travelled due to work related matters and promised to be back as soon as possible.

We kicked off with light stretching exercises followed by:

-Various versions of Kote Gaeshi including my favourite: With Tori seated on a chair and Uke standing.

-Various versions of Kata Dori including once again one involving Tori seated on a chair and Uke standing.

-Kata Dori Sankyo Omote.

-Kata Dori Ikkyo version.

-Hanmi Handachi Kote Gaeshi.

-Shorter version of Katatedori Nikyo.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote.

-Two Uke being bundled together(not sure what to call it).

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Yonkyo Omote.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MASAYUKI Kawakami

-OSORO Douglas

-LALA Mohseen

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-NJOGU Anthony

-Mohamed

-A guest who accompanied Mohseen Kohai

-Dominic Sempai and two other Goju Ryu Karatekas who joined us in the first 15 minutes of the session before leaving.

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 25 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Once again we were priviledged to be graced by the presence of yet another Aikido Sensei by the name of MASAYUKI Kawakami who informed us that he began practising Aikido for the last 47 years and currently holds the rank of Godan. He is in Kenya for about one month visiting his daughter.

We began with a brief stretching session before commencing the techniques of the day which included the following:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Various versions of Sankyo from the Katatedori stance.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi(different version).

-Various versions of Kote Gaeshi including Tsuki Kote Gaeshi.

-Kata dori Yonkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Front choke from the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance.

All those who were Kawakami Sensei's Uke left the 'dojo' with aching arms and wrists thanks to his Sankyo and Yonkyo techniques.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MASAYUKI Kawakami

-TOSHIYUKI Kitayama

-OSORO Douglas

-MUTHII Joshua

-BOKEA Joseph

-NJOGU Anthony

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,NOVEMBER 20 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Thursday, November 13, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

It was drizzling outside but inside the 'dojo' we were sweating as hell with the dogi drenched in sweat which means I will have to wash it this weekend (damn!)

Kitayama Sensei was present and since we had already warmed up earlier,he guided us through Mae and Ushiro Ukemi followed by Ikkyo Undo.

The following is what Sensei took us through:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Shomen uchi(static stance)Irimi Nage.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho(Suwari Waza Kokyu Ho).

The session ended with the now popular Haishin Undo although Sensei used another Japanese term of which I am yet to grasp (lol).

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-TOSHIYUKI Kitayama

-MUTHII Joshua

-NJOROGE Walter

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 18 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 session at the JICC conference room (Remembrance day session)

Kitayama Sensei took us through his first ever Aikido session in Kenya and although there were some variations in Ukemi and techniques,it still remains Aikido and by the end of the session,everyone of us was sweating profusely.

Sensei took us through a warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi 'Aikikai style' and then we embarked on the Aikido session of the day with the following:

-Tai No Tenkan Ho.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Ura and Kokyu Nage respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa.

The session ended with Haishin Undo.

Kitayama Sensei gave us a brief explanation as to the meaning of bowing before and after practising a technique,what to say before beginning a technique and after practising a technique in the dojo as well as how to sit in Seiza correctly. Furthermore,he gave us a short biography about his journey in Aikido and that he was glad there was Aikido here in Kenya having worked in Namibia previously where he informed us that he was unable to find anyone practising Aikido.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-TOSHIYUKI Kitayama

-NOROGE Walter

-NJOGU Anthony

-Vincent

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,NOVEMBER 13 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Thursday, November 6, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

The beginning of November came with a ray of hope....we were fortunate to have a guest-Mr.TOSHIYUKI Kitayama who works at the JICA office at the Rahimtulla tower. Mr.Kitayama is a sandan in Aikido and has been practising Aikido for the last 26 years.

Mr.Kitayama guided us through Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote and showed us some few tips on how to execute the technique effectively.

Apart from the above mentioned technique, below are the other techniques we went through all being from the static Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance:

-Ikkyo Ura.

-Nikyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Sankyo Omote.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-TOSHIYUKI Kitayama

-MUTHII Joshua

-BOKEA Joseph

-Vincent

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 11 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

The session began on a slow note and after about 40 minutes two more colleagues showed up and we began with light stretching exercises before embarking on the day's programme:

The attack/techniques we practised are as follows:

-Ryote Dori Shiho Nage Omote.

-Shomen Uchi Gokyo.

-Katatedori Kote Gaeshi variation.

The session closed with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa.

Unfortunately Rex Sempai could not make it in time for the session as he was caught up in a last minute meeting in town but I am glad we finally met outside the Japan embassy after the session and had a chat for a while. He promised that if all goes well he shall be back in January next year.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-BOKEA Joseph

-NJOGU Anthony

-Vincent

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,NOVEMBER 6 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Thursday, October 23, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

I arrived at the usual venue and on the door to the 'dojo' was the official poster advertising the upcoming Japanese cultural festival on November 1 and going through the list of activities planned for the day I noticed that Aikido was missing and only Karate and Judo were listed. Jason Sempai approached the director of the JICC and he was informed that we need a shodan amongst us to be permitted to participate in the martial arts demo and that 'maybe next year when we get a shodan teacher we will be able to participate in the martial arts demo'.

Controversy aside, we carried on with the session and after a brief warm up session followed by Mae Ukemi from both Suwari & Tachi Waza,the following is what we practised:

From Tachi Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori: Juji Nage and Shiho Nage respectively.

-Reverse Kote Gaeshi.

-Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-MICHUKI Leon

-BOKEA Joseph

-Vincent

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,OCTOBER 28 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Monday having been a public holiday,and having taken time off for some rest,I was looking forward to an intense Aikido session although that was not to be.

After working out for more than half an hour with no one in sight, I was joined by a lady who wanted to find out more about Aikido and for the first time ever she watched us train until 18:45!

Since most of us were not accustomed to doing Ukemi from Tachi Waza, we did some Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza and also practised how to fall safely by bending the leg.

The main focus of the day was the Ai Hanmi stance in a static position and this is what we went through:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo (Omote & Ura).

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Ura.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-BOKEA Joseph

-NJOGU Anthony

-Vincent

-The lady 'spectator'

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,OCTOBER 23 @ THE SAME VENUE

P.S.

I just received a message from Rex Sempai who has confirmed that he will be jetting in this coming Saturday.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Thursday, October 16, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Vincent and I began with a jog around the 'dojo' before embarking on some stretching exercises followed by Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza as well as Mae and Ushiro Shikko.

The following is what we went through:

-Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

-Imobilising Uke with a choke from the opening of Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-ABONYO Patrick

-NJOGU Anthony

-Vincent

-MWAKIO Sammy

P.S.

Kindly note that there will be no Aikido sessions on Thursday, October 30 and Tuesday, November 4, 2014 due to preparations for the 2014 Japanese Cultural Festival.

The annual martial arts demo is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 1, 2014 outside the JICC main hall.

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,OCTOBER 21 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Mohseen Kohai took us through the warm up session including Mae Ukemi from both Suwari Waza & Tachi Waza before he carried on with the rest of the session.

The main focus was on Kote Gaeshi and Mohseen Kohai took us through step-by-step on how to effectively execute Kote Gaeshi.

We later on practised Shomen Uchi Kote Gaeshi.

The most difficult part for most was maintaining Uke's wrist at the same level rather than lifting it up,making a proper Tenkan to evade the Shomen Uchi attack and turning the hips when bringing down Uke.

Afterwards,we went through the opening for Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage and the emphasis was on how to position oneself behind Uke without being exposed to a possible back kick attack from Uke.

The last few minutes of the session were dedicated to some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu moves and once again Mohseen was more than glad to demonstrate some moves and also explained to us what some of the terms such as "mount","open guard",etc meant.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-LALA Mohseen

-ABONYO Patrick

-NJOGU Anthony

-Vincent

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,OCTOBER 16 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Thursday, October 9, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

The session began on a slow pace but picked up later as the clock ticked towards 6 o'clock. After a sweaty warm up session followed by Mae Ukemi and Shikko, we revised the following basics:

From Suwari Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

-Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa.

From Hanmi Handachi Waza:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage.

From Tachi Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Gokyo Omote.

-Ryote Dori Shiho Nage Omote.

-Katatedori Kata Gatame.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OMONDI Steven

-BOKEA Joseph

-NYAKIO

-Vincent

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,OCTOBER 14 @ THE SAME VENUE.




Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Welcome back Mohseen after MIA for quite a while. As a welcome gesture,Mohseen Kohai took us through the warm up session with some stretching exercises after a jog around the 'dojo'. We then revised the following:

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori Ikkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

Mohseen demonstrated some Brazilian Jiu-jitsu moves from the open guard which are essential especially when one is pinned to the ground by an opponent.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-LALA Mohseen

-OMONDI Steven

-BOKEA Joseph

-Vincent

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,OCTOBER 9 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Tuesday, September 30, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

We were fortunate once again to have a guest, a gentleman accompanied by his two sons who apparently has practised Aikido until the level of Nidan!

Douglas Kohai took us through the paces and after a brief warm up session and Mae & Ushiro Ukemi,this is what we practised:

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori Nikyo Omote.

-Reverse Kote Gaeshi.

-Tsuki Kote Gaeshi Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo Omote.

The session ended with Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-NJOROGE Walter

-OKUMU Julius

-BOKEA Joseph

-Vincent

-NYAKIO

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,OCTOBER 7 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Thursday, September 25, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Douglas Kohai took us through the paces and as always his warm up exercises are usually breathtaking!

After the warm up session not forgetting Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza & Tachi Waza,the following are the attacks/techniques we went through the focus being on Shiho Nage:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage Ura.

-Tsuki Shiho Nage Ura.

-Shomen Uchi Shiho Nage Ura.

-Shorter version of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-OKUMU Julius

-BOKEA Joseph

-NYAKIO

-Vincent who joined us for the first time althoug he previously practised Mantis Kenpo Karate.

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 30 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Given the heat nowadays, by the time we begin the session, most of us are usually already drenched in sweat just from performing the stretching exercises.

We kicked off the session as usual with light stretching exercises followed by Ushiro Ukemi both from Suwari Waza & Tachi Waza then the following:

From Tachi Waza:

-Ryote Dori Tenchi Nage.

-Ushiro Ryote Dori Sankyo Omote.

-Kata Gatame through the opening of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo.

-Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-NJOROGE Walter

-OKUMU Julius

-BOKEA Joseph

-Andrew

-A newcomer brought in by Andrew

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 25 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Thursday, September 18, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

We were glad to have Douglas Kohai and Joshua Kohai back after quite a while and they too were glad to join us for the session.

We did some light stretching warm up exercises as well as Mae & Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi waza before embarking on the day's attacks/techniques which focused mainly on Irimi Nage:

From Tachi Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage.

-Tsuki Irimi Nage.

We wrapped up the session with Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-OKUMU Julius

-BOKEA Joseph

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 23 @ THE SAME VENUE.

P.S.

KINDLY NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO AIKIDO SESSION ON THURSDAY,OCTOBER 2,2014 DUE TO PREPARATIONS FOR THE JAPANESE ANIME FESTIVAL THAT IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY,OCTOBER 4,2014 AT THE JICC.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

We had a guest from Colombia by the name of Eduardo who practises Takemusu Aikido and he gave us a small demonstration on the variation of Katatedori Ikkyo Omote as they do it back home.

After a sweaty jog around the "dojo" followed by several forms of Ukemi from Tachi Waza and Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza for the newcomers,we got down to business with the following techniques:

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori Ikkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Katatedori Rokkyo.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Omote & Ura respectively.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-Eduardo

-NYAKIO

-BOKEA

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 18 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Thursday, September 11, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

It was yet another Thursday session and we were all set for a sweaty session.

After a brief session of stretching exercises as well as Ukemi and Shikko, we got down to business with the following attacks/techniques:

From Suwari Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

From Tachi Waza:

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote.

-Shomen Uchi Sumi Otoshi.

The session ended with Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-NJOROGE Walter

-OKUMU Julius

-Andrew

-A friend that accompanied Julius.

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 16 @ THE SAME VENUE

Stanley Pranin Technical Tip: Seated exercises to develop relaxed blending skills | store

Stanley Pranin Technical Tip: Seated exercises to develop relaxed blending skills | 

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Tuesday, September 9, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

I was all alone in the "dojo" for about 45 minutes before being joined by the rest and I managed to do some Ukemi in both Mae and Ushiro which was enough to loosen up the body in readiness for the day's session.

We had a newcomer, Andrew, who has some background in martial arts and thus we only concentrated on two techniques as listed below:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Ura.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-NYAKIO

-Andrew

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 11 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Thursday, September 4, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

To begin with, the mock grading that was to take place was postponed since there were only four of us thus, Ben Sempai decided to postpone it to a later date.

The session featured some Sankyu and Nikyu techniques so one can guess how intense it was.

Ben Sempai took us through a brief warm up and stretching session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi in both Suwari and Tachi Waza then the session kicked off 'officially' with the following techniques:

From Tachi Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Koshi Nage(w/out the throw).

-Morote Dori Ikkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ryote Dori Irimi Nage.

-Kata Dori Kote Gaeshi.

-Ushiro Ryokata Dori Kokyu Nage.

-Ushiro Ryotedori Kokyu Nage.

-Ryokata Dori Kokyu Nage.

From Hanmi Handachi Waza:

-Uchi Kaiten Kata Gatame.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MICHUKI Leon

-NJOROGE Walter

-MWAKIO Sammy.

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 9 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Tuesday, September 2, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai took us through the first part of the session with the below mentioned Sankyu techniques:

From Tachi Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori:Yonkyo(Omote & Ura),Juji Nage(Omote & Ura),Sumi Otoshi and Koshi nage(w/out the throw)respectively.

For the remainder of the session we practised the following:

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori Sumi Otoshi.

-Ryote Dori Koshi Nage(w/out the throw).

-Kata Gatame through the opening of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-NJOROGE Walter

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 4 @ THE SAME SESSION.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Thursday, August 28, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

The session kicked off with a jogging session followed thereafter by some stretching exercises before we embarked on the techniques session.

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori Kote Gaeshi(Reverse Kote Gaeshi)and Irimi Nage Omote respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

-Kata Dori Nikyo Omote.

From Hanmi Handachi Waza:

-Shiho Nage Omote(two versions).

The session ended with Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MATINDI Sarah

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-NJOGU Anthony

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 2 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai was in charge of the first 50 minutes of the session and given the change of weather in the recent days,most of us were sweating before we embarked on the attacks/techniques of the day.

The session was a continuation of the Gokyu and Yonkyu techniques as per the Birankai curriculum.

From Hanmi Handachi Waza:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage (two versions).

From Tachi Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi Omote.

For the remainder of the session, we continued with the following techniques:

From Hanmi Handachi Waza:

-Ryote Dori Shiho Nage.

From Tachi Waza:

-Reverse Kote Gaeshi.

-Ryote Dori Shiho Nage Omote.

-Ryote Dori Tenchi Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-NJOROGE Walter

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-NJOGU Anthony

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,AUGUST 28 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Thursday, August 21, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

We kicked off with a good body workout and some light stretching exercises before Jason Sempai joined us and took over the rest of the session with an emphasis on the Gokyu attacks/techniques:

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten & Soto Kaiten Nage,Ikkyo Omote & Ura,Shiho Nage Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote.

-Kata Dori Ikkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

My 'special request': Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

From Suwari Waza:

-Ryote Dori Kokyu Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-MICHUKI Leon

-OMONDI Steven

-ABONYO Patrick

-OKUMU Julius

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,AUGUST 26 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Tuesday, August 19, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

We kicked off the session with a 30 minute + jog around the "dojo' and after a brief session of stretching exercises,we kicked off the techniques segment with a recap of last Thursday's attacks/techniques followed by some additional Gokyu attacks/techniques:

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori Ikkyo and Shigo Nage from both Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo(Omote & Ura).

-Kata Dori Ikkyo Omote.

From Suwari Waza:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-NJOROGE Walter

-OMONDI Steven

-OKUMU Julius

-NJOGU Anthony

-The "karateka lady"

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,AUGUST 21 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Thursday, August 14, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai took us through the brief warm up session as well as the first half of the session and the focus was on Gokyu attacks/techniques:

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori Ikkyo & Shiho Nage Omote respectively.

We carried on the rest of the session with the following:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo & Nikyo Omote respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote.

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage Omote.

From Suwari Waza:

-Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa.

We wound up the session with Haishin Undo.

Ben Sempai informed us that if all goes well, he will conduct a mock grading exam on Thursday, 4 September, 2014 for all those who have been practising Aikido for more than one year.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MATINDI Sarah

-MICHUKI Leon

-OMONDI Steven

-ABONYO Patrick

-OKUMU Julius

-Ahmed

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,AUGUST 19 @ THE SAME VENUE

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Tuesday, August 12, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

On this particular session it was only Steven and I who began the warm up session by jogging around the "dojo" before we were joined by a newcomer.

After a brief warm up session comprising of among others Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza & Shikko(Mae & Ushiro),we got down to the following techniques:

From Tachi Waza:

-The stretch from the Katatedori Uchi Kaiten opening.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote & Ura respectively.

-Shorter version of Sankyo Omote from the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance.

We ended the session with Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OMONDI Steven

-Two Karateka ladies who "decided" to join us.

-Ahmed

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,AUGUST 14 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Tuesday, August 5, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

This being the only session this week,I vowed to myself I would sweat as much as possible to compensate for Thursday's session which will not take place due to administrative reasons(N.B. for those who claim that I wrote last Thursday there will be no session,I clearly indicated August 7.The reason I wrote it early is for one to plan accordingly).

Douglas Kohai was in charge of the session and as usual his workouts are always quite intense.

After a sweaty workout session,we got down to the following attacks/techniques:

From Suwari Waza:

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage Omote.

From Tachi Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote and Sankyo Omote respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage.

-Tsuki Sokumen Irimi Nage.

We ended the session with Haishin Undo to stretch the aching backs.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-NJOGU Anthony

-The BOKEA brothers (Alfred & Joseph)

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,AUGUST 12 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Thursday, July 31, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

We had a guest-a Japanese tourist who watched the better part of the session and even took some photos while we were practising.

Douglas Kohai took over the whole session and after a brief warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi as well as Mae Ukemi with two Uke as 'barriers',we got down to the session with the following attacks/techniques:

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote & Ura respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote & Ura respectively.

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote.

-Tsuki Shiho Nage Omote.

-Hanmi Handachi waza Shiho Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-Two enthusiastic school going boys

-Japanese 観光客 tourist

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Thursday, July 24, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

It was Thursday once again and it was only Leon Kohai and myself during the first half hour before we were joined by Julius Kohai two 'newcomer' ladies.

The session was not very intense and we went through the following:

From Tachi Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo,Nikyo and Sankyo all in Omote respectively.

-Reverse Kote Gaeshi.

We closed the session with a good back strecth in the form of Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-OKUMU Julius

-Two newcomers.

-MWAKIO Sammy

P.S.

PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AIKIDO SESSION ON THURSDAY,AUGUST 7 SINCE THERE WILL BE A FUNCTION GOING ON AT THE JAPAN EMBASSY THUS THE CONFERENCE ROOM SHALL BE IN USE.

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY, JULY 29 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Tuesday, July 22, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Before detailing about what we went through during the session,I would like to welcome back our chairman Jason Sempai who has been away due to various commitments but who was present during the session and also guided us through some techniques.

It was 'D day' for the karatekas in the main hall as they were being graded thus,Ben Sempai decided to join us and after a brief work out session followed by the dreaded Mae Ukemi(Tachi Waza) over two Uke and Ushiro Ukemi(Tachi Waza)using one Uke as a 'barrier'.

The techniques we went through with Ben Sempai are as follows:

From Tachi Waza:

-Katatedori: Ikkyo Omote,Kokyu Nage,Shiho Nage(Omote & Ura),Uchi Kaiten Nage and Soto Kaiten Nage respectively.

Jason Sempai guided us through the remainder of the session with the following techniques:

From Tachi Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori: Irimi Nage(Gedan,Chudan & Jodan)and Nikyo Ura respectively.

After the session we held a brief discussion on the way forward and it was decided that we would try and contact Piotr MASZTALERZ Shidoin and arrange for him to come and conduct a seminar here with us.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-KIYAGA Ben

-MATINDI Sarah

-OSORO Douglas

-NJOROGE Walter

-OMONDI Steven

-OKUMU Julius

-NJOGU Anthony

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JULY 24 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Thursday, July 17, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

I will let the knee caps 'say' exactly how the session went down as for us who began the session doing Shikko & techniques from Suwari Waza,we left the 'dojo' with peeling and aching knee caps.

As far as the techniques go,which we did after a brief warm up session,all was well and Ben Sempai kicked off the first 45 minutes with the following attacks/techniques:

From Suwari Waza:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage and Kokyu Ho respectively.

A brief session of Jiyu Waza featuring the attacks/techniques mentioned above followed thereafter.

The two boys who joined us had their separate session with Ben Sempai whereby they went through the basics of Ukemi and the opening for Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

The remainder of the session we went through the following:

From Tachi Waza:

-Tsuki Ikkyo Omote.

-Katatedori Rokkyo.

-Ushiro Kubishime from the opening of Katatedori Uchi Kaiten.

The session ended with Haishin Undo to stretch the aching backs.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MICHUKI Leon

-OMONDI Steven

-OKUMU Julius

-NJOGU Anthony

-Two very enthusiastic boys.

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,JULY 22 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Tuesday, July 15, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Douglas Kohai informed us that he was in a "good mood" and that meant we were going to have some very serious workouts!!!

Appreciation goes out to Piotr MASZTALERZ Shidoin whose You Tube video entitled "Conditioning for beginners" provided us with most of the workouts that we did on this particular session.

For those interested in watching the video,kindly copy & paste the following link to your browser:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNzgkkNq3Ms&list=UU2K4QBSptNYKvMfLIGp-H2Q

After the workout session that included some new exercises that I had never done before,Douglas Kohai kicked off the "techniques" session with the following attacks/techniques:

-From Suwari Waza: Kata Dori Ikkyo Omote.

-From Tachi Waza: Tsuki Kote Gaeshi and Shiho Nage(both Omote)respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Kote Gaeshi nad Shiho Nage(both Omote)respectively.

-Jiyu Waza featuring the two attacks/techniques mentioned above.

-Ushiro Ryote Dori Kote Gaeshi and Sankyo(both Omote)respectively.

-Shorter version of Nikyo from the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance.

-Hanmi Handachiwaza Shiho Nage.

The session came to a close with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-NJOROGE Walter

-OMONDI Steven

-A lady "trying out" Aikido for the very first time.

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JULY 17 @ THE SAME VENUE

Friday, July 11, 2014

@ The Embassy 10th July 2014

After a looooong time -actually felt like a century- I was granted the honours of leading a class abruptly I must say. Had nothing planned in advance, so I had to keep a sober mind and shake the rust away.
The few techniques we tried came out well...according to me, so that means the training I had in the past actually paid off.

Hats off to the die hard members; Leone, Joshua, Ole Kiminta for keeping the classes going.

More so Sammy Mwakio deserves a paragraph of his own. He has been present all through come rain or shine -figuratively and literally speaking- ,conducted the classes even when he was the only one present, updated this blog tirelessly (if you don't believe me just look at the name signed at the end of every post) and I should point this one out, his techniques have improved....COMMITMENT!!


Thursday, July 10, 2014

Thursday, July 10, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

We kicked off the session with a light warm up session followed by Mae, Ushiro, Gyaku and Yoko Ukemi from Tachi Waza before embarking on the attacks/techniques of the day's session.

Ben Sempai guided us through the first 45 minutes with the following:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage(Omote & Ura) and Irimi Nage respectively.

-Katatedori Sumi Otoshi.

Tony Sempai was 'in the dojo' after quite a while and it was great to notice that he had not lost his 'Aikido touch'.He guided us through the following attacks/techniques:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo(Omote & Ura).

-Kata Gatame through the opening of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

-Uchi and Soto Kaiten Nage respectively.

-Ushiro Kubishime through the opening of Uchi Kaiten Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-AGUTA Tony

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-NJOGU Anthony

-Three new 'recruits' including a small boy probably in 'his tens'

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,JULY 15 @ THE SAME VENUE



Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Tuesday, July 8, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

We had a newcomer-An American lady who began practising Iaido early this year in the United States and after enquiring about our Aikido sessions,she decided to leave since "we had no instructor" (sic!)

Douglas Kohai took us through the whole session and after recaping last Thursday's session attack of Tsuki Kote Gaeshi, the following is what we revised:

-Katadori Ikkyo(Omote & Ura) and Nikyo(Omote & Ura).

-Morote dori Kokyu Nage with two Uke.

-Hanmi handachi waza Shiho Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-GATHIRIMU

-OMONDI Steven

-OKUMU Julius

-NJOGU Anthony

-A newcomer 'trying out' Aikido for the first time.

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JULY 10 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Thursday, July 3, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

As with most Thursday sessions,Ben Sempai took us through the paces and after a brief warm up session as well as Ukemi from Tachi Waza(Mae & Ushiro)the following are the attacks/techniques he guided us through:

-Shomen Uchi Sumi Otoshi.

-Kata Dori Kote Gaeshi and Shiho Nage(Omote & Ura) respectively.

-Ryo Kata Dori Kokyu Nage.

-Shomen Uchi Kata Gatame.

Douglas Kohai took over for the remainder of the session and after a brief recap of Tsuki Kote Gaeshi(which we performed during last Tuesday's session),we practised the following attacks/techniques:

-Tsuki Shiho Nage(Omote & Ura).

-Tsuki Kata Gatame.

We retired five minutes earlier to discuss the possibility of having extra weapons sessions.It was decided that if all goes well,we shall have Wednesday evening and Saturday evening weapons sessions possibly at the Kenya National Theatre subject to payment of the agreed sum of Kshs 200.00.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-NJOROGE Walter

-OKUMU Julius

-MBURU Annah

-GATHIRIMU

-NJOGU Anthony

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,JULY 8 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Tuesday, July 1 ,2014 session at the JICC conference room

Douglas Kohai took us through the warm up session as well as the rest of the session and the attacks/techniques on offer were as follows:

-Yokomen Uchi: Ikkyo Ura and Kote Gaeshi(Omote & Ura)respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Kote Gaeshi.

-Morote Dori:Shiho Nage and Kokyu Nage respectively.

-Ryote Dori Tenchi Nage.

-Hanmi Handachi Waza Shiho Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MATINDI Sarah

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-OKUMU Julius

-WAHOME Samuel

-A newcomer to Aikido (who initially wanted to join Karate but was informed that he has to wait until the next intake)

-MWAKIO Sammy

A big Asante to the lady who took shots of us training in the "dojo".

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JULY 3 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Thursday, June 26, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

The first 45 minutes as is with most Thursdays,Ben Sempai took over the warm up session followed by the following attacks/techniques:

-Ryo Kata Dori Kokyu Nage(Omote & Ura).

-Yokomen Uchi:Sankyo(Omote & Ura),Yonkyo(Omote & Ura) and Irimi Nage(Omote)respectively.

Douglas Kohai took over the rest of the session with the following techniques:

-Ryote Dori Shiho Nage(Omote & Ura),Kote Gaeshi and Kokyu Nage respectively.

-Morote Dori Kokyu Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-NJOROGE Walter

-MUTINDA David

-ABONYO Patrick

-OKUMU Julius

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,JULY 1,2014 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Tuesday, June 24, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Having missed out on Thursday's session,I made sure I attended this particular session which had Douglas Kohai taking us through the paces.

To set the ball rolling,there were some warm up exercises which were quite intense given that Douglas Kohai was conducting them and after warming up we kicked off the practise session with the following attacks/techniques:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Ura(different version from the one we are accustomed to).

-Kata Gatame through the opening of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo.

-Shomen Uchi:Ikkyo Ura and Kote Gaeshi respectively.

-Hanmi Handachi Shiho Nage.

The session ended with haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-ABONYO Patrick

-MUTINDA David

-OKUMU Julius

-MBURU Annah

-A newcomer to Aikido

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JUNE 26 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

It was yet another Tuesday and as usual the session began with a warm up session followed by Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

The following are the techniques we went through:

-Reverse Kote Gaeshi.

-Kata Gatame through the opening of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo.

-An exercise whereby Tori would distabilise Uke by taking advantage of their "weak spot".

The session ended with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-NJOROGE Walter

-WAHOME Samuel

-MBURU Annah

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JUNE 19 @ THE SAME VENUE

P.S.
Kindly note that we were required to jot down our names and national identification/passport numbers for security reasons.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Thursday, June 12, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai took us through the first 45 minutes of the session with the following techniques:

-Katatedori: Kokyu Nage,Shiho Nage(Omote & Ura) and Sumi Otoshi respectively.

-Uchi kaiten Nage (Omote & Ura).

-Ushiro Ryote Dori Kokyu Nage.

The remainder of the session we practised the following moves:

-Ryote Dori Shiho Nage & Kiri Otoshi respectively.

-Shorter version of Katatedori Irimi Nage.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote from Suwari Waza.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-ABONYO Patrick

-OKUMU Julius

-MBURU Annah

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,JUNE 17 @ THE SAME VENUE

P.S.

I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL REQUESTS FROM NEWCOMERS REQUESTING OUR CONTACT DETAILS:

FACEBOOK: AikidoKenya

TWITTER: @nairobiaikikai

OFFICIAL EMAIL: nairobiaikikaikenya@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Tuesday, June 10, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

The temperature was in the range of 20 degrees celcius ideal for a good body workout and after a jog around the "dojo" and a brief warm up session,we got down to the days techniques as follows:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Juji Nage,Shiho Nage and Sankyo(all Omote)respectively.

-Katatedori Nikyo(shorter version).

The session ended with Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-OKUMU Julius

-Yet another newcomer

-MWAKIO Sammy

There was a lady who brought her two sons aged about 12 years and she wanted them to begin practising Aikido.I informed her that I will need to alert the other members of our association so that we may decide if it is OK for them to join.She informed me that she will show up with her sons the next session(Thursday).

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JUNE 12 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Thursday, June 5, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai took us through the first one hour of the session and after a brief warm up session,he guided us through the following attacks/techniques:

-From Tachi Waza:Shomen Uchi Ikkyo(Omote & Ura) and Nikyo(Omote & Ura)respectively.

-From Suwari Waza:Shomen Uchi Nikyo(Omote & Ura) and Sankyo Omote respectively.

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

The remaining 45 minutes of the session were spent going through the following attacks/techniques:

-Tsuki Kote Gaeshi.

-Shomen Uchi Gokyo(using Tanto).

-Kata Gatame through the opening of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

The session ended with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-ORAW John

-ABONYO Patrick

-OMONDI Steven

-OKUMU Julius

-MBURU Annah

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,JUNE 10 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Tuesday, June 3, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

I arrived earlier than usual thus I was able to do what I always love doing when I arrive early-jogging around the "dojo".

We went through the warm up session followed by Mae Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza as well as Ushiro Ukemi from Tachi Waza.

The following are the attacks/techniques we went through:

-Soto Kaiten Nage.

-Reverse Kote Gaeshi.

-Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote and Ikkyo Omote.

-Yokomen Uchi Juji Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-ABONYO Patrick

-MBURU Annah

-Another newcomer to Aikido

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JUNE 5 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Thursday, May 29, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

It was Thursday once again and the session kicked off with a good body workout followed by Mae Ukemi in both Suwari Waza & Tachi Waza as well as the Uchi Kaiten Nage stretching exercise.

After the warm up session,we went through the following attacks/techniques:

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage(Omote & Ura).

-Kata Dori Nikyo Ura.

The session ended with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa followed by Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-MUTINDA David

-OKUMU Julius

-MBURU Annah

-Two newcomers

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,JUNE 3 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Tuesday, May 27, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Douglas Kohai took us through the entire session and after warming up and some Mae and Yoko Ukemi from tachi Waza (Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza for the debutants)we went through the techniques mentioned below the focus being on Morote Dori:

-Morote Dori Kokyu Nage, Ikkyo and Nikyo Omote respectively.

-Morote Dori Nikyo(shorter version).

-Hanmi Handachi Waza Shiho Nage

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MATINDI Sarah

-MUTHII Joshua

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-ORAW John

-OMONDI Steven

-Winnie (who came back after a long while).

-OKUMU Julius

-Four Aikido debutants (although two of them have trained with us before).

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESION:THURSDAY,MAY 29 @ THE SAME VENUE

Daniel uchideshi from Kenya, Wrocław Aikikai, Birankai Poland

Friday, May 23, 2014

Thursday, May 22, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai arrived early and began the warm up session and by the time I arrived,I found those present doing Ukemi.

The session kicked off with Ryote Dori Tenchi Nage followed by:

-Ryote Dori Shiho Nage(Omote & Ura respectively)and Kokyu Ho.

-Ryote Dori & Katatedori Shiho Nage from Hanmi Handachi Waza.

Douglas Kohai took over the rest of the session with the following techniques:

-Ryote Dori Kokyu Nage and Kote Gaeshi(two versions)respectively.

-Hanmi Handachi Waza Shiho Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MATINDI Sarah

-OSORO Douglas

-MUTHII Joshua

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-ABONYO Patrick

-OKUMU Julius

-Two newcomers

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,MAY 27 @ THE SAME VENUE

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

As we near the end of the month which we hope by then almost everyone if not everyone would have paid the registration fees,we had two more of our members pay after yesterday's session which is quite encouraging.

Douglas Kohai guided us through the warm up session before Jason Sempai took over the rest of the session with the following techniques:

-From the Katatedori stance:Shiho Nage Ura and Kote Gaeshi Omote.

-From the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance:Irimi Nage Omote.

-From Ushiro Ryote Dori:Ikkyo Omote,Shiho Nage Ura,Sankyo Omote and Kote Gaeshi Omote respectively.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-OMONDI Steven(with his bright Gi)

-OKUMU Julius

-Three ladies and a gentleman who are still "trying out" Aikido.

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,MAY 22 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Thursday, May 15, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai took over the first 45 minutes of the session and as usual after the warm up session we went through the following:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Juji Nage, Kote Gaeshi and Shiho Nage(all Omote)respectively.

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho version.

The remainder of the session we went through the below mentioned techniques:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote from Suwari Waza.

-Opening for Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi ending up with a cross arm bar.

-Kata Dori Kata Gatame.

We closed the session with a good back stretch(Haishin Undo).

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-ORAW John

-ABONYO Patrick

-OKUMU Julius

-MWAKIO Sammy

-Two newcomers who tried out Aikido for the first time.

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,MAY 20 @ THE SAME VENUE

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Aikido Humour

You know you are addicted to Aikido if....

>> You wear your hakama to work.

>> Hear someone say broken and you think they said bokken and break into kata.

>> Name your daughter Irimi, or your dog Oshitaoshi.

>> You have 3 bokkens in your golf bag

>> Your reaction to any argument is "Oh yeah? Grab my wrist!!!"

>> You feel a itch to perform ikkyo when your son/daughter holds your hand

>> The ambulance crew know your name 

>> Chew your food with your center

>>You immediately stop what you're doing and sit down whenever you hear      someone clap their hands 

>> You don't just open a door -- you extend into it from your center.


>> You've tried doing mai ukemi down a hill -- or on cement.


>>During the office fire drill you look out your third floor window and wonder "Would ukemi work??"

>> After being thrown down by a powerful technique,that's when you bow your deepest and shout "Do it again!!...Do it again!!!"

....And this is my favourite one.....


>> A priest ask you to name 5 things that you are greatful for, you answer " Ikkyo, Nikkyo, Sankyo, Yonkyo, Gokyo."  :-D

Now back to work guys....


Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Jason Sempai was in charge of the whole session and at least we had one of our Sempai taking us through and guiding us through the basics of the numerous techniques.

It was a "request" session whereby Jason Sempai requested each one of us to suggest a technique that they wanted revised and below are the choices we made:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo Omote and Rokkyo respectively.

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho in preparation for a Kokyu Nage version.

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-MATINDI Sarah

-OMONDI Steve

-ORAW John

-GITARIA

-ABONYO Patrick

-OKUMU Julius

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,MAY 15 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Thursday, May 8, 2014 session at the JICC

It was good to see Diana back after quite a while and as usual being a fashion designer herself, her Gi was a statement of fashion(compared to some of our Gi LOL)

Ben Sempai took us through the whole session and after the warm up session as well as Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza(Mae & Ushiro Ukemi from Tachi Waza for the more experienced Aikidoka)we kicked off the techniques session wit the following attacks/techniques:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote & Ura from Suwari Waza.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Omote and Ura from Tachi Waza.

-Shomen Uchi Kote Gaeshi(Omote).

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Rokkyo.

After the session, Ben Sempai informed me that there has been talk of no longer having the Aikido sessions at the JICC since "we no longer have an instructor".

During last Tuesday's session, the JICC director passed by and watched us train for about ten minutes before leaving.I guess he came to confirm if we have an instructor or we are still "teaching each other the wrong things".

Coincidentally,we had the same discussion with the other colleagues after last Tuesday's session and I must say I am not shocked because it was soon going to come.Ever since Mateusz Sensei left,we have always been viewed as "orphans" with no "father figure" and we are just waiting to get a written confirmation about the removal of Aikido sessions at the JICC.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-NEKOYE Diana

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-ORAW John

-OKUMU Julius

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION(HOPEFULLY)TUESDAY,MAY 13 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Tuesday, May 6, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Despite the wet and murky conditions outside,we were sweating profusely thanks to the now famous "four-in-one" exercise combination that was made popular by Jason Sempai.

Douglas Kohai took us through the whole session with the following attacks/techniques:

-Sumi Otoshi beginning with Katatedori followed by a Shomen Uchi attack and then a Tsuki attack respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Yonko(Omote & Ura) and Gokyo Omote respectively.

-Hanmi Handachi Waza Shiho Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-OMONDI Steve

-NJOROGE Walter

-Two lady guests who accompanied Douglas Kohai

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,MAY 8 @ THE SAME VENUE


Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

A big welcome back to Joseph MBANE after being away for a while due to work related commitments.

Douglas Kohai took us through one of the most intense workouts we have had in a long while and I loved every bit of it!

Below are the techniques we went through on this particular session(all executed from the Katatedori stance except for Ushiro Kubishime which we did statically from behind):

-Ushiro Kubishime.

-Kokyu Nage.

-Shiho Nage.

-Kote Gaeshi(Reverse Kote Gaeshi).

-A brief session of Jiyu Waza.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MUTHII Joshua

-MBANE Joseph

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-MUTINDA David

-ORAW John

-OMONDI Steven

-Gitaria

-MBUGUA Monica

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,MAY 6 @ THE SAME VENUE(TOMORROW THURSDAY,MAY 1 IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY THUS THE JAPAN EMBASSY SHALL REMAIN CLOSED)

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Thursday, April 24, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

It was one of those rare Thursdays when the traffic snarl up eases a bit and I managed to arrive earlier than most Thursdays and as usual whenever I arrive early I love jogging around the "dojo" as a precursor to the warm up exercises.

We did some warm up exercises including Jason Sempai's famous "four-in-one" and after Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza as well as Mae and Ushiro Shikko,we embarked on the day's techniques which were as follows:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote from Suwari Waza.

-The shorter versions of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo and Nikyo Omote respectively.

-Ushiro Ryote Dori Ikkyo Omote.

The session ended with both Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa & Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-NJOROGE Walter

-ABONYO Patrick

-ORAW John

-MBUGUA Monica

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,APRIL 29 @ THE SAME VENUE



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Having watched T.K.Chiba Shihan's video on the Gokyu and Yonkyu techniques over the Easter weekend,I was looking forward to an exciting Aikido week ahead and fair enough,this particular session was just that!

After warming up and going through some stretching exercises as well as Mae Ukemi from Suwari Waza followed by Mae and Ushiro Shikko,we got down to business with the following techniques:

-Soto Kaiten Kata Gatame.

-Ryote Dori Tenchi Nage.

-Katatedori Kote Gaeshi from Suwari Waza.

The session came to a close with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-MAMOU Traicy

-ABONYO Patrick

-OMONDI Steven

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,APRIL 24 @ THE SAME VENUE

A/c No

Hi great people.
We finally opened a bank a/c.It's way overdue and as soon we register,we'll
change the name.
The three signatories are myself,Jason and Douglas.
Kindly start making deposits and bring the slip to class.
Deadline for registration is May 29th.
 The A/c no is
Family Bank,
Westlands Branch
Jason/Sarah/Douglas
048000007236.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Thursday, April 17, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai took us through the warm up session before embarking on the day's techniques and to kick of the session,we revised the following:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo and Shiho Nage(both Omote)respectively.

Moa Sempai took over the rest of the session and the following is what she took us through:

-Ai Hanmi Kote Gaeshi Omote from both Suwari and Tachi Waza.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

The session came to a close with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa and Haishin Undo.

I find it intriguing whenever a technique is taught in different ways and Moa Sempai's Kote Gaeshi and Irimi Nage had different twists to the ones we are accustomed to but it is still the same Aikido that we are all familiar with.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-IREKVIST Moa

-MUTINDA David

-ABONYO Patrick

-Two first timers in Aikido

-MWAKIO Sammy

A very Happy Easter to all of you!

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,APRIL 22 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Tuesday, April 15, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

It's a big welcome to Moa Irekvist who joined the session yesterday after arriving in Kenya from her native Sweden although she is here for only a couple of weeks or so and I must congratulate her for successfully passing her Shodan testing.

Douglas Kohai once again guided us through the whole session and after a warm up session we went through the following:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote from Suwari Waza.

-Reverse Kote Gaeshi.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Ura, Shiho Nage Omote and Sankyo Omote respectively.

-Hanmi Handachi Waza Shiho Nage.

The Jiyu Waza session was great as each one of us tried their best to execute the techniques of the day while looking out for the other Uke.....

Once again a reminder that collection of the registration fee is ongoing and yesterday one of us suggested that if the bank account number could be provided then one could deposit in the account and a deposit slip provided as proof of payment.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-IREKVIST Moa

-MATINDI Sarah(DNP)

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-MUTUA Robert

-ABONYO Patrick

-MWAKIO Sammy

-A couple of "Aikido cadets"

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY, APRIL 17 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Thursday, April 10, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Douglas Kohai once again took us through the session after of course a sweaty warm up session that left some of us lamenting although I had great fun with the physical exercises like the legendary Bruce Lee used to say:"If you are not physicaly fit,you have no business doing any hard sparring".

The attacks/techniques on offer are as follows:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Ura.

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

-Shomen Uchi Yonkyo Ura(using a Tanto).

-Hanmi Handachiwaza Shiho Nage.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MATINDI Sarah

-MUTHII Joshua

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steve

-ORAW John

-ABONYO Patrick

-MWAKIO Sammy

-Some newcomers who will have their names in the register once committed.

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,APRIL 15 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

What I always look forward to whenever Douglas Kohai takes us through the paces is his array of warm up exercises and as usual he made us sweat till the Gi was all "wet".

After the sweaty warm up session,Douglas Kohai took us through the following techniques:

-Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikkyo Omote & Ura respecyively.

-Shorter version of Nikyo from the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo Omote.

-Tsuki Kote Gaeshi simulating a real life attack using Tanto.

-Hanmi Handachi Waza Shiho Nage.

We have finally managed to open a bank account in the name of the association and we are now all set to begin receiving the registration fees and pledges.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-MUTINDA David

-ABONYO Patrick

-ORAW John

-NJOROGE Walter

-Three newcomers who were trying out Aikido for their very first time

-An observer(who is also a Karateka)who watched from a distance

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,APRIL 10 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Thursday, April 3, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

There is a Swahili saying that says:"Hayawi hayawi mwishowe huwa"....finally our own Sarah Sempai took us through her very first Aikido teaching experience and I must say she did well.

Sarah Sempai gave us some valuable tips on using Uke's energy among other things which she learnt during the recent Rwanda seminar.

What stood out for me most was using one's palm to make Uke fall which apparently works since it's uke's energy that brings them down. Omedetogozaimasu Sarah!

Back to the techniques of the day, Sarah Sempai took us through the following:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo, Nikyo,Sankyo and Irimi Nage (all Omote) respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo Ura.

Sarah Sempai also took us through the various steps when executing a technique i.e. Tenkan as well as the various ways of neutralising an attack from a static position from both the Ai Hanmi Katatedori and Katatedori stances.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MATINDI Sarah

-AGUTA Tony

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-MUTUA Robert

-WANDIGA Sophie

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,APRIL 8 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 session @ the JICC conference room

Jason Sempai was "in charge" of the whole session and the warm up exercises did not disappoint in terms of intensity....

The main focus of the day was defending oneself against a Tsuki attack and thus, the techniques below were all executed from a Tsuki attack:

-Kote Geashi Omote.

-Irimi Nage Omote.

-Ikkyo Omote.

-Various versions of Kokyu Nage.

-Kokyu Ho.

-A combination of three techniques in one:Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote followed by Nikyo Ura and lastly Sankyo Omote.

The registration of members to the Nairobi Aikikai Association is currently ongoing and all who are interested are requested to register ASAP.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-OSORO Douglas

-MUTHII Joshua

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTUA Robert

-OMONDI Steven

-MAMOU Tracy

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Thursday, March 27, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai was in charge of the warm up session and the first 45 minutes of the session and after a body warm up that was quite sweaty,we embarked on the techniques which included:

-Morote Dori Kokyu Ho.

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

-Ushiro Ryote Dori Ikkyo Omote,Sanyo Omote and Ura(for the more advanced students) respectively.

Douglas Kohai took over the rest of the session and took us through the following:

-Ushiro Ryote Dori Sankyo (Omote and Ura) and Shiho Nage Omote respectively.

-A combination of three techniques in one beginning with Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote,followed by Sankyo Ura and ending with Kokyu Ho.

-Ai Hanmmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi Omote.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-ORAW John

-MUTINDA David

-OMONDI Steven

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY, APRIL 1(APRIL FOOLS DAY!)@ THE SAME VENUE


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Tuesday, March 25, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Fresh from attending the inauguration of Aikido in Rwanda,Jason Sempai took us through the whole session with the following attacks/techniques(after a sweaty warm up session):

-Katatedori:Shiho Nage Omote and Kokyu Ho respectively.

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage Omote.

The session came to an end with a combination of three techniques in one,i.e. Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote followed by Shiho Nage Omote and ending with Kokyu Ho.

Furthermore,we held a short discussion and it was decided that an account in the name of the association shall be opened this week and that we shall begin collecting the annual membership fees(Kshs 1,000)from each member of the association any time from now.

We also discussed about inviting Piotr Masztalerz Shidoin to come over for a seminar and we are in the process of raising at least Kshs 100,000 which will serve as his airplane ticket cost.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-ORAW John

-OMONDI Steve

-MUTUNGA Robert

-ABONYO Patrick

-GOGO Rodney

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,MARCH 27 @ THE SAME VENUE

Friday, March 14, 2014

Seminar 1

Today was our first session and unfortunately,we arrived a few minutes late.
After the warm up,Sensei  Massimo Ei Villa Dorat focused on Irimi Nage-Aihami,gyakuhami, yoko men uchi and shomen uchi.

I loved the theory part-he was explaining alot and the thing that struck me was that curiosity and enthusiasm are what make us good in Aikido
Curiosity-wanting to know how things work.
Enthusiasm-sharing that curiosity with others in the dojo.

He kept mentioning my favourite word in the dojo-energy and he showed us some techniques to control Uke's energy.Before this,I would have termed what he did as 'magic'

It was a great class and time just flew.
Looking forward to tomorrow.

We also skyped with Sensei Piotr  later and hopefully,we'll be seeing him in Nairobi this year.

P.s -Sammy,you'd have loved the seminar.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Thursday, March 13, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Douglas Kohai was in action again and he took us through the whole session beginning with a sweaty warm up session that featured as you guessed his favourite "wheel barrow push ups".

After warming up the joints,we went through the following techniques:

-Tsuki Kokyu Ho and Kote gaeshi respectively in both instances using an improvised Tanto.

-Hanmi Handachi Waza Shiho Nage.

-Kata Gatame through the opening of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

Douglas Kohai also informed us that there will be no Aikido session next Thursday (March 20) as the room shall be used for a certain function.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MUTHII Joshua

-MICHUKI Leon

-ORAW John

-ABONYO Patrick

-ABDIRAHIM Ayan

-OSWAGO Alex

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MARCH 18 @ THE SAME VENUE

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

The Road to Kigali

It should have been smooth sailing.....get into bus in Nairobi and 24 hrs later,you arrive in Kigali
We were supposed to leave Nairobi at 10 am.Instead we left close to 1,fueled for about 1hr
in Westlands so we said goodbye to Nairobi at around 2.00pm.
Typical,you say.No,it's not.Thanks to my job,I've been doing a fair amount of travelling and whereas very few buses leave strictly on time,most of them leave at least within the hour.
Trouble struck in Molo,where the bus started smoking.We alighted,hoping it was a small mechanical problem.
Jason and Ben are better placed to give details of what exactly the problem but it was evident it couldn't be fixed and another bus had to be sent.
In an 18hr drama,featuring angry passengers,Kampala Coach staff&management plus the Kenya Police
the bus is almost,about 24 hrs after the mechanical failure,in Eldoret
Hopefully,we will get to the border before the 9.00pm public transport curfew.
Thank God night travel is allowed in Uganda.

WHY THE LEFT FOOT IS MORE IMPORTANT IN JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS

Originally Published in Black Belt ____

Traditional Japanese Martial Arts are often characterized by their attention to detail and sometimes ritualized methods. These details and rituals have been put in place for specific reasons. But how has this ritual and attention to detail affected how we practice martial arts today? Has the importance of the left foot been forgotten?

If you practice a Traditional Japanese Martial Art, you understand how important the details of the art are in producing the perfect technique or kata (form). The placement of the hand or sword at the correct angle makes all the difference in the outcome of the movement. The rituals we practice as a part of our art help to root us to the art's history and develop a proper mindset for training. How has the ritual aspect of our art bled into the actual techniques and practices?

Each style is going to have a different answer for this question, but let it suffice to say that the left foot plays more of an important role than you might think. In the late fourteenth century, a key member of the Ogasawarasamurai family by the name of Ogasawara Nagahide developed the Sangi Itto, a manuscript detailing the importance and techniques of etiquette, horsemanship, and archery. Although this is not the only influence on etiquette in Japan, it had a great reception within the warrior class of the time. With the introduction of the rules of etiquette by the Ogasawara method, samurai would use etiquette to distinguish themselves further from the other classes. Naturally, the Ogasawara method of etiquette was integrated into the different “ways” of the samurai. Everything from the cha ya no (tea ceremony) to education and, of course, bugei/budo (martial arts) were ingrained with this intricate system of etiquette which helped to further separate the warrior class from the rest of society. Because the Ogasawara were also known as great warriors, it should come as no surprise that the etiquette was created with awareness and thus protection from treachery in mind. Each movement has an implied meaning. And with that implication, awareness of someone's intentions could immediately be discerned. This is where the left foot comes in. At the beginning of each and every practice, Traditional Japanese Martial Artists step into the dojo with their left foot. When we kneel into seiza, we do so first with our left foot. When we step onto the mat, we initiate this movement with our left foot. And when we leave the dojo, we leave with our left foot being the last part of our body to leave from the dojo. Is this a coincidence? Surely not. This form of etiquette, with emphasis on the left, shows respect. Moving with the right foot would show aggression. With the swords being worn on the left side of the samurai's body, it was much easier to correctly draw the sword with the right foot forward. Of course, it was possible to draw with the left foot forward, but adjustments had to be made so the sword would actually land a worthy cut. The millisecond it took to make these adjustments could mean the difference between life and death. By ingraining this etiquette into the martial arts of Japan, there were now expectations of a warrior's behavior. And when those expectations were not met, it could be assumed that the warrior had ill intentions.

Think of your kata. These movements represent how you would approach an enemy. What foot do you start with? Moving with the right foot first shows aggression or an intention to move into conflict. But that's exactly what kata represents on a practical level: conflict. Kata allows us to practice the fundamental movements of our style through a ritualized, preconceived set of movements. It also should remind us each and every time of what we are practicing. As we recognize the left foot as being put forward in respect, we should also recognize the implications of the right foot being moved first in kata. It is not coincidental. Proper etiquette of the Ogasawara method requires you to step first with your left foot to show respect. Although not all conflict is devoid of respect completely, there is a dissolution of the most important aspect of respect that leads into that conflict. There are other examples of the Ogasawara method in the Japanese budo. Reflect on how you perform your seated bow. Typically, from seiza the left hand is placed first, then the right; reversing the order when coming back up. This allows the right hand, the hand that draws the sword, to be free for as long as possible. This idea of awareness and preparedness is also reflected in the procedure to move into seiza: left leg down first, then right; reversed to stand up. Again, this procedure allows the samurai the greatest opportunity to defend against a potential attack. Lastly, observe the common practice of stepping into the dojo or onto the mat. Although the details may be different from school to school, the basics are the same. Step in first with the left foot (Illus. 1). Bring the feet together and bow (Illus. 2). Move forward with the left foot (Illus. 3). It's interesting to think how influential this concept of the left foot could be when applied to every movement inside the dojo. Think about moving towards a senior student or your sensei in class. What implications could there be if this were implied on a grand scale?


These elements of etiquette aren't the only way in which our left foot is influenced in martial arts. In fact, the integration of this etiquette has forever changed the way our martial arts are practiced. I've already mentioned the reflection of this in kata. The first movement of a typical Japanese kata is with the right foot. But, it isn't just about which foot you move first. The influence of this etiquette has gone beyond that. Strikes and kicks, blocks and parries, sweeps and throws: all have been influenced by the way we use our right and left feet in response to the rules of etiquette. We tend to move first with the right in an act of aggression, allowing the left leg to be used for balance, pivoting, or to otherwise derive power from. In Japanese swordsmanship, the left hand creates the power of the cut while the right simply guides the blade into correct position. The power of the cuts come from the shoulders and hips channeled up through the left leg. The placement of the left foot greatly determines the accuracy, angle, and power of the cut. In Judo, the placement of the left leg greatly determines the outcome of a throw by changing the points of balance on which the throw pivots. In Karate, the sturdiness of the stance and the power of the strike are determined greatly by the location of the left foot. Think about this abstractly. We derive power from the left foot...from the foot that symbolizes respect, gratitude, and honor towards one another. The martial arts we practice today are the product of centuries of refinement. Do you think the fact that we derive our power from the same side that we show respect from is a coincidence? I would suggest that coming from a culture where every movement of one's life, from stepping into the dojo to marriage, is an implication of intentions and direction; this is no coincidence.

The left foot, as we've discussed, is symbolic of respect. Students of all ages come to martial arts for respect. Some come to be given the push they need or to understand on a deeper level how important they are to the world and as a result find self-respect. Some are children who were never taught about discipline and respect and their parents feel that martial arts class is the place to learn about it. Traditional Martial Artists often talk about how things are going down the tubes in the martial arts community because of the type of respect non-traditionalists are teaching under the guise of “martial arts.” A few notable points worth mentioning would include the screaming of “Yes Sir!” or “Hai sensei!” rather than an appropriate volume level to show respect. Certainly, the Ogasawara would never have imagined martial artists slapping their thighs so hard when they bow that it not only becomes audible but could result in bruising. This is no show of respect. Do these children, these martial artists truly respect their instructor, their art, each other? Is it simply the only way they know to show respect in those circumstances? This is why the teachings of the importance of the left foot are so crucial. Etiquette rooted in history and tradition is part of the art for a reason. It isn't just some peripheral element of the art. It is ingrained in everything that IS that art. From the moment one steps inside the dojo to the practice of technique to the time one leaves, all of these movements reflect the importance of the left foot. The highest form of etiquette a martial artist can display is a true respect and honor for his art, his sensei, and his classmates that he feels in his heart. Only then will the methods of the Ogasawara truly come to life. The rituals set forth by the Ogasawara allow us to show others what is in our hearts. Next time you want to start class off on the right foot, step in with your left.

The article above can be accessed by copying and pasting the following link in your browser:

http://www.orlandomartialartsguy.com/index.php/martial-arts/45-why-the-left-foot-is-more-important-in-japanese-martial-arts

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Tuesday, March 11, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Douglas Kohai is back after MIA due to professional duties and he was eager to sharpen up his Aikido skills and he did not disappoint.

After a great body workout that featured his favourite-the 'wheelbarrow pushups',we kicked off the practise session with the following techniques:

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage and Shiho Nage respectively.

-Reverse Kote Gaeshi.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo Omote.

The session ended with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa followed by Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-OSORO Douglas

-MICHUKI leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-MAMOU Tracy

-ORAW John

-ABONYO Patrick

-MUEMA Roy

-GOGO Rodney

-MUTUA Robert

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MARCH 13 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Thursday, March 6, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Having arrived late by over 20 minutes, I missed out on the warm up session and the technique that opened the session thus,I will only highlight the techniques we went through while I was present.

Ben Sempai took over the first part of the session with Katatedori Soto Kaiten Nage followed by Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage while the following are the attacks/techniques we went through during the remainder of the session:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Ura.

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote.

-Hanmi Handachi Shiho Nage.

-Kata Dori Rokkyo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-MUTINDA David

-OMONDI Steven

-ABONYO Patrick

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MARCH 11 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Mohseen Kohai took us through the warm up session that included Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from Suwari Waza followed by Ikkyo,Sankyo and Nikyo Undo after which we embarked on the following techniques:

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage and Kokyu Nage respectively.

-Ryote Dori Kiri Otoshi.

-Ai Hanmi katatedori Ikkyo Omote from Suwari Waza.

The session ended with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa followed by Haishin Undo.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-LALA Mohseen

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-GOGO Rodney

-Tracy

-ABONYO Patrick

-MUTINDA David

-ORAW John

-GATHIRIMU

-MUTUA

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MARCH 6 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Thursday, February 27, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai was back and after going through a brief warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from Suwari Waza, we embarked on the day's techniques as follows:

-Uchi Kaiten Nage from a Katatedori stance.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote.

Ben Sempai had to leave after about 45 minutes and for the rest of the session, we went through the following the stance being Katatedori:

-Shiho Nage Ura.

-Kote Gaeshi(two versions without Tanto and another version with Tanto)

Of late there has been too much talking in the "dojo" and I hope this trend does not continue in the sessions to come.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-OMONDI Steven

-ORAW John

-OBONYO Patrick

-GOGO Rodney

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MARCH 4 @ THE SAME VENUE

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Aikido in Rwanda?

INAUGURATION OF THE FIRST AIKIDO DOJO IN RWANDA

With Sensei Massimo di Villadorata,founder and chief instructor at Montreal Aikikai

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Friday, March 14, 2014 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Saturday, March 15, 2014 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM : Group lunch (buffet)

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM : Thanks and farewell drink

WELCOME ALL!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Tuesday, February 25, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Jason Sempai took us through a great session which incuded some of the most intense abs workout I have done in a while!

The session kicked off by reviewing last Tuesday's Shomen Uchi attacks then we proceeded with the day's attack/technique mentioned below:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Ura.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Ura.

The more advanced students carried on with Jiyu Waza while Jason Sempai focused on the new comers during the last ten minutes of the session.

There was too much talking in the "dojo" and hopefully this will be checked in the days to come.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-MATINDI Sarah

-MICHUKI Leon

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-JORDAN Brian

-ABONYO Patrick

-ORAW John

-KURIA Edwin

-GOGO Rodney

MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Thursday, February 20, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Having arrived in good time but wasted almost ten minutes at the entrance of the Japan embassy due to the new regulations,I hurriedly changed and made my way to the 'dojo'.

After a brief warm up session,we got down to business and to kick off the day's session we recaped the techniques that we went through last Tuesday,i.e.Shomen Uchi Ikkyo and Sankyo Omote respectively.

After that, we went through the techniques of the day which were:

-Ryote Dori Tenchi Nage

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Ura

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-MUTHII Joshua

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-GOGO Rodney

-MUTINDA David

-ORAW John

-ABONYO Patrick

-OMONDI Steven

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Tuesday, February 18, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

I arrived on time only to find the 'dojo' empty.As usual, I decided to do a jog and warm up exercises before the others began arriving.

After a brief warm up session with the others,we began the basics and it was Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote that set the ball rolling.

Jason Sempai arrived later on and took us through the following attacks from Shomen Uchi:

-Ikkyo Omote(from both the Ai Hanmi and Gyaku Hanmi Katatedori stances)

-Sankyo Omote(from the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance)

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-ORAW John

-KIBUCHO Anthony

-OMONDI Steven

-ABONYO Patrick

-MUTUNGA

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 @ THE SAME VENUE

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Dojo Etiquette 101 part 2

This Part 2 can actually be written as 'Be observant'but I will break it down 

1)Pay attention-there's a lot going on in the dojo and you need to be wholly present.

 2)Keep toe and hand nails short

3)Clapping by the instructor signifies the end of a technique.Stop immediately,bow to your partner and go back to the line .
If instructed to  remain in the  current position,sit in seiza

4)Sit in seiza or cross legged ONLY-no stretching of legs or kneeling in class.Do not lean on the walls either

5)At the end of the class,bow to your partners.

6)Always bow when leaving the class,in the direction of the kamiza.

7)At the beginning and end of the class,as much as it's possible,sit in one straight line.

8)Be patient-with yourself and parners

9)Relax-easier said than done,I know but it makes your Aikido experience better.

Thursday 13th Feb

Having Sammy conduct the class took me back to 2012-the dark days as I prefer to call them.
It was good to be back in the dojo.
There are a number of regular beginners-two of them now have gis which is a sign of commitment.

The warm up session took 65 minutes so we were all sweating by the time we were done.
Sammy is fitter  than most of us and there was a particular exercise-stretching the thigh muscles,that only he was able to do well.
Still,he encouraged the students to at least try even if one isn't able to execute it perfectly.

The remaining 40 minutes were a marathon as we rehearsed the moves Jason taught on Tuesday,
mainly Katatedori Sokumen Irimi Nage  and Kote Gaeshi,
-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote and Rokyo
Other techniques included Rokyo Gyakuhami Ikio Omote and Gyakuhami Ryotedori Kiri Otoshi.

Sammy kept insisting he's not a teacher and for a 'not teacher'he did a good job.


Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

As it is the case most of the time, Nairobi experiences unnecessary traffic snarl ups whenever it rains and I found myself arriving almost half an hour late which of course means I missed out on 80% of the warm up session but all in all "better late than never".

Jason Sempai took us through the whole session and after the warm up session we recaped the techniques of last Tuesday's session before embarking on the day's techniques:

-Katatedori Sokumen Irimi Nage and Kote Gaeshi respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote and Rokkyo respectively.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-ORAW John

-ABONYO Patrick

-GOGO Rodney

-KURIA Edwin

-Tracy

-WANJIKU Shirleen

-OMONDI Steven

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Dojo Etiquette 101

This post is long overdue.
As Sammy has pointed out,we've had a huge influx of beginners who do not know
dojo etiquette and I felt it's important to point out a few basics:

1)Punctuality-always try to try to the class before the teacher.
In case you are late,sit in seiza at the class entrance and wait for the teacher's permission to enter.
Make sure you warm up if you find the warm-up session is over.

2)Take off all jewellery before class,this includes but is not limited to rings,bangles,bracelets,earrings,
anklets,chains,chokers and necklaces

3)No chewing of gum or snacking during class

4)Maintain silence.

5)Leave your ego at the door

Thursday, February 6, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Ben Sempai arrived quite early to take us through an hour of the session and after a sweaty warm up session consisting of among others Mae and Ushiro Ukemi on the same spot,he took us through the below mentioned techniques being from the Katatedori stance:

-Sumi Otoshi

-Uchi Kaiten Nage

Ben Sempai had to leave after the one hour for the Karate session and for the remainder of the session,we revised the following techniques all being from the Ai Hanmi Katatedori stance:

-Nikyo(Omote & Ura)

-Sankyo Omote

David was shining bright in his new Gi;lucky for him we were not at the Goan gymkhana otherwise he would have gone home with a 'different' Gi from the one he whore at the beginning of the session.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIYAGA Ben

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-OLE KIMINTA Edwards

-MUTINDA David

-ABONYO Patrick

-ORAW John

-MUGANZI Gerald

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

Jason Sempai was 'in the dojo' and after sweating it out in a great body workout session,we went through the basics of Aikido and the techniques we went through were as follows:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Ura.

During the last five minutes or so,we were divided into two groups;those who have practised Aikido for a while and the newcomers and boy was it breathtaking!

At the end of the session Jason Sempai reminded everyone and especially the newcomers that there will be a cut off date for Aikido newcomers to enable us all grow since by having intakes,we shall be able to concentrate on developing our Aikido skills.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KIBE Jason

-MUTHII Joshua

-Tracy

-NJOROGE Walter

-MUGANZI Gerald

-GOGO Rodney

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURDSAY, FEBRUARY 6 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 session at the JICC conference room

A big welcome to Rex ROMERO Sempai who is back again in Nairobi for a week or so before hitting the road....

Jason Sempai kicked off the warm up session followed by Daniel Sempai who took us through another set of warm up drills before embarking on a version of Katatedori Kokyu Nage whereby Tori leads Uke to the weak spot on the 'imaginary triangle' using an atemi as motivation.

Next up was Tori controlling Uke by using the wrist and one's centre to bring Uke on the toes(part of the preparation for Tenchi Nage).

Rex Sempai guided us through how to have a 'relationship' with the ground by showing us the safest way to fall down without injuring oneself.

I discovered various ways of landing safely thanks to Rex Sempai's insight.

After the session,we held a brief discussion outside with the main point of focus being the registration of members and the way forward for Nairobi Aikikai.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-ROMERO Rex

-AREBA Daniel

-KIBE Jason

-MATINDI Sarah

-LALA Mohseen

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTINDA Daniel

-M. Traicy

-ORAW John

-ALULA Patrick

-MUEMA Roy

-ABONYO Patrick

-KARIUKI Mathew

-MWAKIO Sammy