Thursday, July 30, 2015 session at the JICC Conference Room

Toshiyuki Sensei took us through the whole session beginning with the warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from Tachi Waza before we embarked on the following attacks and techniques:

-Tai no Tenkan followed by Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage.

-Ushiro Ryote Dori Kokyu Nage.

The session ended with Zagi Kokyu Ho as well as Haishin Undo.

Sensei reiterated the importance of Tsugi Ashi as opposed to 'hopping' and 'jumping about' when executing a technique.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KITAYAMA Toshiyuki

-MICHUKI Leon

-Anthony

-KAMAU Maurice

-Several 'regulars'

-MWAKIO Sammy

P.S.All those intending to be graded can come and get a copy of the forms containing information on the grading fees,etc. that were handed over to me by Mr.Futaki as we prepare for grading next year (D.V.)

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,AUGUST 4 @ THE SAME VENUE

Visit to Kenya by Japan Aikikai instructors

Today morning I received a call from Mr. Futaki of the Japan Information and Culture Centre who confirmed that a team of instructors from the Japan Aikikai will be in Kenya in the month of February next year (2016) and here is a summary of their schedule:

Wednesday, February 17, 2016: Arrival in Kenya.

Thursday, February 18, 2016: Aikido class/session.

Friday, February 19, 2016: Grading exercise.

Saturday, February 20, 2016: Aikido workshop/demonstration open to the general public.

N.B. For all those who would like to be graded, be informed that a fee will be charged for this purpose depending on your level.

More details will be made available once received.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015 session at the JICC Conference Room

Tom Sempai took us through a vigorous warm up session focused mainly on cardio exercises since it has been noted a good number of us "pant" during the session and are usually out of breath before the end of the session.

After the warm up session followed a series of Ukemi and breakfalls before we embarked on the following techniques:

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

-Chudan Tsuki Ikkyo Omote.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KITAYAMA Toshiyuki

-ODHIAMBO Tom

-WAITITU Vanessa

-NJOGU Anthony

-KAMAU Maurice

-Two newcomers who watched throughout the session.

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JULY 30 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, July 23, 2015 session at the JICC Conference Room

The turnout was smaller compared to the past three weeks or so but nevertheless, the session went on beginning with Tom Sempai's warm up session which included Ikkyo Undo among other warm up drills.

After a session of Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza followed by Gyaku Ukemi and Yoko Ukemi, the attacks/techniques of the day were as follows:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote first from the static stance then from a 'real' Shomen Uchi attack.

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

We wrapped up the session with Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Toshiyuki Sensei advised us to first learn the basics such as proper stance and proper execution of an attack/a technique before going a step further and learning the name of an attack/technique.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KITAYAMA Toshiyuki

-ODHIAMBO Tom

-MICHUKI Leon

-KAMAU Maurice

-NJOGU Anthony

-A first timer in Aikido

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, JULY 28 @ THE SAME VENUE

P.S. Kindly requesting all those intending to be graded in the near future to give their full names which will be included in the register which will then be used in calculating the number of hours, days,etc. one has attended.

Tuesday 21st July Aikido Studying Session at the JIC

It was another good attendance today graced by the helpful guidance of our Yudansha Toshiyuki san. The theme of today was going back to the basics and executing the pillars of Aikido techniques the correct way.
The class started with warm ups/ calisthenics:

Funikogi Undo- Boat rowing exercise
Sayu Undo- Raising hands to side motion then slightly slanting.
Tekubikosa Undo- Swinging hands to center of navel up and down
Tekubi Undo- Kotegaeshi, Ikkyo, Sankyo, Nikkyo, Shaking hands up and down
Ikkyo Undo- raising both hands up as motion of raising sword with left foot forward then change to right
Zengo Undo- raising both hands up,facing forward and rear alternating.
Mae Ukemi- Rolling/ Falling forward
Ushiro Ukemi- Rolling/ Falling backward

Toshiyuki san pointed out correct positioning when performing a fall and how to protect one's self through correct body positioning. He said in Aikido triangle stance ensures stability and protection of vitals.
We were also reminded of the very importance etiquette and the correct ways of performing Seiza and bowing before and after training.
When performing Mae and Ushiro Ukemi, always stay on a single line. Rolling hand should be slightly inside the leading leg or between the middle leading of feet of leading leg. Roll diagonally on a straight line.

When in Seiza, for men the distance(Maai) between the knees should be two fists, While women should have knees closed together. Both hands should be on laps and back straight. When bowing to opponent, eye contact shifts to few inches in front while you show him top of your head in trust (etiquette). Sit tightly on your instep toes down with right big toe over the left. 

Techniques:

Katatedori Ikkyo Omote- Same side wrist grab, 1st pinning technique front version.

Katatedori Ikkyo Ura- Same side wrist grab, 1st pinning technique circular version

Katadori Ikkyo Omote- Same side shoulder grab, 1st pinning technique front version

Katatdori Ikkyo Ura- Same side shoulder grab, 1st pinning technique circular version

In either of the Motions Omote or Ura we should use the feet movement and waist instead of hand actions after feigning an attack/Atemi to destabilize the Uke and moving to deliver the Ikkyo motion.

KatateKosadori Kotegaeshi - Cross hand grab, Wrist turn throw and pin.

We finished the session by doing a Kokyu dosa
.
Thank you for all your participation today and lets do this again on Thursday 24th July at JIC Upperhill.

Hombu Dojo grading examination system

Some of the newcomers had requested a link to the Hombu Dojo grading requirements.

Well, here is the link:

http://www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/information/review.html

Thursday, July 16, 2015 session at the JICC Conference Room

A good number of first timers showed up for the Aikido session and watched from the 'touch line' as we went through the paces.

Tom Sempai guided us through the warm up session which also included Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

We also went through a session of Kokyu Nage whereby Uke would 'attack' Tori and Tori would respond using Kokyu Nage thereby 'forcing' Uke to do a breakfall.

With the guidance of Toshiyuki Sempai, Tom Sempai had the following techniques in store for the day:

-Tai no Henko followed by Sokumen Irimi Nage.

-Ryote dori Tenchinage.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi Omote.

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Katatedori Soto kaiten Nage.

The day's session ended with Zagi Kokyu Ho.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KITAYAMA Toshiyuki

-ODHIAMBO Tom

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-A number of new comers

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,JULY 21 @ THE SAME VENUE

Jour de la Bastille session at the JICC Conference Room

Tom Sempai kicked off the session by briefing us on the pillars of Aikido and the important role they play in Aikido.

He then took us through the warm up session that included among others the Tenkan motion, Tai no Tenkan as well as the opening of a Shomen Uchi attack.

The attacks/techniques of the day were as follows:

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Katatedori Soto Kaiten Nage.

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Various openings following a Tanto attack to the solar plexus.

-Chudan Tsuki Kote Gaeshi.

We wrapped up the session with Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Tom Sempai stressed on the importance of the basics without which one cannot be successful in executing the various Aikido attacks/techniques.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KITAYAMA Toshiyuki

-ODHIAMBO Tom

-MICHUKI Leon

-NJOROGE Walter

-OKUMU Julius

-BOKEA Joseph

-WAITITU Vanessa

-'Familiar Aikido enthusiasts'

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JULY 16 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, 9th, July Session at JIC

Good Class this Thursday evening, Presence of more enthusiastic Aikidokas both old and new members. The class was lively and rigorous from the onset of Aiki Taiso.
Sam san took the class through a challenging Taiso movements with a combination of some military drills like crawls and knuckle push ups.
We were reminded to always adhere to the Aikido training etiquette all the time when on the mat. Precisely the need to seiza properly on the mat and also waiting on the side to be allowed on the mat when you come in late. The right etiquette involves Seiza at the threshold of the mat and then bowing towards the Kamiza/ Shomen.

TECHNIQUES

The ukes involved in todays demonstration were, Sam, Joshua, and Walter.

Reminder of last Tuesday's Techniques:
- Katate Dori Ikkyo- Same side wrist grab, 1st Pinning technique.
- Kata Dori Ikkyo- Same side shoulder grab, 1st Pinning technique.
- Katate Kosa tori Kotegaeshi- Cross hand wrist grab, twist and throw/ Pin.
- Katate Dori Kotegaeshi- Same side wrist grab, twist and throw/ Pin.

Today's Techniques
- Katate Dori Sankyo- Same side wrist grab, 3rd Pinning technique.
- Kata Dori Sankyo- Same side shoulder grab, 3rd Pinning technique.
-Ushiroryo Kata Dori Sankyo- Both shoulder grab from behind, 3rd Pinning technique/ Nage waza.
-Ushiro Katate Dori kubishime sankyo- Wrist grab from behind and rear choke,3rd Pinning/ Nage waza

Goshin Waza- Applications

1. How to escape from a grab from two assailants on both sides, each holding both wrists in Moroto dori.  Apply Moroto dori Kokyu ho san( Breath throw with sankyo)

2.How to escape from a grab by three assailants, both sides and from the back. Both wrists held in Moroto dori. Apply Moroto dori Kokyu ho  ichi or Yon.

Jiyu Waza- Randori

We finished up with a three assailant randori with a rotation between Tom, Sam, Walter and Joshua. It was lively and intense.

Thanks to all that participated in today's training and i encourage us to perfect our basics and attend the practice every week. Next session on Tuesday 14th at JIC. For those who had photo opportunity with Kawakami Sensei.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015 session at the JICC Conference Room

Tom Sempai was the 'Aikido general' for the duration of the whole session and he began by taking us throught the warm up session that also featured Tai Sabaki, Funakogi Undo as well as Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

Tom Sempai also took us through a thorough Ukemi session (sort of Kakarigeiko) whereby Uke would approach him and grab both hands and Tom Sempai being the Tori would turn the hips (Ryote dori Kokyu Nage) and 'force' Uke to do Mae Ukemi.

TECHNIQUES FEATURED:

-Katatedori Ikkyo Omote, Ura.

-Kata dori Ikkyo Omote, Ura (static & dynamic versions).

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi (two versions).

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

-A session of Jiyu Waza featuring Tom Sempai, Joshua Kohai and myself which left me sweating profusely.

Tom Sempai insisted on the importance of basics which will go a long way in creating a good foundation for Aikido learning.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-ODHIAMBO Tom

-MUTHII Joshua

-OKUMU Julius

-WAITITU Vanessa

-'Regular members'

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:THURSDAY,JULY 9 @ THE SAME VENUE

Kawakami Sensei 'farewell' session on Thursday, July 2, 2015 @ the JICC Conference Room

Kawakami Sensei's two week stay in Kenya comes to an end this Sunday July 5 and the usual Nairobi traffic snarl ups nearly messed up Sensei's planned 'explosive' session but luckily he was able to come before the session ended and it was a fantastic session.

Tom Sempai began by taking us through Aiki Taso which also included Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Tachi Waza and Suwari Waza before he kicked off the session with Tsuki Ikkyo Omote.

Kawakami Sensei took over the rest of the session with the following techniques:

-Tsuki Kote Gaeshi (two versions)

-Tsuki Ikkyo Omote (two versions)

-Tsuki Yonkyo Omote

-A different version of Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote

Kawakami Sensei advised us to continue practising and learning from mistakes as it is the only way to improve on our Aikido skills.

At the end of the session, Joshua Kohai presented Sensei with some gifts which were bought with some money we all contributed after last Tuesday's session as a thank you to Sensei for taking time off to teach us Aikido.

Sensei's daughter and grand daughter were also present to grace the 'farewell ceremony'.

We wish Sensei a safe journey back home to Japan and look forward to having him back soon.

ATTENDANCE LIST:

-KAWAKAMI Masayuki

-AGUTA Tony

-KIBE Jason

-ODHIAMBO Tom

-MICHUKI Leon

-MUTHII Joshua

-WAITITU Vanessa

-MURAGURI Herman

-MAMBO Stephen

-Various 'Aikidoists'

-MWAKIO Sammy

NEXT SESSION:TUESDAY,JULY 7 @ THE SAME VENUE