Thursday, December 15, 2016

Thursday, December 15, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

We were taken through the year's last session at the JICC by Joshua Kohai who began with a warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from Tachi Waza as well as Ukemi over 'obstacles' not forgetting Mae Shikko.

The rest of the session included the following:

TACHI WAZA :

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Rokkyo.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the year ending session.


(Image courtesy of: i.ytimg.com)


NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Finally the Tatami is here!

A huge thank you to Andreas Schriber Sensei who made it possible for us to possess our own Tatami for the very first time!

The Tatami arrived at the Japan embassy at about 17:30 hrs and we spent the next half hour or so offloading the brand new Tatami from the truck that transported it from the warehouse into the JICC with the remainder being packed inside Joshua Kohai's vehicle.

After arranging the Tatami, the session kicked off with a quick warm up session followed by basic breakfalls. Thereafter, Daniel Sempai guided us through the following:

TACHI WAZA :

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

-Ryo Kata Dori Kokyu Nage.

LAST SESSION OF THE YEAR AT THE JICC: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Thursday, December 8, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Toshiyuki San guided us through the whole session which kicked off with a 'Japanese style' warm up session followed thereafter by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (Suwari Waza & Tachi Waza) as well as Mae Shikko.

Toshiyuki San also led in demonstrating some Undo which included a Tenkan Undo 'marathon'.

TACHI WAZA :

-Shomen Uchi Kokyu Ho.

-Shomen Uchi Kote Gaeshi Ura.

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage (Omote & Ura).

During the last five or so minutes, Toshiyuki San performed Jiyu Waza demonstrating the major Aikido attacks, stances and throws which included the following:

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage.

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote & Ura.

-Ryote Dori Shiho Nage, and so on.

As earlier hinted, Toshiyuki San informed us all that Andi Sensei is planning a seminar sometime in February 2017 which might also see some of us being graded.

More details to follow in the coming months.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The turnout was smaller than usual but nonetheless, the session kicked off with the usual warm up exercises followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza) and Mae Shikko.

TACHI WAZA :

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Chudan Tsuki Ikkyo Omote.

SUWARI WAZA :

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Haishin Undo closed the day's session.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 @ THE SAME VENUE


Thursday, December 1, 2016

Thursday, December 1, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Once again we were fortunate to have Andreas Schriber Sensei among us and the session as previously mentioned was as technical as can be.

Kicking off the session were warm up drills followed by Ikkyo Undo then Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

TACHI WAZA :

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten and Soto Kaiten Nage Omote (Ura for the more advanced Aikidoka) respectively.

-Kote Gaeshi from the opening of Katatedori Uchi Kaiten.

-Nikyo from the opening of Katatedori Uchi Kaiten.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote.

Andi Sensei hinted that if all goes well, there will be a weekend seminar sometime in February 2017 which may also incorporate grading for those willing to advance a step higher.

P.S. For those who are unaware, the tatami that was shipped from Switzerland courtesy of Andi Sensei is in nairobi and KES 156,800 is needed for release of the Tatami.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Tuesday, November 29, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was an honour to have Andreas Schriber Sensei grace us with his presence and for those who know Andi Sensei, the session was technical and detailed to the core!

The session commenced with light warm up drills to prepare us for the techniques.

Shikko was also on the 'menu' and Andi Sensei took us through on how to effectively execute Shikko (Mae, Ushiro and Irimi Tenkan) before Andi Sensei guided us through the following:

TACHI WAZA :

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Yonkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Ushiro Ryote Dori Sankyo and Kote Gaeshi respectively.

Andi Sensei reminded us (especially for the ones with Yonkyu and above) to develop the instinct of not letting Uke grab one's hand when in a static positon.

I came across an interesting article about Andi Sensei who apart from being an ardent practitioner of Aikido, is also a journalist and an environmentalist.

http://www.biovision.ch/en/about-us/who-we-are/team/andreas-schriber/


NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22,2016 SESSION AT THE JICC CONFERENCE

Walter set the ball rolling in the session with a bit of mawari ukemi and ushiro ukemi followed by stretching exercises.

Wazas were as follows,


Kata-tori Nikkyo omote and ura

Shomen-uchi iriminage

Ryote-tori shihonage omote and ura

Tsuki kotegaeshi

We ended the session as usual.
No session on Thursday 24,2016.
Next session Tuesday 29,2016

Friday, November 18, 2016

Thursday, November 17, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The session kicked off courtesy of areba Daniel.we began with funakogi and furitama,warm-up exercises winding-up with Mae and ushiro ukemi.

WAZAS

Katate Tori ikyo undo opening

Katate Tori ikyo

Katate Tori shihonage

Ushiro ryote-tori ikyo

Ushiro ryote-tori shihonage

Yokomem uchi shihonage

Ryote-tori kokyu mage

Jiyu-waza kokyu mage

We ended the session with Hashin-undo.

Next session Tuesday,22 November 2016
Same venue

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Toshiyuki San arrived early for an appointment at the JICC and lucky for us, we kicked off the day's session quite early with the basics of Tai no Tenkan Ho, the opening of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage with emphasis on Tsugi Ashi as well as the Shomen Uchi attack.

SUWARI WAZA :

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo (Omote & Ura).

TACHI WAZA :

-Shomen Uchi Nikyo (Omote & Ura).

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Ryote dori Kokyu Nage.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

NEXT AIKIDO SESSION: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 AT THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Thursday, November 10, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The session kicked off with a brief warm up and stretching exercises courtesy of Toshiyuki San followed thereafter by a Mae and Ushiro Ukemi 'mini marathon' from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

The day's attacks/techniques featured the following:

TACHI WAZA :

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo and Nikyo Omote respectively.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote (different version).

SUWARI WAZA :

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Toshiyuki San emphasised on the importance of Tori 'entering' to unbalance Uke during a Shomen Uchi attack as well as Uke's positioning when attacking Tori, i.e. being out of range from Tori's line of attack when in a static stance.

Haishin Undo ended the session.

NEXT AIKIDO SESSION: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Tuesday, November 8, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Daniel Sempai kicked off the session with an intense and sweaty work out session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza as well as an 'Ukemi marathon' for the more advanced Aikidoka.

TACHI WAZA :

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote & Ura.

-Shomen Uchi Nikyo Omote & Ura.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote & Ura.

-Katatedori Kata Gatame.

-Katatedori Hiji Waza.

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage (two versions).

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage Omote & Ura.

The session came to a close with a five minute body work out featuring the dreaded star jumps.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 @ THE SAME VENUE.


Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Aikido cosmology

Osensei said,aiki is to teach the basis for the creation of budo in which techniques are born as one moves.
So you have to understand the basis for the creation of techniques.the basis is kokyu power.there is nothing else.when you develop kokyu power,countless techniques emerge.you can't create techniques only by doing the forms of the past.

Shioda notes that in pre-war training,there were no pre-set forms they,they had to mimic what ueshiba did.
Kisshomaru  states:it was around 1937 or 1938 that I began to practice aikido seriously.i had already learned techniques by then.one can learn techniques in 2 or 3 years.
No,ueshiba didn't teach techniques.he viewed his art as formless and where his body moved,his training partner created the opening for techniques to happen.the students did the best that they could with what ueshiba gave them.since he wasn't really teaching the secrets,the students mimicked the forms and trained techniques.
It was the students who developed a curriculum by writing down techniques and sorting them into some type of syllabus.

Ueshiba ;there are about 3000 basic techniques and each of them has 16 variations,so there are many thousands.depending on the situation,you create create new ones.

There is a sense that the waza  can be seen as vehicles for the expression of creativity and this,to my mind,is what morihei ueshiba meant by takemusu aiki.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

After a brief warm up session that also incorporated Mae (both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza), Gyaku and Yoko Ukemi as well as Shikko, Joshua Kohai took us through the following:

TACHI WAZA :

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote & Ura.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Omote & Ura.

-Ai Hanmi katatedori Sankyo Omote & Ura.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi Omote.

The session culminated with a round of Jiyu Waza.

*A reminder for those willing to attend this Saturday's Japanese Cultural Festival to send their full name & passport/identity card number to:jinfocul@nb.mofa.go.jp before Friday, November 4.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Thursday, October 27, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The warm up session kicked off with Toshiyuki San taking us through the paces followed by a Mae and Ushiro ukemi 'marathon' before we went throught the following:

TACHI WAZA :

-Ryote dori Kokyu Nage (two versions).

-Ryote dori Tenchi Nage (Omote & Ura).

-Jiyu Waza featuring several attacks/techniques.

The last ten minutes were dedicated to going through the attacks/techniques to be showcased during the upcoming Aikido demonstration on Saturday, November 5.

**DUE TO PREPARATIONS FOR THE UPCOMING JAPANESE CULTURAL WEEK NEXT MONTH, THERE WILL BE NO AIKIDO SESSION ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3**

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2016 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Tuesday, October 25, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Under the guidance of Daniel Sempai, the session kicked off with an intense warm up session incorporating Mae, Ushiro, Yoko and Gyaku Ukemi from both Suwari Waza (Mae and Ushiro Ukemi) and Tachi Waza (for all) as well as Shikko before we embarked on the following:

TACHI WAZA :

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Jiyu Waza in groups of four featuring the techniques of the day.

The session ended with another round of endurance exercises followed by Haishin Undo.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Tuesday, October 18, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The JICC main hall was packed with newcomers eager to learn Goju Ryu Karate but on our side, we had already kicked off the session with 'Japanese style' warm up exercises courtesy of Toshiyuki San.

Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (both Suwari Waza & Tachi Waza) as well as Shikko followed closely before going through the following:

TACHI WAZA :

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo (Omote & Ura).

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage Omote (Ura for the more advanced Aikidoka).

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

SUWARI WAZA :

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

The session ended on a stretching note with Haishin Undo.

REMINDER: Andreas Schriber Sensei arrives in Nairobi on Friday, October 21 in readiness for the weekend Aikido boot camp slated for Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.

The venue is St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ongata Rongai.

NEXT SESSION (AFTER THE WEEKEND AIKIDO BOOT CAMP) : TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25 @ THE SAME VENUE

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Thursday, October 13, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Considering the hot and humid weather outside, the 'dojo' was 'on fire' with most of us being drenched in sweat courtesy of Daniel Sempai's total body workouts not forgetting Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

We went through some of the attacks/techniques to be showcased during the upcoming Aikido demonstration as follows:

TACHI WAZA :

-Katatedori Shiho Nage and Nikyo Ura respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Sankyo and Yonyo Omote respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Nikyo Ura.

N.B. Due to the Mashujaa Day public holiday on Thursday, October 20, there will be no Aikido session on that particular day.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016 @ THE SAME VENUE


Wednesday, October 12, 2016

The spirit of aiki

The tedious, repetitious and monotonous learning routine tests the student's commitment and will power,but it also reduces stubbornness, curbs wilfulness and eliminates bad habits of the body and mind. In the process,his or her real strength,character and potential begin to emerge.the spiritual mastery is inseparable from the psychological but begins only after an intensive and lengthy period of training.

Yagyu mumenori himself stressed on overcoming the ego through self discipline in the art of swordsmanship. In a treatise known as "the household transmission on the art of fighting he writes that the goal of training in the martial arts is to overcome six kinds of diseases:

The desire for victory,
The desire to rely on technical cunning,
The desire to show off,
The desire to psychologically overwhelm the opponent,
The desire to remain passive in order to wait for an opening and
The desire to become free of these diseases.

The egoless self is open,flexible, supple, fluid and dynamic in body,mind and spirit.
Such a way thinking is the essence of all the martial and cultural ways in the Japanese tradition.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Tuesday, October 11, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The session kicked off as usual with a warm up session closely followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi in both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza as well as Mae and Ushiro Shikko under the guidance of Daniel Sempai. 

A session of body conditioning drills and stretching exercises were also “on offer” during the session.

From Tachi Waza, the following is what we went through:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-A version of Katatedori Irimi Nage.


NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Thursday, October 6, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

With the upcoming Aikido demonstration just about three weeks away, Toshiyuki San dedicated the entire session to brushing up on the attacks/techniques to be demonstrated during the Saturday, November 5 Japan Culture Week at the Japan embassy, Nairobi.

Toshiyuki San informed us that since the Aikido demonstration has been accorded 20 minutes, he has divided us into four groups with each group accorded five minutes each to demonstrate their attacks/techniques.

GROUP ONE: Anthony, David, etc.

GROUP TWO: Leah, Michael, etc.

GROUP THREE: Ben, Sammy, etc.

GROUP FOUR: Toshiyuki San, Steve, etc.

Toshiyuki San stated that this is not the final selection and that whoever wishes to participate in the upcoming Aikido demonstration is more than welcome.

Among the attacks/techniques to be demonstrated are as follows:

SUWARI WAZA :

-Ikkyo Omote & Ura.

-Nikyo Omote & Ura.

TACHI WAZA :

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo, Nikyo, Sankyo, Yonkyo & Gokyo (Omote & Ura respectively for all).

-Tsuki (with Tanto) Irimi Nage, Kote Gaeshi, Shiho Nage.

HANMI HANDACHI WAZA :

-Shiho Nage.

-Ryote dori Kokyu Nage.

Toshiyuki San advised each one of us to practise diligently so as to make the Aikido demonstration a success.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 @ THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Tuesday, October 4, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Toshiyuki San was present for this particular session and after a warm up session that also incorporated some stretching exercises as well as Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (Suwari Waza./Tachi Waza), this was what we went through under the guidance of Toshiyuki San (all techniques mentioned below were executed from Kaeshi Waza):

TACHI WAZA :

-Morote dori Irimi Nage Omote.

-Morote dori Ikkyo Omote & Ura respectively.

-Morote dori Kokyu Nage.

The more advanced Aikidoka went throguh Morote dori Nikyo (Omote & Ura) and Sankyo (Omote & Ura).

Haishin undo wrapped up the day's session.

We were priviledged to have among us two Japanese ladies who are in Kenya for the next two years or so under the umbrella of JICA Kenya office with one being based in Nyanza province and the other one based in Rift Valley province.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 @ THE SAME VENUE


Thursday, September 29, 2016

Thursday, September 29, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The work out keep on getting more and more intense and this particular session was all sweaty and exhilarating.

Daniel Sempai took us through the whole session kicking off with full body workouts followed by Mae and ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

The rest of the session featured the following:

TACHI WAZA :

-Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

-Shorter version of Katatedori Nikyo Omote (two versions).

-Opening move for reverse Kote Gaeshi.

P.S. Nairobi Aikikai Association is going through the legal registration process and the registration fee is KES 15,000. All are requested to contribute a minimum of KES 1,000 for this purpose.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Thursday, September 22, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The workouts we have been going through will no doubt count in developing stamina and to some extent flexibility.

Daniel Sempai kicked off the session with Funakogi Undo followed by light stretching warm up drills before we got down and sweaty with Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza followed by some intense workouts that also featured the dreaded star jumps.

We also went through the basics of a Shomen Uchi attack simulating holding a sword and sliding forwards as well as backwards.

Daniel Sempai later on guided us through the following basics:

TACHI WAZA:

-Opening of Katatedori Shiho Nage without the Nage part where Tori stretched Uke's back.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Hiji Waza.

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

-Jiyu Waza featuring the techniques of the day.

N.B. There will be no Aikido session on Tuesday, September 27 due to unavoidable circumstances.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 @ THE SAME VENUE

Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands (Intermediate level class)

We started with ukemi drills as usual, and this time tried the back feather fall. Its interesting how difficult something is when tried for the first time. Keep at it, it will get easier. It was nice to see that some people had got the hang of the front feather fall. After working up a good sweat, we got down to business with the attack of the day being tachi waza ushiro ryoute dori. From this attack, we did

-kokyu nage
-irimi nage
-kokyu ho and
-kote gaeshi.

Next session (aikido for all levels); Thursday, September 22, 2016
Place; JICC small hall, Embassy of Japan
Time; 5.00pm-6.45pm
Damages; 0
Welcome one, welcome all!

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Thursday, September 15, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

This week was all about Ukemi and body conditioning exercises and boy did I have a blast!

Daniel Sempai guided us through the whole session that incorporated full body workouts as well as the following;

TACHI WAZA :

-Mae and Ushiro Ukemi.

-Front breakfall.

-Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

SUWARI WAZA :

-Mae and Ushiro Ukemi.

-Mae and Ushiro Shikko.

It was a good opportunity to refresh our breakfall skills if I may call them especially the fron breakfall that proved quite a task for me.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 @ THE SAME VENUE

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands (Intermediate level class)

Piotr Sensei is in Japan. Yay! Anyone who has ever been to Japan knows what an amazing experience it is. Let’s wish him well!

The focus this month and last month has been on ukemi, with more emphasis on orenai te. This is what we continued with in the extended warm up session. We were able to incorporate the front feather fall, and later had an introduction to the back feather fall (not so easy). Once again we put Mateusz sensei’s ‘balls’ in the mix, and it turned out to be exhausting but satisfying. We are gradually getting more and more confident, and having less and less pain. The only nut that is a bit tougher to crack is shikko. With time, we will manage.

The last few minutes were spent on a revisit of the following sankyu techniques;

-Tachi waza tsuki ikkyo omote and ura
-Tachi waza tsuki nikyo omote and ura
-Tachi waza tsuki sankyo omote and ura
-Tachi waza tsuki kote gaeshi omote and ura

We wrapped up with variations of kokyu ho and kokyu nage.

Next session (aikido for all levels); Thursday, September 15, 2016
Place; JICC small hall, Embassy of Japan
Time; 5.00pm-6.45pm
Damages; 0
Welcome one, welcome all!

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

There were no attacks or techniques practised on this day and we mainly went through body conditioning drills to ensure that we prepare ourselves physically for the upcoming Aikido seminar in Nairobi and also to recognise the importance physical fitness plays in any martial art.

After kicking off with light warm up exercises, Mae and Ushiro Ukemi as well as Mae and Ushiro Shikko followed suit before incorporating other physical exercises which went on until the last three minutes which were dedicated to Zagi Kokyu Ho.



(Image courtesy of s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com)

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 @ THE SAME VENUE

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Thursday, September 8, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Joshua Kohai kicked off the session with some intense warm up exercises featuring a variation of press ups based on the same principle of the classic plank.

Daniel Sempai took over the rest of the session and based on the fact that the majority present were new to aikido, we went through some endurance exercises/stretches as well as basic Mae and Ushiro Ukemi stressing the importance of rolling across the shoulder as opposed to rolling on one's back.

This particluar session did not feature any techniques apart from the opening of Katatedori Shiho Nage placing emphasis on Uke not losing grip of Tori's arm and Ryote dori Tenchi Nage stressing the importance of a proper Ushiro Ukemi execution.

The basics were really beneficial as they reminded me the importance of going back to the basics no matter which level one is in.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 @ THE SAME VENUE

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands (Intermediate level class)

The class started with an extended warm up session that focused on various ukemi drills. We started off slow with ukemi from suwari waza, gradually advancing to ukemi from tachi waza, and finally imitating break falls. The main aim was to get rid of the fear of falling, which is very important as aikido has lots of this (falling). We tried to concentrate on orenai te, which is usually overlooked when doing ukemi on unforgiving ground.

We then moved on to stretching. This took many forms. We started with 2 attacks; gyaku hanmi katate dori and morote dori. From these we did the kokyu ho stretch, which always looks easy until you actually try it. Trust me, it’s not as easy as you think. Moving on, we advanced to ikkyo omote, kote gaeshi omote and shiho nage omote, incorporating both stretching and ukemi at the end of the movements.

The techniques of the day were;
-Tachi waza shomen uchi irimi nage
-Tachi waza shomen uchi kote gaeshi
-Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori kokyu nage variations
-Tachi waza ryo kata dori kokyu nage

The most important thing to remember is not to be lazy, as this increases chances for injury. When one is lazy, they don’t stretch properly, which means even their ukemi comes out wrong. We will continue the ukemi drills in the next class, so look forward to it (たのしみにしてください)

Next session (aikido for all levels); Thursday, September 8, 2016
Place; JICC small hall, Embassy of Japan
Time; 5.00pm-6.45pm
Damages; 0
Welcome one, welcome all!

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Advanced/Intermediate Aikido Classes

For students who have practiced aikido before, there will be a session at Titanium Gym in Westlands today. The regular students have already covered quite some ground while the Embassy was closed, but with a little bit of effort catching up will not be a problem.

The class tentatively starts at 6.30pm, and may go for an hour or two, depending on the mood.

Place; Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands,
Time; 7.00pm-8.00pm
Damages; 300 bob
Welcome all!

Tuesday, September 6, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The session was composed mainly of newcomers who came to 'try out Aikido' and it was a slow session which kicked off with a handful of warm up exercises followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza. The session also featured a few techniques outlined below:

TACHI WAZA:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Ura.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 AT THE SAME VENUE

Friday, September 2, 2016

Thursday, 1st September, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

This marked the ‘last’ session outside the safe confines of the Embassy. As usual, we started with various ukemi drills, and this time we incorporated Mateusz sensei’s famous ‘balls’ he he. It was very nostalgic.

The techniques that we explored were;

-Suwari waza tsuki kotegaeshi omote
-Suwari waza shomen uchi nikyo variations
-Suwari waza kata dori nikyo
-Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori kokyu nage
-Tachi waza ryoute dori kokyu nage

Many thanks for those who sacrificed their time and cash to keep training with us while the Embassy was closed. Big up to those who took time to train at their own convenience during this period as well. We hope that as from next week we will get an opportunity to compare notes.

Next session; Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Place; JICC small hall, Upper Hill
Time; 5.00pm-6.45pm
Damages; 0
Welcome one, welcome all!

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Proposed Nairobi Aikikai seminar Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2016

Andreas Schriber Sensei (Godan) from the Aikido Ikeda dojo in Zürich, Switzerland is planning to organise an Aikido seminar in Nairobi on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 this year at a venue yet to be confirmed.

He is open to any suggestions on the venue, etc. Any feedback is highly appreciated.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Tuesday, 30th August, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

Having missed Saturday’s class, we were pumped up and ready for action as soon as we hit the mat. After a brief warm up session, we embarked on the techniques of the day;

-Suwari waza shomen uchi ikkyo omote and ura
-Suwari waza gyaku hanmi katate dori ikkyo omote
-Suwari waza ai hanmi katate dori ikkyo omote and ura
-Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori ikkyo omote

Apparently the Embassy is open once again, and normal schedule can resume as from the 6th of September 2016.

Next session; Thursday, September 1, 2016
Place; Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands
Time; 6.30pm-8.30pm
Damages; 300 bob
Welcome all!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Tuesday, 23rd August, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

The afternoon rain (which for some reason begins at exactly 5pm) kept most people away due to the heavy traffic jams and overall confusion. However, we still managed to keep the class going as we explored various techniques as outlined below;

-Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori juji nage omote and ura
-Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori yonkyo omote and ura
-Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori sumi otoshi
-Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori koshi nage (only opening, without nage)
-Tachi waza ryoute dori ude garame
-Tachi waza ryoute dori koshi nage (only opening, without nage)
-Tachi waza ryoute dori irimi nage omote and ura
-Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori kokyu nage

Due to the low turnout and number of techniques, it turned out to be an unusually sweaty and tiring session.

Next session; Thursday, August 25, 2016
Place; Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands,
Time; 6.30pm-8.30pm
Damages; 300 bob

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Thursday, 18th August 2016, and Saturday, 20th August, 2016

On these two days, the focus was on attacks from ai hanmi katate dori and ryoute dori.

We did the following techniques;
- Ai hanmi katate dori juji nage omote
- Ai hanmi katate dori yonkyo omote
- Ai hanmi katate dori sumi otoshi omote
- Ai hanmi katate dori koshi nage (opening only)
- Ryoute dori tenchi nage omote
- Ryoute dori kokyu nage omote

Next session; Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands
Time; 6.30pm-8.30pm
Damages; 300 bob

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Tuesday, 17th August, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

It was nice to see Anthony Owino spotting a keikogi for the first time ever. He looked brand new in his all white attire, which he had recently bought from Nairobi Sports House. Apparently there is a sale ongoing, where most of the items can be got at a bargain price. This is a nice opportunity for all those who have no keikogi to get themselves a set, before stocks run out.

The session kicked off with various ukemi, which included introduction to breakfalls, among other calisthenics, all aimed at conditioning our bodies.

We then settled down to the techniques of the day, which were;

- Tachi waza morote dori ikkyo omote gedan
- Tachi waza morote dori ikkyo omote chudan
- Tachi waza morote dori ikkyo omote jodan
- Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori uchi kaiten variation

All these techniques were courtesy of our teacher, Piotr Sensei, 6 dan, who had earlier sent us a video recording of the techniques. This was after we had realized that we needed more direction, and therefore requested for his help.

Some members expressed their wish to practice more of the same, so that it sticks. We shall endeavor to do this in our future classes.

Next session will be on Thursday, 18th August 2016, at the same place, at the same time. Please carry 300bob to cater for the gym’s basic expenses. All are welcome.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Saturday, 13th August at FAMA Gym, Ngara

Being a weekend, we decided to do a mock exam, and managed to go through all the gokyu techniques.

In addition, we started on yonkyu techniques, but were only able to cover techniques from gyaku hanmi katate dori attack.

Maybe we will continue with the same next Saturday.

Thursday, 11th August 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

On this day, we revisited morote dori techniques, and were able to go through the following:

-Tachi waza morote dori kokyu nage omote
-Tachi waza morote dori kokyu nage ura
-Tachi waza morote dori ikkyo omote
-Tachi waza morote dori ikkyo ura

To break the monotony, we also had fun with uchi kaiten, where we went through the following:

-Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori uchi kaiten nage omote
-Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori uchi kaiten nage ura
-Tachi waza ai hanmi katate dori uchi kaiten with a pinning technique at the end

We also tried a popular morote dori technique, which is a preparation for shiho nage.

Piotr Sensei had a few comments on the above-mentioned techniques, especially regarding kamae. We will adopt and use them to improve our training experiences.

Next session: Tuesday, 16th August 2016. Same place. Same time. Damages; 300 bob.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Tuesday, 9th August, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

During this class, we tried to focus on ukemi, which has always been a challenge for me. I am always inspired by the variety and usefulness of ukemi. In theory, anyway. I imagine that in real life, there is no time to do proper ukemi. Much in the same way we panic when faced with an opponent outside class. Anyway, I guess I am too young to understand.

We introduced ourselves to break falls, and a bit of the front feather fall (wave). There was some excitement when someone mentioned making some progress in the feather fall.

The techniques we tried were:
- Suwari waza kata dori ikkyo omote
- Tachi waza kata dori ikkyo omote
- Tachi waza yokomen uchi ikkyo omote and
- Tachi waza gyaku hanmi katate dori kokyu nage

Piotr sensei is back from Croatia. He said that his experience of the place can be compared to Mombasa, Kenya, but cheaper. About our classes, he mentioned that we make many mistakes, but are headed in the right direction. So, let’s keep practicing until we make perfect.


NEXT SESSION: Thursday, 11th August, 2016. Same Place: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Damages: 300bob

Thursday, 4th August 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

We had a visiting guest from Scotland. His name is Angus. He explained that he was born in Kenya, but has always lived in Scotland. He holds the rank of Godan, Okuden.


During the first half of the session, we tried to remind ourselves how to do Tachi waza ryoute dori ikkyo omote. We have been focusing on this technique for some time now.
Next, we tried Tachi waza yokomen uchi shiho nage omote.


During the second half, Angus took some time to expound on a few aikido basics. One of them was something called the ‘ki test’. Its not something I can explain in writing, so I will leave it there. He took us through a few basic techniques including ushiro ryoute dori kote gaeshi, and gyaku hanmi katate dori shiho nage omote. Angus had a wealth of information to share with us, but time was not on our side. However, we shall treasure and keep what we were able to learn from him. More about him can be found in the following link; http://www.highlandkisociety.co.uk/


As a parting gift, he left us a book, titled ‘The Spirit of Aikido’ by Kisshoumaru Ueshiba. This will be added to our library collection, and the first borrower is Anthony Cutter.



NEXT SESSION; Tuesday, 9th August 2016, same venue. 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Damages: 300 bob. Welcome.




Below is a photo that we took with our guest after class.


Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Tuesday, 2nd August, 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

This session was about corrections. Having got a few tips from our home dojo in Wro, we revisited some of the techniques that we did last week, namely; - Suwari waza shomen uchi ikkyo ura - Tachi waza shomen uchi ikkyo ura - Tachi waza morote dori ikkyo - Tachi waza ai hanmi irimi nage omote (jo-ge) and - Hanmi handachi waza showmen uchi irimi nage omote We tried to focus on the general movements rather than the details. This was not so easy given that the mats kept shifting under our feet, making movements very cumbersome. Next time, we will break down some of the techniques and try to understand them better. This will be on Thursday, 4th August, same place, same time (6.30pm – 8.30pm). There were some discussions on WhatsApp about being given tatami free of charge from Switzerland. Since I am not privy to the details…

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Thursday, 28th July 2016, and Saturday, 30th July 2016

On Thursday, the focus was on morote dori techniques. We were able to introduce ourselves to the advanced versions on this technique by differentiating chudan, jodan, and gedan. Due to the complexity of the techniques, we were only able to do kokyu nage and ikkyo. On Saturday, we had more fun as we combined a few attacks. We had suwari waza ikkyo ura, tachi waza shomen uchi ikkyo ura, chudan and jodan versions of ai hanmi irimi nage, kata dori ikkyo, nikyo, sankyo, and finally gyaku hanmi katate dori kata gatame. We hope to meet again on Tuesday, 2nd August at Titanium Gym in Westlands. Don’t forget to bring your damages, totaling 300bob.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Tuesday, 26th July 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

Once again, the 2 of us focused on techniques from gyaku hanmi katate dori attack. It was a very short session (20 minutes), during which we were able to cover irimi nage, juji nage, kokyu nage, kote gaeshi, nikkyo, and sankyo. What’s amazing is the uniqueness of each session. There is no way to replicate a technique. If last week it felt right, this week it may feel totally wrong, even when mentally applying the same level of thinking.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Tuesday, 19th June 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

Despite the low (no) turnout, we managed to remind ourselves something about ushiro ryoute dori techniques. As it turns out, watching the techniques on you tube and other media is way simpler than actually doing them. It was a sweaty 45 minutes or so, and hopefully there will be more participants on Thursday.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Thursday, 14th June 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

Better late than never was the highlight of my attendance; in simple words, I was late for class. Initially, the techniques were dynamic and advanced, before we cooled down to basics in the last few minutes. We were able to go through techniques from yokomen uchi and chudan tsuki attacks. Lastly, we revisited gyaku hanmi katate dori ikkyo omote, and finished the class with ai hanmi katate dori ikkyo omote. It is amazing how many details we miss while focusing on the basics. No wonder Mateusz surprises me every time he says that his technique is not good, yet he has been practicing for the better part of his life. Hm. I can now relate. It was encouraging that the attendance had improved from 2 to 5. I hope that we can keep this up.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Tuesday, 12th June 2016 at Titanium Fitness Gym, Westlands

‘Carrying the torch’ is certainly not an easy thing, judging by the direction which the club has taken. Worse is when you try to alienate yourself from your lineage, in search of ‘greener pastures’. This is so cliché, that it makes you wonder why people forget so fast. While so many things have gone wrong, so many inspirational things have also happened. When will it all fit in the big picture? Anyway, in attempts to retrace Mateusz Sensei’s steps, we explored Katate-Dori Gyaku-Hanmi Ikkyo Omote, as the first step into Gyaku-Hanmi Osae Waza. The session was rather short (only 30 minutes), as requested by the management (it always sucks when you don’t have a place you can call your own). Despite the fact that we were only two, I tried to make the session reminiscent of the class on Friday, March 26, 2010. Back then we had no major problems. It is my hope that some of that spirit may come back to us (especially those who got to train intensely with Mateusz Sensei). Piotr sensei’s comment on the above session was that one needs to avoid leaning forward. Mateusz sensei said not to expose your side to uke when doing ai hanmi ikkyo. Centre should always be towards uke.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Thursday, June 30, 2016 session at the Titanium Fitness gym, Victoria Plaza, Westlands

Only four of us were present for the day's session and that meant that it would be more intense than usual and boy did we sweat!

The warm up session was brief followed by a round of 'free style' Ukemi from Tachi Waza.

Ben Sempai focused on Morote dori and guided us through the following (all from the static Morote dori stance):

TACHI WAZA:

-Nikyo Omote and Ura respectively (two versions).

-Irimi Nage Omote.

-Kote Gaeshi Omote.

-Ude Kime Nage.

-Juji Nage Omote.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

A few stretching exercises as well as Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE


Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Tuesday, June 28, 2016 session at the Titanium Fitness gym, Victoria Plaza, Westlands

Ben Sempai kicked off the day with a brief warm up exercise session followed by freestly Ukemi whereby each one of us was to go for a count of 100 featuring Ukemi of all forms from Tachi Waza. It is said Ukemi is an art form of its own and thus we gave it all.

Afterwards, we went through the basics of Irimi Tenkan and a full Tenkan to evade a Shomen Uchi attack.

The attacks that followed were:

SHOMEN UCHI (TACHI WAZA):

-Nikyo Omote and Ura.

-Irimi Nage Omote.

-Sankyo Omote and Ura.

-Yonkyo Omote.

-Kote Gaeshi Omote.

-Ude Kime Nage.

-Sumi Otoshi.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the day's session.

Here are a few aerial photos of Westlands from the window of our 'adopted dojo':





NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016 AT THE TITANIUM FITNESS GYM, WESTLANDS




Thursday, June 23, 2016

Thursday, June 23, 2016 session at the Titanium Fitness gym, Victoria Plaza, Westlands

Although the Japan embassy is out of bounds to the public for two months or so, that does not signal the end of practising Aikido and thanks to Ben Sempai, who facilitated the availability of our new 'adopted' dojo, we managed to hold a session at the Titanium Fitness gym in Westlands.

As usual the day's session kicked off with a warm up session followed by a round of Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (Tachi Waza) then Ben Sempai guided us throught the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-Katatedori Sokumen Irimi Nage.

-Ryote dori Ikkyo (Omote and Ura).

-Ryote dori Kote Gaeshi Omote.

-Ryote dori Irimi Nage.

-Ryote dori Tenchi Nage (Omote and Ura).

-A session of Jiyu Waza featuring the techniques of the day.

Afterwards, we went through an intense physical workout which also included a good workout on the punching bags which were close by.

Even after a sweaty two and a half hour session of Aikido and body workouts, we still had the energy for a photo session:



NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016 AT THE TITANIUM FITNESS GYM, WESTLANDS


Tuesday, June 21, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The session kicked off with 'Japanese' warm up exercises courtesy of Toshiyuki San followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (Tachi Waza) as well as Shikko before Toshiyuki San Guided us through the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-The basics of Tai no Tenkan Ho.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage.

-Morote dori Shiho Nage (two versions).

-Ryote dori Shiho Nage.

-Niningake Shiho Nage and Kokyu Ho respectively.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 AT TITANIUM FITNESS GYM, WESTLANDS

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Thursday, June 16, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Walter Kohai kicked off the session with a round of Ukemi (Tachi Waza) featuring Mae, Ushiro Gyaku and Yoko Ukemi followed by the basics of Tai no Tenkan Ho before we embarked on the following attacks/techniques:

TACHI WAZA:

-Morote tori Kote Gaeshi and Ikkyo Omote respectively.

-Chudan Tsuki Kote Gaeshi.

-Katatedori Sumi Otoshi.

-Katatedori Ikkyo Omote (incorporating a Tenkan).

We called it wraps with Haishin Undo.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was Joshua Kohai who was in charge of the entire session that kicked off with a light warm up session followed by a variety of Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza as well as Mae and Ushiro Shikko not forgetting the basics of Tai Sabaki before embarking on the attacks/techniques which included the following:

SUWARI WAZA:

-Kata dori Nikyo Ura.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

TACHI WAZA:

-Katatedori Sokumen Irimi Nage.

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Ura.

-Kata dori Nikyo Omote.

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote.

HANMI HANDACHI WAZA:

-Kata dori Nikyo Omote.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Thursday, June 9, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

A warm welcome to our four colleagues (Jason Sempai, Joshua Kohai, Steve N. Kohai and Leah Kohai) who represented Nairobi Aikikai in Zanzibar last weekend.

The session was delayed by about half an hour due to a meeting that was taking place inside the JICC conference room but nevertheless, Ben Sempai took us through the entire session that kicked off with the familiar warm up exercises followed by Mae and Ushiro Shikko among others.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Shomen Uchi Nikyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Sankyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

TACHI WAZA

-Ryote dori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura.

-Ryo kata dori Kokyu Nage.

-Jiyu Waza in groups of three featuring mainly Ryo Kata dori Kokyu Nage.

The session ended with Haishin Undo.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Tuesday, June 7, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Walter Kohai guided us through the entire session which kicked off with a warm up session in the form of Ukemi (Tachi Waza) followed by Mae and Ushiro Shikko.

What followed next was as follows:

TACHI WAZA:

-Morote tori Kote Gaeshi Omote.

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Ura.

-Ryote tori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Ushiro Ryote tori Sankyo Omote and Ura respectively.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

We called it wraps with Haishin Undo.

A warm welcome to our colleagues who duly represented Nairobi Aikikai in the recently concluded Zanzibar trip where Aikido was among the martial arts exhibited at the Zanzibar budokan.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Thursday, June 2, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

With the upcoming Aikido event in Zanzibar this weekend, Toshiyuki San and Andi Shidoin were not present during the session and those of us left behind nevertheless carried on with the session which kicked off with an intense warm up session followed by Mae, Ushiro, Gyaku and Yoko Ukemi mainly from Tachi Waza before going through the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Reverse Kote Gaeshi Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

HANMI HANDACHI WAZA:

-Shiho Nage Ura.

The session ended with Haishin Undo

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.


Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Andi Schriber Shidoin joined us for this particular session and as would be expected, it was very technical.

The warm up session was brief but well worth it before we got down to the following attacks/techniques under the guidance of Andi Shidoin:

TACHI WAZA:

-Ryote Tori Tenchi Nage.

-Ryote Tori Shiho Nage Omote.

-Ryote Tori Sokumen Irimi Nage (stretching).

-Chudan Tsuki Kote Gaeshi Omote and Ikkyo Omote respectively.

-Katatedori Soto Kaiten Nage and Sumi Otoshi from a Kiawase stance.

-A brief session of Jiyu Waza with the 'more experienced' Kohai.

The attacks/techniques of the day were mainly from the Rokyu and Gokyu grading requirements available in PDF from the following link (copy & paste in your browser):

http://www.aikido-ikeda.ch/en/_downloads/Pruefungsprogramm_6_5_Kyu.pdf

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Thursday, May 26, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was yet another sweaty session despite the so-called 'Nairobi winter' having began and Ben Sempai was in charge beginning with the warm up session, followed by Mae, Ushiro and Yoko Ukemi (Tachi Waza) as well as Mae and Ushiro Shikko then the attacks mentioned below followed thereafter:

TACHI WAZA: (YOKOMEN UCHI)

-Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Sankyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

HANMI HANDACHI WAZA:

-Shiho Nage Omote.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Tuesday, May 24, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The day's session kicked off with warm up exercises courtesy of Walter Kohai which included an intense Shikko workout that left many with 'bruised' knee caps.

Joshua Kohai took over the rest of the session and demonstrated the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-Morote tori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Katatedori Hiji Waza.

-Katatedori Sumi Otoshi after a 'failed attempt' on reverse Kote Gaeshi.

-Sankyo from an Uchi Kaiten opening ending up with Kokyu Nage.

We ended the session with Haishin Undo.

N.B. No Aikido sessions as from Thursday, June 23, 2016 until early September, 2016. More information is available here:

http://www.ke.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/MartialArtsClasses.html

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Thursday, May 19, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The whole session was conducted by Toshiyuki San who kicked off with the 'Japanese style' warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi featuring two partners taking turns doing Ukemi.

The focus of the day was Ryote tori featuring the following techniques:

-Tenchi Nage  Omote and Ura respectively.

-Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Shiho Nage Omote.

-Kokyu Nage.

-Kokyu Ho.

Zagi Kokyu Ho as well as Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

Toshiyuki san stressed the importance of Uke maintaining proper balance and making a big step backwards in readiness for a breakfall especially when taking a fall during the execution of Tenchi Nage and Kokyu Ho.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The session kicked off with the familiar warm up exercises followed by Mae, Ushiro Gyaku and Yoko Ukemi from Tachi Waza before we embarked on the attacks/techniques of the day as follows:

TACHI WAZA:

-Katatedori Uchi and Soto Kaiten Nage respectively.

-Kata dori Nikyo and Sankyo Ura respectively.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

The session ended with Haishin Undo.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Thursday, May 12, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Jason Sempai took us through the whole session and as one would expect of him, the warm up session was intense with exercises that targeted the abs.

It was a 'request only' session and featured the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-Ryote tori Tenchi Nage.

-Morote tori Irimi Nage Omote.

-Katatedori Kote Gaeshi Omote and Ura respectively.

-Chudan Tsuki Kote Gaeshi.

-Ushiro Ryote tori Sankyo Omote and Ura respectively.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Haishin Undo stretched the weary backs at the end of the session.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Tuesday, May 10, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was a humid session in the 'dojo' courtesy of the intense warm up session guided by Joshua Kohai which was followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

Later on, Joshua Kohai demonstrated the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote.

-Ushiro Rtotedori Sankyo Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Sankyo and irimi Nage Omote respectively.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote.

HANMI HANDACHI WAZA:

-Shiho Nage Ura.

The session culminated with Haishin Undo.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Thursday, May 5, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Andreas Schriber Shidoin guided us through the light warm up session folowed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza as well as Mae and Ushiro Shikko.

Furthermore, Andreas Shidoin also took us through a tutorial of Tai Sabaki, Funakogi Undo, Ikkyo Undo, Happo Undo as well as Tenkan Undo before kicking of the training with the following attacks/techniques:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote and Ura.

-Ryote tori Tenchi Nage.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi Ura.

-Chudan Tsuki Kote Gaeshi.

-Various techniques from a Yokomen Uchi attack.

Andreas Shidoin stressed the importance of maintaining balance and using one's centre especially as Tori to effectively control Uke regardless of Uke's size or strength.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Despite arriving one hour late due to a disruption on the roads caused by the usual culprits, I managed to be on time for the day's session which was conducted by Toshiyuki San and featured the following techniques all from an Ushiro Ryote dori stance:

-Sankyo Omote and Ura.

-Yonkyo Omote and Ura.

-Shiho Nage Omote and Ura.

-Kokyu Nage.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

Toshiyuki San confirmed that Andreas Schriber Shidoin from the Aikido Ikeda dojo in Zurich, Switzerland will be with us during this coming Thursday's session as informed earlier by Steve Kohai.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Thursday, April 28, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was another rainy day outside possibly the reson why there was a low turnout for this particular session but all the same we began with warm up exercises followed by Mae, Ushiro, Gyaku and Yoko Ukemi from Tachi Waza before Ben Sempai guided us through the "request only" session with the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-Katatedori Kote Gaeshi.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kote Gaeshi (two versions).

-Chudan Tsuki Kote Gaeshi (two versions).

-Morotedori Ikkyo Omote and Ura.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the day's session.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016 @ THE SAME VENUE


Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Tuesday, April 26, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was raining outside but humid inside especially after a 30 minute run around the 'dojo' followed by the following techniques courtesy of Toshikuyi San which were all executed from an Ushiro Ryote Dori stance:

-Ikkyo Omote and Ura.

-Nikyo Omote and Ura.

-Kote Gaeshi Omote.

Toshiyuki San emphasised the proper way for Uke to hold Tori from behind during an Ushiro Ryote Dori stance as well as the proper way for Tori to raise both hands to unbalance Uke from behind.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

The 54th All Japan Aikido Demonstration

I just got word from a Japanese colleague that the 54th All Japan Aikido demonstration will take place on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the Nippon Budokan (Kudan Shita) in Tokyo, Japan.

TIME: 12:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs. (Doors open at 11:00 hrs)

ADMISSION: Free

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Thursday, April 21, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Mae, Ushiro, Yoko and Gyaku Ukemi characterised the warm up session courtesy of Ben Sempai and followed afterwards by the following attacks/techniques:

SUWARI WAZA:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote, Ura.

-Kata dori Ikkyo Omote, Ura and Nikyo Omote, Ura respectively.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

TACHI WAZA:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote, Ura.

-Kata dori Ikkyo Omote, Ura.

HANMI HANDACHI WAZA:

-Shiho Nage Omote, Ura.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Tuesday, April 19, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The session kicked off with warm up exercises followed by Mae, Ushiro, Gyaku and Yoko Ukemi (Suwari Waza/Tachi Waza) before Walter Kohai guided us through the following:

-Katatedori Nikyo Ura, Sankyo Omote, Ikkyo Omote respectively.

-Morote Dori Kote Gaeshi as well as other techniques from the same opening.

Suwate Kokyu Ho and Haishin Undo wrapped up the day's session.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 @ THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Thursday, April 14, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was Kawakami Sensei's last session and it was a pleasure having him back once again and hope to see him back soon.

We kicked off with the warm up session guided by Douglas Kohai before we embarked on the attacks/techniques of the day some of which included:

-Katatedori Uchi kaiten Nage.

-Katatedori Soto Kaiten Nage.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Omote and Sankyo Omote, Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote (two versions) and Yonkyo respectively.

-Various openings from a Shomen Uchi, Yokomen Uchi and Chudan Tsuki attack.

Sensei stressed the importance of not rushing through a technique since it reduces the chance of mistakes. He also added that we should continue practising Aikido without ceasing.

ありがとうございます。 Kawakami Sensei

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Tuesday, April 12, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Kawakami Sensei's second week at Nairobi Aikikai kicked off with a warm up session 'Japanese style' followed thereafter by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from Tachi Waza as well as Shikko.

The second part of the session consisted of the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-Morote tori Ikkyo Omote (two versions).

-Morote tori Kote Gaeshi.

-Various techniques from a static Morote tori stance.

-Ryote tori Kote Gaeshi.

-Ushiro Ryote tori Kote Gaeshi.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Suwate Kokyu Ho.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE


Thursday, April 7, 2016

Thursday, April 7, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Jason Sempai took us through an intensive work out session that left us drenched in sweat and I look forward to more of these intensive work outs in the future sessions.

Kawakami Sensei took over the rest of the session guiding us through the following attacks/techniques:

-Katatedori Ikkyo Omote and Ura.

-Kata dori Ikkyo and Sankyo in both Omote and Ura respectively.

-Ushiro Kata dori Sankyo Omote (two versions).

-Tsuki Ikkyo Omote and Ura.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura.

-A version of Kubishime from a Katatedori Sankyo stance.

-Various attacks/techniques from the Katatedori stance, Kata dori and Ryote dori.

Kawakami Sensei emphasised on taking time to go through a technique so that one could learn the proper Maai and Tsugi Ashi.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.


Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 session at the JICC Coference Room

Masayuki Kawakami Sensei is back!

After a warm up session courtesy of Ben Sempai, Kawakami Sensei took over the rest of the session and some of the attacks/techniques on offer were as follows:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Ushiro Ryote Dori Kote Gaeshi Omote, Shiho Nage Omote, etc.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage version.

-Shomen Uchi Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Chudan Tsuki Kote Gaeshi Omote.

-Shorter version of Nikyo from Katatedori and Ai Hanmi Katatedori stances.

I take this opportunity to welcome back Kawakami Sensei and look forward to the next two weeks or so of his teachings.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Toshiuki San took us through the entire session beginning with warm up exercises followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi whereby we were grouped in pairs and everyone of us was required to do both Mae and Ushiro Ukemi to and fro ten times which is good practise to get used to doing Ukemi continuously.

We practised the following attacks:

TACHI WAZA:

-Yokomen  Uchi Shiho Nage Omote.

-Yokomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Yokomen Uchi Nikkyo Omote.

-Yokomen Uchi Kokyu Nage.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Haishin Undo ended the session.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Tuesday, March 29, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Ben Sempai led the warm up session followed thereafter by the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-Tai no Tenkan Ho.

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Katatedori Nikyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Nikyo Omote.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the day's session.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Tuesday, March 22, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Despite the ongoing 'heatwave' across Nairobi, the mood for practising Aikido was high and after a sweaty warm up session followed by Mae and ushiro Ukemi (Tachi Waza), we went through the following:

TACHI WAZA:

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage (Omote & Ura).

-Yokomen Uchi Ude Kime Nage.

-Chudan Tsuki Ikkyo Omote.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

The importance of paying attention and observing etiquette at all times while in the dojo was emphasized once again.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016 @ THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Thursday, March 17, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Joshua Kohai took us through the warm up session that consisted of wrist toning sets of push ups before Ben Sempai took over the rest of the session kicking off with a session of Ukemi in both Suwari Waza and tachi Waza featuring Mae, Ushiro, Gyaku and Yoko Ukemi respectively.

Ryote dori was the main focus with the following techniques being executed from the stance:

-Sankyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Yonkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Various versions of Kokyu Nage.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

-Katatedori Sumi Otoshi Omote.

Haishin Undo ended the day's session.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was yet another hot and humid day but that did not dampen the Aikido spirit and after kicking off the session with warm up exercises followed by Mae, Ushiro, Gyaku and Yoko Ukemi in both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza, the following is what we went through:

TACHI WAZA:

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage Omote.

-Katatedori Soto Kaiten Nage Omote.

-Katatedori Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Kata Gatame.

SUWARI WAZA:

-Katadori Nikyo Omote.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the day's session.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Thursday, March 10, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was hot and humid in the conference room and by the end of the session, most Gis were drenched with sweat.

Toshiyuki San kicked off the day's session with a warm up session that was followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza and what followed next was as follows:

-Tai no Tenkan Ho.

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote & Ura.

-Katatedori Kokyu Nage.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho

Toshiyuki San stressed the importance of Tori raising up the hands as if holding a bowl while executing Kokyu Ho and also the importance of raising the hands up as if raising a sword in the case of Shiho Nage.

We wrapped up the session with Haishin Undo.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Tuesday, March 8, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Jason Sempai kicked off the session with warm up exercises followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (from both Tachi Waza and Suwari Waza) before Ben Sempai took over the rest of the session taking us through Mae and Ushiro Shikko as well as various conditioning drills which were followed by the following techniques:

-Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote and Ura (senior Aikidoka) respectively.

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

Maintaining balance and 'staying alive' especially for Uke was emphasised.

The session ended with Kokyu Ho Kokyu Dosa and Haishin Undo.

N.B. KINDLY NOTE THAT ON THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2016 THERE WILL BE A SYMPOSIUM TAKING PLACE AT THE JAPAN EMBASSY THUS, THERE WILL BE NO AIKIDO SESSION ON THAT DAY.


NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Saturday, March 5, 2016

12th INTERNATIONAL AIKIDO FEDERATION (IAF) CONGRESS: SEPTEMBER 27 to OCTOBER 2, 2016

The 12th International Aikido Federation (IAF) Congress is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, September 27 to Sunday,  October 2, 2016 at the Takasaki Sports Arena, Takasaki City, Gunma, Japan.

Registration commences on Friday, April 1, 2016.

Among the Sensei who are expected to feature are Christian TISSIER Shihan (Hachidan) and Yoko OKAMOTO Shihan (Rokudan).

More information available here: http://takasaki.aikido-international.org/



Thursday, March 3, 2016

Thursday, March 3, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Jason Sempai was in charge of the whole session and after a brief warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (Suwari and Tachi Waza), the following attacks/techniques followed:

TACHI WAZA:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Katatedori Rokkyo.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Rokkyo.

The last few minutes were dedicated to Jiyu Waza.

A reminder to the newcomers to observe etiquette before, during and after the session as exemplified by Kanazawa Shihan during the three day Aikido seminar. (Minimise talking and joking around during the sessions)

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Aikido Demonstration and Workshop

The Embassy of Japan in Kenya has posted articles on the recently concluded Aikido demonstration and workshop. Please refer to the following links to read the articles:

http://www.ke.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000386.html

https://www.facebook.com/Japan-Information-and-Culture-Centre-Embassy-of-Japan-in-Kenya-288562171330652/

Happy reading!

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

After an intensive and sweaty work out which was followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (Suwari and Tachi Waza), the day's attacks/techniques which focused mainly on Shomen uchi were as follows:

TACHI WAZA:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote & Ura.

-Shomen Uchi Nikyo Omote & Ura.

-Shomen Uchi Sankyo Omote.

HANMI HANDACHI WAZA:

-Shiho Nage Omote.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Thursday, February 25, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The session kicked off with the now familiar warm up session followed thereafter by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from Tachi Waza featuring also Mae Ukemi over a volunteer lying face downwards.

What followed next was Ryote Dori Kokyu Nage with two Tori positioned strategically and one Uke after another approaches Tori.

The importance of proper footwork and Maai was emphasised.

A brief summary of the attacks/techniques of the day as demonstrated by Tom Sempai is as follows:

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage (Omote, Ura) and Kote Gaeshi (Omote, Ura) respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo (Omote, Ura).

-A shorter version of Nikyo Ura from Kata Dori.

-A session of Jiyu Waza focusing on the attacks/techniques of the day.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Tom Sempai guided us through the whole session beginning with Junbi Taiso followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (in both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza).

The attacks/techniques of the day were a revision of what Kanazawa Shihan demonstrated during the recently conluded Aikido seminar as well as other additional techniques.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Kote Gaeshi.

-Tsuki Kote Gaeshi.

-Morote Dori Kokyu Ho as well as Jiyu Waza from the same stance.

Zagi Kokyu Ho wrapped up the day's session.

We look forward to another seminar by Kanazawa Shihan or better still, we could organise to attend Kanazawa Shihan's sessions right in Tokyo, Japan!

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY, 20, 2016 AIKIDO DEMONSTRATION AND WORKSHOP AT THE JICC MAIN HALL

The JICC main hall was set for the day's Aikido demonstration and workshop with Tatami at the far end of the hall and space was left at the entrance to accommodate the audience.

H.E. Mr. Tatsushi Terada, the ambassador of Japan to Kenya gave a few remarks in Kiswahili and English to welcome everyone present to the Aikido demonstration and workshop before Kanazawa Shihan (through an interpreter) gave a short background on the martial art of Aikido.

Toshiyuki San accompanied by four members of Nairobi Aikikai (Dan Sempai, Ben Sempai, Tony Sempai and myself) set the ball rolling by giving a short demonstration featuring Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively as well as Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively before giving way to Kanazawa Shihan accompanied by Tokuda Shidoin who gave a longer demonstration which featured mainly Osae Waza and Nage Waza.

Among the attacks/techniques they demonstrated were as follows:

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage.

-Yokomen Uchi Irimi Nage.

-Shomen Uchi Kote Gaeshi.

The audience comprised mainly of students from  the  Sagana All Saints Academy who were introduced to Aikido by Piotr Borowski Sensei a few years back.

The demonstration/workshop ended at about 11:30 Hrs (EAT) and after a lengthy photo session with everyone jostling to take a picture with the Japanese Aikido Sensei, Kanazawa Shihan presented Nairobi Aikikai with some gifts.

Nairobi Aikikai takes this opportunity to sincerely thank Kanazawa Shihan and Tokuda Shidoin for the three day Aikido seminar/workshop which will go a long way in promoting the martial art of peace throughout the East Africa region.

ありがとう Sensei!

Friday, February 19, 2016

AIKIDO DEMONSTRATION AND WORKSHOP ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016 AT THE JAPAN INFORMATION AND CULTURE CENTRE, NAIROBI, KENYA


FEBRUARY 19, 2016 AIKIDO SEMINAR WITH KANAZAWA TAKESHI SHIHAN

The second day of Kanazawa Shihan's Aikido seminar kicked off at 15:30 Hrs (EAT) with a warm up session and was followed thereafter by the following attacks/techniques in both Omote and Ura (for the advanced Aikidoka):

-A reminder of the basics and key points of the previous day's techniques.

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage.

-Shomen Uchi Kote Gaeshi.

-Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage.

Sensei stressed the importance of having a 'lively' Uke who will enable Tori execute a technique dynamically. A good example he cited is during a Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage attack whereby Uke is supposed to immediately come up after being taken down by Tori and Uke should 'spring up' using the legs as a 'spring board' rather than bending over at the back.

Another point Sensei stressed was the importance of the opening move of Tori during a Yokomen Uchi Shiho Nage attack. The key point is the movement of Tori's front leg which if done correctly, will bring Uke to Tori's centre thereby enabling Tori to 'enter' and do Shiho Nage well.

The last half hour was set aside for grading which was done by Toshiyuki San and the following were promoted to a higher Kyu:

-KIYAGA Benedict: 1 Kyu

-MWAKIO Sammy: 2 kyu

-OSORO Douglas: 3 Kyu

After the grading exercise, the two visiting Sensei were presented with gifts which included some Maasai shuka as well as some genuine Kenya coffee.

Later in the evening we treated Kanazawa Sensei and Tokuda Sensei to Mbuzi choma and Ugali as well as some Tusker Malt and Tusker baridi at the Upper Hill Springs restaurant which is just a walking distance from the Japan embassy. We had a good time together and we look forward to a successful Aikido demonstration tomorrow Saturday, February 20 at the JICC main hall.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

FEBRUARY 18, 2016 AIKIDO SEMINAR WITH KANAZAWA TAKESHI SHIHAN

The JICC main hall was the venue of the first day of Kanazawa Sensei's Aikido seminar and after cleaning the Tatami and arranging everything in order, the director of the JICC introduced us to Sensei and his assistant and thanked us for showing up for the Aikido seminar.

Kanazawa Shihan kicked off the seminar with a Japanese style warm up session followed by Ushiro Ukemi as well as the following:

MORNING SESSION: 10:30 Hrs to 12:30 Hrs (Kanazawa Takeshi Shihan assisted by Tokuda Masaya Shidoin)

-The basics of Migi Hanmi, Hidari Hanmi and Tai Sabaki.

-Tai no Tenkan Ho.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

AFTERNOON SESSION: 14:00 Hrs to 16:00 Hrs (Kanazawa Takeshi Shihan assisted by Tokuda Masaya Shidoin)

-Mae Ukemi.

-Shikko.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Ura.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Ura.

-Katatedori Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

Haishin Undo wrapped up the first day of the seminar.

The second day of the Aikido seminar will begin at 15:30 Hrs (Friday, February 19, 2016)

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

This was the last session before the upcoming Aikido seminar/grading and after a brief warm up session followed by Mae and ushiro Ukemi (Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza) Ben Sempai kicked off the session with Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo and Nikyo (Omote and Ura) before Toshiyuki San took over from him and guided us through the following all executed from Ushiro Ryote Dori:

-Sankyo Omote and Ura.

-Kote Gaeshi.

-Kokyu Nage.

Haishin Undo ended the day's session.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016: AIKIDO SEMINAR @ 10:30 HRS

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Thursday, February 11, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Toshiyuki San took us through the whole session beginning with the 'Japanese style' warm up followed by Mae & Ushiro Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza.

Below is a summary of what we went through the rest of the session:

SUWARI WAZA:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote.

HANMI HANDACHI WAZA:

-Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

TACHI WAZA:

-Morote dori Uchi Kaiten Nage and Soto Kaiten Nage respectively.

Zagi Kokyu Ho and Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.


Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

We went through the warm up session which also included Ukemi from both Suwari Waza and Tachi Waza before Naseem San guided us through the whole session which included the following attacks/techniques:

-Tai no Tenkan Ho.

-Katatedori Kokyu Ho.

-Chudan Tsuki Ikkyo Omote and Kote Gaeshi respectively.

-Jodan Tsuki Irimi Nage Omote.

-Immobilisation of Uke after a Tsuki attack (not sure of the technical name)

The last five minutes or so were dedicated to Randori which featured all the attacks/techniques of the day.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

The schedule for the Aikido seminar/grading, February 2016

Below is the schedule for the upcoming Aikido seminar/grading as confirmed by Mr. Futaki of the JICC:

Thursday, February 18, 2016:

10:30  to 12:30 : Aikido practise and training.

14:00 to 16:00  : Aikido practise and training.

Friday, February 19, 2016:

15:30 to 17:00 : Grading.

(Possibility of meeting the Sensei afterwards for a drink)

Saturday, February 20, 2016:

10:30 to 11: 30 : Aikido demonstration and workshop.

Mr. Futaki confirmed that Tatami will be available during the three days and all Nairobi Aikikai members are requested to attend the seminar throughout the three days.


Thursday, February 4, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was a pleasure to have in our midst Naseem who was with us on September 17 last year and who has been in Nairobi for business.

Furthermore, we were priviledged to have Daniel Sempai in our midst after having survived winter and uchideshi in Poland.

A light warm up session kicked off the day's activites followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (Tachi Waza) before Naseem San guided us through the following:

-A version of Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Undo whereby Uke counters the Ikkyo opening and reverses the technique on Tori.

Yokomen uchi:

-Shiho Nage Ura.

-Ude Kime Nage.

-Irimi Nage Omote.

-Kote Gaeshi Omote.

Before the end of the session, there was Randori whereby the senior Aikidoka went through all that we learnt on this particular day. I was fortunate not to have dislocated my left shoulder after having been 'swept' to the ground by Naseem San during Randori.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

The session kicked off with the usual warm up session which was followed thereafter by Mae and ushiro Ukemi from Tachi Waza.

Ben Sempai began with Ryote Dori Tenchi Nage and Shiho Nage Omote respectively before Toshiyuki San took over the rest of the session with the following:

Ushiro Ryote Dori:

-Irimi Nage Omote.

-Uchi Kaiten Nage.

-Kokyu Nage Omote.

Zagi Kokyu Ho and Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Thursday, January 28, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was raining outside but inside the 'dojo' it was humid and most of us were drenched in sweat by the time the lenghty warm up session was through which also included Mae, Ushiro and Yoko Ukemi from Tachi Waza.

The session featured the following attacks/techniques:

SUWARI WAZA:

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage Omote.

-Zagi Kokyu Ho.

TACHI WAZA:

-Ryote Dori Shiho Nage Omote

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

Ben Sempai took us through the whole session which began as usual with warm up exercises followed by the following attacks/techniques:

SUWARI WAZA:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Yonkyo Omote and Ura respectively.

TACHI WAZA:

-Katatedori Sumi Otoshi.

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Uchi kaiten Nage (Omote and Ura), and Kote Gaeshi Omote (two versions) respectively.

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

Zagi Kokyu Ho and Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

Since the session had quite a large turnout of newcomers, the senior Aikidoka and those preparing for grading were on one side of the 'dojo' and the newcomers were on the other side of the 'dojo'.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE


Thursday, January 21, 2016

Thursday, January 21, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

With the upcoming grading just a few weeks away, everyone is trying their level best to catch up on lost time and review as many attacks/techniques as possible and this particular session was no different.

Douglas Kohai took us through the warm up session followed thereafter by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from Tachi Waza before kicking off the session with Ai Hanmi Katatedori Ikkyo Omote and Ura.

Toshiyuki San took over the rest of the session and guided us through the following (all being executed from a static Morote Dori stance):

-Shiho Nage Omote and Ura respectively.

-Nikyo Omote and Ura respectively.

-Kokyu Nage (two versions).

Zagi Kokyu Ho and Haishin Undo wrapped up the session.

NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE


Promotion of Daniel Areba to 1 KYU

I take this opportunity to congratulate our very own Daniel AREBA for achieving the rank of 1 KYU. For those who are not aware, kindly copy paste the following link to your browser:

https://www.facebook.com/WroclawAikikai/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Congratulations once again Dan!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Tuesday, January 19, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It was good to see Douglas Kohai back and ready to progress further this year in Aikido. Being his first Aikido session this year, he was eager to practise Aikido and it was he who took us through the whole session beginning with a brief warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (both Suwari & Tachi Waza) as well as Shikko.

The rest of the session featured the following attacks/techniques:

-Ai Hanmi Katatedori Irimi Nage Omote, Kote Gaeshi Omote and Shiho Nage (Omote & Ura) respectively.

-Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage Omote.

-Ryote Dori Tenchi Nage.

The session culminated with Haishin Undo.

NEXT SESSION: THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS !

I have just received a call from Mr. Futaki of the JICC and he would like us to confirm to him the following:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016:

How many of us are available either from 10:00 a.m. to noon (morning session) or from 02:00 p.m. to 04:00 p.m. (afternoon session).
He stated that he is willing to consider 04:00 p.m. to 06:00 p.m. but not later than that.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016 (GRADING):

How many of us are available from 02:00 p.m. to 04:00 p.m. (afternoon session).

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016:

An Aikido exhibition will take place during the morning hours up until about noon since the Sensei will be travelling back to Japan on the same day.

Kindly confirm availability ASAP for planning purposes.

Thursday, January 14, 2016 session at the JICC Conference Room

It seems 2016 has began with good tidings and this being only the second session of the year, we were privileged to have among us Andi Schriber (Shidoin) who is an Aikido instructor at the Aikido Ikeda dojo in Zurich, Switzerland.

He had previously enquired on this blog about joining us for practise and true to his word, he joined us on this particular session. He stated that he usually travels quite a lot and that he hopes to be back soon and join us for another session or two.

The warm up session as well as the rest of the session was conducted by Toshiyuki San and after a 'Japanese' warm up session followed by Mae and Ushiro Ukemi from both Tachi Waza as well as Suwari Waza followed by Mae Shikko, the following attacks/techniques followed suit:

-Tai no Tenkan Ho.

-Shomen Uchi Ikkyo (Omote and Ura) and Irimi Nage Omote respectively.

-Katatedori Shiho Nage (Omote and Ura) and Uchi Kaiten Nage Omote respectively.

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


Andi Schriber (Godan), Shidoin. Member of the technical committee of the Aikido Ikeda dojo, Zurich, Switzerland (http://www.aikido-ikeda.ch/en/our_dojo/teachers/index.html)


NEXT SESSION: TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016 AT THE SAME VENUE