“We need to remember that the primary goal of Aikido is harmony and good
relations between people. If we don't cultivate a harmonious heart
along with technical skill, there will be a lack of integration in our
practice, which will show up in behavior off the mat.”
― Journey to the Heart of Aikido: The Teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei
― Journey to the Heart of Aikido: The Teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei
On the 7th-9th
of May 2019, Nairobi Aikikai once again had the pleasure of having our Sensei,
Andi Sensei in Nairobi for three days of learning, flying and throwing.
It is always
and honour to learn and this session was no different. Sensei guided the Aikidokas
of Nairobi through exploring various aspects of the art including stressing the
importance of structure, balance, mastering taisabaki, combining approaches and
techniques.
Sensei also
made sure to teach on techniques at different levels of the various programs. 1st
Dan techniques, 2nd Kyu,3rd Kyu and 4th Kyu
techniques formed the bulk of the program for the three days.
The tatami
indeed was smoking and the dedicated Aikidokas of Nairobi Aikikai left nothing
to chance. It was all sweat and more sweat.
Some of the techniques covered included;
Day 1 (7th
May)
- Katatori menuchi ikkyo/kotegaeshi/tenchinage.
- Aiki otoshi omote/ura
- Ryote dori shihogiri/shihonage
Day 2 (8th
May)
- Ryote dori ikkyo/shihonage into kotegaeshi (Henka waza)
- Shihogiri and shihonage from ryote dori (maeshi irimi tankan entry)
- Kokkyunage from ushiro ryotedori
Sensei also
spent the last minutes of the session exloring aspects of varied entries from
yokomenuchi attack eg Yokomenuchi ikkyo (ushiroashi irimi tankan entry, mae
ashi irimi entry), Yokomenuchi kotegaeshi (ushiro tankan vs mae ashi irimi
entries)
Day 3 (9th
May 2019)
Sensei
emphasized on the importance of proper open hand technique using bokken cutting
techniques as a template for movement.
The session also explored interesting exercises and thereafter
techniques from aihanmi entry, circular cut ikkyo and horizontal cut ikkyo.
This session
also explored varied combinations of techniques from Ushiro ryote dori such as
- Ushiro ryote dori ikkyo/nikko/sankyo/kotegaeshi.
- Ushiro ryote dori ikkyo-nikkyo-sankyo-kotegaeshi (progression)
As an add-on
Sensei explored questions around making a tenkan effective by always connecting
tori’s centre to the point of contact and how to effect shihonage from various
positions including lowering tori’s body in the case of a reluctant uke.
We are immensely
grateful to Sensei for taking the time
to come and train with us but the action is not over yet. If you missed, then you missed out but prepare for June
Seminar (22nd-23rd June,
JICC) and September seminar, (14th-15th Sep, Zurich)
