“Timing is Everything;” doesn’t tell you what timing is right but to seize an opportunity initiative is the key. In Aikido it is called Sen Sen no Sen; which refers to connecting to your partner before their thought of attack becomes action. Continue reading Initiating change, not opposition
Category Archives: Aikido Technique
How can Sarete practice can improve aikido practice?
7 more minutes with O’sensei…and the new generation of aikido
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJeIb1CQjqI]
This is a treasure found after being unseen for decades, depicting O’sensei at the end of his life teaching at Hombu Dojo. Basics, sword-work, and even “secret techniques” on film but more importantly, it shows how O’sensei practiced, how he related to students (beginners as uke…), and a bit of what his aikido looked like at the end of his life. Continue reading 7 more minutes with O’sensei…and the new generation of aikido
Letting off steam is not the “ki.”
Research contradicts the theory that “letting off steam” reduces anger and aggressiveness. It also demonstrates that martial arts and physical activity meant to add discipline to aggression prepares you to be aggressive rather then to be in control. Continue reading Letting off steam is not the “ki.”
“Technique is no special thing.” Saotome Sensei instructs on practicing “Aiki Principles.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA6rWT2Lpd0]
“Aiki Principles in Aikido” is a seminar on DVD with Saotome Sensei that focuses on what the feeling, intent, and purpose of Takemusu Aiki. He focuses on several insights which are important to realizing the benefits and substance of aikido.
Continue reading “Technique is no special thing.” Saotome Sensei instructs on practicing “Aiki Principles.”
Teaching What Aikido Teaches
A good class is the basis for building insight for development, but there are many aspects that could be the focus of instruction; instructors tend to focus on teaching how to do, how to move, how have more power, how to use less strength, etc. The focus can also be, What can we learn about ourselves on the mat? How, in the “doing” of aikido can we develop and explore meaning beyond the motions? Continue reading Teaching What Aikido Teaches
Gentleness and leadership in response to aggression…
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq5TJsBmphs]
Anno Sensei conveys a seldom seen combination of qualities in his aikido. He maintains gentleness alongside a formidable presence of budo. Uke attacks with force and momentum and Anno Sensei takes care of the attacker as he leads him to the throw. Continue reading Gentleness and leadership in response to aggression…
Principles of Sarete
The principles of Sarete are the correlations between Aikido technique and Aikdo philosophy. These principles are also the bridge between development on the mat and implementing results in daily life.
Understanding Aikido Terms
If a painting is worth a thousand words most english translations are more like titles to an abstract painting. Continue reading Understanding Aikido Terms
Kosa Dori Kotogaeshi
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avxSjzvYuhk]
Aikido is supposed to be non-oppositional, this is an example of a technique where we often miss that point. Continue reading Kosa Dori Kotogaeshi
Beyond “aikido 1,2,3…”
Anno Sensei successfully gives the reader the feeling of aikido, moving beyond anecdotes and ideas into sharing the internal experience of the aikidoist. If you are not feeling this in your aikido practice, look for it.