NO “Ura”

For those happy few who got up early and braved the snow, today we explored my assertion that there is no ura – and to demonstrate I returned briefly to ikkyo. When properly done, ikkyo is a return of uke’s arm (sword, dagger, whatever) back on the line of approach, from the inside relationship. To that point,Continue reading “NO “Ura””

THE TRUE TIMES

In our lineage, weapons training derives from Kazuo Chiba Sensei (February 5, 1940 – June 5, 2015) who learned the systematized forms from Morihiro Saito Sensei (March 31, 1928 – May 13, 2002) at Iwama (see below). The details of the connections are better kept as kadensho, but suffice to note that others have influenced theContinue reading “THE TRUE TIMES”

INTERLUDE – Suggestions on Training Method

Aikido is perhaps unique in its training method: Once a beginning student is familiar with the basics of safe falling they are thrown into an interactive environment. Training is therefore always dynamic and contextual – training is in movement and with a variety of partners. There are distinct advantages – students learn early that contextually dynamicContinue reading “INTERLUDE – Suggestions on Training Method”