SOLO TRAINING

When I began training, I was told that the minimum time commitment to earn shodan in Aikido is to train three classes per week for a period of five years – and this presumes progress through time on the mat under competent instruction with honest training partners. If you do the math, however, the USAFContinue reading “SOLO TRAINING”

IKKYO – SOLVING FOR THE INFINITE

There was a time when students paid their teachers for each technique. At first glance that may seem expensive – especially if you believe the hyperbole that Aikido’s techniques are infinite – but that would be to confuse naming conventions for patterns of movement. Ikkyo. The first technique. The first teachings form the pedagogical foundation but to drawContinue reading “IKKYO – SOLVING FOR THE INFINITE”

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”