2018 rapidly comes to a close. Looking back, this has been a transformative year. Thanks to new leadership and new ideas, Portland Aikikai found a new home, became a non-profit organization, and elected a board of directors. These are all positive changes: growth. Growth is a powerful metaphor. We grow from children to adults. Expanding skills andContinue reading “CHANGES”
Tag Archives: kuden
KIHON – IKKYO AND NIKKYO
It has taken the entire year for me to actually start a more systematic presentation of the kihon waza, which was my goal in January. And so it goes. Ikkyo through yonkyo – the first through fourth techniques. Gyakuhanmi katatedori sets up the encounter. We focus on nage and the count. The geometry of the footwork needsContinue reading “KIHON – IKKYO AND NIKKYO”
LEVELS OF TRAINING
Traditional pedagogical transmission reinforces hierarchical structure: Shoden (初傳, beginning teachings) Chuden (中傳, intermediate) Okuden (奥傳, hidden or inner teachings) … and then there is Kuden – the secrets taught “mouth to ear.” This is a good way to ensure structured progression (kyu -> dan) and maintain social gradients (kohai -> sempai). Mass production and replicableContinue reading “LEVELS OF TRAINING”
Protective Arts 