JO v BOKKEN

Cautionary Reminder This is aiki-weapons theory. It is designed to teach harmonious action, ki-musubi, not the full spectrum of combat efficacity. The emphasis on sequential action and clean initiative exchange presumes an encounter between near-equals, where both partners participate in the developmental logic of the drill. Actual combat is rarely so orderly. Real engagements fractureContinue reading “JO v BOKKEN”

WEAPON RETENTION

The banner image is a sobering reminder that retaining control of your weapon is imperative in close quarter combat. Primary weapons are always carried at the waist, thus the focus on chudan level. The ritual endures longer than the reason for it – try to deduce the martial logic behind the ritualistic rote repetition inContinue reading “WEAPON RETENTION”

AIKIKEN AND THE AXIS

This (1/25/25) was the first class after the end of Kangeiko and after Okamoto sensei’s visit to Portland Aikikai. It was *scolding-look* a lightly attended class. Favorably, lower attendance provides a forum to explain the principle of the axis of an encounter using a weapon. The first explication: shomen-uchi from the draw to irimi-nage. BothContinue reading “AIKIKEN AND THE AXIS”