Aikido Club of UVU

EMERGENCY

2012-01-17T08:51:00.002-07:00

We need people to staff the club table at Club Rush. Please help. It is being held in the Grand Ballroom.

Aikido Seminar in Logan 27-29 Jan 2012

2012-01-13T16:09:00.007-07:00

The Aikido Association of America is proud to announce an Aikido Seminar hosted by Jyushinkan dojo in Logan, UT, January 27 to January 29, 2012. The training is open to students of any martial art or rank, and from any organization or dojo. Aikido instruction will be provided by Stephen Tatsuo Toyoda Sensei. Stephen Toyoda Sensei is president of the AAA, our association.

Save $10 by pre-registering by Jan. 20, 2012 Link to flyer and registration form.
The seminar is Fri. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Sat. 10 AM - 1 PM + 3-5 PM,
Sun. 10 AM - 1 PM. The price is $70-$30 depending on the number of sessions you attend. Bring your weapons.

USU HPER Complex
850 East 700 North
Logan

Back for Spring, Jan. 3rd 4PM in PE221

2012-01-02T18:16:00.001-07:00

Sensei says it's time to get back to practice. We start again tomorrow, Jan. 3rd, 4 PM in PE221.

Aikido Club Party, Hotdog Roast

2011-10-27T15:04:00.002-06:00

Aikido Club Party and Hotdog Roast
Saturday, Oct. 29th, 12:30 PM
Come to Jeff's house. Go to 400 W. & 1000 S. Orem
just north of Mountainside (East) Campus Entrance.
Take the left jog in the loop to 457 Palos Verdes Dr.
Text Jeff at 801-494-4793 if you get lost.

Education of the shoulders

2011-09-12T20:37:00.000-06:00

It's the greatest thing on the world to have someone get right in your face.
You get this urge to tense and hold your breath and stare right back into their eyes and glare like no one has ever glared at anyone before, or will ever again.

A piercing glare that cuts them right down to the...
And then...

You drop your shoulders, allow weight underside to pull your arms and even your fingers down and you breathe. A great big deep breath that the other person can even hear. You back your vision up to see the whole person and realize that their hostility would go away if you didn't give them a place to hang it.

Yes, the shoulders can teach you a lot and show the whole world that you aren't even bothered by the interaction of someone tensing up around you.

So, drop the shoulder and smile.

2011 Club Rush

2011-09-05T05:55:00.000-06:00

Greetings All,
The semester Club Rush is upon us. Please spread the word and stop by the courtyard. The OrgSync site will be posting more information for joining the club.

Seminar in Logan.

2011-07-28T23:44:00.000-06:00

Greetings All,
We are happy to pass along the upcoming seminar in Logan. Nakayama Sensei will be leasing the sessions and it promises to be amazing.
Please use the comments here or at the OrgSync site to coordinate rides and lodging information.
Hope to see you all there.
Here's the Flyer with signup sheet.

redirect to a post ...very interesting question

2011-07-20T10:41:00.001-06:00

http://blog.aikidojournal.com/blog/

06.28.11 - Weapons Practice Day

2011-06-28T01:16:00.000-06:00

Greetings All,
Just a quick reminder that practice tomorrow will be with weapons.
As we haven't cut the jos down to size yet, we will be using bokken.
Hope to see you all there.
John.

Shugyo

2011-05-25T22:07:00.003-06:00

The quote that I found this evening by O-Sensei got me thinking. There are various aspects of life at which we, human beings, are imperfect. Ok, maybe ALL aspects are ones at which we are imperfect. O-Sensei's quote reminded me of the concept of shugyo. Some have defined this as "conducting oneself in a way that inspires mastery." Basically, what I think it means, is that throughout Aikido training, we are constantly trying to improve upon our imperfections. Every roll should be better than the previous. Yonkyo should require less effort and time to find every time it is applied. Side rolls shouldn't be nearly impossible for me every time I try them (so frustrating). In any case, you get the idea.

Life in general is no different. For example, I don't always respond to my children's disobedience as patiently as I should. After seeing this quote tonight, however, I will be making an effort to change myself. Even if that change is small at first, the important thing is that, over time, I make improvements.

One thing I love about Aikido is that it's not about what happens on the mat, but how you can apply things that you learn on the mat into your daily life. Or should I say your daily shugyo?

And there was much rejoycing...

2011-05-23T21:58:00.000-06:00

Greetings All,
For those of us who made the seminar, we had a great time having bokken and jo practice on the grass in the afternoon sun. We did miss those who couldn't make it.
We are looking to have a club meeting to discuss weapons purchases, both for the club and personal, talk about plans for practice, the possibility of the room being unavailable for a time this summer and potential club trips and projects.
We need to have some feedback to know what times will work best for everyone. Lunch, dinner, just after practice, some dark alley, Haiti, you know...what fits your schedule?
Please leave some comments here and we can begin to coordinate.
See you on the mat,
John

Aikido Seminar @ U of U, May 21-22

2011-05-04T22:47:00.002-06:00

The Ganshinkan dojo at the Univ. of Utah led by Veera Sensei is hosting an
AAA-sanctioned seminar featuring Stephen Toyoda Sensei May 21-22. Cost is $70 for all sessions. See the flyer at http://aaa-aikido.com/Seminars/2011/May%202011%20-%20Salt%20Lake,%20Utah.pdf

Summer Practice Same Time

2011-05-04T22:05:00.002-06:00

We are still holding practice every Tues. & Thurs. @ 4 PM in PE 221. Same bat time, same bat channel.

Thanks to all who acted as Uke during the recent Kyu tests.
Here's a picture of Robert and Tyler:

With knowledge

2011-04-22T17:43:00.002-06:00

We sometimes feel that skills alone will take us where we want to be. Skill without experience or application is nothing more than academic. We hope that some skills we never have to utilize, just practice and keep them ready.

Something to make us smile

2011-04-12T13:34:00.003-06:00

"BOOT to the HEAD"
Click the link above to
hear the wisdom...

Straight ahead...

2011-04-12T13:00:00.002-06:00

Last week, Sensei talked about entering in a straight line.
I kept this thought and saw it repeated in the strangest place.
In the Hagakare, the book of the Samauri, it reads:

"When one has made a decision to kill a person, even if it will be very difficult to succeed by advancing straight ahead, it will not do to think about going at it in a long round about way. The way of the Samurai is one of Immediacy and it is best to dash in headlong."

Not that we're looking to hurt or kill, but the sentiment becomes the same. Forward, entering.

HiDriTex Aikido Uniforms in stock again

2011-03-30T21:47:00.002-06:00

Ebogu.com has the HiDriTex Aikido uniform back in stock: $57 + s/h I really like. Whatever size their chart says, get the next larger size. You might also consider the double layer uniform for $85. These are real quality gi's that will last years.

Japan Earthquake - Dojos Damaged, No Reports of Injury

2011-03-18T11:19:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone! This morning, I started wondering about the status of Aikido practitioners in Japan following the large earthquake last week. This is what I've been able to figure out from various sources:

The roof and walls of the Iwama Dojo, built by Morihei Ueshiba, have collapsed. No injuries have been reported. Moriteru Ueshiba (doshu), will be visiting the dojo shortly and will decide on the next course of action regarding the dojo.
The home and dojo of Hitohiro Saito Sensei, son of Morihiro Saito Sensei, have been damaged as well. Saito Sensei was visiting Florida at the time the earthquake struck and he has been unable to return thus far.
Hombu Dojo, headquarters of the Aikikai Foundation, has been able to continue operations and does not report any damage or injuries.

Just thought you might all like to know.

Bokken Practice for Tomorrow

2011-02-28T22:32:00.001-07:00

Hey all you ukemi fans,
Tomorrow will be bokken practice.

Weapons day make-up

2011-02-25T21:58:00.002-07:00

Alas,
We let the month slip by and left out weapons practice. To remedy this, next Tuesday will be weapons day and we will have one at the end of the month as well...providing Sensei does not object.

Kyu test coming April 12th

2011-02-16T09:48:00.004-07:00

Sensei says there will be a test for belt advancement on Tuesday, April 12th.

Things to remember...

2011-02-15T22:30:00.003-07:00

As we were practicing today, I thought about the seriousness of why we train. Are we envisioning the actual instance when some "big dude with an attitude" gets in our face? Maybe we should...
Here's what O-Sensei though about being in the dojo and the attitude we should maintain.

Aikido decides life and death in a single strike, so students must carefully follow the instructor's teaching and not compete to see who is the strongest.
Aikido is the way that teaches how one can deal with several enemies. Students must train themselves to be alert not just to the front but to all sides and the back.
Training should always be conducted in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
The instructor teaches only one small aspect of the art. Its versatile applications must be discovered by each student through incessant practice and training.
In daily practice first begin by moving your body and then progress to more intensive practice. Never force anything unnaturally or unreasonably. If this rule is followed, then even elderly people will not hurt themselves and they can train in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
The purpose of aikido is to train mind and body and to produce sincere, earnest people. Since all techniques are to be transmitted person-to-person, do not randomly reveal them to others, for this might lead to their being used by hoodlums.

Morihei Ueshiba (ca.1935)

I note the second one...Sensei even mentioned it today. Be aware of everything, but deal with just one thing.

And on that note, sensei did mention a certain test that seems to be scheduled for April 14th!!!

Okay ladies and gentlemen...time to put on the sankyo and practice

Utah Aikikai Saturday Session

2011-02-07T23:39:00.002-07:00

There will be an informal seminar session this coming Saturday at Utah Aikikai.
Dyer Sensei, I believe will be leading the session.

Christine Dyer

Visiting Sensei (AAA Certified Senior Instructor)

Chuskinkan Dojo

Godan (5th degree black belt)

AAA Western Regional Director

AAA National Teaching Committee Member

The dojo is located at 3474 South 2300 East, Suite 12 in Salt Lake City
Here is a link to their site. Utah Aikikai
Hope to see you all there.

The Way of the Dragon?

2011-01-09T09:06:00.003-07:00

My wife will be the first to admit that I am not merely a geek, but a truly geeky geek.
If a show has explosions, spies, or aliens, it passes the WATCH IT? test. I am a fan of many things including all things Star Trek-y, old war movies, and Bruce Lee Movies. Last night G4 happen to play Way of the Dragon. My wife would say that I've seen all of these "kinds of movies" a dozen times, so why not hand over the remote? Not true, but maybe a few a times--so possession of the remote will remain 9/10ths of the law.

What I noticed was in this movie, Bruce Lee literally answers the question: "How can you punch and kick so hard?" Bruce Lee explains you have to do so from the hip. Bing! went the little light in my head. Isn't Sensei always saying the power of the Aikido technique comes from the hip? Isn't the hip kind of physically about where your center of gravity is? Hmmm, perhaps Bruce Lee knew an abiding principle, also prominent in Aikido. I better watch that movie one more time just to be sure. ;-)

Aikido Club practice back on schedule.

2011-01-04T21:05:00.002-07:00

Club practice is back to Tuesdays/Thursdays 4-5:30 PM in PE 221. Welcome to new and old club members.

Look for some new digital signage for the club across campus.

If there's nothing on TV, check out When The Last Sword Is Drawn (2003) on
Hulu. 2 hrs. 17 min. In Japanese with English subtitles.

Jeff

After Christmas Practice

2010-12-23T21:24:00.002-07:00

John, Justin, and Jeff had a great time at practice today.
Aikido Club Practice is also next week on Tuesday, Dec. 28th 3-5 PM and
Thursday, Dec. 30th 3-5 PM, both in PE221. Stop eating that chocolate and
bring your bokken and jo as we're running through everybody's Kyu test requirements.
Happy Holidays!

Aikido Club Practice During the Holidays

2010-12-21T09:47:00.001-07:00

There will be an informal club practice today Dec. 21st 4-5:30 PM in PE221 and on Thursday Dec. 23rd, 9-11 AM same place.

Weapons Day, Thurs. Dec. 2nd, Bokken

2010-12-01T16:47:00.002-07:00

Sensei says weapons day tomorrow, Thurs., Dec. 2nd
4 PM, Dojo, PE221, Bokken
See you there.

Memoirs of a Grasshopper

2010-11-05T08:57:00.001-06:00

Sensei recommended this article as a good read:
http://memoirsofagrasshopper.blogspot.com/2009/01/each-technique-concentrate.html

e-Bogu sale 10% off

2010-10-07T13:29:00.002-06:00

e-bogu.com is moving their store location.

" Great savings during our Moving sale. Everything on our web site is 10% off! Use the coupon code "MOVSLE10". Goto www.e-bogu.com "

The "Top quality BUTOKU Brand HiDriTex Aikido Uniform Set" is $57 - the 10% + s/h.
I've really enjoyed this gi. Get one size bigger than they suggest IMHO. I'd avoid very inexpensive gi 's. A quality gi will last and feel right.
http://www.e-bogu.com/Aikido_Gi_s/205.htm

Aikido Party, Fri, 9/24 @ 4 PM

2010-09-23T09:18:00.005-06:00

Aikido Club Party this Friday, 9/24 @ 4 PM.
We'll dine on homemade sushi (no raw fish) and watch
Red Sun starring Charles Bronson.
Warning: we have friendly 2 dogs, 1 cat.

You can walk to the party from campus: From the CS building, head East
through the parking lot. Cross through cross walk. Don't get run over.
Stay on the sidewalk on the south side of the road.
After the first light post, turn right. Cut through neighbor's back yard.
Leave the peaches alone Robert. Walk straight down the road. Veer left.
Gray brick house with red truck. 457 Palos Verdes Dr.
Bow to Buddha. Ring doorbell. Jeff 801-494-4793 if you get lost.

Samurai Jaw-Dropper!

2010-09-17T09:46:00.002-06:00

So my wife and I found a pretty cool TV show called "Stan Lee's Superhumans." Basically, it's a show where the host is sent around the world looking for people that can do really incredible things. Well, last night's episode blew my mind! They found a "modern samurai" and had him on the show. His name is Isao Machii. Not an aikido practitioner, but this video is AMAZING all the same. In this clip he actually slices a BB as it's shot at him from a gun with his katana. I couldn't get over this last night! I just kept wondering how the heck a person can be that precise and that quick. Anyway, prepare for you mind to be blown and enjoy the clip! Just follow the link!

http://www.history.com/shows/stan-lees-superhumans/videos/playlists/superhuman-bios#super-samurai

New Videos

2010-09-10T11:01:00.003-06:00

Hey all! I just wanted to make you aware of the National Geographic videos that I posted on the blog. Very cool! Click the link on the sidebar to the right on the blog to check them out!

Top 10 Things Not to Stress About in Martial Arts

2010-08-28T22:10:00.010-06:00

Hey everyone! Sensei recommended that I post this article from ikigaiway.com, so I have done so below. It's a really good article. I would have loved to have seen this article when I first started Aikido. I hope you enjoy it. I really did! It has a lot of good points and it's also an entertaining read. Enjoy!

Top 10 Things Not to Stress About in Martial Arts
October 15, 2008 Author: Matthew

Here is something I say with confidence – martial arts can be unnerving! It’s not all butt kicking and black belts, after all. While I’m no master, I HAVE experienced (and seen others experience) a few common concerns that seem to crop up during martial arts training. Have a read through these top 10 stressors, and hopefully, I can help you shrug a little weight off your shoulders.

Don’t Stress About…

10. Learning Super Quickly
This first one is more common than you might think. There are always a few individuals who can pick up kata or technique very quickly. While that’s fortunate for them, it can leave a residue of anxiety in other students. People who have an ingrained self consciousness about their own progress will pay special attention to students who pick things up quickly, allowing themselves to feel discouraged when they can’t do the same.

I think we all suffer from this at one point or another. It’s just like in Karate Kid:

“Daniel: Hey – you ever get into fights when you were a kid?
Miyagi: Huh – plenty.
Daniel: Yeah, but it wasn’t like the problem I have, right?
Miyagi: Why? Fighting fighting. Same same.
Daniel: Yeah, but you knew karate.
Miyagi: Someone always know more.”

What a great movie. And it also helps prove my point – no matter how awesome you are, there is always someone better. So, with that inevitability in mind, just focus on your own personal progress and forget the comparisons!

Final thought about #10: karate is a lifelong endeavor. If you stay in the martial arts while others come and go, I guarantee you’ll make it to the head of the class.

9. Keeping Up With the Joneses
This is connected to #10. In keeping up with the Joneses, which of course means trying to outdo your “neighbor”, trying to learn a lot quickly can cause even more stress. You’ll see kids do this a lot:

Kid A (the jerk): “Hey, do you know kata ____ yet?
Kid B: “No. Why?”
Kid A: “Ohh, cause I do. Snicker.”

Annoying when kids do it, but forgivable. Extremely annoying when adults do it. And they do do it. If this happens to you, try to let it roll off your shoulders and remember the long term benefits of training.

If you’re the one prodding at your classmates…knock it off.

This same concept applies to physical possessions as well. Weapons, uniforms, books, dvds…that whole business gets rapped into the martial arts very easily. Don’t feel compelled to spend money because everyone else does.

8. Looking Stupid
You’re gonna look and feel stupid from time to time. Keep asking questions and participating. Seriously. This is the best way to learn, hands down.

7. Gi Flair
As far as I am concerned, there is no good reason for your uniform to look like the flair guy’s getup from OfficeSpace.

Patches...buttons...it's all flair.
I understand some patches, but things can get a little out of hand. If you find yourself creating a patchwork out of you or your child’s gi, just take a step back. Remember, all of these external distractions can take away from the internal goals of the martial arts. Let your personality and ability make you stand out, not eye catching gi accessories.

6. DEADLINESS
Have you seen Kill Bill? Do you remember the five point palm exploding heart technique? That was pretty cool. Unfortunately, some people can get overly caught up in that razzle dazzle when pursuing the martial arts.

Kyusho, or vital point striking, is experiencing a bit of a boom in popularity. When done correctly, the results can be very deadly indeed. This has led a lot of people to worry about the deadliness of whatever technique they are practicing. So much so, in fact, that some students try to learn vital point strikes off of video tapes or from snake-oil instructors who claim to have mastered them.

Don’t get too caught up in this hype. The truth is, most karate styles have kyusho integrated into them already. The trick to unlocking the techniques is a matter of becoming an expert at fundamentals. As Sensei Bill Hayes says, become “brilliant at the basics.” After that is achieved, kyusho can slowly start to seep its way into your training. Don’t rush this one.

5. Trophy Count

This Can Be Yours if The Price is Right!
Time + money = a ton of trophies. Yes, it helps if you’re good, but its not a mandatory prerequisite. There are so many tournaments with so many divisions that sometimes you’ll be lucky to get three people in your division.

If you want to, acquire a couple of trophies to prove to yourself that you can do it. After that, put that money and mental focus to better use.

4. Kata Portfolio
This is one that yours-truly had to work on. For awhile, I was very concerned about my kata portfolio. I wanted to learn a whole lot of kata and I wanted to learn them all very well. Unfortunately, what I REALLY wanted was to have my cake and eat it to.

Take it from me, don’t worry about slowing yourself down to learn fewer kata. Much like #10, learning quickly, pacing your kata intake shouldn’t be perceived as a bad thing. This is especially true after black belt.

In many martial arts, there are certain requirements as you progress through kyu ranks. Once you hit black belt, you are “ready to begin learning”, and that means taking charge of your martial destiny. It’s easy to ride the kata train, going for higher and higher material. But, ultimately, it might leave all of your material a little soft.

3. Kata Flash-and-Dash
Can’t kick the ceiling? Can’t do a triple blackflip into a split with kiai? Don’t stress.

A lot of the acrobatics and physically impressive maneuvers you see today are not really part of traditional martial arts. In fact, it was extremely rare for the old Okinawan Karate Sensei to kick above their waist!

Listen to what your body can and can’t do, then try to make small improvements from there. Listening to the natural rhythym of your body will result in much better technique than trying to force Van Damme style kicks.

...maybe next year...

2. Ass-Kicking Ability
Martial arts tend to have self defense at their core. Some styles are for aggressive fighting, while others are for flowing defense. But, ultimately, you should learn how to fight.

Where people tend to get tense is when they don’t see dramatic results immediately. This is especially true for traditional arts. Styles like boxing and MMA can show initial progress pretty quickly, which is nice. Unfortunately, old styles were designed for the long haul.

Traditional martial art basics can actually hinder your fighting ability for awhile. They make you mechanical, and force movements into your body that you aren’t used to. It isn’t until years of practice sink in that you can begin to feel those movements naturally. Once they start to become natural though, it’s a real treat.

1. Rank
This probably isn’t a huge surprise. “Rank” being at the top of this list is like Stairway to Heaven being at the top of “The Greatest Rock Songs” list (which it should be, because it is great).

Rank is very valuable, and very dangerous. It helps motivate us to achieve, and symbolizes skill and experience. Unfortunately, rank can also be a business. Stripes, colors, and titles are abound these days.

No matter how your school addresses rank, don’t feel driven by it, in and of itself. If you are a green belt, but have focused on improving your basics, your self defense, and your mindset, you’ll be on your way to achieving real results.

***

Navigating through these troubles, and a forest of others, is essential when pursuing the martial way.

I’ll meet you somewhere in the woods, and maybe we can give each other a hand

Welcome to a New Year!!

2010-08-25T17:16:00.001-06:00

And so we begin yet another year together. Another year of "yes, this textbook IS required for this class." Another year of running out the front door to see your bus to school driving away. Yes, a wonderful new year to see all of the students looking sharp . . . at least for the first week of school. A new round of "so I have a C right now. What can I do to raise my grade?" A new game of chess between students and faculty as attempts to exploit loopholes in the syllabus become part of fighting for an A- instead of a B+. Yes, my friends: it's going to be a good year. Not only a good year in academia, but a good, new year to practice Aikido.

After having foot surgery and a recovery process, I for one am looking forward to the many opportunities there will be to give my Aikido a tune up. For those that are unaware, a testing opportunity will be available for those who are ready on September 2nd. A second opportunity will be available later in the semester. It's good to see that there is a solid group that is making some good progress.

Also, Club Rush is coming up next week. We will be needing people to help with that from 10am to 12pm from Tuesday-Thursday (August 31st-September 2nd). This opportunity not only gives us a chance to raise some funds for our club, but also gives us a great chance to show off our club to students passing by our table. I'm particularly anxious to see if we will be able to pull out one of our new mats to do some demos!!!

Again, welcome to a wonderful new year! I hope it is fun, productive, and harmonious for all of us!

Aikido Club switches to start 4 PM this Tues.

2010-08-22T16:00:00.002-06:00

The Aikido Club is switching to begin at 4 PM in PE221 beginning Tuesday, August 24 th.
Our normal school year schedule meets Tues/ Thurs 4-5:30 PM.

Pending Kyu test Sep. 2nd

2010-08-11T23:50:00.001-06:00

Sensei says there will be a Kyu test on Thursday, Sept. 2nd @ 4:00 PM in PES 221.

uniform sale on some items

2010-07-20T14:59:00.001-06:00

e-bogu.com has a clearance sale on some items. They're a little more expensive, but very good quality. See http://www.e-bogu.com/Aikido_s/225.htm I particularly like the HiDriTex gi.

Aikido Seminar, Logan, Aug. 13-15, 2010

2010-06-30T14:17:00.002-06:00

Jyushinkan Dojo Annual Seminar will be held August 13-15, 2010 on the USU campus in Logan. Leading the seminar will be James Nakayama (6th Dan) from the AAA. He is very nice and very good. I will print the flyer for the dojo board.

See flyer here.

No practice Thur., 7/1/2010

2010-06-30T14:15:00.000-06:00

Sensei says no club practice on Thurs., July 1st.

Tuesday is weapons day

2010-06-26T22:47:00.001-06:00

Last Tuesday of the month is weapons day.

e-bogu sale on Aikido Gi

2010-04-07T21:08:00.001-06:00

e-bogu.com stocks a HiDriTex Aikido gi I really like: $57 http://www.e-bogu.com/Aikido_Gi_s/205.htm Very good quality. Go with a a size larger than what they tell you on their sizing chart. Get 10% off your order with coupon EKC10 until Apr. 11.

Seminar with Steven Toyoda Sensei

2010-01-27T13:58:00.003-07:00

Hey! Just a reminder that this weekend there will be a seminar in Salt Lake with instruction by Steven Toyoda Sensei, the current head of our association. Check out the "Club News" section of the blog (towards the top of the blog page) for details.

Welcome to a New Semester!

2010-01-14T11:58:00.005-07:00

I hope everyone is settling into the new semester well. I'm excited for this one because we have a good possibility of reaching our goal to make enough money to get some mats! That and I'll be getting my AS degree this semester (FINALLY!). In any case, there will be many opportunities this semester to really get involved in the Aikido Club. We're finishing up Club Rush right now, we'll have Club Nights, we can do some Club Spotlights, and the Club All-Nighter is this semester, as well. Each of these events is an opportunity for our club to raise the needed funds for our mats. So, whenever you can, your help in those events would be greatly appreciated. If you want to get involved, talk to Sensei or myself to see how you can help.

We've had a good number of people visit our table during Club Rush, which has been great. To those we've spoken to: thank you for stopping by! We hope to see you on the mat!

I've been thinking about my Aikido experience (all two whopping years of it :)) and have reflected on what things have been helpful or not to me. Here are my thoughts:

1) Step onto the mat with an open mind. Some of you may have had training in other arts, which is awesome (I'm jealous!). Since Aikido is an art that is very different from most martial arts, it is important to focus on learning the new concepts that you will see and hear. Everything that you will learn has a place in the techniques found in Aikido.

2) Ask questions! You may be tempted to think you have to get it "right" the first time. Don't worry about that! NOBODY gets it "right" the first time. So, take your time, and ask questions.

3) Be there. It seems obvious, but it's probably the most important thing. In my experience, my technique is a lot more sloppy and needs to be "re-polished" when I haven't gone to club in a while. The more you're there, the better your Aikido will get.

4) Get involved. Being a part of the Aikido Club has been a lot more meaningful to me because I have tried to be involved. Coming to events (like Club Night, Club All-Nighter, etc.) will help us reach our clubs goals.

Good luck everyone in your classes! We hope to see you on the mat!

Another patch idea

2009-12-11T10:25:00.002-07:00

Here's another simpler design. At the last seminar, I noticed many from the Utah Aikikai Dojo were wearing a patch of simple design that incorporated their three turns that they teach.

Seminar with James Nakayama Sensei - Again!

2009-10-23T16:25:00.003-06:00

Here are the details for the upcoming seminar hosted by Utah Aikikai:

Dates:
Friday, December 4th - Sunday, December 6th.

Cost:
All Classes - $90
Saturday Only - $55
Friday/Saturday (Or Saturday/Sunday) - $75.
*There is a $5 discount if you register before December 1st.*

Schedule:
12/04: 6:00pm-8:00pm
12/05: 10:00am-12:00pm
12/05: 3:00pm-5:00pm
12/06: 10:00am-12:00pm

If you have any other questions, you can call Utah Aikikai at (801) 272-0707, or you can send an e-mail to: mail@utahaiki.com

Practicing Outside of Club

2009-10-14T16:16:00.005-06:00

I've gone through a period of time now when my attendance at club has been sparse. I don't like these kinds of lulls in my attendance because when I come back, I feel I have forgotten so much. The reason for my forgetfulness is, obviously, that I'm not practicing! I'm not going through the motions! I have since come to appreciate the value of practice outside of club. Throughout the past few weeks, I've been running through the footwork of techniques I have on my upcoming test. I find that it's a great opportunity to practice different principles of Aikido. I've been able to go through a technique with a specific principle(such as moving everything at once, weight underside, or maintaining posture) in mind. It's nice to have time when there is nobody else there, as this allows me to have a more clear and focused mind. I would just encourage everyone to try this. Really, it should be done anyway, but try to make a specific effort to practice your techniques at home (or another quiet place). You can learn a lot about what you are doing well, or what just doesn't "feel right." Even weapon katas and suburi can be worked on. I hope you will all have a good experience doing this. At very least, I've become more grateful for our vaulted ceiling (plenty of room to swing a bokken or jo)!

Aikido defense against kicks

2009-09-30T14:12:00.003-06:00

Aikido defense against kicks is more of an advanced topic, but if you want to see it in action, check out this YouTube video.

Young Aikidoka

2009-09-23T09:23:00.002-06:00

This video shows that Aikido is for everyone. This is a young girl that is really tossing this guy around. She's got some pretty good ukemi, too. Enjoy!

PayPal Problem Solved!

2009-09-18T08:34:00.001-06:00

My wish came true and PayPal is now available again!

Aikido Patch design

2009-09-16T22:56:00.006-06:00

This is my concept for a club patch design. The patch would be 3 inches in diameter and would cost about $3 each, maybe a little less. The patch could be worn on the sleeve or on the left chest of the gi. See what you think. Mostly UVU green and black on a white background. We can make changes.

James Nakayama Sensei

2009-07-07T08:40:00.011-06:00

With the upcoming seminar, I thought it would be appropriate to do a little post on Nakayama Sensei.

Nakayama Sensei is currently the AAA Western Regional Director. He holds the rank of rokudan, or sixth-degree black belt. He also holds a fifth-degree black belt rank in iaido.

I apologize for the quality of the following video. In one, the camera was obviously NOT mounted on a tripod, so it's quite shaky. It's the one of the few clips I could find of Nakayama Sensei.

This clip is of Nakayama Sensei demonstrating shihonage against an uke armed with a bokken.

Normal Schedule this week July 6-10

2009-07-06T11:56:00.001-06:00

Normal Schedule this week, let me know if you have questions. Also I will be going up to Logan next Saturday to help my Sensei with a demonstration, and will stay for practice. Anyone interested should come on up there. Let me know. Thanks.

Aikido seminar 14-16 Aug in Logan

2009-07-01T23:04:00.002-06:00

There's another AAA affiliated seminar coming up August 14-16 in Logan, Utah featuring Nakayama Sensei on Friday evening, Saturday for two sessions and Sunday morning.

Follow this link to a .pdf file of the flyer for more details and registration.

Jeff

Center and Balance

2009-06-25T11:12:00.001-06:00

Here is a great article on connection, center and balance. All critical to aikido
here
Enjoy

Video Clip: Steven Segal

2009-06-20T13:18:00.004-06:00

Ok, well, I'm not much of a Steven Segal fan, but I have to say that this is a good clip. This is from the 1993 All-Japan Aikido Demonstration (thanks to Aikido Journal). Steven Segal seems to have a very hard style, not hesitating to give his uke a clothesline reminiscent of professional wrestling. I did really enjoy the randori portion of this clip, though. Enjoy!

Research paper from my English 2020 class this Semester

2009-06-19T08:57:00.003-06:00

This semester, I took English 2020 and had to write a research paper. I didn't want to be stuck writing about something like abortion or gun control (yawn!), so I wrote about how martial arts are superior to conventional exercise in terms of reaching overall health. Check it out if you'd like. I will warn you, it is a bit lengthy (about 13-14 pages)!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/16587901/The-Superiority-of-Martial-Arts-as-Compared-to-Conventional-Exercise?secret_password=2fiqn98wu6n1cjcli49a

Summer meetings

2009-06-11T12:06:00.001-06:00

Don't forget we will be meeting this summer.
Finally we are back in PE 221.
T-Th 3:30-5 and Friday 11-12.
Hope to see you there.
Some people will be getting ready for tests.
Thanks,
Marc

Great article

2009-05-07T08:15:00.001-06:00

"Aikido is about expressing who we already are : timeless, immovable, harmonious beings with a limitless capacity to respond with Life. Placing our attention on surrendering to the discovery of that being, trusting the intelligence of that being, and placing all or our faith into the birth of this being in this moment, we are Free. Then the creation of what is known as Takemusu Aikido becomes possible. We can not take credit for it. We are it. We can not improve it. It improves this moment. We can not do it. It does us. We can create space for it to awaken. We can choose to be available to it. We can study and create a language for it to speak with. But we can not control or use it. Finally in the end we disappear into It and we then are It; Free finally to create and contribute to the rest of Life that is who we are as well. No longer looking for permission to live, we move into the space that Life offers without reservation or hesitation. Embracing what arrives in this moment without resistance, we witness our response and relationship being born fresh in the moment again and again without end. We come to rest at the Beginning, a place of innocence and trust, hands open, welcoming the Unknown. As we meet that which is out of balance, that which is unresolved, we meet it with no walls and a clear heart, being open and available for transformation to occur, a transformation of conflict into clarity, an alchemy of energetic opposites that gives birth to an evolution of the event and all who are in it. We do not try to form the event into a preconceived direction but witness a movement beyond concepts speak its Truth in this moment. This movement of this transformation is freshly revealed and always beyond what the mind may think to do." read more

Summer meeting....s

2009-05-05T09:08:00.000-06:00

Today I guess just meet outside the activity center....if it rains inside in the hall...
Let me know if you have questions.

Excellent article....maybe too big to handle....

2009-04-29T08:46:00.002-06:00

There is an excellent interview with christian tissier it should provide many insights...for years to come...here not the least of which is this little nugget...

"When you are correctly seated in the ideal position, even the rudest person cannot disturb you"

Summer Club Times

2009-04-22T14:13:00.001-06:00

For summer, would you rather meet usual time t-th 3:30-5 or M thru F 11-12?
Let me know.
Marc

Upcoming opportunity

2009-03-13T15:29:00.002-06:00

Hello All,
There is another opportunity to practice Aikido in May.
Stephen Toyoda Sensei, the head of our organization will be in Salt Lake, May 16-17.
more info
I can't emphasize enough how this kind of sustained practice can improve your aikido. It also gives you a chance to see how it really works.
Please plan on attending.
Thanks,
Marc

President's Message: Aikido off the Mat

2009-03-13T09:25:00.005-06:00

Some of you may have noticed that I actually haven't been to club in around a month. It's been difficult, as Aikido is something that I have really grown to enjoy and love doing. Since January, things have gotten really busy for me. I've had quite a homework load with my classes, my children have gotten sick a few times, I've gotten a sinus infection that; things are just crazy. Even though I haven't been able to practice Aikido physically, I've really tried to apply it in my daily life. As things have come up, I've tried to just accept what has happened. Life has been busy, but it has also become more manageable. The reason? I'm not getting angry when I'm given yet another assignment when I already have enough to keep me busy for a week. I'm not tensing up, or fighting. I just have to accept that what I am doing can actually turn to a great benefit. And it does. Instead of fighting, or even giving up, accepting the "conflict" has translated into good grades, and my family has been given greater assurance that I care for them because I've stayed home with them multiple times when they needed me. Aikido isn't just for the mat, or a life and death situation. O-Sensei taught that it was for every aspect of life. I'm really starting to see that, and I hope that you all will try it off the mat and be able to see a positive difference in everyday life.

Video Clip: Going Back to Our Roots

2009-03-02T21:01:00.010-07:00

Here are a few interesting video clips of some of the martial art that was practiced by Morihei Ueshiba before he developed Aikido. Ueshiba learned the art of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu from Takeda Sokaku and became a certified teacher in this art. Ueshiba took a lot from this art in the development of Aikido. You can definitely see some similarity to Aikido, but also some glaring differences in some of the throws and pins. The practicioner in both clips is Katsuyuki Kondo. Enjoy!

Why do you practice Aikido?

2009-02-27T09:18:00.004-07:00

The question comes up often, in many forms

Why do you practice Aikido? Is Aikido effective? Is Aikido better that ___, some jutsu or jitsu etc.?
Whenever I hear this I think….bring me a better question. Or maybe you just want to miss the point. In fact this has been going on for time immemorial. Picture some samurai sitting around talking about how this school of swordsmanship is better than that. This jutsu is better than that. At least back then they had a reason, ie. they could die. But asking this question is not really the point.

The Way of a Warrior cannot be encompassed by words or in letters: grasp the essence and move on toward realization!

-O’sensei Morihei Ueshiba

To all of this I say, why do YOU practice Aikido?
Is it to defend yourself?
Kick butt?
Out of fear?
Personal development?

Again the point isn't as much the art as the reason. When the ego is attached to being better, smarter, faster, tougher…none will happen. In fact, usually the opposite will be the result. If you look inside you may find some answers, but asking someone else…means you are afraid to look.

In my case, Aikido provides both the avenue for self-development and self-defense and is congruent with my personal belief on how to get there. If you want to develop confidence, fitness, and self mastery all in a way that is non-destructive and powerful, I believe Aikido is the way. In any art there is no short-cut or quick fix to get you power and self confidence and this is definitely the case in Aikido. It takes many years to refine this vehicle we are given. And it is a constant practice. This works for me, refining the art over time. You don’t have to be athletic, coordinated, good looking…just dedicated. If you show up and work, the art reveals itself to you.

To practice properly Aikido, you must:
Calm the spirit and return to the source.
Cleanse the body and spirit by removing all malice, selfishness, and desire.

-O’sensei Morihei Ueshiba

And it is high time you started. Time is precious and as dogen zenji said….”practice like your hair is on fire”. Being in a rush to be good, or tough etc. just makes you miss the point get on the mat, work out and find out what the art is all about. Be fearless.

Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.

-O’sensei Morihei Ueshiba

Hope to see you on the mat.

Seminar in Logan

2009-01-23T09:20:00.002-07:00

Hello Everyone,
It is a new year and time to hone your aikido. There is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a seminar in Logan UT. Sustained Aikido will definitely take you to the next level of understanding. It also helps support my sensei to bring events like this to the state.

SCHEDULE:
February 6 (Friday) 6:30-8:30 pm
February 7 (Saturday) Session 1 10:00 am -1:00 pm
Youth Class w/ adults 12 Noon - 1:00 pm Session 2 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Place: USU - HPER , Room 103.

Here is the information in a flyer.
If you have questions let me know.

Hope to see you there.
Thanks,
Marc

Welcome Back Everyone!

2009-01-05T09:28:00.003-07:00

I hope everyone has had an awesome break from studies and work. Welcome back to a new semester! I hope it goes well for everyone. I'm really looking forward to what coming up, as it will give us a good chance to do some recruiting and fundraising. A tentative plan for some upcoming events:

Club Rush is coming up! This will be a great opportunity to showcase our club in the halls of UVU for a couple of days. It also earns money for the club, so if we can get a few volunteers to man the table for even just an hour, that would be great! We'll have a table and a tv for about 4 hours each of the 2 days that we participate. This will take place on Wednesday the 14th, Thursday the 15th.

We really want to do a club fundraiser! The plan (hopefully), is to do the fundraiser immediately following, or in conjunction with Club Rush. That way, we can further encourage participation in club. Don't worry, we're not selling candy or raffle tickets. We'll give further details later.

Again, welcome back! We hope to see you in PE 221!

Thanks again Jeff!

2008-12-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

Here's another comment from Jeff that I wanted to make sure everyone sees. Probably something good to look into if you're in the market for a gi!

Jeff Cold said...: Another sale from e-bogu. White Aikido gi tops for size 6, 7 for as little as $7 on clearance.
http://www.e-bogu.com/Clearance_s/334.htm

Thanks Jeff!

2008-12-19T15:37:00.002-07:00

Here's a post from Jeff about a Christmas Sale. Maybe a good chance to snag a bokken at a good price:

Ebogu.com has a sale on Aikido white oak bokken and white oak jo. See http://www.e-bogu.com/NEW_ITEM_s/326.htm Also: For a limited time, 10% OFF everything on our website!
You must use the coupon code "XMAS08" at checkout. It may not apply to the boken and jo since they're already on sale.

Jeff Cold

President's Message: Ki

2008-12-04T10:55:00.002-07:00

There has been a lot of speculation and guesses made as to what Ki is exactly. Some people have made some pretty tall claims as to what it can do, while others totally disbelieve it even exists. First of all, what is it? Ki can be described as many things, but from the name Aikido, we can take it as simply "life energy". Does a life energy exist?? You bet! Look at you hand. You skin, hair, nails, everything pertaining to your hand is made of of molecules. Those molecules are made up of atoms. Atoms, so far as we can determine, are made up of submolecular particles called quarks. What causes these elements to interact and create things? The levels of energy present in them. You could say that, under the skin, bones, and other tissue, we ARE energy. The interesting arguments come when we ask "can we project that energy"? There is something to this. If you have ever watched videos of O-Sensei, you may have seen him holding a bokken straight out as a student pushes on it from the side. The thing doesn't move! It appears impossible because of how the student really leans into the bokken. Even though Ki may not be able to kill someone, as was believed by the samurai years ago, we may be able to harness that energy enough to give a little extra strength to a punch, or resistance to an attack if we are able to focus enough. I can't be sure of all of it's applications, but we should realize that we do possess this life energy. This may seem a sort of austere posting, but if we are going to harmonize life-energy (that's what Aikido is), then it might be good to have a better understanding of it. Please feel free to comment on this posting, as well as any other. I'd like to get some opinions from all of you about this subject.

Biography: Fumio Toyoda

2008-12-04T10:34:00.006-07:00

Fumio Toyoda Shihan is actually the founder of our association. He began training at age 10 with his first teacher, Koichi Tohei Sensei. He recieved the rank of shodan (first-degree black belt) at the age of 17 after a test administered by Morihiro Saito Sensei. When Koichi Tohei broke off from Hombu Dojo to form his own branch of Aikido, Toyoda Sensei went with. He earned the rank of godan (5th degree black belt) by age 27 and eventually recieved the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt). After some disagreements between him and Tohei Sensei, Toyoda broke off to form his own association. This is the Aikido Association of America that we have today!

Wikipedia Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fumio_Toyoda

This is a bit of a long clip (around 4 minutes), but it's one of the few that I could find of Toyoda Sensei. Does the uke with the beard look like Rip Torn?? Or is it just me?

Video Clip: Squirrel Aikido!

2008-12-04T10:08:00.005-07:00

Alright, I'll admit it's a stretch, but it's funny! Ah, the randomness of it.

Terminology Time!!!

2008-11-13T13:39:00.007-07:00

Today, we'll look at some of the terminology for the aikitaiso, or aikido warm-up exercises. Please note that this is not a complete list:

aikitaiso: aiki (blending, uniting one's ki with that of the partner) taiso (exercises): blending exercises, or warm-up exercises.

funakogi undo: fune (small boat) kogi (row) undo (exercise): boat-rowing exercise

shomenuchi ikkyo undo: shomen (front of the head) uchi (hit) ikkyo (first-teaching) undo (exercise): exercise of the basic ikkyo movement from a head strike

zengo undo: zengo (around, forward/back, front/rear) undo (exercise): shomenuchi ikkyo undo done forward, then back

hapo undo irimi: happo (8 directions) undo (exercise) irimi (inwards, enter): shomenuchi ikkyo undo done in 8 directions

udefuri undo: ude (arm) furi (swing) undo (exercise): arm swinging exercise

tenkan undo: tenkan (turning) undo (exercise): turning exercise

soto tenkan: soto (outside) tenkan (turning): outside turning exercise

uchi tenkan: uchi (inside) tenkan (turning): inside turning exercise

hapo undo tenkan: hapo (8 directions) undo (exercise) tenkan (turning): turning in 8 directions exercise

ushirotori undo: ushiro (behind, backwards) dori (grab) undo (exercise): grab from behind exercise (defense against a bearhug)

ushiro tekubitori undo: ushiro (behind, backwards) tekubi (wrist) dori (grab) undo (exercise): wrist grab from behind exercise

ushiro tekubitori koutai undo: ushiro (behind, backwards) tekubi (wrist) dori (grab) koutai (change) undo (exercise): variation on wrist grab from behind exercise

Apologies

2008-11-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was on vacation last week, and so was unable to update the blog for this week. My apologies!

Biography: Koichi Tohei

2008-10-27T12:06:00.006-06:00

Koichi Tohei was a huge contributor to the spreading of Aikido. He was Morihei Ueshiba's right-hand man. He also, like Ueshiba, studied martial arts as a youth. He is the only person to have received the rank of 10th Dan from Ueshiba himself. He went on to found his own branch of Aikido that emphasizes the development and use of Ki.

Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koichi_Tohei

This video clip shows Tohei Sensei doing some great basic demonstrations of unbendable arm, unliftable body, and some shihonage.

Video Clip: Awesome Aikido Clip

2008-10-15T21:12:00.005-06:00

This clip still stands as one of my absolute favorites to watch. It's short, but it really shows what we all are working up to. The practitioners in the clip have great blending and speed. Awesome clip! I believe the nage (person throwing) in this clip is Anthony Yeates.

President's Message: Learning Techniques and Proper Resistance

2008-10-15T20:41:00.005-06:00

Often times, Aikido is criticized for the reason that, in a situation when Aikido would need to be used, a person will encounter way more resistance from an attacker than he/she would in the dojo. This is very true. There is a reason for this, however. When we see a technique for the first time, how can we reasonably be expected (or even expect ourselves) to execute that technique perfectly the first time with our uke acting with 100% resistance? Answer: you can't, and shouldn't.

It doesn't matter how much resistance is being given to you when you're being attacked (by an uke, or by someone on the street) if you can't do the technique! When one begins training in Aikido (and I am no exception), we feel hurried because we want to do it right the first time. And if not the first, then the second for sure! If we have this attitude, however, we run the risk of learning to do a technique incorrectly.

Have you ever been driving to work, school, or somewhere else that you frequently drive to, and, on arriving, you don't really remember the drive? A situation where you've done something so many times that you almost do it subconsciously? That is how our brains work! When we respond to a certain situation with a certain action repeatedly, our brain starts to create a sort of path. Every time we are presented with that same situation, our brain already knows how to respond and will respond with the action that we have programmed it to respond with. This is what we want in Aikido. To program our minds with the responses to multiple situations. If we see a shomenuchi coming at us, if we have programmed our minds to respond in a way that doesn't work, we're in trouble! We have to program it correctly first. We must slow down, take our time, and realize that it takes about 10 years to become a shodan (1st degree black belt), not 10 minutes. Our uke, therefore, must understand what level we are on in order to give proper resistance.

By proper, I mean that it is never a good idea to apply 100% resistance to someone in their first session of training. However, at the same time it is not a good idea to offer 0% resistance, often called "giving" the technique. As skill increases, so does resistance. Ideally, we will all reach a level of technical capability that will allow us to deal with someone offering 100% resistance, whether an uke or a real life attacker.

Everything, in the beginning, is static, slow, and broken up. However, with continuous practice, we will all be able to learn the proper way to respond to any amount of resistance.

Dojo Etiquette: Bowing

2008-10-15T09:43:00.003-06:00

Bowing is done as a type of salute. It is an action that conveys respect and gratitude. There are many instances where it is proper to bow during a practice session. When entering or leaving the dojo, you should bow to the Shomen, or the front of the dojo. Normally, you would direct your bow to the image of O-Sensei, though we do not have one in our club room. When asked to assist in demonstrating for the class, it is also proper to bow to Sensei. When partnering up for technique practice, you should bow to your partner both before and after you practice with him. If Sensei gives you some individual instruction, or instruction to you and your partner, a bow and a verbal "thank you" are appropriate. At the end of practice, the class should bow to Sensei, and bow as they leave the mat or dojo.

What would you like to see on this site?

2008-10-15T09:32:00.002-06:00

Please give us some feedback on what kinds of things you'd like to see on this site, or any other suggestions for how we could improve it. Send comments to:

uvuaikidoclub@gmail.com

Cool Aikido Video

2008-10-10T17:32:00.005-06:00

This is a video made by a few amateurs (meaning that they're not well known instructors). However, I think that they did really well with it. They do some advanced techniques with some good speed, so they must be fairly high in rank. They sometimes freeze a shot and will give the name of the technique, so I thought it would also be helpful in trying to recognize a technique when you see it. I'm not to fond of their music choice, though :)

Biography: Morihei Ueshiba

2008-10-09T10:24:00.004-06:00

This is the wikipedia link to the biography of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. It's a good summary of his life that talks about the martial arts influences and religious influences in his life. It also has some stories (some may be a bit sensational) of personal experiences he had. A great read!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morihei_Ueshiba

Here's a pretty cool video of O-Sensei taking ukemi for a little kid!

Terminology Time!!!

2008-10-09T10:09:00.005-06:00

Today, we'll look at other attack terminology.

These are the basic empty-hand strikes, or suburi (basic exercises normally with sword and staff):

Munetsuki: Mune (chest) tsuki (punch/lunge): Punch to the chest

Shomenuchi: Shomen (front of the head) uchi (hit): Hit to the center of the head

Yokomenuchi: Yoko (side, sideways, or horizontal) men (head) uchi (hit): Strike to the side of the head

Terminology Time!!!

2008-09-25T09:01:00.005-06:00

In an effort to help all of us learn the many Japanese terms in Aikido, I'll be posting periodic terminology translations.

For this posting, we'll look at some of the various attacks that begin with kata. Please note that "tori" and "dori" are sometimes used interchangeably. For these postings, "dori" will be used.

Kata- In this context, it means "shoulder." It also refers to a form, or pre-decided movements; i.e. bokken/jo kata.

Katate- One hand technique

Katadori- Kata (shoulder) dori (grab); lapel/shoulder grab

Katatedori- Katate (one hand technique) dori (grab); one hand grab (same side)

Katatekosadori- Katate (one hand technique) kosa (cross over) dori (grab); cross-hand grab

Katate ryotedori- Katate (one hand technique) ryote (both) dori (grab); two-hand grab

Awesome Christian Tissier Video Clip

2008-09-24T21:28:00.006-06:00

Here's a SWEET video of Christian Tissier that I found while checking out YouTube. It's from a martial arts festival in Bercy (the eastern part of Paris, France), but I'm not sure of the year. Enjoy!

President's Message: How is Aikido Different From Other Martial Arts?

2008-09-22T11:10:00.007-06:00

A lot of people wonder what makes Aikido so different from other martial arts. What many people that are new to the martial arts world do not realize is that the spectrum of arts is HUGE! There are arts that emphasize ground fighting, such as jiu jitsu. There are arts that appear to be more of a dance, like capoeira. Arts that emphasize a certain part of the body, like Tae Kwon Do's emphasis on kicking. Arts that have an emphasis on a certain weapon, like kendo. So, where does Aikido fit in this wide spectrum?

Aikido is, in my opinion, a bit of a collection of many arts. We find joint locks that remind us of jiu jitsu, throws that remind us judo, and use of the sword as in kendo. However, what truly sets Aikido apart, in my view, is it's emphasis on peace. This emphasis is reflected in the techniques themselves. As an aikidoka, you can't truly execute an effective technique unless someone is attacking you. The techniques were not meant for attack! I had an experience with an uke that wasn't really committed to attacking me. She would flinch at any movement I made and would pull away. I would still try to apply the technique, but it simply WOULD NOT work. This was very enlightening to me, as I realized that there is no technique without a genuine attack. This reflects the emphasis that Aikido places on peace.

Truly, peace is the goal of Aikido. We do not have the goal of putting an "opponent out of commission" (usually meaning "in the hospital") as quickly as possible by whatever means necessary. This is not so in Aikido, and this is contrary to the nature of the art. Injury is to be avoided wherever possible; to ourselves, first and foremost, and then to our attacker. No other martial art, to me, comes close to this view of harmony. Please don't misunderstand me by assuming that I'm saying Aikido is better than other arts. I have been a believer that each art has something good to offer. What I am saying, however, is that Aikido teaches peace as its core, and that is what sets it apart from most other arts.