Aikido Sensei
See also my books about aikido and such:
Aikido Principles
Attacks in Aikido
Aikibatto: Sword Exercises for Aikido Students
Qi: Increase your Life Energy.
LISTS OF TECHNIQUES
1- Tachiwaza - mae (standing, attacks from the front)
2- Tachiwaza - ushiro (standing, attacks from the rear)
3- Suwariwaza (tori and uke sitting)
4- Hanmi handachiwaza (tori sitting,uke standing)
5- Tantodori (defense against knife)
6- Tachidori (defense against sword)
7- Jodori (defense against staff)
8- Kaeshiwaza (counter techniques)
9- Henkawaza (changed techniques
10- Kogeki (attacks in aikido)
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The basics are not all the executable techniques, but a wide selection of them.
Aikido contains a number of throwing and pinning techniques, which vary slightly depending on the attack. All cannot be considered basic, but most of them should indeed be.
The system of basics should make compatibility with other aikido systems possible. In regard to how the techniques are done, as well as to what techniques are included, a system of basics should be such that the aikido student is able to train and adapt to the training in another dojo than his or her own.
Basic techniques should be reasonable to perform. Too complicated solutions are not basics. Some techniques are basic against certain attack forms, but not against others where they are very awkward or difficult to do. Furthermore, any basic technique should in itself be reasonably straigthforward.
Attack forms that are not reasonably feasible, are not included in the basics.Some attacks, or combinations of attacks, are so difficult or awkward for the attacker that they are quite unlikely, therefore not to be included in a basic system.
Also other techniques than these basics may be executable and trained. It is important to train more than the basics, to progress well in aikido. Also variations and complicated non-basics should be tried with some frequency. Otherwise the aikido in a dojo risks shrinking to something less than it can be.
Tori principles
Always start with taisabaki, an evasive movement! It is not aikido if not started by avoiding the oncoming attack - even if the attack is a mild or slow one.
Blocking the attack should not be necessary.To block the oncoming force is not really aikido, which should avoid confrontation. Sometimes blocking is practical, but if it is necessary, then the technique needs modification.
Techniques should function to execute. An aikido technique should be possible to perform, and to do it in a way that avoids as well as controls the attacker.
Similar solution for gotai, from static, andjutai, in movement. If a basic technique that works in movement needs to be significantly changed when done from a static start, it should be modified.
Basic training should be done with low postures. The balance and control of low stances is essential to have as standard for basic techniques.
Forces should be united (aiki). In aikido techniques the forces of the attacker and the defender should be joined, and not work against each other.
The need for atemi, strike, should be limited.The aikido techniques should be possible to do with few or no atemi, which otherwise tends to be 'an easy way out'.
Tori’s starting position should be such that uke’s attack is reasonable. The target that uke is supposed to aim for, must be easily reached - not hidden or blocked or otherways awkward for uke.
Tori’s starting position should not be such that only one aikido technique is appropriate. It is no good if tori is positioned ideally for one aikido technique, but awkwardly for other techniques. Tori should stand able to do many different techniques.
Tori should control the situation all through the technique. From the start to the finish, whether it is a pinning or a throw, tori should be in charge and remain aware.
The fundamentals (such as center, ki, posture, etc.) should be stressed in training the basic techniques. The techniques are mere expressions of the fundamentals, and do not work well without them.
Uke principles
It is part of aikido basics to learn correct attacks. Uke is obliged to learn and to do attacks with as much sincerity as with the aikido techniques when being tori. Otherwise, aikido is not learned properly.
Attacks should normally be done with low postures. The balance and control of low stances is essential to have as standard for most basic attack techniques, in order to do them sincerely.
Uke should not intentionally resist the technique. There is no point in resisting a particular technique, thereby being additionally vulnerable together techniques. Also, resisting somebody who is trying to learn a technique is counter-productive.
Uke should have a continued spirit of attack, through the technique. Uke should remain in an attacker mind all through, keeping an aim at tori.
Uke should not change direction of the attack, during the technique. Uke's initial aim toward tori should remain all through, unless the exercise specifies differently.
The fundamentals (such as center, ki, posture, etc.) should be stressed in training the attacks. The attack techniques are mere expressions of the fundamentals, and do not work well without them.
More about attacks in aikido Explanations and instructions on kogeki, attack techniques.
Getting Started in the Adults Program
Aikido practice is fundamentally friendly and cooperative (though still challenging), and previous martial arts experience is not required to begin practice. In aikido we practice with each other, not against each other.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by and watch classes and, when ready, attend a free class. If you would like to take a free class, we ask that you watch at least one class first; then, you should approach one of the students (before class begins), introduce yourself and sign a waiver. That's about it! Enjoy the class.
clothes such as sweatpants and a T-shirt (no shorts or jewelry, please). If you'd like, we can order high quality uniforms for you at a discounted price; just ask!
There are no "beginners'" classes; new students simply begin attending the classes they like. For the first couple of classes you will receive personalized instruction, generally from one of the Aikido Academy's more experienced students. You will quickly practicing with everyone else as a regular student in no time at all.
Of course, with any physical activity it helps to be in reasonable physical shape, but this is not a requirement. The instructors and students will work with you to keep you challenged but will never force you to do anything you are uncomfortable with. As you train, you will improve your flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Currently there are three types of adult classes: a Fundamentals class which focuses on the building blocks of aikido (posture, focus, stance, coordination, ukemi, etc.); an Open class that expands upon the Fundamentals and is tailored for the individuals in the class; and Supplementary classes such as weapons and ground work. You are free to attend any of these. Check our Aikido Programs for more information.
Fees
The Aikido Academy will not force you to sign any contracts. New students are entitled to a free class; after that, you pay either a daily mat fee ($12 for each day you practice) or a monthly membership fee. If you plan to practice more than once a week, the monthly rate will probably be more economical.
The Aikido Academy is first and foremost about the training; if there are extreme circumstances, we will work with you to establish reasonable alternatives.
A complete description of our fees can be found here.
Getting Started in the Juniors Program
Anyone interested in our Juniors Program is encouraged to come and watch a class, but parents, don't be surprised if your son or daughter wants to do more than watch. As long as the waiver is filled out, kids are welcome to jump right in with the class and try it out. What better way to know whether they like it or not? Of course there is no obligation to join the program.
If your child does join, there are a couple things parents should know. For the first class, try to show up a few minutes early to meet the instructors. No, they don't need any special uniform to start; just comfortable clothing like sweat pants or jeans and a T-shirt will suffice. Shorts aren't a good idea because bare knees may get skinned up on the mat. Sandals or any easily-removed shoes are good because we practice barefooted. Oh, yeah, and and try not to come straight from the sandbox. Nobody likes sand on the mat!
When you're ready, a uniform (known as a "gi") is available to purchase, or you can pick one up at any martial arts supply for about twenty dollars. Beyond that, there is no other special equipment that needs to be purchased.
Water and usually lemonade are in plentiful supply at the dojo so you don't need to bring any refreshments. There's plenty of spectator seating and parents are more than welcome to stay and watch. We even have wireless internet offered at no extra charge, so you can bring your laptop. If you have any other questions about the program, don't hesitate to ask one of the teaching staff.