It’s not often we see Aikido in the press these days. Today, it was good to see this new article published in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/11/new-start-after-60-i-fought-off-four-attackers-aikido-black-belt This was written by 68 year old Aikido student Morag Warrack from Surrey. About her first Aikido expereince she said: “I was terrified and thought all these blokes would be … Continue reading Aikido Article In The Guardian
Author: ronniesmith84
Aikido For Enlightenment
Photo by Frank Cone on Pexels.com In the history of Aikido, there are many interesting stories about the charismatic and mysterious figure that founded the art.Morihei Ueshiba went through many interesting experiences that led tothe development of Aikido.In the book, the Art Of Peace, these details are mentioned:"Aikido was born out of three Enlightenment experiences … Continue reading Aikido For Enlightenment
What Does A.I Say About Aikido?
Photo by Sebastian Voortman on Pexels.com Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that emphasizes blending with an attacker's movements rather than directly opposing them. It is often referred to as the "Way of Harmony of Spirit" and focuses on using the attacker's own momentum and energy against them to gain control of the situation. … Continue reading What Does A.I Say About Aikido?
Aikido For Peace Of Mind
Around 6 months into training Aikido I noticed one significant change. A lot of the fears or worries I had about being randomly attacked on the street had disappeared. I no longer had those thoughts anymore. This was a big change. At the time, I worked until 10 in the wines and spirits section of … Continue reading Aikido For Peace Of Mind
1000 Cuts
I’d heard of the idea that some particularly dedicated students would perform 1000 bokken cuts in a row as part of their training in Aikido or other weapons related arts. The bokken is the wooden version of the sword used for training. Sensei Tony Sargeant told me that Sensei Coyle, a well known Aikido teacher … Continue reading 1000 Cuts
Training With Koichi Tohei Sensei
An account from Jake McKee on an experience with Koichi Tohei:The following day we were training sankyo (a wrist twisting technique) and Tohei was unhappy with how we were applying it so he asked me to feel it. "All right, here goes", I thought. Finally he would apply a move on me! So I gave … Continue reading Training With Koichi Tohei Sensei
“Please Break My Finger”
Here is a great story from Sensei Henry Ellis (one of the very earliest students of Aikido in the UK). Please break my finger As a direct student of Abbe Sensei I asked one day whilst we were traveling to a seminar "Sensei, how did you first become a student of O'Sensei and Aikido"? He … Continue reading “Please Break My Finger”
Why Should You Join An Aikido Club?
In response to this question, Sensei Ken Williams, the founder of the Ki Federation said: “In the Art of Ki Aikido there is no aggression, no violence, no tension and no competition. The purpose of the practise is to learn to co-ordinate our mind and body. Ultimately, we aim to improve the quality of our … Continue reading Why Should You Join An Aikido Club?
The Hidden Teachings Of Aikido
There is a myth that circulates in the Aikido community that suggests that some Aikido teachers have aimed to hide the true or real teachings from their students. The idea being that a teacher may wish to maintain their position above their students. Or perhaps they don’t want to accidentally teach a competing teacher some … Continue reading The Hidden Teachings Of Aikido
What Is A “Ki Test”
I recently saw a post in an AIkido forum about "Ki Tests".When I read the post, it occurred to me that the concept put forward by the writer lacked an important aspect of what a ki test is.He had explained it as an exercise to show a certain co-ordination in the body. This is an … Continue reading What Is A “Ki Test”
Aikido For Glasgow 