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
Tag: martial-arts
“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”
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”
Mental Health Benefits Of Aikido
“since I’ve been practising Aikido I feel calmer and more relaxed, I don’t know why” It’s not unusual for me to hear these kind of comments from students. No definite claims can be made about the benefits of practising Aikido specifically, but in general it is well known that physical activity is essential for good … Continue reading Mental Health Benefits Of Aikido
Why I Teach Aikido
From a young age I always liked the idea of practicing a martial art. I had watched films like James Bond and remember leaving the cinema wishing to embody the incredible abilities of the main characters. I had also experienced siutations in which my lack of experience in protecting myself phsyically had held me back … Continue reading Why I Teach Aikido
Developing Courage Through Aikido
One reason that many people are drawn to the martial arts is that they would like to develop more courage.This is not everyone's reason, but it is important for some people.Many people experience an irrational level of fear about their own personal safety. For some people this fear is so strong it becomes pathological and … Continue reading Developing Courage Through Aikido
Report From Visit To Aikido Association Of Atlanta
I have not visited many Aikido clubs outside of our organisation in Glasgow. That is not from a lack of interest or desire to, but it often has been difficult to arrange such events while travelling. I was delighted to recently be invited to the Aikido Assoication Of Atlanta to attend one of their evening … Continue reading Report From Visit To Aikido Association Of Atlanta
Bad Boys Of Aikido
Some Aikido teachers developed the reputation of being cruel and vicious. This seems so unusual as the general idea many people have of Aikido is of an art of peace. Shouldn’t it create a peaceful temperament in the practitioners? Some people translate O Sensei’s philosophy as the true aim of budo (the Japanese term for … Continue reading Bad Boys Of Aikido
Report From Seminar With Ole Kingston
I set a goal at the start of the year to aim to attend 5 Aikido courses outside of our own clubs courses. As a result of that I had been looking into some courses taking place around the country and earlier this week asked a friend if he was going. He let me know … Continue reading Report From Seminar With Ole Kingston
An Aikido Sensei Visits The Circus
What can an Aikido teacher learn from the Circus? I once visited Zippos circus which took place in Victoria Park, Scotsoun, Glasgow. I highly recommend the show. The atmosphere they create and the performers themselves were a marvel to watch. I was blown away by the spectacle of the first half of the performance especially. … Continue reading An Aikido Sensei Visits The Circus
Aikido For Glasgow 