Is Aikido Magic?

If you watch some demonstrations online you may find some Aikido teachers doing things that appear to be supernatural. Here is an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL-Iv_VDQ-Q Some people see these kind of demonstrations as giving Aikido a bad name as it is all fake. Other people fully believe that we can learn to control and emit energies … Continue reading Is Aikido Magic?

Keep Weight Underside

In Aikido we aim to embody a number of principles to develop mind and body co-ordination."Keep Weight Underside" is one of those principles.This sounds simple but it can be hard to grasp.Simply put, any object in it's natural state will have its weight at the lowest position possible.  This is what we mean by weight … Continue reading Keep Weight Underside

Extend Your Mind, Extend Your Ki

In Ki Aikido one of our principles is to "Extend Ki" or what might also be called "extending your mind". I once heard another teacher say "shine like a lightbulb" to describe this state. What does this mean? One definition suggests: "Extend Ki" refers to the practice of extending one's energy and consciousness beyond the … Continue reading Extend Your Mind, Extend Your Ki

The Importance Of Going For Grading In Aikido

In our class we offer the opportunity to train towards going for grading. As you complete each grading you will be allowed to wear a different belt to the club...ultimately leading to black belt and wearing the hakama. Some people are not very interested in gradings and would prefer not to go through this process. … Continue reading The Importance Of Going For Grading In Aikido

A Strange Aikido Story

People often ask about whether Aikido can be used to defend yourself in real life. For me, the value in Aikido practise goes beyond that to where it can be used in situations every day. Often Aikido training helps to avoid confrontations before they escalate. One such situation comes to mind from a Christmas night … Continue reading A Strange Aikido Story

Relaxation And Living Calmness

Everyone thinks they know how to relax. It's just a matter of zoning out in front of an entertaining show while lying comfortably on the couch, right? Scientists have suggested under observation that people are often not as relaxed as they think when they believe themselves to be. Look all around you and you will … Continue reading Relaxation And Living Calmness

What is “One Point” in Aikido?

One of our principles in Aikido is to "keep one point".  What does this mean?The one point is the term we use to define or our centre of gravity while standing fully upright.  This is located just below the navel.  From a physical perspective this is a centre of balance.  When we have more awareness … Continue reading What is “One Point” in Aikido?