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: training
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”
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
Martial Arts “Cults”
I visited an Aikido class recently to train with another teacher.I noticed that he had set up the class in a different way to the environment he had been trained in.He had taken out some of the ettiquette which is quite universal across Aikido classes and was looking to train and teach in a different … Continue reading Martial Arts “Cults”
Aikido Is Unrealistic?
When you post an Aikido video on the internet you are bound to get these types of comments: “This is unrealistic” “This would not work in a real fight” “Dancing!” etc etc To be honest, you are likely to get some negative comments from other Aikido practitioners also! People love to have an opinion...even on … Continue reading Aikido Is Unrealistic?
Aikido For Glasgow 