Archive for category: Griffith Aikido News

Book now for the Murray Loader Aikido seminar 19th & 20th May.

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Time running out for Murray Loader seminar

Our much anticipated seminar with Murray Loader Sensei is now less than 2 weeks away and places are filling fast. Griffith Aikido members should pre-pay at class. Visitors should contact us on info@griffithaikido.com.au to register and pay at the door on arrival. For prices, scroll down to last week’s Shukan News.

Murray Sensei will be focusing on the “IMPORTANCE OF KI” in the following applications:

• Taiso / Warm up exercises
• Techniques – Real practical soultions
• Weapons – Ken, jo and tanto
• Kaeshi / reversals
• Kuntai / Juntai / Ryotai – these levels of understanding will be explained further
• Dynamic Randori (time permitting)

2. National Geograhic – Samurai Sword

When you have a spare 47 minutes watch this very interesting documentary which tracks the making of a katana from start to finish using traditional methods. The importance of the sword to the Samurai way of life is also explained.

3. No class tonight (Labour Day) at Everton Hills dojo

Just to let you know that The Hills PCYC will be closed for the Labour Day Public Holiday on Monday, 07May 2012, so there will be no Aikido training that evening. Adults will resume on Wednesday, 09May and Aikikids Saturday, 12May.

4. Thought for the week

“A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.” Origin Unknown

Mansfield-Mt Gravatt dojo will be closed on Anzac Day (Wed. 25th April). See you all on Wednesday 2nd May

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Cherry blossom time in Japan

A cherry blossom is the flower of the cherry trees known as sakura. It heralds the arrival of spring. Sadly, the flowers last only a few days and then they fall from the trees and are swept away with the wind.

Cherry blossoms flower at different times throughout Japan. The cherry blossoms begin blooming in January in Okinawa and they are at their peak in late March to April in Honshu region. In Hokkaido, cherry blossoms usually become in their peak in May.

As part of the nightly weather forecasts, the Japanese Meteorological Agency tracks the sakura zensen (cherry-blossom front) as it moves northward up the archipelago with the approach of warmer weather.

Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) has been a Japanese custom since the 7th century when the aristocrats enjoyed looking at sakura so beautiful it inspired poetry. Sakura is a symbol of Japan.

It is said that there are over four hundred varieties of cherry trees in Japan. The most popular kind of sakura which can be viewed everywhere in Japan is somei-yoshino (Yedoensis). It is interesting to note that Japanese cherry trees do not yield fruits like other cherry trees.

2. The Aikido Yuishinkai grading system

7th kyu (white belt with one yellow stripe) – the beginner student learns the basic movements of Aikido, including up, down and circular movements. The relationship between the ‘bokken’ and the hand art of Aikido is introduced. The concept of internal energy and Ki extension is also introduced with exercises such as ‘unbendable arm’. Defensive falling is taught. At beginner level, all movements seem unnatural at first, and would only be complicated by the addition of hand-use and footwork.

6th kyu (white belt with two yellow stripes) – strikes are introduced causing the fundamental concept of ‘getting off the line of attack’ to gain relevance. The ‘ura’ (open) and ‘omote’ (hidden) body positions are also introduced as part of basic technique. The importance of ‘waza’, commonly mistaken for warm up exercises, is explained as the foundation of all Aikido movement. Techniques are taught where the student begins to learn some basic steps and use of the hands.

5th kyu (yellow belt) – grabs move from wrist to shoulder and strikes continue. The techniques are performed a little closer together (shorter ‘ma-ai’ distance) and the concept of taking uke’s centre is practiced. It is here that students should begin to use their centre and internal power to move their partner, but it is common to revert to the lifelong habit of using arms and upper body. Confidence emerges as the initial confusion of these strange Aikido movement lifts.

4th kyu (orange belt) – movement becomes smoother, more natural and internalization of technique takes place. The student becomes more confident and generally more controlling. Circles become smaller and there is greater emphasis on correct footwork (e.g. moon shadow lizard legs) and techniques with hanmi (i.e. left foot – right-foot stance) changes and (invisible) sword cuts.

3rd kyu (green belt) – this is the beginning of the senior ranks. The student should have a good understanding of basic techniques practiced at static level. They should also be able to use their centre (tanden) well and demonstrate good Ki extension. This is the level where students practice technique under movement and begin to develop individually. Even though becoming ‘soft and smooth’ is encouraged from the start, this is where it usually happens (but not before some students go through a ‘wrestling with the upper body’ stage). Students should now have a thorough understanding of dojo etiquette and know how to fold a hakama – the black Japanese pants worn from 1st kyu and above. From this point the syllabus moves to free movement with more ‘taninzugake’ practice.

2nd kyu (brown belt) – it is at this point where students must begin taking responsibility for their own learning. It is a time of realisation that student’s role extends beyond that of being a student under instruction. Even though the Sempai – Kohai relationship exists at every level within the dojo, it is now that the 2nd kyu student should be acutely aware of their responsibilities in the dojo and helping those coming up behind. There are no entirely new techniques taught but there are many variations. This is the level where weapons are introduced into the formal grading demonstration for the first time. However, it is a mistake to leave it this long to learn weapons kata and defence against weapons (e.g. Bokken Tori). Familiarization with Bokken and Jo movements should start much earlier because there is a direct relationship between the use of weapons and the development of Aikido’s hand art. Being competent with weapons of Aikido generally means being competent in the hand art.

1st Kyu (brown belt with hakama) – this is the beginning of the ‘taninzugake’ gradings, which characterize all higher grading demonstrations. This means that the grading is performed under movement, and under the pressure of attack from start to finish. There are no new techniques at this level, although the student has by this time, learned many variations and techniques outside the grading syllabus. The biggest challenge at this level is to stay calm under pressure and still have calmness, presence and energy to perform the weapon kata at the end. For the following 12 months the student continues to train and improve and prepares for Shodan. Part of that preparation is to wear the hakama and become used to it during all aspects of practice.

Shodan (black belt) – this is 1st Dan level which means first step. After several years of training, the student has not reached the end, but only the beginning. He or she has achieved the first step in a lifetime of learning Aikido, after which continued practice and teaching will increase the student’s level of understanding through to Nidan and Sandan levels. Shodan is the start of real learning; the journey of self-development that can only begin with a thorough understanding of the basics. Students invited to grade to Shodan are expected to uphold all of the traditions of Aikido Yuishinkai with humility, pride and courage. They should aspire to be wonderful role models in the dojo and able representatives of our Founder, Master Koretoshi Maruyama.

3. Thought for the week

“The mediocre teachers talk; the good teachers explain; the superior teachers demonstrate; and the great teachers inspire” from the Masters of Aikido

We now have 3 dojos. Great Brisbane kids activities!

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. First lessons at Mansfield-Mt Gravatt dojo

Last Wednesday heralded the opening of our third Griffith Aikido dojo, located in the student sports centre at Brisbane Adventist College.

Class numbers were small, not surprising during school holidays, but knowing numbers would be smaller allowed us to ensure safety in what is a brand new environment. It also allowed us to decide exactly where to place mats and admin desks and kamiza and so on, and refine all the little things that simply don’t get thought about in an established dojo. The gym space is very large and we have many options.

I should mention the dojo is relatively easy to find (download directions below), and there is plenty of free parking. The Aikikids classes now being held at our new dojo is the result of many parents over the past couple of years asking for mid-week training options for their kids. So please support the new dojo and come along to have a look or join in.

Many thanks to the parents and kids who did turn up to take part in the first classes. A special thank you to Natalie who has driven the relationship with Brisbane Adventist College, and has been responsible for securing the dojo space for our club. She has been promoting the idea in the school of a non-aggressive martial art like aikido being perfect for kids at the school.

This in turn has led to the school’s after-school care unit having a strong interest in aikido becoming one of their regular after school care activities. The immediate result of this interest was that the after school care kids from the school came down with their teacher to watch the first class and were carefully included in some gentle aikido awareness and aikido movement games.

They seemed to really enjoy watching the aikido and being part of the games. Our regular Aikikids from Nathan similarly enjoyed the first class in our brand new dojo. They enjoyed the games of course, but we also did some katatekosadori techniques.

With the after-school care kids returning to their unit, and with some extra Aikikids seniors arriving to take part in the second class, we were able to undertake some advanced shihonage techniques.

It felt just like the Aikikids classes we have at Nathan on Saturday morning. Plenty of fun but serious aikido learning as well. With mats borrowed from Nathan we felt very much at home and we look forward to many successful years ahead.

Many, many thanks to Nathan dojo who have lost about a third of their usual mat area for a few weeks until new mats arrive. It’s really appreciated.

See you at our new Mansfield-Mt Gravatt dojo on Wednesday!!

-Steve

For more information and directions to the dojo download/print our flyer at:

https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/BAC-dojo-launch-flyer-printable.pdf

2. The magic of Aikikids

I sit and watch our Aikikids classes on Saturday mornings at Nathan dojo and I wonder about the attraction of aikido. Our kids are running around and making noise. They are having so much fun. It is a far cry from the adult classes. Correction … our adult classes are fun too, just different.

For the younger children, Aikido looks like structured playtime. For the older children it is practice of basic aikido techniques interspersed with games, accompanied by a huge unleash of youthful energy.

Even the Japanese techniques change names. My favourite is the entering movement and circular motion of Irimi nage which becomes ‘roundy–roundy-up-and-downy’! It upsets balance so I guess its name doesn’t really matter.

The concept of fighting is never brought up. Aikido is not taught to children as a fighting art, or even as an effective self-defence system. There is more emphasis on awareness, self control and empathy for others. Did I mention the fun?

Aikikids learn to interact with each other. They are used to being bustled and grabbed in play-like exercises, so they learn to deal with pushing and grabbing in a play-like manner. In most cases, it doesn’t even look like self defence.

As I think more about this observation, I realise that the only other time that I have noticed Aikido not looking like self defence is when I watch masters at the highest levels of Aikido. Mmmm… what does that suggest?

In the many years I have been associated with the Griffith Aikido club, none of the Aikikids or teen students has ever reported being in a fight at school. What they do talk occasionally about is helping others from the grip of bullies, and walking away.

The best weapon that our Aikikids have is self confidence, self control and empathy for others, including the aggressors. Aikikids are reintroduced to social skills. That is interacting with other children face to face, not via a computer or iphone. They actually learn how to mix and get along with each other, even when other kids are different.

To me, that is embodiment of the aikido spirit and the essence of the non-fighting mind.

-Gary

3. Thought for the week

“Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Griffith Aikido Brisbane – learn Aikido the art of peace

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Being a new student to Aikido

At Griffith Aikido institute we welcome new students and even run a monthly Beginner’s Course. We believe that Aikido is for everyone – male, female, young and old. It is universally known as ‘the art of peace’, so we want as many people as possible to at least experience it.

We know that Aikido is not for everyone but you’ll never know unless you try it. We also know that for many, Aikido has been the world’s best kept secret. We never tire of hearing how people are so grateful that they found this beautiful art.

Aikido is self, defence, self development and friendship without the pushups and situps.

But be careful in your search for a suitable dojo. You will see some dojos advertise that they are seeking to attract the ‘serious’ student. In other words, they are looking for students who have previous training.

What they are really saying is that they don’t have the teaching resources to cope with beginners. With only one or two instructors at best, lessons are often aimed at the higher grades. New students are largely ignored and left to muddle through. It can be soul destroying.

Every Aikido student in the world can describe the confusion felt in the first few weeks of training. Everyone needs extra help in the early days. Although the basis of Aikido is natural movement, most people have never consciously moved that way before. It feels stiff and awkward at first.

At Griffith Aikido Institute, we make it easy for new students by offering a special beginner’s course at our Nathan dojo. From your very first lesson, you will have your own dedicated (and very friendly) instructor who will show you the basics during the first month of your Aikido career.

We limit our intake to 8 beginner students each month. As a general rule, between 50%-70% of the students who start the beginner’s course, decide to continue and graduate into the main class.

So if you are looking for Aikido in Brisbane come give us a try. You will be welcomed with a friendly smile as you walk through the door.

Call 0413 664 611 or email us at info@griffithaikido.com.au. Simply pay online at the ‘payments’ page https://griffithaikido.com.au/payments/ and come along to the Beginner’s course on the first Tuesday of the month.

2. Morihei Ueshiba – a short documentary

This is an old Japanese documentary about the life and work of Morihei Ueshiba. This short movie was made in 1961 when O sensei is 78 years old. These original scenes are from the relatively few available that show the genius of O sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.

3. Thought for the week

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” Robert Schuller

Griffith Aikido Brisbane – learn Aikido the art of peace

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. AGM this Thursday 15th March

The AGM will be held at 8pm this Thursday at Nathan dojo, immediately after class. There will be an Aikido class on Thursday night starting at the normal time of 6.30pm however it will finish early to accommodate the AGM. To entice you to stay there will be pizza served at 8pm. So if you don’t want to listen, just eat. If you would like a copy of the AGM agenda before the meeting please contact Steve Mitchell.

2. Kumijo

Kumijo is a paired jo practice. Those who went to Ben’s Saturday class would have practiced it. So as an aid to your memory here is a slow demonstration with Ben and Tim.

3. Morihei Ueshiba videos

Here are two You Tube videos of O’ Sensei that Narelle kindly sent in.

1935

Way of harmony 04

4. New DVD in the library

We now have three (3) copies of Murray Loader Sensei’s Brisbane seminar held at Nathan dojo last year. Members are free to borrow a copy short term through the club’s library system.

5. Thought for the week

“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.” Samuel Johnson