Makotokan Aikido

Makoto Nyusu - “Honest its the truth”

Our new year began with special training…”Hatsu-geiko” or first training. This was a particularly tough nights training during which several stalwarts underwent intensive ukemi training, extended kihon dosa, 1000 sword cuts, hajime-geiko and finally some jiyu waza. These intensive sessions are designed to challenge our spirit and remind us what Yoshinkan Aikido is all about.

About Budo….
Yoshinkan Aikido is often described as “Budo Aikido”. The term Budo (literally The Way of the Warrior”) implies a certain rigorous element in the training. Not only training physically hard, but respecting and adhering to traditional ways such as dojo etiquette.
Dojo etiquette is a very important element of aikido training and goes beyond the rituals at the beginning and end of class. One should conduct oneself correctly throughout the class not only during active practice, but also during the pauses when sensei is teaching. Etiquette or “reigi” is a state of mind and is designed to encourage discipline, awareness and respect for others in the dojo and in life generally.

Malik’s 3rd Visit
Our old friend Malik recently made a brief visit to the UK from his temporary home in Tokyo.
His class on Wednesday 7th March
was excellent…gruelling as ever (my thighs still ache!) and highly technical. I particularly enjoyed my jiyu waza bash at the end with him – his ukemi was most impressive. Maliks visit acts as a reminder not to get complacent, there is always more to learn even on those subjects we think we know!!!
Thanks to everyone for coming along to this session – we had 17 on the mat, a record to date!.

Courses for 2007
There are a good range of courses in the pipeline for 2007 and David will publish them very soon alongside this newsletter. The most pressing one that we need to register for is the “Meeting of Minds” on April 21st at High Wycombe. This is a very enjoyable, very open course (all styles of aikido) and raises money for Marie Curie Cancer hospices. I highly recommend this one and will be getting names and money together soon.

Gradings
Gradings are planned for Wednesday 18th April. I will be compiling a list of those who I feel are ready for this ordeal. Alternatively if you feel up for it, please ask and I will make sure that you’re included. Remember however that gradings are not easy and generally you will have to up the ante to pass, which probably means doing a bit of homework as well.
A good idea is to find a grading buddy, someone at the same level as yourself to practice with. This way you can offer mutual support and motivation. Classes between now and the grading date will focus on the required techniques. Please make sure you have a current copy of the grading manual so that you are well aware of the requirements.

Social Event?
Spring has arrived early and I am personally ready for a social outing, say in early April. If anyone has any ideas for a venue or a specific activity, it will be considered.

New Internet Site
Just discovered via the Aikido Journal website a new web resource for your learning and entertainment.
Here’s the address :-
http://aikitube.blogspot.com
It appears to be derived from the well known “Youtube” and features video footage of various famous aikido sensei. This is still developing , but will inevitably become an excellent site.
You may find yourselves featured one day!!!!!

Forthcoming Events

Seminar - May 20th
Rod White's 20 Years Aikido Celebration Seminar

Seminar - July 14th - The Gozo Shioda Memorial Seminar
High Wycombe Judo Centre, Bucks
Maybe already fully booked !!!

Seminar - 2nd June - UK Shinwakai Open Course
Windsor
10am to 4pm , cost £15

Seminar - 7th July - Cinque Ports Aikido Open Course
Pent Valley Liesure Centre, Tile Kiln Lane, Cheriton
10am to 5 pm

Seminar - 4th August - Koshinkan Open course
Thomas wall Centre, Sutton
9.30am to 4.30pm - £15

Seminar - 29th September - BAB National Course
Bisham Abbey, Bucks
details tbc