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Zenshin Kokoro Aikido
Kai Training &
Practice Guide Including: *Obligation *Rules of the Dojo *Attitude, Spirit & Focus *Training
& Practice *Grades & Standards *Exercises *break-fall
& rolling techniques Giri -
Obligation
·
Please bear in mind
that whilst all reasonable care is taken it must be accepted by everyone
(practitioner(s)/observer(s) that the risk of injury, and certainly the
potential for injuries, is inherent in the practice and training of ·
You should be aware and
understand that by undertaking to practice and train in a martial way/art you
are agreeing to the fact that such risks exists and you are accepting of
those responsibilities and of those risks of your own choosing. |
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Rules of the Dojo
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In regard to the philosophy of training consider…. *The
Principles of Aikido (Saotome) *
Karatedo (Funakoshi) *Traditions (Lowry) *Beyond The
Known (Dang) *Kodo: *Moving Toward Stillness (Lowry)
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Táido – attitude, Shin – spirit, Kime
– focus Development within Zenshin Kokoro Aikido is based on several precepts You see, your aim may be to practice Aikido to develop health,
focus and balance. Or you may aim to practice Aikido as a martial way/art, a
‘harder style’. You may aim to practice Aikido as an effective hybrid of the
two. Whatever your reason(s) for starting on the path…., …there are no short cuts…. To develop properly in
Aikido or any other martial way or art, takes, sincerity, discipline,
dedication; and you should practice, to improve practice, to improve
practice. Keiko -
Training and Practice The instructor demonstrates techniques (one at a time) and, generally,
students pair up to practice the technique they have just observed ·
Weapons practice with bokken, jo and tanto, is an
integral part of Aikido; training with such weapons assists in the development
of co-ordination, focus, balance, distance, timing, spirit and consideration. ·
It is important to practice and train with the
right attitude physically, mentally and with proper spirit in order to
develop in Aikido and to acquire the most benefit from the time and effort
you and your fellow students put in. ·
If you are unsure about something, then please
feel free to ask. ·
Work with your partner(s) to develop the
principles and understanding of each technique. ·
Applying
the proper attitude in your Aikido practice and training can help you to
develop and maintain a sense of awareness, and can assist in how you deal,
not only with an attack or aggressive incident, by becoming less and less
fazed or intimidated by your attacker(s) (armed or unarmed) but also the
aftermath of an incident…. Enjoy your training, and be tolerant- no one is perfect ‘Movie trivia’ and
Mixed blessings!… The media sometimes helps to promote Budo yet a common
misconception is caused by the less than factual portrayal usually of the
‘hero(s)’ in martial arts films. Do
not misunderstand, a lot of these type of films are good entertainment; yet
some people watch such films and get carried away- thinking that they can
join a martial arts school and within days or weeks they will be able to
enter into battle against fifty or so ‘bad guys’ and walk away with little
more than a scratch! Any ‘instructors’
who exploit such misconceptions should know better. Common sense should and must prevail Be realistic-
Aikido, Budo takes a great deal of commitment and practice- this is real
life- not an action/martial arts film! Be considerate of
yourself and others….
·
Learn
all you can as tori*, nage* (pronounced nagay) /shite* (shtey !) ·
And
uke* (ookay), it will
strengthen your Aikido practice ·
Both sides* are
of equal importance as in the Yin and Yang symbol[. People may change Dynamics may change Principles remain the same |
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[
Mixed emotions- it’s true- life
can be pleasing or frustrating at times so…
Something
to bear in mind…. [ |
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·
If
you feel like you are not doing very well in your practice/training- ‘Maybe you feel you are having a bad training
session’ Do not be despondent or feel inferior, work on your technique and remember – it is a part of your gradual development ·
If you feel like you
are doing really well in your practice/training- ‘Maybe you feel you are having a good training session’ Do not be complacent or feel superior, work on your technique and remember – it is a part of your gradual development Integrity Balance Health Unity Courtesy Spirit |
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An additional
consideration for our junior students (15-17 yrs) |
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Some
reminders….
Outside and
away from the dojo
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Kyú - Grades /
Téido – Standards How long does it take to receive a black
belt? … About 15 minutes if you go to a store and buy one. Seriously, if grading and status is all that
you are after then think again… Whatever obi/belt you wear (whether white,
colour or black) does not necessarily denote quality… Quality is proven by the standard of your ability,
your attitude and integrity. ·
Development,
attitude, competency and understanding are continually assessed throughout
each lesson. ·
The syllabus and
process for the grading is dictated by the sensei. ·
Sempai(s) (senior
kyu grades) may be invited to assist in a kyu grading. ·
Candidate(s) will
be requested/required to demonstrate a number of techniques and a level of
understanding appropriate to the grade been tested for. ·
Where
appropriate, weapons will be included as part of the grade being tested for. ·
Each grade up (or
down!) is a way to determine your own progress in Aikido You should
try to retain a sense of Shoshin- the ‘beginner’s mind’ at all times and
never become complacent or too eager to grade. ·
We, by tradition,
use the western way for grades- symbolized by coloured obi/ belts, (some schools
maintain the white belt up until dan grade.) ·
In our school the
higher the grade, the greater responsibility that goes with it. ·
Dependent on the
school or Dojo contemporary thoughts can tend towards:
or
The negative.. On occasion, at some courses
and events I have observed some students (of whatever adopted ‘belt style’)
show themselves to be egotistical, hierarchal and ‘superior’ in how they have conducted themselves. The positive.. There are also fine
students who do have the integrity and spirit required in correct training
and appropriate progress. Of course all things are not exactly
even. Due to the interpretation and diversification of
syllabus, and standards in training, (even within same organisations) I have
also seen the difference of supposedly ‘same grade’ students display
considerable differences in ability and understanding, and that carries with
it its own inherent problems. We are
all individuals of course, but there ought to be an overall balance in
relation to the individual, the syllabus and the grade that person is
awarded.
·
As has been said we,
by tradition use the western way for grades- symbolized by coloured obi/
belts, although, out of respect when visiting certain other organisations,
our students are free to wear their white obis as a courtesy to their hosts. ·
In our school
emphasis is on correct practice, encouragement, sincere spirit and sincere
humility; ·
There is no
elitism; and neither egotism nor
arrogance is tolerated. ·
Incidentally, some
schools suggest that the obi/belt should not be washed (thus the obi
gradually darkens- allegedly indicating the owner’s ‘experience and
knowledge’ and to wash the obi would ‘wash’ away the knowledge of the
owner!) Ok, but what if the owner lost
his/her obi? Would
their knowledge disappear with it? I think not. Also upon success of reaching Dan grade
does not the student receive a black belt to replace the white/previous
colour? With all due respect…wash the
obi, hygiene is important. In this day and age – Remember that… Whatever obi/belt
you wear (whether white, colour or black) does not necessarily denote higher
quality; Quality is proven
by the standard of your ability, your attitude and integrity. Aim to constantly improve the quality in
your Aikido (practice, study and training). |
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Táiso /
Undo – Exercises Students are
advised not to overstretch or force any of the exercises or moves. In many Dojos, after the rei has been taken and
before commencing practice of techniques, it is customary to sit in seiza and
spend a few moments preparing and focussing the mind for the training ahead,
and then in order to minimise the risk of injury, to have a loosening up or
warm up session of taiso / undo (exercises). Dependent on the
student’s ability the exercises are done at an easy up to moderate pace, in a
‘loose’ and relaxed manner. These may include a variety of twisting, mobility and stretching
exercises, to warm and ease the body. Do not go extreme… the idea is to improve yourself… not injure
yourself. More specific Aiki taiso (Aiki exercises) may be included
at any time in order to develop the ability of, and promote the understanding
of, posture, movement, timing,
balance, focus, energy, and awareness Ukemi waza – break-fall techniques & Kaiten waza - rolling techniques After the initial loosening up there follows a session of
various break-fall and rolling exercises and techniques, these help students to
develop their ability, progress and confidence to roll or land safely and
minimise the risk of injury e.g. after having been thrown/pushed/tripped. A relaxed attitude will help you develop proficiency your
break-falling techniques. It is well known that with practice the student gradually
becomes more relaxed and composed; this in turn helps their break-falling
abilities which in turn raises their confidence and also helps to improve
their Aikido generally- so the circle develops. In essence - A relaxed attitude will help in all of your Aikido. At the end of the training session some classes may have a
‘cooling or warm-down’ session, maybe including a short period of meditation
or focus exercise. ZKA© website Copyright GMcMaster©2004 - 2007 All rights reserved |
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