Fujita sensei study part seven

Samurai walk

Point no.7 from the list. The samurai walk is a kind of walking where the hand and foot move together on the same side of the body. So front hand en front leg move simultaneously. In the next clip Fujita sensei shows this kind of movement during aihanmi irimi nage.

 

 

Normal walking consists of front leg followed by same side arm swinging to the rear. The secret to the samurai walk is that it's like normal walking accept the hand that swings to the rear during normal walking is extended to the front.

 

"Budo is walking"

 

 

 

Enjoy practice.

 

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Open/Close principle

Open/Close.

This principle is well known in the internal martial arts. What can it mean for Aikido practice? Open and close can be seen in a few different scenario's.
From my point of view there's an excercise which embodies the principle of open/close in a manner which can be practiced. This implies that this specific excercise can be used as a template for all Aikido movement. The excercise I'm referring to is called gyaku hanmi kokyu nage. Sometimes called sokomen irimi nage.
It's an excercise which Yamashima sensei frequently and during a longer period of time shows at his seminars.


The next clip will show a few examples which use the principle of open/close. This case morote dori is used as attack form.

First there's the invitation of uke by turning the spine around a vertical axis. This is opening. The return of this rotation is the closing aspect. Hand and arm movements are combined with this movement.

Next it is evident that it's a kokyu nage technique. Open and close refers to the subtle control of the breath. Opening through breathing in, closing while breathing out.

Finally you will notice no forced muscle power is used. This only will be possible when the muscles, tendons and fascia are to be used as a spring. To compress is closing, to release this compression is opening. So the "throw" is not a forced thing but rather a letting go of tension which has been build up by uke through nage.

When we split the movement into two separate subjects this is what's happening:

1. Open
Open - Spine turning
Open - Breathing in
Close - compression of body tissue

2. Close
Close - Spine turning towards uke
Close - Breathing out
Open - Releasing tension from previous compression

Obviously this is a simple explanation of a complex movement between two people. Prolonged practice will lead to understanding of this beautiful excercise. In the video above you will notice Yamashima sensei is experimenting with the moment of open and close. Timing and sensitivity are the most important skills to be practiced during this excercise.


" Don't use force, use mind". Tai chi saying.

Enjoy practice.

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Fujita sensei study part six

Round.


Point number six from my list concerning Fujita Sensei.
Round is the shape of the arms when doing kihon waza. Not to much bend, not to straight but in between. The shape of the arms looks al lot like a chi kung posture which is used extensively in various Chinese internal martial arts and Chi kung training. This posture is known under a lot of names. Hugging a tree, holding the ball or standing post. Zhan zhuang is the name used in Chinese chi kung training. This posture contains a lot of secrets used in the internal martial arts and is an excellent exercise to supplement Aikido training. I will use this posture for an article to be written in the nearby future.

In my view Fujita sensei uses this posture in movement. Through these arm movements he's able to use his structure and develop whole body power.

Enjoy practice.

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Fujita sensei study part five

Today point no.5 from the list.

 

Don't push, don't pull.

Natural movement consists of moving the body or body parts in a manner that requires no more effort than needed. Therefore when in contact with your partner Fujita stresses the principle to not push or pull when performing basic technique. To not use " awkward" strenght is difficult to do when faced with a stressfull situation. So don't try to force the technique but rather stick to basic principles to create a movement based on harmony.

 

In the next clip Fujita sensei can be seen to explain not to use a pushing or pulling action. There are different ways to deal with forces interacting with your structural alignment. So use your hanmi kamae and don't push or pull. Aikido can be more subtle than resorting to muscle power alone.

 

 

Enjoy practice.

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Connection and unity

Connection and unity.
What does it mean and how is this concept practiced in Aikido training. During a seminar from Mori sensei from the Aikikai Hombu dojo he used to stress the concept of connection.
Every technique started with feeling a sense of connection with your partner. To connect to someone is the process in which you reach out and receive the force of your partner at the same time. This requires a balanced body and a still mind. In this manner it is possible to connect your center to the center of your partner.

A well known sensei, Hiroshi Ikeda, teaches this concept as the two unity's becoming one. I think this is the aiki in Aikido.

http://youtu.be/nyjBZyW_Tvw

Enjoy practice.

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Fujita sensei study part four

Irimi, balance points and hanmi have been discussed in previous posts. Today I would like to talk about the next principle,

 

Up, down.

Fujita sensei used to teach a method of the use of arms and hands which consist of simple movements. An up down movement in front of your center. Fujita sensei sometimes taught this point by comparing the movement to the movement used to drink a beer. One should not throw the beer over your shoulder, but keep the movement centered and simple. Bokken training will also contribute to this principle. Simple, but not easy to do when training.

 

Quality not so good, but clear enough to show the principle at work.

 

 

 

Enjoy practice.

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Fujita sensei study part three

In previous post I already discussed two points of study. Irimi movement and the use of two balance points, sumi and mae otoshi. Today I would like to write about point number three, hanmi.

 

Hanmi, hanmi,hanmi

 

This is something I remember from one of his seminars. The importance of a solid aikido posture cannot be overstated. One can say it's the core of Aikido training. When one's posture is defect, how is one to practice Aikido balanced, and when needed, powerfully. So in order to fully appreciate Aikido training a good starting point would be to concentrate on a good posture while moving and finally executing techniques. Without a solid foundation no Aikido technique will naturally occur.

Fujita sensei displays a posture derived from sword fighting. Hand in the center and most notable " square" hips. This is most easily checked by putting your hands in front of you as if you're clapping or pointing at something in front of your navel. In the next clip Fujita sensei shows the same thing.

Enjoy practice.

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Fujita sensei study part two

Here's a reminder of the list of principles I study in relation to Fujita.

1. Irimi
2. Sumi otoshi...mae otoshi
3. Hanmi, hanmi, hanmi
4. Up/ down
5. Natural, don't push...don't pull
6. Round ( circle)
7. Samurai walk
8. Same
9. Armswing
10. D
11. Project through the ground
12. One step
13. Laser = mind, body, kokyu aimed at one point
14. Triangle, circle, square
15. Whole body movement
16. Gyaku,aihanmi,ryote dori,ushiro ryote dori
17. Use center( hara)
18. Posture, taisabaki, technique
19. Hand as " playmobil" figure
20. Attack centerline/ spine

Today I would like to discuss point 2 of this list.

Sumi otoshi, mae otoshi.

Also known as triangle point in judo. Here's a picture which shows the mae otoshi point of your partner.

 Likewise the sumi otoshi point is located to the rear of your partner.
Fujita sensei is known for the use of these two points in his teachings. Watch the next clip from Youtube.

Fujita sensei gives attention to sumi otoshi point

Here's a clip which shows how to use both points dynamically. Music included :)

I have come to believe that in every aikido movement one or both these points are to be used.
Enjoy practice.

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Fujita sensei study

I would like to explain why I choose Fujita sensei as an example for my Aikido training.
First of all Fujita sensei was a teacher of my own sensei. This is how I got exposed to his vision of Aikido and his training methods. It must be 5 seminars I attended while he was visiting Holland. Thanks to Youtube there's a lot of material to be studied and so I did that too. So from my own experience, that of my sensei and Youtube I will try to share with you some points which I find very interesting in his teaching style.

Here's a video from Bulgaria from a seminar with Peter Bacas, who was the main teacher of my sensei for several years.

1. Irimi
2. Sumi otoshi...mae otoshi
3. Hanmi, hanmi, hanmi
4. Up/ down
5. Natural, don't push...don't pull
6. Round ( circle)
7. Samurai walk
8. Same
9. Armswing
10. D
11. Project through the ground
12. One step
13. Laser = mind, body, kokyu aimed at one point
14. Triangle, circle, square
15. Whole body movement
16. Gyaku,aihanmi,ryote dori,ushiro ryote dori
17. Use center( hara)
18. Posture, taisabaki, technique
19. Hand as " playmobil" figure
20. Attack centerline/ spine
21. 4 taisabaki

I will explain every one of these points over the course of the next few weeks.

1. Irimi movement.

When one is to study Fujita sensei one feature which shows up is the concept of Irimi movement. This is a movement which is decisive and sharp. It's going forward mentally and physically. He called the movement " Enter!" So move forward with a strong posture and strong mind without clashing with your partner.

See if you can study this video and focus on his Irimi movements.

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Takeshi Yamashima sensei

Yamashima sensei is a sensei which I like alot. Why is this so?

First of all I find his interpretation of Aikido very beautiful to watch on video and in real life. I'm also a fan of his teaching methodology. He often repeats the movements, which allows for natural movement to be learned. Principles are the core of his lessons. There are no set of standard techniques that are to be learned like most Aikido federations. This may seem in contrast with learning through kata, but it also has it's benefits. Through repetition your body learns the movements without thinking too much about standard attack and defense scenario's. I will show you 3 video's in this post.

1. Shomen ikkyo.

 

2.Ikkyo with boken.

 

 

3. Morote dori and other techniques.

 

 

I would like you all to study these video's carefully for they contain a lot of principles which only reveal themselves after several viewings.

 

A few things I notice:

1. Use of hara, hip rotation

2. Natural swing of the arms

3. Minimal taisabaki

4. Stays close to uke

5. No signs of agression or use of strength

 

For fans of Yamashima sensei a few tips I "learned" during his lesson's.

 

" Use center, not hands"

" Close armpit"

" Put your hips in your hands "

" When your hands are heavy, your center will turn naturally"

" Relax"

 

Keep training.

November 2014 Yamashima sensei will visit The Netherlands for a winter seminar!

 

 

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Balance and kuzushi

Balanced. What does it mean?

To be balanced mentally could mean you feel relaxed, aren't angry and frustrated. Also fear has no place in a balanced mind. The practice of zazen could contribute to feeling more balanced mentally. The challenge for us aikidoka's will be to maintain this balanced feeling during times of stress or just living our lives.

A goal of aikido practice could be to create and maintain a balanced relaxed mind. While practicing one can reach that situation with no particular intent.

Physically balanced is much easier to comprehend. Either you're balanced or not. I try to study as much video of different martial arts which use throws, takedowns and kuzushi. Judo, wrestling, sambo, mma come to mind.

 

First a youtube video. Kuzushi.

 

 

During all throws of different martial arts there are several principles which cause the technique to be succesful. Timing can be considered the most important in this aspect. "When to do what". So next time watching videoclips on youtube with throwing technique study the principles at work. Chances are those same principles can be used during your own training.

 

Youtube clip of the day.

Tissier sensei with some nice taisabaki.

 

 

Today's saying:

"Don't imitate but innovate"

 

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Horizontal eyes.

First youtube clip!

 

Eyesight horizontal improves posture.

 

 

 

 

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Shoulder, hip, ankle.

Which joints are important in Aikido practice?

The three joints mentioned in the title are the subject of today's post. Shoulder, hip, ankle. These three body parts are able to make round movements.Shoulder and hip can be considered as ball in socket joints while the ankle also can be rotated fairly easily?

When dealing with forces outside the body going into your structure these 3 joints are important. In drawing it would look like this:

 

The three joints mentioned are in a position stacked above each other and can be related through practice. The circular movements made by these joints are 3 dimensional. That 's why spiral movements are possible.

This drawing also shows that each hip joint is capable of 2 circular movement directions. In the next picture I will try to explain what happens inside the body when outside forces act upon the structure.

 

When you're standing one one leg, like above, there's a clear line between earth(ground contact) and, in this case, the hand(point of contact). The red line passes three stations. Shoulder, hip ankle. Each of these joints can influence the direction of this force. There also capable of a short release of tension which creates a feeling of total relaxation in that specific joint. The hip joint is capable of moving the force from one hand to the other. Compare the red and green lines.Through practice it 's possible to move the line of force quickand effortless. Ikkyo is a technique which is suited to train and experience this principle. Please watch video min. 12:38-14:07

Multiple excercises can be used to rotate these joints and relax them totally. Try rotate these joints separately in all directions and make small and big figure 8's. The relaxation of the joints is best practiced in a pose known in Yoga as Corpse(Savasana).

So put your attention on these three pairs of joints and you are likely to improve your capacity with dealing and giving direction to forces which act upon you.

Youtube clip is about musubi, how to connect to your partner.

 

 

Today's saying: "Hand, waist, feet." How to move during practice of Wu style tai chi.

 

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