Aikido Technique Videos and Self Defense Training

I wanted to post something my kenjutsu teacher sent the deshi about the stances in kenjutsu during our 1000 cut exercise:

1. Seiza

2. Handachi kamae
Pivot on left knee into handachi, ankles together.

3. Chugoshi kamae
Left knee stays in place, left toes curled under, directly behind the left
knee; right knee directly above right ankle, both knees bent to 90 degrees.

4. Zenkutsu kamae
Simply kick the left heel back and lock the left knee, without rising, the
rest as in chugoshi; outside edge of rear foot cuts into the ground; it is
useful to cultivate the habit of lifting the big toe (or trying to).

5. Kokutsu kamae
Shift weight to the rear leg, opening the thighs by rotating the left hip
joint outwards; do not allow the rear foot to point more than ninety
degrees toward the left of the embusen (center line), preferably it should
point forward only slightly less than in zenkutsu; note that the
difference between kibadachi and kokutsudachi is that the forward foot
points forward; the rear foot does not change from its normal kibadachi
position in which the feet point inward (pigeon-toed).

Cut large with hikkigiri (pulling cut).

6. Nisoku suburi
This is standard two-step cutting exersize. Do not allow the level of the
hips to rise from chugoshi on. This is supposed to be difficult.

7. Kokutsu kamae (hidari)
Same as 5, but with the legs reversed.

Cut high, stopping at chest level, with a sense of oshigiri (pushing cut).

8. Zenkutsu kamae (hidari)
Same as 4 but with the legs reversed.

Cut outward, stopping at waist level.

9. Chugoshi kamae (hidari)
Same as 3, but with the legs reversed.

10. Handachi kamae (hidari)
Same as 2, but with the right knee down and forward, left knee 90 degrees
to the embusen (center line)

Every time I think about going on Vacation, which has been a more common occurrence now that New England has been hit by an arctic chill, I always try to find a destination with at least some aikido available. As most of my fellow aikidoka may be aware this can often prove to be a difficult task. But today, I was browsing through the archives of one of my favorite forums and I found some info on aikido in the Caribbean.

This was, or at least could be a break through in finding romantic vacations that are in warm climates during the winter and still include some aikido. To me this would be a great happy medium, Noelle and I could potentially travel to some jamaica all inclusive resort and I could still get in my regular training.

While this might not be common knowledge, or even a common thought for most vacationers (who usually dream about beaches, local cuisine, or even caribbean weddings) if you've married an aikidoka it might be what you get. I think Noelle can vouch for that.
;)

One site that I have visited quite a bit over the past few months is LA Police Gear. I generally carry a small pocket knife but recently it was confiscated when I chaperoned my little brother's (Avery) school trip to New York City. We went to Ellis Island and that's where police took my pocket knife away. But, don't worry I have a back up. The only problem is that I am not quite happy with my other knife. It was a sample folder, and feels way to short in my hand both in the grip and blade. I also miss the serrations the my old knife used to have.

The search for a more suitable replacement is where LA Police Gear comes into the picture. LA Police Gear has a wide selection of all things tactical. They carry pocket knives, a large holster variety, gloves, clothing, watches, and more. LA Police Gear also has quite a few items on clearance, so some great deals can be found if you know what you're looking for.

I might just pick up one of their pocket knives, from what I can tell LA Police Gear is having a two for the price of one special on select knives. Or at least thats how the promotion reads to me. Check out the site if you're looking for anything tactical.

Most of the dojo's I've ever traveled to are fairly plain, spaces. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with that at all, dojo are supposed to be a place of practice. Usually the dojo's beauty comes from it's simplicity. A nice touch at my current dojo are the flowers that sometimes scatter the space. Usually one of our dojo members, Dianne, brings in a small flower arrangement. I find, too me, that it really stands out in a fairly simple space.

With the holidays approaching and kyu testing scheduled for Sunday I was thinking about supplying a new flower arrangement for the special occasions. I checked my local flower shops and couldn't find quite what I wanted, then I checked online and found flowers and centerpieces by 1-800 Flowers. Right now they're really pushing their Poinsettia arrangements, which really wont work in the dojo, but would be great in a home setting. If you have a need for any flowers or would like to add a little something to your dojo check them out.

A very nice article by by Peter Goldsbury “What a silly question! Of course aikido is teachable. The fact that there are probably a million past and present aikido practitioners in Japan and...

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The concept of 'ukemi' has always fascinated me. many martial arts have 'breakfalls' or rolls by which one can take a throw, protect oneself and land safely, but the Aikido concept of ukemi or...

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One of the questions that gets discussed probably more than any other in Aikido. The Various styles of Aikido (Akikai, Iwama, Ki, Yoshinkai, Tomiki etc etc) all have there own slants on the nature...

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Lately I've been trying to cut back on my coffee consumption, I think it has something to do with the caffeine and my recent reactions to it. Every time I do try to cut back I always end up starting back up again, and now that I've switched over to decaf I might actually be able to cut down on my coffee intake.

Over the past two years or so I've really been into best gourmet coffee, I've selected whole beans only and stayed away from all those chain coffee houses. I must say I thought it was great, I supported local coffee roasters (who produce the best tasting coffee btw) and was able to really feel like I was able to contribute to others, especially when I bought fair trade coffee.

Here's where the cut back thing comes in, I always felt a little jittery when I drank regular coffee, like I took in a little too much ki, and artificial ki at that. Now, I drink one cup of decaf a day brewed from the best coffee beans I can get so I still make a meaningful contribution to the coffee industry.

Link Thanks for taking the time to read this blog, and I hope it makes you want to find out more about Aikido www.aikido4beginners.co.uk

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