What is the right attitude when training? The Japanese term is isshokenmei. It originally meant “frantic” but now is used with the meaning of “whole-hearted”. When on the mat the Aikido student should be fully in the present,…
Aikido is like an onion. The outer layer consists of learning how the hands and feet move (tai sabaki and te sabaki). The next layer involves using the breath with each movement of the extremities (kokyu). Then comes the layer of…
On the recommendation of Canadian Aikido Federation Shihan George Hewson, Denis Dias has been granted the title of “Shidoin” (senior instructor) by the Examination Committee of the CAF. This is a much deserved honour that recognizes his technical…
In Aikido we often speak of the centre. You hear, Move from your centre; take the breath down to your centre; control your partner’s centre. What does this mean? The Japanese term for centre in this context is…
I have always enjoyed both playing and watching sports. The combination of physical fitness, mentalfocus, and emotional commitment makes all great sports into wonderful activities. Of course, the greatestathletic exhibition in the world is the Olympic Games. The…
Most Aikido practice consists of two partners taking turns in applying and receiving techniques. Thetechniques are typically throws (nage waza) or pins (katame waza). In the process there may be painfuljoint manipulations (kansetsu waza) or even percussive strikes…