Radiant Light Aikido Dojo

Aikido vs The World Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial arts discipline that is very popular worldwide. Aikido roughly means ‘the path of harmoniously coordinated energy’. The special creed of Aikido …

Easier said than done… “stealing a technique” is a Japanese concept by which learning is done by watching and copying, rather than through verbal instruction.

Sometimes it's hard to let go.

Eloquently said.

Truth!

When we first learn aikido the kata is important since it gives us a structure to strive for. Static technique builds this. The angles appear very linear.

Once this structure is consistently maintained, versatility of form comes through movement or flow. We see dimension in ma'ai, timing, and rhythm. We observe the nuance in connection and circular form.

Gaining control over ourselves, we come to understand that Uke is the center of it all. We conform and adapt to Uke. Circles become continuous and spiral. We are consistently grounded, connected, and extended.

Eventually the separation disappears.
Uke becomes essentially our
'other self'.
Emphasis is more ethereal and mental. The connection is surprisingly profound.
When movement is embodied, the mat becomes a mirror unto life.

Diamond. Willow. Water. Air.

This man was an exceptional man both physically and spiritually, Morihei Ueshiba left us the legacy of Aikido (合 気 道), an ancient and modern art at the same time. He offers us the way of the realization and the opportunity to live a harmonious life every day. O-Sensei had understood that the true Budo is not to make war in this world but to create peace, also to get there it was necessary to promote the development of all beings . If spiritual research exists in the Japanese martial arts, no one has ever developed a martial art, to find the love of humanity.

Good advice.

Throwback Thursday:
1964

Kokikai's founder, Shuji Maruyama, was an “uchideshi” (student who lived in the dojo) of Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Maruyama Sensei was one of the first Aikido instructors sent from Japan to America, coming to the United States in 1966. There are now over fifty Kokikai dojos throughout the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Russia and Japan.

Our Rochester dojo has enjoyed a strong connection to foundation of Aikido through our affiliation with and mentoring from our Sensei.

Ueshiba Sensei (center)
Left to Right:, Kurita Yutaka, Shimizu Kenji, Saotome Mitsugi, Kanai Mitsunari, Toheï Akira, Ueshiba Kisshomaru, Maruyama Shuji, Watanabe Nobuyuki circa 1964