Newcomers

The specific material practiced in each class will vary, but the focus will always be on the undelaying principles i.e. correct posture and balance, correct distance and alignment, direction of movement and above all the martial spirit.

First few classes will cover dealing with different holds – chest/lapel hold, shoulder hold, wrist hold, both hands/shoulders hold and holds from behind. Training against a strong hold provides unique opportunity to study the principles mentioned above which are the foundation of the more “fluid” and dynamic Aikido.

The follow-on classes will cover dealing with different strikes – straight punch to the chest, hook type strike, which will focus on applying the basic principles in a more dynamic situation – dealing with the attack as it happens.

A separate class will be dedicated to dealing with the invasion of one’s space, a response to which is a straight strike to the head/face immediately followed by a technique.

Training with weapons (Bokken – wooden sword, Jo – wooden spear and Tanto – wooden knife) is an integral part of Takemusu Aiki style and we will introduce elements of buki waza (weapons training) during the course.

The last class of the course is intended as a review of the previous weeks. A single technique will be practiced from different “attacks” to show similarities and importance of basic principles and their adaptability.