Gradings 21/3/2011
Very well done to Paul (4th Kyu), Margaret(4th Kyu) and Martin(5th Kyu) in their gradings last night. Three very different but very competent approaches! Thanks, too, to our friends from other clubs who came to support - giving us a full and lively mat, to Mr Harrison for his teaching and to Mango for ordering chips and sandwiches!!
Tissier Course plus an Interesting interview 27/2/2011
We are back from this short course (but long journey) with some ideas to share,
This interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGxZCjfrX40&feature=youtu.be&a
Is great for background and insights into aikido. Some really good advice for students too. We saw both Lia Suzuki Sensei and her teacher Takeda Sensei at the Kamakura demo last year.
Yamaguchi Sensei 23/2/2011
Interesting account here of studying with Yamaguchi Sensei who was Mimuro Sensei’s teacher:
http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=621
Approaching Aikido 8/2/2011
“You need to be patient with yourself when learning aikido, and realistic about the speed at which you can naturally develop. In aikido it is especially difficult to detach yourself from the idea that you are competing to win or be dominant. But if you manage to do this, you will progress faster than if you place high demands and expectations on yourself. This is for one simple reason – you will be more relaxed.”
That quote is from ”Tai Chi and Aikido” by Andrew Popovich and Peter Brady. There’s a copy in Marple library and now there’s going to be a copy available to borrow within the club. I can’t comment on the Tai Chi half but I like the aikido content and everyone should be able to take on board the paragraph above. Incidentally, the book contains a picture of some of the ‘founding fathers’ of aikido in this country including our own founder Sensei Marian Mucha.
Still too busy to blog!!! 3/2/2011
As many of you know, family matters have been dominating life. If I had had time to blog I would probably have shared with you this Canadian newspaper account which shows that the experience of aikido is the same no matter where you are:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/02/03/standing-engagement-relaxing-into-aikido/
I would probably also have reminded you about this handy YouTube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2KAa4bYIL8&feature=related.
And I would definitely have wished you all Happy New Year - so that’s all done and I can wish you 新年快樂 and promise, in the year of the Rabbit, to try to be a more prolific blogger!
Too busy to blog!!!
After Japan there has been Doshu’s visit to Cardiff followed by another highly successful course with Mimuro Sensei. At this moment there is only time to say thank you to all those involved - To Mimuro sensei himself (and Mrs Mim), people who travelled from near and far, people who lent mats and moral support, our colleagues in Lancashire Aikikai, our Principal Mr Spence (who will be teaching on the BAB course in October) and all who contributed to an excellent day. More details and photographs to follow.
Japan Trip
There’s so much to say! In short we had a fantastic time. practised with Mimuro Sensei at Yokohama, attended Honbu dojo and were the only UK group to demonstrate at the special event at the Hachimangu shrine, This link from the Aussie site will give you a flavour of the Doshu’s demonstration.
http://aikidosydney.webs.com/apps/videos/videos/show/8801542-doshu-demo-at-hachimangu
Our photos and videos will be up soon.
Thank you all for your support for Robbie - a shame that injury ended the ‘journey’.
Something personal
Robbie White used to practise at Trafford Aikido - and also happens to be the son of Marple instructor Christine Shepherd. He is now one of the finalists in BBC1’s So You Think You Can Dance which starts in January 2010. Robbie credits a diving breakfall with getting him through part of the tough ‘bootcamp’ selection process - hopefully we’ll see that in the first programme on 2nd Jan. And when the live programmes start on 9th Jan he’ll need your votes
You can see Robbie here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/soyouthinkyoucandance/aps/robbie_white.shtml
The sensei has landed! 18/12/09 15.10
After an overnight delay in Paris (slight sprinkling of snow!) resulting in a journey lasting 38 hours, MImuro Sensei and Cathy arrived safely in the UK. We look forward to welcoming them to Marple after Christmas.
Take up for the course on 3rd January is excellent – what a start to the New Year
See course details
And more gradings 15/12/09 10.05
Congratulations to all those who graded on 14th December. Everyone managed all the tasks appropriate to their grade and more!
Minegishi Sensei 3/12/09 09.30
Still buzzing from last night’s course at Asoryu Aikido Club, Huddersfield. Minegishi was a combination of fierce and charming. Very impressive.
Gradings .... and more 05/09/09 19.40
Time to congratulate all those who graded on 24th August. The instructors were impressed with the progress students had made and how they stood up to quite a thorough testing. Thanks to our colleagues from other clubs who were such excellent and uncomplaining ukes.
Thanks too to Mr Harrison for once again organising a practice on the beach at Lytham St Annes. We were thoroughly energised by this – though some of us are still getting the sand out of our ears. Some brill photos in Marcel’s album here:
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?drop&ref=mb#/album.php?aid=119675&id=634402340&page=2
Several club members will have attended Manchester Aikido’s course with Yamashima Sensei this weekend and it will be interesting to see how this feeds back into our practice.
There are other opportunities to extend our skills with the Lancashire Aikikai Trafford course on Sunday 20th September and, for some of us, a weekend spent with Matt Hill. See Events for details and links.
Busy, busy,busy 07/08/09 06.05
It’s been all go, so blogging has been on hold for a while. To summarise -
Great training sessions from guest instructors Mr Harrison, Mr Spence and Mr Yates. We felt we had gained a great deal of insight from all three sessions. Dave Yates brought some of his club with him so we had the opportunity to practise and ‘bond’ with colleagues.
Those of us who managed to recover after Neil and Zuzana’s wedding on the 4th July were at the Marple Locks Festival the next day. The surprise there was that we found we were scheduled to give a demonstration rather than just give out leaflets. No mats, few ukes but we still managed to draw a few appreciative noises from spectators. In fact the hardest part was probably figuring out how to put the gazebo up – oh, and how exactly to sort out Paul’s memory lapse about the demonstration.
Once again we had a very successful course with Mimuro Sensei. We were very happy to welcome aikidoka from lots of different associations and to train with them. Mimuro’s teaching was clear, the techniques were effective and the atmosphere was friendly and constructive. A really enjoyable course. Thanks are due to the stalwart band who lugged the Marple mats with such cheerfulness.
The Mimuro course on 26th July was followed by the Pocket (i.e. small scale) festival at Brabyns Park. This time we knew what was happening and there was no shortage of ukes - but there was no sunshine either. The rain varied from drizzle to torrential. However, spirits were high - the chicken teriyaki and the fruitcake helped – and we did manage both to demonstrate and to practise. Thanks to all who so cheerfully braved the mud and particularly to John and Algy who came from Trafford to be thrown around.
Now we have a breather to concentrate on practice and progress within the club. Next event: Bury club’s beach practice on 29th August, should be fun, can’t be wetter than the Pocket festival!
Why the long pause .... so much aikido, so little time 30/05/09 11.00
More than a month since the last blog entry NOT because there's so little to say but because there's so much to do! We started our new Friday night class in April. Both teachers have been continuing to teach at Trafford Aikido and we have had visits from other clubs as well as welcoming new members.
Now we are looking ahead to special classes with Graham Harrison from Bury Aikido - but a regular at Marple - taking the first class in June and a visit from Dave Yates (Manchester Aikido) proposed in July. In addition, the Principal of Lancashire Aikikai, Bob Spence, will be taking a class on the 12th June - looks llike being a very stimulating couple of months!
We are also looking forward to joining other members of our parent organisation for the course to be taught by Steve Magson on the 20th and 21st of June.
Marple will be lucky enough to receive another visit from Mimuro Sensei in late June and July and we are organising a course on July 26th so that other clubs and organisations can share the experience of being taught by this very friendly but remarkable teacher.
Enthusiastic or what?? - 10/04/09 12:35
We had planned to cancel the Easter Monday practice so that everyone could recover from chocolate indulgence. However, since members are clearly keen to work off those extra calories, we will hold a class as usual. This means that this week will be another milestone – the first week in which we are holding two regular practices. We (the instructors) are confident that everyone will benefit from the opportunity to practise twice a week.
This weekend some of us are going across to the Wirral to practise with the Komyokan Aikido Association under Terry Ezra Shihan (7th Dan) and guest instructor Gordon Jones Shihan (6th Dan) of the United Kingdom Aikikai. We will hope to bring back a few nuggets of wisdom to share.
A little Japanese information: Shihan means expert or master teacher. It also carries connotations of being an example to students not just on the mat but also in daily life.
Our first dan grade course - 30/03/09 18:30
Marple played host to a a course for Lancashire Aikikai dan grades and 1st kyu students on Sunday 29/3. The event was a great success and we all left hoping that it would be the first of many – provided Mr Spence could find his way home again! There will be a few aching bones today but it was a good work out for bodies and brains.
Any news is good news - 20/03/09 09:30
It was great to see the report of our anniversary course in the Marple Review – hopefully this will encourage a few more people to give aikido a try. I was sorry that there were no pictures of Mimuro himself - but Chris W and Paul are both featured so they can enjoy their fifteen minutes of fame!
Ribby Marvellous - 10/03/09 19:20
This weekend must have been one of the best ever Ribby weekends both for the aikido and the social life. Mat loading on Thursday wasn't nearly as arduous as expected because of all the help - and a swift drink afterwards. We set off in reasonable time on Friday and had the mats laid quite speedily. The good news was that we could leave the mats down at the end of each day.
Our Principal, Bob Spence, took the first session - reinforcing basics and Sensei Sue Baird took the second one. It was the third session - Mr Spence again - that was the killer for Dan grades and first kyu. Small groups (3 or 4) with each of us in turn executing 40 kokyu before returning to being thrown. It was meant to be body conditioning but the only condition our bodies were in after it was to crawl to the pool, sauna and bar for a bit of tlc.
Saturday saw Sensei Andrew Baird take us again through basics (with a bit of physics thrown in!) and in the afternoon Sensei Matt Hill took over. He introduced us to Iwama style practice and took us from kihon towards takemusu. As always his teaching style was clear and his aikido was devastating.
The buffet style meal on Saturday night went down very well - particularly with families - and some of us were even able to get up for the 8.30 iaido practice with Sensei Graham Harrison.
Graham's aikido session after this was his usual mixture of fast movement and challengingly complex technique. Short sessions by Chris Wallace and Lawrence Robinson kept up the high standard of teaching and practice. The afternoon began with Ray Munns, from Milton Keynes introducing some interesting variations on standard techniques and continued with Keith Downs upping the pace once again. Mr Spence closed the proceedings with an extended shiatsu session.
The course had contained so much, yet seemed to fly over. Evetryone had practised in the true spirit of aikido - with friendliness, courtesy and respect. We had seen different teaching styles, different points of emphasis, different interpretations, different priorities yet, as Mr Spence said, it's all aikido.
The 'leftovers' party on Sunday night was another highlight, though for some Monday morning must have been their low point.
Throughout the weekend Marple members distinguished themselves by their numbers, their progress and their enthusiasm (not least for the social side). The club goes from strength to strength. Go Marple!
Another vigorous practice - 24/2/09 17:00
Last night's practice was a warm one with the more experienced members really working up a sweat, especially during the kokyu at the end of class. It was great to have John visiting from Trafford. We are really keen to foster contacts between the different Aikikai clubs and have decided to reduce the rate for Lancashire Aikikai visitors to £2 per lesson. John got the opportunity to be sempai - the best role to have as you learn so much!
Club meal next Saturday and then one more session before our weekend at Ribby Hall which should be great.
Fab practice - 9/2/09 23:00
Just returned after a great practice given by guest instructor Kevin Hudson. It wasn't easy and must have been very challenging for the two new people - who managed to cope very well - but with six (YES six) dan grades on the mat everyone had plenty of good instruction. The pace was brisk. Our students experienced a different style of aikido and of teaching and they rose to the challenge extremely well. Discussion in the pub suggested that people had really enjoyed the visit and we look forward to welcoming Kevin, as well as other guests, again in the future.
Below is some more on Aussie aikido courtesy of Margaret:
Tuesday 27th Jan
Tonight as I drove into the dojo carpark a huge (nearly three feet) goanna (lizard) crept slowly out from the trees but as I got my camera out to take a photo he ran off!
Another good training session, this time with Gabby Sensei (recently returned from teaching aikido in Brazil) and we concentrated on Shomenuchi attack. I also get lots of front roll practice - I still need it! This style of aikido seems quite gentle and they really don't roll or do backward breakfalls too much in training.
The mats at this dojo are big gymnastic style ones (about 4 x 6 metres) and get joined by big strips of velcro, then just roll up at the end of the night. They're pretty good although a bit more difficult to slide compared to ours. I notice a few squashed sultanas, probably left over from the kids during the day.
Thursday 29th Jan
Still really hot tonight and we get lots of water breaks. Also get a big bruise on my foot from not moving it out of the way quick enough when my partner was landing...
Saturday 31st Jan
Hot again today, over 30c. More shomenuchi attacks today. For the last 10 minutes we have Tanninzugake, where you have a couple of minutes each to practice what you've learnt in front of everyone. Oh no, the pressure....I chose Eri, one of the dan grades and in the heat of the moment I can only remember one technique which I do for all three of her attacks.
Thursday 5th Feb
Not as hot tonight, or maybe I'm getting used to it? Tonight the attack was from someone directly behind and holding onto both wrists. One technique to get your attacker off balance was to pretend you were lifting two beers up to your face - hey I could do this pretty easily!!
Tonight there is also a beginners class and they join for the warm up then use a quarter of the practice area. Most sessions there are between 15 - 30 people practicing but tonight it's closer to 35.
Aikido Aussie style - 08/02/2009 17:29
Determined not to let her aikido lapse while in Oz, Margaret has been practising in a different style. We are looking forward to her bringing fresh ideas home. We're very proud of her – who would have thought that Marple aikido would spread to the other side of the world? One extract from her diary is below – more to follow:
Our practice area here is roughly 3 times the size of our Marple dojo. After introducing myself to other members and Danny Sensei (the head instructor) it was time to begin our training. We lined up, bowed and then got into the warm up and straight away it was different. This dojo practices Yuishinkai Aikido and they have the same warm up every session and everything is done in an orderly sequence to Japanese counting. Some parts of it felt a bit like an aerobics class and it was pretty hard to keep up... Another difference is they have coloured belts signifying their grade. We concentrated on one attack all night, a punch to the waist (not sure of the aikido term) and did various moves, some of which were slightly different to our usual ones. Occasionally I'd hear Kookaburras laughing (not at me hopefully...) which reminded me I was a long way from Marple!
Congratulations! - 07/02/2009 17:28
Several of us went across to Trafford Aikido club on Friday night to support Hywel and Charlie in their Second and First Dan gradings (respectively). Congratulations to both of them on achieving success in a gruelling grading.
Very well done to Paul (4th Kyu), Margaret(4th Kyu) and Martin(5th Kyu) in their gradings last night. Three very different but very competent approaches! Thanks, too, to our friends from other clubs who came to support - giving us a full and lively mat, to Mr Harrison for his teaching and to Mango for ordering chips and sandwiches!!
Tissier Course plus an Interesting interview 27/2/2011
We are back from this short course (but long journey) with some ideas to share,
This interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGxZCjfrX40&feature=youtu.be&a
Is great for background and insights into aikido. Some really good advice for students too. We saw both Lia Suzuki Sensei and her teacher Takeda Sensei at the Kamakura demo last year.
Yamaguchi Sensei 23/2/2011
Interesting account here of studying with Yamaguchi Sensei who was Mimuro Sensei’s teacher:
http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=621
Approaching Aikido 8/2/2011
“You need to be patient with yourself when learning aikido, and realistic about the speed at which you can naturally develop. In aikido it is especially difficult to detach yourself from the idea that you are competing to win or be dominant. But if you manage to do this, you will progress faster than if you place high demands and expectations on yourself. This is for one simple reason – you will be more relaxed.”
That quote is from ”Tai Chi and Aikido” by Andrew Popovich and Peter Brady. There’s a copy in Marple library and now there’s going to be a copy available to borrow within the club. I can’t comment on the Tai Chi half but I like the aikido content and everyone should be able to take on board the paragraph above. Incidentally, the book contains a picture of some of the ‘founding fathers’ of aikido in this country including our own founder Sensei Marian Mucha.
Still too busy to blog!!! 3/2/2011
As many of you know, family matters have been dominating life. If I had had time to blog I would probably have shared with you this Canadian newspaper account which shows that the experience of aikido is the same no matter where you are:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/02/03/standing-engagement-relaxing-into-aikido/
I would probably also have reminded you about this handy YouTube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2KAa4bYIL8&feature=related.
And I would definitely have wished you all Happy New Year - so that’s all done and I can wish you 新年快樂 and promise, in the year of the Rabbit, to try to be a more prolific blogger!
Too busy to blog!!!
After Japan there has been Doshu’s visit to Cardiff followed by another highly successful course with Mimuro Sensei. At this moment there is only time to say thank you to all those involved - To Mimuro sensei himself (and Mrs Mim), people who travelled from near and far, people who lent mats and moral support, our colleagues in Lancashire Aikikai, our Principal Mr Spence (who will be teaching on the BAB course in October) and all who contributed to an excellent day. More details and photographs to follow.
Japan Trip
There’s so much to say! In short we had a fantastic time. practised with Mimuro Sensei at Yokohama, attended Honbu dojo and were the only UK group to demonstrate at the special event at the Hachimangu shrine, This link from the Aussie site will give you a flavour of the Doshu’s demonstration.
http://aikidosydney.webs.com/apps/videos/videos/show/8801542-doshu-demo-at-hachimangu
Our photos and videos will be up soon.
Thank you all for your support for Robbie - a shame that injury ended the ‘journey’.
Something personal
Robbie White used to practise at Trafford Aikido - and also happens to be the son of Marple instructor Christine Shepherd. He is now one of the finalists in BBC1’s So You Think You Can Dance which starts in January 2010. Robbie credits a diving breakfall with getting him through part of the tough ‘bootcamp’ selection process - hopefully we’ll see that in the first programme on 2nd Jan. And when the live programmes start on 9th Jan he’ll need your votes
You can see Robbie here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/soyouthinkyoucandance/aps/robbie_white.shtml
The sensei has landed! 18/12/09 15.10
After an overnight delay in Paris (slight sprinkling of snow!) resulting in a journey lasting 38 hours, MImuro Sensei and Cathy arrived safely in the UK. We look forward to welcoming them to Marple after Christmas.
Take up for the course on 3rd January is excellent – what a start to the New Year
See course details
And more gradings 15/12/09 10.05
Congratulations to all those who graded on 14th December. Everyone managed all the tasks appropriate to their grade and more!
Minegishi Sensei 3/12/09 09.30
Still buzzing from last night’s course at Asoryu Aikido Club, Huddersfield. Minegishi was a combination of fierce and charming. Very impressive.
Gradings .... and more 05/09/09 19.40
Time to congratulate all those who graded on 24th August. The instructors were impressed with the progress students had made and how they stood up to quite a thorough testing. Thanks to our colleagues from other clubs who were such excellent and uncomplaining ukes.
Thanks too to Mr Harrison for once again organising a practice on the beach at Lytham St Annes. We were thoroughly energised by this – though some of us are still getting the sand out of our ears. Some brill photos in Marcel’s album here:
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?drop&ref=mb#/album.php?aid=119675&id=634402340&page=2
Several club members will have attended Manchester Aikido’s course with Yamashima Sensei this weekend and it will be interesting to see how this feeds back into our practice.
There are other opportunities to extend our skills with the Lancashire Aikikai Trafford course on Sunday 20th September and, for some of us, a weekend spent with Matt Hill. See Events for details and links.
Busy, busy,busy 07/08/09 06.05
It’s been all go, so blogging has been on hold for a while. To summarise -
Great training sessions from guest instructors Mr Harrison, Mr Spence and Mr Yates. We felt we had gained a great deal of insight from all three sessions. Dave Yates brought some of his club with him so we had the opportunity to practise and ‘bond’ with colleagues.
Those of us who managed to recover after Neil and Zuzana’s wedding on the 4th July were at the Marple Locks Festival the next day. The surprise there was that we found we were scheduled to give a demonstration rather than just give out leaflets. No mats, few ukes but we still managed to draw a few appreciative noises from spectators. In fact the hardest part was probably figuring out how to put the gazebo up – oh, and how exactly to sort out Paul’s memory lapse about the demonstration.
Once again we had a very successful course with Mimuro Sensei. We were very happy to welcome aikidoka from lots of different associations and to train with them. Mimuro’s teaching was clear, the techniques were effective and the atmosphere was friendly and constructive. A really enjoyable course. Thanks are due to the stalwart band who lugged the Marple mats with such cheerfulness.
The Mimuro course on 26th July was followed by the Pocket (i.e. small scale) festival at Brabyns Park. This time we knew what was happening and there was no shortage of ukes - but there was no sunshine either. The rain varied from drizzle to torrential. However, spirits were high - the chicken teriyaki and the fruitcake helped – and we did manage both to demonstrate and to practise. Thanks to all who so cheerfully braved the mud and particularly to John and Algy who came from Trafford to be thrown around.
Now we have a breather to concentrate on practice and progress within the club. Next event: Bury club’s beach practice on 29th August, should be fun, can’t be wetter than the Pocket festival!
Why the long pause .... so much aikido, so little time 30/05/09 11.00
More than a month since the last blog entry NOT because there's so little to say but because there's so much to do! We started our new Friday night class in April. Both teachers have been continuing to teach at Trafford Aikido and we have had visits from other clubs as well as welcoming new members.
Now we are looking ahead to special classes with Graham Harrison from Bury Aikido - but a regular at Marple - taking the first class in June and a visit from Dave Yates (Manchester Aikido) proposed in July. In addition, the Principal of Lancashire Aikikai, Bob Spence, will be taking a class on the 12th June - looks llike being a very stimulating couple of months!
We are also looking forward to joining other members of our parent organisation for the course to be taught by Steve Magson on the 20th and 21st of June.
Marple will be lucky enough to receive another visit from Mimuro Sensei in late June and July and we are organising a course on July 26th so that other clubs and organisations can share the experience of being taught by this very friendly but remarkable teacher.
Enthusiastic or what?? - 10/04/09 12:35
We had planned to cancel the Easter Monday practice so that everyone could recover from chocolate indulgence. However, since members are clearly keen to work off those extra calories, we will hold a class as usual. This means that this week will be another milestone – the first week in which we are holding two regular practices. We (the instructors) are confident that everyone will benefit from the opportunity to practise twice a week.
This weekend some of us are going across to the Wirral to practise with the Komyokan Aikido Association under Terry Ezra Shihan (7th Dan) and guest instructor Gordon Jones Shihan (6th Dan) of the United Kingdom Aikikai. We will hope to bring back a few nuggets of wisdom to share.
A little Japanese information: Shihan means expert or master teacher. It also carries connotations of being an example to students not just on the mat but also in daily life.
Our first dan grade course - 30/03/09 18:30
Marple played host to a a course for Lancashire Aikikai dan grades and 1st kyu students on Sunday 29/3. The event was a great success and we all left hoping that it would be the first of many – provided Mr Spence could find his way home again! There will be a few aching bones today but it was a good work out for bodies and brains.
Any news is good news - 20/03/09 09:30
It was great to see the report of our anniversary course in the Marple Review – hopefully this will encourage a few more people to give aikido a try. I was sorry that there were no pictures of Mimuro himself - but Chris W and Paul are both featured so they can enjoy their fifteen minutes of fame!
Ribby Marvellous - 10/03/09 19:20
This weekend must have been one of the best ever Ribby weekends both for the aikido and the social life. Mat loading on Thursday wasn't nearly as arduous as expected because of all the help - and a swift drink afterwards. We set off in reasonable time on Friday and had the mats laid quite speedily. The good news was that we could leave the mats down at the end of each day.
Our Principal, Bob Spence, took the first session - reinforcing basics and Sensei Sue Baird took the second one. It was the third session - Mr Spence again - that was the killer for Dan grades and first kyu. Small groups (3 or 4) with each of us in turn executing 40 kokyu before returning to being thrown. It was meant to be body conditioning but the only condition our bodies were in after it was to crawl to the pool, sauna and bar for a bit of tlc.
Saturday saw Sensei Andrew Baird take us again through basics (with a bit of physics thrown in!) and in the afternoon Sensei Matt Hill took over. He introduced us to Iwama style practice and took us from kihon towards takemusu. As always his teaching style was clear and his aikido was devastating.
The buffet style meal on Saturday night went down very well - particularly with families - and some of us were even able to get up for the 8.30 iaido practice with Sensei Graham Harrison.
Graham's aikido session after this was his usual mixture of fast movement and challengingly complex technique. Short sessions by Chris Wallace and Lawrence Robinson kept up the high standard of teaching and practice. The afternoon began with Ray Munns, from Milton Keynes introducing some interesting variations on standard techniques and continued with Keith Downs upping the pace once again. Mr Spence closed the proceedings with an extended shiatsu session.
The course had contained so much, yet seemed to fly over. Evetryone had practised in the true spirit of aikido - with friendliness, courtesy and respect. We had seen different teaching styles, different points of emphasis, different interpretations, different priorities yet, as Mr Spence said, it's all aikido.
The 'leftovers' party on Sunday night was another highlight, though for some Monday morning must have been their low point.
Throughout the weekend Marple members distinguished themselves by their numbers, their progress and their enthusiasm (not least for the social side). The club goes from strength to strength. Go Marple!
Another vigorous practice - 24/2/09 17:00
Last night's practice was a warm one with the more experienced members really working up a sweat, especially during the kokyu at the end of class. It was great to have John visiting from Trafford. We are really keen to foster contacts between the different Aikikai clubs and have decided to reduce the rate for Lancashire Aikikai visitors to £2 per lesson. John got the opportunity to be sempai - the best role to have as you learn so much!
Club meal next Saturday and then one more session before our weekend at Ribby Hall which should be great.
Fab practice - 9/2/09 23:00
Just returned after a great practice given by guest instructor Kevin Hudson. It wasn't easy and must have been very challenging for the two new people - who managed to cope very well - but with six (YES six) dan grades on the mat everyone had plenty of good instruction. The pace was brisk. Our students experienced a different style of aikido and of teaching and they rose to the challenge extremely well. Discussion in the pub suggested that people had really enjoyed the visit and we look forward to welcoming Kevin, as well as other guests, again in the future.
Below is some more on Aussie aikido courtesy of Margaret:
Tuesday 27th Jan
Tonight as I drove into the dojo carpark a huge (nearly three feet) goanna (lizard) crept slowly out from the trees but as I got my camera out to take a photo he ran off!
Another good training session, this time with Gabby Sensei (recently returned from teaching aikido in Brazil) and we concentrated on Shomenuchi attack. I also get lots of front roll practice - I still need it! This style of aikido seems quite gentle and they really don't roll or do backward breakfalls too much in training.
The mats at this dojo are big gymnastic style ones (about 4 x 6 metres) and get joined by big strips of velcro, then just roll up at the end of the night. They're pretty good although a bit more difficult to slide compared to ours. I notice a few squashed sultanas, probably left over from the kids during the day.
Thursday 29th Jan
Still really hot tonight and we get lots of water breaks. Also get a big bruise on my foot from not moving it out of the way quick enough when my partner was landing...
Saturday 31st Jan
Hot again today, over 30c. More shomenuchi attacks today. For the last 10 minutes we have Tanninzugake, where you have a couple of minutes each to practice what you've learnt in front of everyone. Oh no, the pressure....I chose Eri, one of the dan grades and in the heat of the moment I can only remember one technique which I do for all three of her attacks.
Thursday 5th Feb
Not as hot tonight, or maybe I'm getting used to it? Tonight the attack was from someone directly behind and holding onto both wrists. One technique to get your attacker off balance was to pretend you were lifting two beers up to your face - hey I could do this pretty easily!!
Tonight there is also a beginners class and they join for the warm up then use a quarter of the practice area. Most sessions there are between 15 - 30 people practicing but tonight it's closer to 35.
Aikido Aussie style - 08/02/2009 17:29
Determined not to let her aikido lapse while in Oz, Margaret has been practising in a different style. We are looking forward to her bringing fresh ideas home. We're very proud of her – who would have thought that Marple aikido would spread to the other side of the world? One extract from her diary is below – more to follow:
Our practice area here is roughly 3 times the size of our Marple dojo. After introducing myself to other members and Danny Sensei (the head instructor) it was time to begin our training. We lined up, bowed and then got into the warm up and straight away it was different. This dojo practices Yuishinkai Aikido and they have the same warm up every session and everything is done in an orderly sequence to Japanese counting. Some parts of it felt a bit like an aerobics class and it was pretty hard to keep up... Another difference is they have coloured belts signifying their grade. We concentrated on one attack all night, a punch to the waist (not sure of the aikido term) and did various moves, some of which were slightly different to our usual ones. Occasionally I'd hear Kookaburras laughing (not at me hopefully...) which reminded me I was a long way from Marple!
Congratulations! - 07/02/2009 17:28
Several of us went across to Trafford Aikido club on Friday night to support Hywel and Charlie in their Second and First Dan gradings (respectively). Congratulations to both of them on achieving success in a gruelling grading.
