The Bamboo Grove

Aikido Testing July 2009

Each testing there is a lot of opportunities to learn. This can be as the Aikido students taking the test, the students watching the test, and also as the people giving the test. For the people taking the test you will have your good techniques and the techniques that need more work, but in the end people are usually harder on themselves that the instructors. I personally think we should always strive to do the best Aikido we can. To do this one has to put a lot of time into training and refining the techniques. This includes taking to heart the points that the instructors give us to work on.

For the people watching the test there is a lot to learn also. You can always be critical of others taking the test. It is very easy to do this from the back of the room watching. However, it is better to see what the students did well. Pick up on their mannerisms, techniques and overall attitude. Try to put yourself in their shoes and visualize yourself taking the test and how you would do the techniques. Then take these new views with you to the mat the next week!

As an instructor and one of the people giving the test there is always so much that I get out of each test. This is a different view each time as you have different people testing at different levels and each test has their own challenges. Also, I think one of the most important things as an instructor is that you try to give your students the tools to succeed. This may be having extra classes to refine their techniques, having test prep sessions, or once in a while to just talk to each student and see what you can do to help them.

You also have to see who is testing and see how to best match the nages (throwers) and ukes (fallers). With this one must think of when each student is testing, the skill and power of the nage, and also spacing. With limited number of students (at each level) it is important to not overtire people by having them uke when they may be taking a test. Or on the other side even during the test to give people some time when you see they are having a hard time physically. There is a fine line and some students who you know are very well prepared you can push them even harder. As you are the instructor you are the “team” coach, and sometimes you need to put people on the bench and know when to play your team.

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Saturday Class with Mariquita Izawa Sensei (2009-07-11)

It is always nice to start off the weekend with a refreshing class of Aikido. It is easy to get caught up in our daily lives and the stresses and challenges that are put in front of us. Aikido provides us with that great balancing piece\peace. One of my teachers used to refer our practice to Misogi or cleansing our or spirit through training. I can really see that now that I have been doing it for a long time. My mind set after practice is much more clear and at peace than before.

Yesterday I\we had another great opportunity to attend a special class with Mariquita Izawa Sensei from Tanshinjuku, Lafayette. I have worked out with Mariquita Sensei many times over the past few years and have enjoyed her strength through refined movement and long practice. However, before yesterday I was not able to see her teach. I was very excited to attend the class that she was teaching at Castle Rock Aikido Dojo.

Mariquita Sensei started off sharing her ideas and experiences with Aikido. The big idea I really picked up on in the beginning was that we should not be focusing on our attacker. When we do that we immediately start to think about our preconceived ideas of how to react and can we or can’t we beat them. Instead we need to focus only on our movements in reacting to the attack. She demonstrated this with her fluid movements and as she is much smaller than her uke she still moved them with ease. I also got to feel her power and decisive movements and really felt how she was not moving me with her power/muscles, but with her center. Something that we all should aspire to which is to really focus on using less power and more center and body movements.

With this she explained and demonstrated that this center movement comes from our foot work. She then explained and showed us suriashi (sliding foot movement) and we did line exercises with irimi and tenkan. Her teaching style was also refreshing. She started with very basic movements. Breaking down from our foot work to irimi and off balancing movements with our employing the throw. I know when I start teaching I usually start out with basic “techniques”, but don’t always break it down even further to the different pieces. The beginners really started picking up the broken down movements.

After the students started to see the pieces and basic movements we started slow with some basic techniques. We then ended up with a little more advanced movements using all the lessons we worked on from the earlier classes. You could see the “light bulbs” on the students faces and that was great to see.

I really learned a lot from this one class. For me it was nice to hear her ideas and mature Aikido experience in our short classes. Also, to see a nice approach to teaching and breaking down advanced movements into more manageable pieces for the newer students. All in all it was a great day and always good to sweat and learn from a great teacher. We all hope that we have more classes with her in the future. On a lighter note, with Mariquita Sensei’s accent the way she says “tenkan” is my favorite :).

If you have time you should go train with Mariquita Izawa Sensei and Kei Izawa Sensei up in Lafayette Colorado at the Tanshinjuku facility. They are both great teachers and you can experience their experience and Aikido teaching for yourselves.

Andrew Blevins, Kiryu Aikido

Ukemi Seminar (June 6, 2008)

As I sit down with my journal after four hours of Aikido today — two hours of regular classes and two hours of an ukemi seminar — I feel so dang good it’s criminal. I’m energized, jazzed, content, happy, my body feels good, and life is good — all the result of practicing Aikido and rolling and falling in the grand art of ukemi. Here’s a little of what I took home with me.

About 10 students from Castle Rock Aikido, Kiryu Aikido, and DoushinJukubowed onto the mat for the June 6 ukemi seminar, with experience ranging from Nidan to several having started Aikido just a couple weeks ago. One of the great things about ukemi (and Aikido) is that there is always something new to learn or something to refine and improve. Ukemi truly is one of those things that the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.

Andrew Blevins Sensei began by sharing that, to him, the most important components of Aikido are: ukemi, weapons, techniques. Note that techniques is last, which is not what a lot of students might expect. After all, techniques are the exciting part of Aikido, right? Being thrown as Uke is just something to be endured until it’s your turn to be Nage again, right? …

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Moving dojo location (to Castle Rock)

This last week Kiryu Aikido has moved its dojo location to Castle Rock, Colorado. This includes us moving and also merging our programs with the current dojo and instructors at Castle Rock Aikido. This will enable us to train and teach more days a week than we currently are doing.

Along with this some of my students asked me to write a little about this move and what and if I thought about it. Kiryu Aikido has moved a few times in the last 5+ years, and usually it does not phase me too much. To me the dojo though important is a place to train our Aikido. If we have a nice, safe, comfortable dojo that is a bonus. However, I was taught a long time ago that every step that we take in life is our dojo, not just on the mat. At the core our Aikido training must be the main component.

Along with the idea of the physical dojo (mats, facilities, etc) the dojo also really is the students (sempai\kohai), the teachers, and the dojo culture. This we bring with us where ever we go. In this case there is already a nice group of students and teachers that we get to share and build this non-physical dojo component together. The tree with strong roots can survive a lot of things! I have seen a lot of people get pulled in by the exterior and physical aspects of a dojo without really looking at the core. Sometimes you have to judge the book by the cover. However, you must look deeper (as much as you can) to see the culture, the people and the instructors when making your choice to join (or try) a dojo.

So I am exited that we have a very nice facility that really helps get the students into the Japanese mindset and can focus on training. Along with that we can build the core non-physical dojo together and see where that takes us. It will be a nice journey. Come join us for practice some time!

Andrew Blevins
Kiryu Aikido

Japan Ni Ikimashou (Nara Japan)

Image via Wikipedia

If you are traveling near Osaka (south/central) Japan you may end up in the great city of Nara.

This is near Kyoto (the old Japan capitol) or Osaka (2nd Largest City in Japan and has the Osaka International Airport). The city of Nara has a lot of temples and one famous temple I remember clearly was Tōdai-ji. This temple housed the great Buddha. The great Buddha was created out of iron and this was one of the reasons the government at the time used as a reason (along with spreading Buddhism) why the non-samurai had to give up their swords. Which was to help create this huge statue of iron. I believe the temple building that houses this statue is the largest wooden building in the world (according to wikipedia).

Another fun aspect in Nara is the free roaming deer. The ones with antlers have them filed down and there are a lot walking all over. All throughout the city are vendors selling rice cakes and other treats people can feed the animals. They are pretty aggressive, but not mean. Food! My wife took my son last year and he is a pretty small kid, I can see how deer looming over him could be intimidating. Here is a pretty fun picture of him retreating from the hungry deer.

This city has also areas (and a museum) inside and near by that were run by the Yagyu clan. These were famous swordsman from the Yagyu shinkage ryu style. I will try to get some other pictures of other areas and pictures of these locations.

Kotowaza (Monkey from Trees)

I have always really liked Japanese kotowaza. These are short sayings or expressions that convey subtle meanings or proverbs. These can also be a nice way to learn some extra Japanese. I will be adding some here and there. Here is one of my favorites:

猿も木から落ちる。
Saru mo ki kara ochiru.

(Even monkeys can fall from trees); Meaning: We all make mistakes.

If we take this for our Aikido training that when we do make mistakes it happens to everyone. Learn from them and move forward and don’t dwell on them. On the otherhand do not get overconfident with your own abilities. I think both great lessons.

Seminar Recap [O'Sensei's 2009 Memorial Seminar]

Location: Aikido Center of Los Angeles
Photos Courtesy of Aikido Center of Los Angles

For the second year I have been able to attend the O’sensei Memorial seminar hosted by the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. The seminar was scheduled from Friday April 24th to Sunday April 25th.

I arrived Friday afternoon and went right from the airport to the dojo. Due to the flight time I was only able to catch the second class that night. This was taught by Mark Ty who now lives in Washington DC. Bill Allen who is an instructor at the dojo was scheduled to teach the class before that.

After the first class a lot of people went to the the distinctive Nickel Diner. From the outside this restaurant look like a hole in the wall. However, after going in it had a very nice warm atmosphere with great food and customers. The food was great (even had mint lemonade), and at the end of the meal we celebrated the late Furuya Sensei’s birthday. This was done with a special cake made by the diner’s pastry chef (apparently he trained and came to LA from France). For people who do not know, Furuya Sensei was the founder of the Aikido Center of Los Angeles, and was a nice moment shared with the group.

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Historical Video Series (Anon Video 01)

Here is an old video clip of a tape I obtained in Japan. This is a very nice flowing technique with some powerful endings. I always liked this one as it had both of those elements along with the feeling that the nage is very based (stable) to the ground while still keeping his body moving. Also, he has a very interesting use of the hands.  Not sure who this is though.

http://kappazone.com/media/mov/OldJapan_Aikido01_320x240.flv

3/29 Seminar/Testing (Recap)

*More pictures coming…

This last weekend we just finished a great seminar and test. There were three different teachers from out of town to attend the summit and also to teach and attend the testing seminar. The testing dojos were Kiryu Aikido, Tanshinjuku, Doushinjuku, Castle Rock Aikido, and LMS Aikido. We were joined by other instructors and students from throughout Colorado.

The day started with David Ito sensei from Aikido Center of Los Angeles. He started with basic techniques and emphasized that as a nage we should prepare for our partner to respond in multiple ways. One example was when employing Aihanmi-katatedori and sliding off to the outside to do Nikkyo the hand doing the nikkyo should be in place for a shomen strike. So if our pattern lets go we are not in a bad position. We continued on this idea. The students enjoyed this approach.

We then did the testing before lunch. With the multiple groups testing there are some variations in style and approach in our Aikido. I personally really enjoy the diversity and there are a lot of common themes that the instructors are looking for that traverse different styles. Some of these (and many more) can be confidence in techniques, being relaxed, knowing the techniques, smooth application of technique, strong/controlled techniques, etc. Furthermore, it is a joy to see the students from the various schools growing and progressing between tests. Without these nice moments and seeing progression in my own students along with other students it is hard to see why we keep instructing (as least to me). The students did well and you could see the people who did well, and the people who really put in a lot of time and training from the last test.

After lunch August Dragt sensei from Aikikai Aikido Amsterdam taught some nice variations on some basic techniques and the redirection of energy. Also, he added some ideas on where attacks were coming from and how to protect yourself when you are blending with the attack. It is always nice hearning different explinations to our Aikido techniques.

Yasumasa Itoh sensei from Tekkojuku Boston was the next instructor teaching. Itoh sensei has come to Denver before and it is always a delight learning from him. His techniques have that Kanai sensei taste and very flowing and powerful. The day before he also taught a class at the 2009 Aikido summit. The students liked the big dynamic throws. For this seminar he focused on moving with some ryotedori grabs and some makiuchi dropping throws. He also talked about “Touitsutai” concept. This he said is our attention, hips, body, everything is focused on where we are throwing and follow it (including zanshin afterwards). I personally really liked this explanation, and feel this is very important in our throws.

The last class was taught by Kei Izawa sensei from Tanshinjuku, Colorado. Izawa sensei brought in some dynamic ushiryote dori techniques that we practiced in lines (I think people were starting to get tiered ). He recapped the importance of the seminar and thanked all of us for getting together for a great day of practice. All the students rolled up the mats and put up the gym. It was a great seminar, and again a good opportunity for many dojos and styles of Aikido to get together to share their viewpoints and experience with us. Thanks to all the instructors and also to all the students who made this a successful day.

Andrew Blevins
Kiryu Aikido, Littleton Colorado

Aikido Testing Tips

Kiryu Kids Testing

Testing for a few dojos in Colorado is comming up soon. My dojo Kiryu Aikido is one of the dojos participating. In preparation for the testing we have been going over a lot of the techniques and presentation of how to test. It is interesting every test to see how your students and other dojo’s students approach testing.

Some take it very staight forward and prepare with the “tools” that are presented to them. Some students get very stressed out and sometimes their techniques can suffer. And, some just make it another training session and use the skills and experiences that they have been working on for the past x months from the last test. Here are just a few tips that I try to give my students and students from other schools when approaching their upcoming Aikido test. I believe these tips can be used in all levels of testing from 5th kyu to black belt testing:

• Relax, relax, relax; You see this a lot. Students who do fine most of the time, but get them up in front of other students in a testing atmousphere and they become flustered and have trouble with techniques they know well. For most people testing gets easier. For others they may never get over the fact that they don’t like the spot light. Either way try to breath before the test and tell your self that it will be ok. Another way to deal with this is always be over prepared. I always thought of belts and testing as I needed to be 1+ level above where I was being evaluted for. For example, if testing for 5th kyu, know the 5th kyu and 4th kyu technique and really push your self in your training. This is one way you can build the confidence you need.
• Know your requirements; Your instructor of school should always attempt to put their students in the position to succeed. You usually will get a list of all the techniques and requirements for yours and the level above where you are going to test for. As a student you should memorize the techniques that you need to know. Say them over to yourself so you can also recognize the sound. Also in class if you hear one of the tecniques that you are testing for make a mental note that this is a technique you will be evaluated during the test. Then during the test when you hear the technique being called out you will recognize the name and able to do that technique. Note however that sometimes you may get thrown a curve-ball (especially the higher you go). This may be done for many reasons, but just relax and think about it before you start. Then do you best!
• Keep going even if you make a mistake; No one is perfect. We all make mistakes and especially when you are nervous and up in front of a lot of people. If you make a mistake I always tell my students to finish the technique even if wrong, and the next one do it correct. Along with this try not to make visual/verbal signs you made the mistake. A lot of people make a strange face or shake their head. Or sometimes people say “Agggg” or other assorted sounds (hopefully not cursing ;P). This signals not just to the testers, but also to all the students that you made a mistake. Again with a straight face just continue and on the next attack do the technique that you have been asked to demonstrate. Sometimes you may have misheard the technique and you should listen carefully if the instructor calls out the technique again.

These are just a few ideas and tips, and there are many more. Remember you are mostly testing against yourself and even if you do not pass you made your best effort. If you did not then try harder next time. Aikido is a difficult martial art and takes time to learn and employ the nuances of the art. Be patient and do your best. If you have any questions on these or other aspects of testing, post a comment. Or if you have your own tips share them with us!

Andrew Blevins
Kiryu Aikido, Littleton Colorado