Aikicosmos

Martial Arts’ Demonstration organized by the Japanese Embassy in Greece

2012-01-24T23:43:00.003+02:00

The Japanese Embassy of Greece organizes a demonstration of martial arts on February 19, 2012 in Athens, Greece.

For more information in Greek and Japanese language, visit the official webpage of the Japanese Embassy of Greece.

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event owned by the Japanese Embassy of Greece.]

Gordon Jones Shihan 6. Dan Aikikai in Greece

2012-01-23T19:59:00.008+02:00

Gordon Jones Shihan is going to conduct a seminar in Athens, Greece on February 17-19, 2012, invited by the Hellenic Aikido Association.

Gordon Jones Shihan

Jones Shihan began training in 1964 and was a founder member of the Aikikai of Great Britain (later to become the British Aikido Federation) and then the UKA. He was a National Coach with the BAF and represented the BAF at the International Aikido Federation (IAF) congress held in Paris in 1980.

Following the formation of the UKA in 1989, Jones Shihan became the Co-Principal of that organisation along with the late William Smith Shihan.

In 2003, he was promoted to 6th dan on recommendation from Kazuo Chiba Shihan. In 2007, Hombu Dojo awarded him the title of Shihan (master teacher). Jones Shihan is Technical Director of the Australasian Aikikai. He travels abroad regularly to give seminars
in Serbia and Greece.

Jones Shihan teaches at Ren Shin Kan and is qualified by the British Aikido Board as a Coach (Level 3) and a Young Persons’ Coach.

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event owned by the Hellenic Aikido Association. Part of the text comes from the official website of the UK Aikikai]

Mike Flynn Shihan 6. Dan in Greece

2012-01-23T18:45:00.004+02:00

Mike Flynn Shihan is going to conduct a seminar in Greece, invited by the Hellenic Birankai, on February 17-19, 2012.

Mike Flynn Shihan

Flynn Shihan is the Chairman of the British Birankai and the Technical Director of the Hellenic Birankai and the Birankai Portugal. He is also the founder of the Thistle Aikikai, in Scotland.

Michael Flynn Shihan began his study of Aikido in 1982 at San Diego Aikikai under the direction of Shihan TK Chiba. He was promoted to 6th Dan in 2001, and named Shihan in June of 2005. He was formally awarded his Shihan Certificate in a ceremony at Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo in November 2006 by the Second Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru. He has also received Iaido Shihan title from Mitsuzuka Sensei.

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event owned by the Hellenic Birankai.]

Sugawara Shihan seminar in Edinburgh

2012-01-23T01:04:00.002+02:00

Shigeru Sugawara Shihan 7. Dan Aikikai Hombu will conduct a seminar on March 2-4, 2012, invited by the Azami-kai Aikido. Sugawara Shihan is an instructor of the Aikido World Headquarters.

For more information contact: Azami-kai Aikido

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event owned by the Azami-kai Aikido]

Aikido & Nishio-style Weapons’ Seminars in Hungary and Czech Republic

2012-01-20T19:08:00.013+02:00

Aikido seminar in Budapest (Hungary) 28, 29/01/2012

This seminar will be organized by Magyar Aikikai Aikido.

During this seminar Mr. Nemeth Ferenc 2. Dan Aikikai will conduct the training. Mr. Nemeth Ferenc is a direct student of Takashi Kuroki Sensei 5. Dan Aikikai

Aikido seminar in Rakovnik (Czech Republic) 10-12/02/2012

This seminar will be organized by Bohemia Aikikai – Aikido Rakovnik.

During this seminar Mr. Andrzey Serafinski 2. Dan Aikikai will conduct the training. He is a direct student of Takashi Kuroki Sensei 5. Dan Aikikai.

[Sources: The photographs of the article are the official posters of the events owned by the instructors and the Associations]

Bjørn Eirik Olsen Sensei' s appointment as Shihan

2012-01-20T18:05:00.004+02:00

These are certainly good news. Bjørn Eirik Olsen Sensei 6. Dan was appointed as Shihan by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba. The appointment was announced at the Kagami Biraki (official opening of the year) at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo on January 8, 2012. Olsen Sensei is visiting Greece and he is conducting seminars invited by the HAA and George Koliopoulos Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai. Olsen Sensei will be for forth time with us next May. Details for the seminar will be announced.

Congratulations Sensei!

Tour of Tanabe organized by Hombu Dojo

2012-01-18T15:49:00.004+02:00

Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan is the birthplace of Aikido’s Founder Ueshiba Morihei. His grave site is located at Kozan-ji Temple in the city of Tanabe.

Hombu Dojo is planning a two-day tour of Tanabe City, the birthplace of the Founder, on March 17 & 18, 2012. A ceremony and a seminar, instructed by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, will be held in commemoration of the Founder. There will also be a party and a sightseeing trip to Tanabe.

The participants will receive a direct instruction from Doshu, concerning the spiritual and technical side of Aikido. The Memorial for the Founder of Aikido (Shinobu Kai) will be held at Kozanji Temple.

View all the details by visiting the official webpage of the Aikido World Headquarters.

***The application deadline is on January 31, Tuesday, 2012

[Source: Aikido World Headquarters. The photograph of the article is the grave site of O-Sensei in Tanabe, made by Giorgos Sardelis]

Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei in the UK

2012-01-16T17:29:00.005+02:00

Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei will be teaching a seminar in the UK for the first time on April 20-22, 2012, invited by the Chishin Dojo, Coventry, UK.

Ikeda Hiroshi Shihan

Ikeda Sensei started practicing Aikido in 1968, while he was a student of the Kokugakuin University in Tokyo. He followed Saotome Mitsugi Sensei to Florida, US in 1978 and in 1980, he moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he established the Boulder Aikikai, an associate member of Saotome Sensei’s Aikido Schools of Ueshiba.

Ikeda Hiroshi Shihan lives in Boulder, where he teaches at the Boulder Aikikai and manages his martial art equipment supple manufacturing and mail order company, the Bu Jin Design. He travels extensively, conducting seminars in the US and abroad.

For more information contact: Chishin Dojo, Coventry, UK

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event owned by the Chishin Dojo]

Seminar with Yokota Yoshiaki Shihan

2012-01-15T17:47:00.002+02:00

On February 17-20, 2012, Yokota Yoshiaki Shihan 7. Dan Aikikai will conduct a seminar at Aikido of Hilo’s main dojo in Hawaii. Yokota Shihan is an instructor of the Aikido World Headquarters.

For more information contact: Aikido of Hilo

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event owned by the Aikido of Hilo, Hawaii]

Tokaido Aikido Dojo in Greece

2012-01-12T00:45:00.020+02:00

..about the Dojo

The Tokaido Aikido Dojo was established in 2010 and is directed by Petros Moulagiannis sensei 4. Dan Aikikai Hombu and Nickos Klappas 3. Dan Aikikai Hombu.

The school covers two areas of eastern Attica Prefecture, Greece, by operating clubs in the suburb of Pallene (Pallini), [29 Marathonos Avenue, tel: 210 6034080] and in the town of Rafina, [Eleftheriou Venizelou 6 & Cyprion Agoniston, 19009, tel: 22940-24629].

Instructors:

Petros Moulagiannis sensei 4. Dan Aikikai Hombu

Petros Moulagiannis sensei started practicing martial arts in 1989, at the age of 18, beginning with Shotokan Karate. In 1996 he joined the FukuShinKan dojo and HAA and he started training Aikido under the instructions of George Koliopoulos sensei 6. Dan Aikikai Hombu- Founder and Chief Instructor of the FukuShinKan Dojo and HAA. Over the years, Peter Moulagiannis sensei has practiced under Janet Clift sensei and Eamonn Devlin sensei- Leaders of the Aikido of Athens, the House Principals of the United Kingdom Aikikai- Mr. William Smith Shihan MBE (1929-2006), Gordon Jones Shihan, Peter Brady Shihan, the Founder of the Aikido Association International- Shihan Fumio Toyoda (1947-2001), and Shihans such as Seiichi Sugano (1939-2010), Yoshiaki Yokota, Shigeru Sugawara, Yoji Fujimoto, Tomohiro Mori, Yukimitsu Kobayashi.

He has participated in numerous seminars in Greece and abroad such as in Germany and in Norway with Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru and leading Shihans of the Aikikai Hombu, Japan and in Italy with Shihan Hiroshi Tada. He currently holds the rank of 4. Dan Aikikai. In 2010, he established the Tokaido Aikido Dojo, in which he is the Chief Instructor.

Petros Moulagiannis sensei was for many years one of the top assistant instructors at the FukuShinKan Dojo and HAA under the instructions of George Koliopoulos Sensei.

As a result of his research in the field of martial arts, Moulagiannis sensei has developed a strong interest in the art of sword drawing, called Iaido. Since 2004, he practices Iaido and he currently holds the rank of Sandan. He counts many participations and discrimination in European and All-Hellenic Championships.

Nickos Klappas 3. Dan Aikikai Hombu

Mr. Nickos Klappas started training in martial arts in 1984 at the age of 14. He practiced Shotokan Karate under G. Veronis and T. Otake, until 1993 and he holds the rank of 1. Dan. He heard about Aikido during the late 80s and he started practicing in 1998 at the FukuShinKan Dojo, under George Koliopoulos sensei 6. Dan Aikikai, Founder and Chief Instructor of the HAA.

Nickos Klappas has taken part in many seminars in Greece and abroad with Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru, Mr. William Smith Shihan MBE (1929-2006), Gordon Jones, Peter Brady, Keith Hayward, Seiichi Sugano (1939-2010), Shigeru Sugawara, Yukimitsu Kobayashi, Yoji Fujimoto, Tomohiro Mori, Katsuaki Asai, Hatayama, Miyamoto, Kobayashi, Fujita, Rokubota, Inaba, Arai, Christian Tissier, Pascal Guillemin, Bjorn Eirik Olsen, Janet Clift, Eamonn Devlin. He currently holds the rank of 3. Dan Aikikai.

He was holding classes often at the FukuShinKan Dojo and now he is instructor at the Tokaido Aikido Dojo.

Since 2004, Nickos Klappas practices Iaido, holding today the rank of 3. Dan and he has continuous participation in seminars and national championships.

For information and contact visit the official website of the Tokaido Aikido Dojo

Find here Tokaido Aikido Dojo in FACEBOOK

[Source: The Photographs of the article are owned by the Tokaido Aikido Dojo and its instructors. The text of the article is a translation of only one part of the original text found in the official webpage of the Tokaido Aikido Dojo]

Aikikai Hombu Dojo's 2012 Kagami Biraki promotions list

2012-01-11T17:41:00.001+02:00

This is the list of Aikikai Hombu Dojo’s 2012 Kagami Biraki promotions!

http://www.aikikai.or.jp/jpn/info/2012/pdf/h24.pdf

Congratulations to everyone.

[Source: Aikido World Headquarters, Aikikai Foundation]

Kuribayashi Takanori 7. Dan Shihan in Philippines

2012-01-10T22:45:00.003+02:00

Kuribayashi Takanori Shihan 7. Dan Aikikai Hombu is going to visit Philippines and conduct a seminar, invited by the Aikido Philippines, Inc (AikiPhil) on January 28 & 29, 2012. Kuribayashi Sensei is an Instructor of the Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan.

For more information contact: Aikido Philippines

[Source: The photograph of the article is owned by the Aikido Philippines]

Seminar with George Koliopoulos 6. Dan Aikikai Hombu

2012-01-06T22:03:00.003+02:00

The Nishi Machi Aikido Dojo, Peristeri-Athens, Greece and its leader Mr. Spyros Sampsonas are organizing the first seminar for the new year of 2012 with George Koliopoulos Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai. The seminar will be held on January 19, 2012 at 19.00 o’clock.

For more information contact: Nishi Machi Aikido Dojo

Sugawara Tetsutaka Sensei in Greece

2012-01-06T02:30:00.008+02:00

Shihan Sugawara Tetsutaka (Aikido- 7. Dan, Katori Shinto ryu- Kyoshi, Goju ryu Karate-Kyoshi) is going to conduct an Aikido and Katori Shinto-ryu seminar in Greece on March 16-18, 2012, invited by Adam Adamski sensei 5. Dan Aikikai, founder and chief instructor of the Aikido Kobukan Dojo in Athens, Greece.

Sugawara Sensei

Tetsutaka Sugawara was born in Hokkaido in 1941. In 1960, he began Aikido at the Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, under O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido. In 1961, he became uchideshi under O-Sensei at the Ibaraki Dojo.

In 1964, he returned to Tokyo and entered Chuo University. In 1973, he established Minato Research and Publishing Co. (currently Sugawara Martial Arts Institute, Inc.) In 1975, he entered the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu receiving the 'kyoshi' instructor's license in 1986.

In 1992, Sugawara Sensei introduced Aikido to Shanghai Institute of Physical Education, Beijing University of Medical Science. On November 1992, he received Kyoshi-license of Okinawan Goju-ryu Karatedo by Yasuichi Miyagi. In 1993, Sensei introduced Aikido to Wuhan Institute of Physical Education, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medical Science in China. In 1995, he received Aikido 7th Dan by the late Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba. He introduced Aikido to Chengdu Institute of Physical Education in China and he received the Lecturer's License of Shanghai Institute of P.E. He is currently visiting 12 countries teaching Aikido and Katori Shinto Ryu.

For more information about the seminar in Greece, contact: Aikido Kobukan Dojo

For more information about Sugawara Sensei's international activities, visit Sensei's official webpage: Sugawara Budo

[Source: The photographs and part of the text of the article comes from the official webpage of Sugawara Sensei, Sugawara Budo and is reproduced by the Aikicosmos. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Sugawara Sensei for giving me his kind permission to republish his photographs]

Seminar with Vassilis Nykteris 4. Dan Aikikai

2012-01-05T23:19:00.005+02:00

The founder and chief instructor of the Aikido Academy in Greece and leader of the Aikido Academy in Cyprus, Mr. Vassilis Nykteris 4. Dan Aikikai will conduct a seminar on January 29, 2012 in Athens Greece. Mr. Nykteris is a direct student of Christan Tissier Shihan.

The seminar will be held in the new branch dojo of the Aikido Academy in the area of Elliniko.

For more information contact: Aikido Academy

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event owned by the Aikido Academy in Greece]

Philippe Gouttard 6. Dan Aikikai in Turin, Italy

2012-01-04T19:28:00.002+02:00

Philippe Gouttard 6. Dan Aikikai will conduct a seminar in Turin on January 19, 2012, invited by the RenWaKai Piemonte- Dojo Yoake.

Philippe Gouttard Sensei

Philippe Gouttard Sensei started practicing Aikido in 1970. He quickly started practicing under Tamura Nobuyoshi Shihan (1933-2010), Noro Misamichi Sensei and Kobayashi Hirokazu Sensei (1929-1998). He travelled in Germany for seven years in order to study under Asai Katsuaki Sensei. Since 1978, Gouttard Sensei studies under Christian Tissier Sensei, while he was studying under Yamaguchi Seigo Sensei (1924-1996), during his often trips at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Philippe Gouttard Sensei was technical director of the Rhone-Alpes region for 15 years and he now regularly teaches seminars in France and Europe.

For more information contact: Dojo Yoake

[Source: The photograph of the article is owned by Dojo Yoake]

Editorial January 2012

2012-01-03T22:11:00.008+02:00

I would like to start posting in 2012 with something about this blog, since people from different countries visit it and read its posts. In fact the number of Aikicosmos’ audience is greater than I could ever expect in such short time. Aikicosmos is an amateur project, from a person whose expertise is not the media and he is not an Aikido sensei.

One of the reasons that I started this blog on May, 2009 was to “export” further, information about the Aikido activities in Greece. This is the reason why I am writing in English language. There is a very active Aikido community in Greece, even during these times of the deep debt crisis. Aikido stays active in my country and it spreads further due to the sacrifices of the leaders, instructors and students of the different associations.

I am not a journalist or a reporter so I have to find out on my own most of the information concerning the activities of the Greek Aikido dojos and instructors, and I am sure that sometimes I am missing some events. There are also some “political” matters combined with an introverted mentality which makes some people of different associations to read this blog with some suspicion. I can understand that, but it is this mentality which has not let many excellent Greek instructors of Aikido and other martial arts to spread their systems’ teachings abroad. Of course Aikicosmos supports friends and with some of them I used to belong or I never belonged to the same organization. Of course Aikicosmos supports the owner's teachers not out of obligation, but out of respect and gratitude. But also Aikicosmos supports and promotes any Aikido activity in Greece no matter who organizes it. If I am proud about something concerning this blog is that I never allowed any restrictions, nor I was ever forced to do so.

Apart from being a gate of the world Aikido community to enter the small, but continuously developed and very active world of Greek Aikido, this blog shares also events and Aikido activities which happen abroad and the organizers are kind enough to inform me via e-mail or Facebook. Therefore I call it Aikicosmos and not AikiGreece or something similar. I see that people from other countries visit Aikicosmos. In this context, this blog shares the public announcements coming from the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and the International Aikido Federation and encourage the viewers to visit as often they can these official webpages. Aikicosmos never meant to imitate the “Aikido Journal”, “Aikiweb”, “Aikido Online”, “Aikido FAQ” or any other known Aikido webpage nor could ever even approach these professional pages. Anyway, the concept of a blog and especially this one’s is totally different.

Blogging is a rather new phenomenon which sometimes gets out of any moral context, especially concerning copyrights and misinformation. Aikicosmos shares material, always after having received the permission to publish it. Whether or not the source of something demands a written permission, or the owner has sent on his own the material, Aikicosmos gives credits and it always names its sources. This blog is a non profit blog mentally or materialistically. This blog never shares rumors, gossips or misinformation.

This last bring us to the personal opinions that are expressed in Aikicosmos. I never had in my mind that I need a blog to make myself popular- I do not direct a dojo or an organization and I don’t develop any personal Aikido teaching. I never thought that through this blog I could have some promotional benefit- so far, always my sensei announce to me when I am ready to take the next examination. On the other hand, I don’t consider my opinion as something special or influential and I believe that an opinion has to mature and become better grounded which might mean possible slight changes of a mind.

In this context, I have encountered by myself some personal ethical questions during these years. For example do I have the right to change my mind about something, since my any knowledge is developed further? On the other hand, do I have the right to forget? But these questions are personal and there is no need to bother the reader.

Although the reader could ask why I express my view? Who do I think I am anyway to have an opinion and more than that, to express this opinion publicly? If a Shihan could read this blog and some do, he could get an idea how the average non-Japanese Aikido practitioner, who practice seriously Aikido miles away from the art’s source- Hombu- plus attends seminars with different Shihans (some coming from the source) plus trains for years under a historical Aikido figure in his country (and this is George Koliopoulos Sensei) plus reads books and articles, develops a picture about Aikido.

Additionally, I think is these Greek genes that I carry. You see Greek culture since the ancient times promotes a mentality according to which expressing a personal opinion is not a choice, but a duty towards the institutions, aiming to support, keep and perhaps renew these institutions. In ancient Athens one of the greatest penalties was the removal of the capability of expressing an opinion publicly. In other words, in my cultural context, the ideal is to risk to be doubted, by exposing your opinion about something. This means that you seriously care about it and/or you work in order to bring more people close to that, which in our case that is O-Sensei’s Aikido. Of course it’s a matter of personal responsibility and aesthetics the way that you are doing that.

Another reason is that reflecting in a written form about something or analyzing it with words, helps the westerners to approach deep concepts and Aikido is constructed by such. So these personal essays of Aikicosmos are most of the time not an opinion, but an attempt/exercise of the writer to better comprehend life, the art of Aikido, the Japanese culture and not something like “hi, I am somebody you should know with a great idea. Follow me”. What I write is subjective, personal and always follows my life experiences and actual training in dojo. In this sense this blog is a personal Aikido training diary directly associated with the past and the present life of the owner.

From time to time Aikicosmos is very happy to share articles written by Shihans, Sensei-s or Students. Since this blog is personal, the owner has some part of the responsibility, concerning what the author has written.

[Photo: Top-10 countries, concerning the number of views from 2009, May to 2012, January]

In traditional Japanese terms, I know that I am not doing something easily accepted. I am an unknown person with about only fourteen years of training, some good reading of Aikido books and articles, coming from a culture- in some things- opposite than Japanese though, plus I am speaking in public about something which is a property of Ueshiba family. Ok many people do that today and some of them have no any special profile or history -as I don’t have- in order to support their view. Some other persons may have the history and the profile, but they started promoting themselves and/or their teachings according to an exclusively personal taste and vision, away from historical facts, cultural contexts and O-Sensei’s philosophical axis. Once upon the time, such behaviours would be considered as doubting the authority and challenging the carrier of the family tradition. Such situations would be ended only if the challenger was deciding to leave the original school and find a branch school under a different name or with a life-death duel. If Aikido was a sport, a competition could also end the story. Of course we don’t live in those ages and Aikido is a very unique martial art. Aikido employs the traditional methods based on the absolute authority of Doshu within the context of modern democratic society. As a son of the people who invented and developed the idea of Democracy, I find genius, the way that the Aikikai Foundation unites the old and the modern.

This blog exists out of pure love for Aikido and it will continue to be free from the bad connotation which is given to the word “politics” but stable in its lines. I could never imagine that this blog would catch these statistical numbers of viewers in such short chronic period. I would like to thank all of You and ask You to contribute to this blog. I wish You a Happy New Year 2012.

Giorgos Sardelis

January 3, 2012

Andrew M. Sato Sensei in Qatar

2011-12-31T12:30:00.003+02:00

The Musashi Martial Arts Academy & MTM Group invites Andrew M. Sato Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai for first time in Doha Qatar in order to conduct an international Aikido seminar on March 22-24, 2012.

Sato Sensei

Andrew M. Sato Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai is a full time Aikido instructor, chief instructor of the Kiku Matsu Dojo in Chicago, US and founder of the Aikido World Alliance (AWA).

Sato Sensei started training in Aikido in 1977 under Fumio Toyoda Shihan (1947-2001). From 2002 until 2004, Sato sensei served as the Chief Instructor of the AAA & AAI, an Aikido organization founded by Toyoda Shihan in 1984 and affiliated to the Aikido World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo, Tokyo since 1994. In 2005, Sato Sensei founded the Aikido World Alliance (AWA), an organization which follows the methodology developed by Toyoda Shihan and which provides a status through the Aikikai Foundation, World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.

For more information contact: Musashi Martial Arts Academy, Doha, Qatar

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event owned by the Musashi Martial Arts Academy, Doha, Qatar]

The Doomsday of Dec 21st, 2012

2011-12-30T20:58:00.012+02:00

Myths, legends and tales are inseparable parts of martial arts tradition. Myths, legends and tales used to be a way of tradition’s and culture’s transmission through the ages and from man to man, since there were no sophisticated ways to document the history plus their symbolism was educative. We are talking about eras when the sun and the lightning were considered Gods in almost all cultures, but what about today in our daily lives?

[Photo: Poster of the approximately $200,000,000 budget movie “2012” (2009)-Directed by Roland Emmerich, Written by Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser, Starring: John Cusack, Thandie Newton & Chiwetel Ejiofor]

We all know that the 2012 will happen good and bad things in mankind, isn’t it? I know what will drive me crazy this year and this is going to be the atmosphere which will start developing as we will be approaching on December of 2012 and all this deliberate promotion of tales concerning the doomsday of December 21, 2012, which will attempt to turn all of us in eras which remind the scotadistic ages of human history.

No matter whether we believe or not the legendary stories about warriors’ enlightenment process or the way that some traditional martial systems were created, we notice that these legends are talking about the creation of something good which aimed to better human life or fight the evil. There are also some religious books which were interpreted and/or promoted as eschatological, when in fact they are speaking about human and spiritual wars on earth, in this life where the Good prevails. In how much deep depression should one be to be addicted to stories which concern the termination of life and human beauty?

You probably are aware of these stories circling around about the end of the world on December 21, 2012. Nobody asks why or how, since the Maya, Nostradamus and the movie “2012” have predicted it. They do say so and no one seems to wonder. I really admire the receptivity of some people. Someone comes and tells us some story, presenting some evident the way it suits him best and we in times of the immediate access in any source, we are just buying that story. This is how it works in martial arts also. There are some innovative modern mixed arts which are believed as classical or archaic. So let’s take a look to some details about the Mayan and Nostradamus Prophecies.

[Photo: Maya mask from the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City]

The truth is that the Mayas had no any specific prophesy about the 21^st of December, 2012. It is just their Long Count Calendar which ends. In fact this calendar doesn’t end then, but it ends on August 11, 3114 BC, according to the way that they were actually calculating, using their favorite numbers of 13 and 20. But again the mystery of that calendar’s end remains. The answer is simple and very logic. Their calendar ends- no matter when- since their civilization was terminated before they were able to prolong their calendar further as they used to do. Mayas were using different calendars, in fact very short which were prolonged. They had an innovative way to determine the time of their social, agricultural, administrative, financial and religious matters in order to live an organized social life. A calendar assists people to keep their tradition and plan their future. The western Gregorian calendar which we use today does exactly the same thing. And yes each last day of a calendar means the end of the time and an end of time means that a new chronic period begins.

Then, we have the Prophesy of Michel de Nostredame or Nostradamus (1503-1566). Many different versions and interpretations circle the web and the bibliography. Almost all of them are modified assumptions and personal conspiracy theories followed by misinterpretations from the translation of Nostradamus’ book “Les Propheties” which was written in French and appeared in 1555. Think of that time sociologically, politically, religiously etc.

[Photo: The Portrait of Michel de Nostredame (Nostradamus), a French Renaissance Medicine & Astrologer, painted by his son César de Nostredame (1553-1630?) about 1614]

It seems that Nostradamus was half genius and half foxy. He knew what attracted the people of his era (much more educated people are attracted to that tales nowadays when most of the world population spends time in the invisible world of the internet). Nostradamus was collecting ideas from older prophecies, medieval chronicles and ancient historical texts such as The Bible or Plutarch and Richard Roussat. Then he was writing them down in a very genius way full of inspiration and imagination, in fact referring to facts that have happened and will happen again deterministically, since the history is constantly repeated. There is also a theory that Nostradamus was paid in order to spread fear since fear brings control especially in very difficult times, when the human masses united by the common problems are ready to revolt. Some say that these prophecies were later changed several times for political, propagandistic and/or militaristic reasons, even in order to suit a movie script.

So apparently, there are no such prophecies about the ending of the world in 2012. But do you want me to predict some things concerning this legend of the doomsday next December? There are many things which will be announced, reported and heard. Perhaps we will be surprised by some views of people who seem experts. Survival guides will be published. Tips for avoiding and reversing the facts will be uploaded. Special martial arts classes will be organized for the World War III. Sophisticated binoculars will be sold on line for watching the comet or the planet which approaches the earth. Expert Shamans will be foreseeing if you will be among the survivals- Visa accepted. Photographs from secret crypts, built decades or even centuries ago will be released. Maps with the safest places on earth will be published, describing where the water of the great cataclysm will not reach- book now. Swords specifically designed for cutting down the toxic epidermis of aliens will be repaired. Scholars will connect different popular conspiracy theories, giving a definitive end to the puzzle and a nice story to kill your time until the next catchy story . Books and articles will be written. More books will be written, sold in very good prices, like you care to save money if the world ends. Some holy men will suggest new sects for the development of parallel diplomatic relationships with Jesus Christ, Buddha, Mohamed, Zeus etc.. securing a position to Heaven, no matter who the boss is finally.

... Yes, since everybody is talking about, something will happen next December. When the i-phones and i-pads started selling something happened indeed.... and everybody was talking about..

Most of all these things make me laugh. Some make me sceptical about the human nature which readily allows imagination to divert reality, when the reality is not pleasant, instead of acting to better that reality. What makes me angry is that we allow fear and suspicion to replace our love, forgiveness, hope, and action.

[Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_calendar, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nostradamus & http://www.universetoday.com/14094/no-doomsday-in-2012/]

Masatoshi Yasuno Shihan in Luxembourg-Kirchberg

2011-12-30T11:18:00.004+02:00

The Federation Luxembourgeoise des Arts Martiaux (FLAM) is organizing a seminar with Masatoshi Yasuno 7. Dan Shihan Aikikai Hombu, on March 27, 2012.

Yasuno Masatoshi Shihan

Yasuno Shihan was born in 1948. He is one of the high-ranked teachers of the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan, where he holds classes in a regular basis. Yasuno Shihan has been a student of the late Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru (1921-1999), Osawa Kisaburo Shihan (1910-1991) and Yamaguchi Seigo (1924-1996). Yasuno Shihan travels and conducts seminars regularly abroad.

For more information contact: Federation Luxembourgeoise des Arts Martiaux(FLAM)

Few words about the FLAM

The FLAM is a martial arts federation, officially recognized by the Luxembourg Government, the Ministry of Sports and National Olympic Committee. The FLAM/Aikido Aikikai is recognized by the Aikido World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo since 1984 and since 1976 the FLAM/Aikido is a founding member of the International Aikido Federation (IAF). In 1971 the FLAM/Aikido joined the European Federation of Aikido (FEA).

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event, owned by the Federation Luxembourgeoise des Arts Martiaux]

Shihan Christian Tissier in Greece

2011-12-29T19:12:00.002+02:00

Shihan Christian Tissier 7. Dan Aikikai will conduct an Aikido seminar in Athens, Greece on June 2 & 3, 2012. Shihan Tissier is invited every year by his student Mr. Vassilis Nykteris 4. Dan Aikikai. Mr. Nykteris is the founder and the leader of the Aikido Academy in Greece and Cyprus.

Shihan Christian Tissier (born in 1951, in Paris, France) is one of the most known Aikido teachers in the world. He started practicing Aikido in 1962 under Jean-Claude Tavernier and soon after, under Nakazono Mutsuro sensei (1918-1994). In 1969, Tissier sensei was relocated to Japan, where he lived for seven years. In Japan, he trained at the Aikikai Hombu, mainly under The Second Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru (1921-1999), Yamaguchi Seigo Shihan (1924-1996), Saotome Mitsugi Shihan and Osawa Kisaburo Shihan (1919-1991).

In the meanwhile, Shihan Tissier studied Japanese language, Kenjutsu and Kick Boxing, while he was teaching French at the French-Japanese Institute of Tokyo. In 1976, He returned to Paris and he founded the Circle Christian Tissier at Vincennes, from which many instructors have been issued and the majority of the members of the technical council of the F.F.A.A.A (Fédération Française Aïkido, Aïkibudo et Affinitaires) as well.

For more information: Aikido Academy

[Sources: Aikido Academy (Greece), official website of Shihan Christian Tissier, official website of FFAAA.

The photograph of the article is the seminar poster owned by the Aikido Academy in Greece]

George Koliopoulos Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai in Norway

2011-12-28T20:03:00.006+02:00

18 May 2012-20 May, 2012

George Koliopoulos Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai will visit Norway and conduct a seminar invited by Mr. Dimitris Farmakidis in May 2012.

.. about Koliopoulos Sensei

Founder & Chief Instructor of the HAA

Born in 1952, George Koliopoulos Sensei started to practice Aikido in 1974 under Toyoda Fumio Shihan, becoming one of Toyoda Sensei’s original students. During that period Koliopoulos Sensei attended seminars with Tohei Koichi and traveled with Toyoda Sensei, assisting him with seminars and demos. In 1981, he was tested for Shodan and was also awarded Associate Instructor’s Certificate from Ki Aikido Society. In 1987, he found Hellenic Aikido Association (FukuShinKan Dojo) in Athens, Greece. He was appointed Shidoin, member of Teaching and Testing Committee and also Regional Director for East Europe for the Aikido Association International under Fumio Toyoda Shihan.

In 1999, the Hellenic Aikido Association became independent with many affiliated dojos throughout Greece. In 2000, it was accepted as an associate member of the United Kingdom Aikikai under Principal William Smith Sensei and Koliopoulos Sensei became a member of the U.K. Aikikai Teaching and Testing Committee. In 2006, the Hellenic Aikido Association was recognized by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Japan as an official organization in Greece and in 2008, Koliopoulos Sensei was promoted to the rank of Rokudan (6th Dan) Aikikai Hombu, by Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.

Koliopoulos Sensei travels throughout Greece conducting seminars and gradings and he is often invited abroad by different Aikido Associations.

…few words about Farmakidis sensei

Mr. Dimitris Farmakidis is a Greek who was born and raised in Germany.He lives in Norway since 1988. He started practicing Aikido in 1997 and in 2000 he found an Aikido dojo in Hamar. In 2002 he became the main teacher of Aikido-line on Vestoppland Folkehøgskole and in 2007 he started the “Aiki-kids”, an Aikido program at Dojo in Hamar, which now has more than 30 children training in Aikido. He is the leader of Fudoshinkan Hamar and Fudoshinkan Hadeland. He travels every year in Japan for training in Aikikai Hombu and with Suganuma Sensei and Anno Sensei. In addition to inspiration drawn from Japan, he has received personal guidance from his Greek instructor George Koliopoulos Sensei (6. Dan), while his teaching style and Aikido have been influenced by Bjorn Eirik Olsen Sensei (6. Dan), Sensei Frank Ostoff (5. Dan), Sensei Jo R. Giske (4. Dan). Mr. Farmakidis visited recently Greece with 30 Aikido students.

For more information please contact Mr. Dimitris Farmakidis

Takeshi Yamashima Sensei, 7. Dan, in Holland

2011-12-28T19:49:00.003+02:00

17 February 2012-21 February 2012

For the third year running, the CABN (Culturele Aikido Bond Nederland) will host Yamashima Sensei, 7th dan Aikikai, for their lent school in the magnificent island just off the north coast of Holland, Ameland

Aikido students of all levels from all around the world are welcome to participate.

Takeshi Yamashima Sensei

Yamashima Sensei has studied Aikido for over 40 years. He commenced training at Aikido Hombu Dojo in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Yamashima’s main teacher was Seigo Yamaguchi (1924 - 1996). Earlier in his Aikido career he studied with Sadateru Arikawa Sensei (1930-2003) and Mitsugi Saotome Sensei.

Yamashima Sensei travels extensively throughout Pacific area and Europe teaching his relaxed but powerful Aikido. Sensei regularly attends Hombu Dojo’s morning classes with Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba in Tokyo, as well as running two other Dojos in the wider Tokyo area. Sensei is also a licensed Yagyu Shinkage-ryu instructor, and has studied this kenjutsu style for many years.

For more information contact Mr. Lawrence Warry: lawrence.warry@gmail.com, owner of the Our Aikido World Blog

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year

2011-12-24T18:41:00.008+02:00

"Iron is full of impurities that weaken it; through forging, it becomes steel and is transformed into a razor-sharp sword. Human beings develop in the same fashion."~ O-Sensei Ueshiba Morihei, Founder of Aikido

"Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter."~ O-Sensei Ueshiba Morihei, Founder of Aikido

They say that the year 2012 is going to be very challenging for all of us. Perhaps they are right. I would like to send my wishes to all those who walk in the thin line between ego and humanity, life and death; to those who walk that walk sometimes forgotten, few times misunderstood and many times ignored by the uninformed. I would like to send my best wishes to all Aikido and martial arts Teachers and Practitioners. I would like to send my wishes for more inspiration and visions to all leaders. I would like to wish health and nicer dreams to all of us. Happy New 2012.

Giorgos Sardelis

Seminar with Michael Ibers sensei in Greece

2011-12-19T15:37:00.001+02:00

The Aikido of Athens organizes a seminar with Michael Ibers sensei 6. Dan Aikido, 5. Dan Iaido on January 20-22, 2012.

For more information contact: Aikido of Athens

The 1st Aikido Seminar of KouShiKan dojo-Piraeus

2011-12-12T19:36:00.003+02:00

On December 16, 2011 at 18:30 o’ clock the KouShiKan dojo-Piraeus organizes its 1^st seminar with George Koliopoulos sensei 6. Dan Aikikai. For more information contact: aikidobujinkan@gmail.com

George Koliopoulos Sensei 6^th Dan Aikikai Hombu

Founder & Chief Instructor of the HAA

Born in 1955, George Koliopoulos Sensei started to practice Aikido in 1974 under Toyoda Fumio Shihan, becoming one of Toyoda Sensei’s original students. During that period Koliopoulos Sensei attended seminars with Tohei Koichi and traveled with Toyoda Sensei, assisting him with seminars and demos. In 1981, he was tested for Shodan and was also awarded Associate Instructor’s Certificate from Ki Aikido Society. In 1987, he found Hellenic Aikido Association (FukuShinKan Dojo) in Athens, Greece. He was appointed Shidoin, member of Teaching and Testing Committee and also Regional Director for East Europe for the Aikido Association International under Fumio Toyoda Shihan.

Koliopoulos Sensei travels throughout Greece conducting seminars and gradings and he is often invited abroad by different Aikido Associations.

Επίδειξη Aikido-Aikido Demonstration

2011-12-10T14:40:00.007+02:00

Το Tokaido Aikido Dojo σας προσκαλεί το Σάββατο 17 Δεκεμβρίου 2011 και ώρα 20:15, στο Κλειστό Γυμναστήριο Ραφήνας-Πικερμίου, να τιμήσετε με την Παρουσία σας τις Απονομές Ζωνών των αθλητών του Συλλόγου, καθώς επίσης και τις επιδείξεις των Αθλημάτων Τζούντο, Ταε Κβον Ντο, Αϊκίντο και Ιάϊντο.

The Tokaido Aikido Dojo invites you on December 17, 2011 at 20:15 , to the belts awards of the club and the demonstration of Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido and Iaido, at the Sport Center of Rafina-Pikermi.

[Source: Tokaido Aikido Dojo, Pallini & Rafina, Greece]

Impressions from the seminar with Mori Tomohiro Shihan, (2011)

2011-12-09T14:12:00.005+02:00

On December, 2011, Mori Tomohiro Shihan from the Aikido Hombu Dojo, Japan, conducted a wonderful seminar in Thessalonica, Greece, invited by the Hellenic Aikikai Aikido and George Koliopoulos Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai.

My little story is that this year I couldn’t attend the seminar, since I was getting married during the very same weekend and my and my wife’s family tradition is that such ceremonies last about ten days with the preparations, the ceremony and then the following celebrations. So even if I am in the middle of this celebration, I talked with friends who attended the seminar and I decided to write and post this article.

I believe that receiving a teaching coming directly from the Aikido World Headquarters is very important and it’s a great honor for a Sensei, his students and his organization to have this opportunity every year. There is a message carried by the Hombu Shihans around the world. A message sent from Doshu Moriteru, his father The Late Doshu Kisshomaru (1921-1999) and The Founder Morihei (1883-1969). And when you get this message directly from someone who is a member of the source then you are getting, in a way, closer to the source, The Founder and Doshu.

This opinion, which is my view, has been confirmed once more from the impressions of my friends who attended the seminar with Mori Shihan and I repeat them here. Mori Shihan is a very nice person, a gentleman and possesses one of the most excellent levels of knowledge concerning the martial art of Aikido. This is what one of my friends told me. And I am adding that this man is- and this is obvious- a very active member of Aikido’s tradition and development, leaded by Doshu. Training under Mori Shihan makes you feel that you come in contact with Aikido’s past, present and future in real time. Yes, Iwama is the birthplace of Aikido indeed, but Hombu is the place where Aikido grew up, matured and became what is today, even for those Shihans who left and created their own organizations. Their starting point basically was also the Hombu.

In this seminar Mori Shihan was once again in a very good mood and taught in a very joyful, vigorous and yet harmonious way. He shared his knowledge with his movements, his techniques and his advices. The attendees were sincere and really tried to learn what Shihan was teaching. Here I will add my experience that is confirmed by the reports once more. Mori Shihan creates an atmosphere around him. I cannot give a definitive name to this atmosphere yet. It’s a very innocent feeling where nobody whishes to demonstrate any technical or “political” power. You feel that only you, your partner and pure Aikido exist on the world. Plus, as one of my friends noticed, even in a big hall with many attendees training, you can’t miss Mori Tomohiro. His presence is very discreet, but also distinct. Perhaps one of the reasons that you are getting this feeling is that Mori Shihan practices with everybody during the seminar, no matter the number of the attendees. He practices with too much energy, all the time during the classes, with everybody.

It’s my belief- and I am in many ways an eyewitness- that there are many misunderstandings and misinterpretations circling the world Aikido community, concerning Hombu. My friends, who participated in this seminar, confirmed my opinion that Doshu and Shihans work hard at Hombu. What I mean by this? I mean that they work hard not only in order to keep and disseminate the original technical and spiritual axis of Aikido, which gives unity into a multifaceted- by nature, Budo and at the same moment protecting the art from becoming something that The Founder never meant his creation to be. But also they keep this budo within the context of modern society, which always changes, especially nowadays.

In his seminar, Mori Shihan explained and demonstrated- among others- some very simple things and he opened new dimensions for reflection and training. My friends felt once more that Aikido is a magic martial art, since each simple detail of this Budo has a deeper meaning, if the practitioner is serious and ready enough to understand it.

It’s true that if you have a great Shihan, coming directly from the source of Aikido, you have an excellent benefit. You come directly in touch with the past the present and the future of the art, expressed by The Founder, The Late Doshu, The present Doshu and The Future Doshu. This is the reason why I find the connection with Hombu and the name of Ueshiba essential and it’s always a great honor to have Mori Shihan in Greece.

[Source: The photograph of the article is a kind offer by Mr. Makis Potiris. Mr. Potiris is a friend, and an Aikido instructor who out of love for Aikido- even during these difficult times of Greece- he is opening a new Aikido dojo, contributing to the further development of Aikido in our country. Plus, he is a man who even if his profession deals with the real social violence, he chooses to practice and teach The Art of Peace.]

Aikido Seminar with Mori Tomohiro Shihan

2011-11-28T12:23:00.005+02:00

The Hellenic Aikido Aikikai is happy to invite Aikido practitioners from all associations in Greece and abroad to its Autumn International Seminar. This year we are very happy to have with us for a third time Mori Tomohiro Shihan from Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Japan.

For more information please contact:

Giorgos Koliopoulos Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai, HAA Chief instructor: aikidogr@hol.gr

Kostas Matzaras Shidoin 5. Dan Aikikai: info@atrapos.gr

Seminar for Practical Aikido & Street Self Defense

2011-11-28T00:17:00.004+02:00

On December 17 & 18, 2011, Babis Keranis sensei 5. Dan Aikikai and the instructor of Street Self Defense George Roubinis will conduct a seminar for practical Aikido techniques and self defense for men and women.

For information contact: FukuShinKan Dojo

The 70th anniversary of Aikikai Foundation and 80th anniversary of Aikido Hombu Dojo

2011-11-10T23:04:00.003+02:00

The Aikido World Headquarters shared the following information concerning the postponed events of “The 70^th anniversary of Aikikai Foundation” and “The 80^th anniversary of the Aikido Hombu Dojo”.

The events will be held on September 23, 2012 at Keio Plaza Hotel. Further information will be announced around July 2012.

Visit and read the original announcement in the official webpage of the Hombu Dojo, Tokyo.

[Source: Official webpage of the Aikikai Foundation]

Juba Nour Shihan in Athens

2011-11-10T22:41:00.004+02:00

Juba Nour Shihan will conduct a seminar on January 13-15, 2012 invited at the Aikido Dojo at Kolonos (Lenorman 114, Kolonos, Athens Greece)

Juba Nour Shihan

Juba Nour Sensei, Director and Chief Instructor of Aikido of Manhattan, studied the art as an Uchi-deshi of Master K. Chiba, 8th Dan, in 1983. After four years of apprenticeship with Master K. Chiba, Juba Sensei apprenticed in Tokyo, Japan under the guidance of late Master K. Ueshiba.

Juba Sensei currently holds the rank of Shihan and he has been teaching Aikido for more than 20 years. His first school was established in New Haven, Connecticut (Connecticut Aikikai), now run by Mike Sidebottom Sensei, 4th Dan. Juba Sensei has also taught in Europe and in various seminars. Juba Sensei established the Aikido of Manhattan in 1995.

For more information contact: Aikido Dojo at Kolonos

Seminar with Didier Lejard sensei

2011-11-09T19:13:00.004+02:00

Didier Lejard sensei 5. Dan Aikikai will conduct an Aikido seminar on November 18-29, 2011.

Location: Aikido Dojo Heraklion (Levinu 62A, Therissos- Heraklion, Crete, Greece)

Lejard Didier sensei

5th Dan Aikikai Tokyo
5th Dan AFATJ
He started to practice Aikido in Nantes in 1975 under Daniel Jottereau. He continued training under Louis Boileau in Paris, from 1981 to 1989, in Shobudo Dojo led by Master Henry Lee. In 1988-89, he met Gerard Blaize, national director of the AFA, who teaches the Aikido approach of Hikitsuchi Michio Sensei. In 1992, he relocated in Nantes and directs the training of Aikido Nantes Yamabiko no Micho, an association founded under the leadership of Mary Sherrer.

For more information contact:

www.aikido-heraklion.gr,

info@aikido-heraklion.gr

No Ki, No Aikido. No Aikido, No Ki?...and the Aiki way

2011-11-08T18:59:00.001+02:00

Aikido cannot exist without Ki. I think that all Aikido people agree upon this. Ki is one of the basic components of Aikido. The question is: Does Ki exist without Aikido? I mean; is Aikido the only way to develop Ki and is Ki the ultimate goal of Aikido practice? No matter how intellectual, philosophical, subtractive, religious, practical, martial, scientific, or physical our approaches to Ki are, does this mental plus physical endurance develop only through Aikido practice and does Aikido concern only Ki? Can we really argue that a long, deep, correct and sincere training in Kendo, Judo, Karate, Kyudo, Iaido, Toda-ha Buko-ryu, Kashima Shinto-ryu, Wing Chung, Choy Lee Fut, Kali, Escrima, Savate, Krav Maga, Grecoromanian wrestling, MMA etc do not generate an individual unified power which improves the human fighting abilities and polish the individual human inner world?

I have written it before in this blog that many times the ways that we talk about-, think of-, perceive Ki reminds me the ways that human beings approach the Existence of God. No matter the way that we approach the nature of Ki, first we kind have to believe in its existence, even if we don’t have an established theory about it. Soon or later the practice of any martial art or sport leads to the development of a certain unified energy. So, obviously Aikido is not the only way to develop such individual power. Plus that whatever we practice daily, deeply and sincerely in our lives (martial art, painting, music, medicine etc) leads to the development of extra abilities to that particular activity; the question is how these abilities are reflected to the rest of our daily activities and relationships.

Recently, I heard that Aiki-Jo and Aiki-Ken are the practice of Jo and sword techniques with Ki, while Jodo and Iaido are not. I am aware enough that such logics-even teachings- exist in Aikido world and I have to confess that such claims make me feel very uncomfortably, since I know wonderful and strong people who practice other martial arts and sports. Such talks remind me the attempt of different religious movements throughout human history to monopolize and dictate the human access to the divine. Of course there is a great difference between activities which aim to better the human nature through Jo or sword fighting techniques than an activity which aims to develop directly the human nature, but each way finally results in the same thing which has to do with the improvement of individual esoteric and outer human factors. The questions remains; then what?

I don’t know why, but many times, Aikido people deal with Ki as it was found by Ueshiba Morihei O-Sensei himself and that Aikido is the exclusive way (or the ultimate way) to develop it. Of course something which bears intellectual proportions is tightly related with the given cultural and stylistic particularities, so in this sense Japanese Ki is different than Chinese “Chi” and Aristotle’s “endelehia”, as Aikido’s Ki is different than Judo’s or Kendo’s Ki, but the concept of an individual coordinated and unified power which improves human nature and abilities exist everywhere in the world since always. And anyway Aikido is not a unique martial art due to its Ki or the best Ki or the real Ki or because it’s the only art which betters an individual.

So what is unique about Aikido? Certainly it’s not Ki, but what about Aiki? I think that we can have Ki without Aikido since O-Sensei’s martial art is one of the ways to develop Ki, but we can’t have Aiki without Aikido. It’s my belief that Aiki was the exclusive innovation that O-Sensei brought among others, that’s why he remained in the history as the master of Aiki and not the master of Ki. Here there are some questions since Aiki as a practical martial concept existed before Ueshiba O-Sensei. Ueshiba Morihei renewed that concept to the level that he changed all the pre-existed meaning, practice and purpose of it.

The question that Ueshiba Morihei answered with his creation is not jus how to develop individual Ki or how to develop the individual ultimate power or how to improve the human nature. I think his creation was more complex since his Aikido was about the development of individual Ki (which is not unique in Aikido anyway) with the parallel handling of this Ki. In other words “ok with one or another way each one of us develops his Ki and himself, then what? What we are going to do with them? What all together are going to do with them in order to improve world, instead of just try killing or competing each other?” I think that for the Founder of Aikido was equally important the correlation of different Ki with the individual Ki development itself. He found the “Aiki way” to develop and apply Ki.

Ki and self development can be a very lonely and in a way isolated process. This may improve individual human nature but also it may build excessive egoism and thus human being is useless -perhaps harmful- for the group, the world and the universe. On the other hand, Aiki needs at least two persons, that’s why Aikido practice needs at least two partners and no boxing bags, dummies or other training equipment. O-Sensei was practicing on his own, developing his Ki and self by repeating and experimenting with techniques from different methodologies, but his “real” Aiki-do was with other people. Some of his solo exercises (spiritual and physical)-transformed in pure Aiki- were included in his creation basically in what we call “Aikido preparatory exercises” with one and only scope; to serve the central training which was the Aiki-techniques between nage and uke. On the other hand, many elements of his solo (and partner-kata) practice were brought to partners’ based, non-kata techniques. Think of it; the essence of a solo (martial and spiritual) exercise transformed to a partner non-kata, non-competing exercise for parallel and mutual, total development.

“Ai” means harmony and there is some difficulty concerning the way that different-and often conflicting- things may harmonize in real world. In fact many times in reality we tune and/or merge different things by homogenizing, changing, controlling, forcing and manipulating them, baptizing these activities harmonization; which are not. More or less the kata-based Aiki before O-Sensei had such “non-peaceful and non-liberal” meaning. By the way, it’s strongly questioned if harmony can exist at all outside from the esoteric world or if what we think as harmony really exists. Morihei gave an apt and practical answer that harmony exists and it is not an action of forcing, manipulating, and homogenizing plus it cannot be practiced individually through solo and/or partner kata, or through competition.

Until O-Sensei’s era, the people of martial arts were trying to develop Ki by creating the classical model of Budo which is composed of Kata (pre-arranged forms), competition and spiritual exercises. Additionally Aiki was a practical –and sometimes secret- “trick” in order one to prevail, plus an extension of individual Ki development. O-Sensei came and changed these things by breaking down kata, not accepting competitions and turning the spirituality to an exclusively personal quest. “Of course, being weak is a bad thing, but this is not the entire story”- Ueshiba Morihei. O-Sensei couldn’t or shouldn’t (because everything is a part of universe) cease evil or an aggression, but he could cease the conflict. In his Aikido, attack and defense exist in primary forms, but what it doesn’t exist is the conflict, which in a way defines and determines attack and defense. So if there is not conflict real attack and defense do not exist. O-Sensei’s atemi (which composes the 99% of Aikido according to his own words) was the placing of body/mind in space and time in such way that an attack couldn’t be completed (remaining just as an attempt) and so defense (and the best defense is to counter-attack first) was not necessary. I think this is mostly obvious in his late demonstrations. Notice how lost his uke appear when they are attempting to attack him and they fall “willingly” in order to deal with the definitive opening that O-Sensei had created to them mentally and physically. Atemi (roughly translated as “strike”) among other martial elements was performed in a purified and Aiki way.

I think that the point in Ueshiba Morihei’s creation that makes Aikido unique was not just to develop the individual human Ki but what are humans going to do with that Ki. This was succeeded with the “Aiki way” of Ki development which is achieved through human non-kata, non-competitive, direct interaction and practice. In other words in Aikido we develop our Ki on parallel and through a process of dealing with- and applying- our Ki according to somebody else’s Ki. Thus the individual Ki development is bonded and dependent with -“imprisoned” within- the group Ki development. Ueshiba Morihei unified the already existed model of individual Ki development with the collective Ki development. So obviously, the story about Aikido doesn’t end simply with the individual Ki (self) development and Ki (self) development is not the entire story about Aikido practice.

Summing up, I think that O-Sensei gave to real harmonization (not mere merging, manipulation etc) practical techniques. For achieving so, the already existed model of budo for human development should be turned to something which tightly associates the individual development with the group development. Thus in Aikido we need partners in order to develop ourselves and our individual development leads to our partners’ development.

A I K I D O & J O D O Seminar

2011-11-05T09:48:00.002+02:00

An Aikido & Iaido seminar will be conducted by Konstantinos Matzaras sensei on December 16-18, 2011, at Rafina dojo, Greece.

Konstadinos Matzaras sensei (Aikido- 5. Dan Aikikai, Iaido 4. Dan, Kendo & Jodo 3. Dan, Judo 1. Dan). is a student of George Koliopoulos Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai. He is the leader of Yudokan Dojo in Thessalonica, Greece and many affiliated dojos, mainly in North Greece. He is one of the leading figures of the Hellenic Aikido Association.

For more information contact: Α. Γ. Σ. ΠΡΩΤΕΑΣ ΡΑΦΗΝΑΣ

(Location: Evoikou 37, Rafína, Greece)

Seminar with Guillemin Pascal 5th dan Aikikai

2011-09-20T12:46:00.001+03:00

Guillemin Pascal sensei 5. Dan Aikikai is going to conduct a seminar on November 5 & 6, 2011 in Athens, Greece, invited by Aikido Academy and Vassilis Nykteris sensei.

Guillemin Pascal 5. Dan Aikikai

Pascal Guillemin discovered aikido in 1987 at the age of 15, and has practiced intensely for some 12 years with renowned Christian Tissier. He followed Tissier across Europe as his ushi deshi then assistant, and received his 5th Dan at 33 years old. During that time, Pascal enriched his practice by studying Thai boxing at the famous Siam Boxing school for three years, as well as Brazilian jujutsu for two years.

Pascal Guillemin has taught at the Cercle Tissier since he was 19, and regularly runs workshops in France and abroad. He also teaches aikido to long-term inmates in prison, an environment where aikido plays an important role, both physically and psychologically

In addition, his personal research into the reasoning behind this discipline and the way it functions allows him to lead seminars for businesses (stress management, emotion control, etc.).

Finally, he completes his experience as an aikidoka by way of the cinema, choreographing fight scenes, training actors and sometimes appearing in films himself (The Last Samurai, Babylon A.D. ...)

For more information contact Aikido Academy

[Source: The text is taken from the official webpage of Guillemin Pascal sensei. The photograph of the article is the official poster of the seminar, owned by Aikido Academy and Vassilis Nykteris sensei]

Seminar with Minegishi Mutsuko Sensei in Greece

2011-09-17T13:08:00.003+03:00

Mutsuko Minegishi Sensei 7. Dan Aikikai is going to conduct a seminar in Athens, Greece on October 28, 29 and 30, 2011. The seminar is organized by Christos Koutelieris sensei, founder and chief instructor of the Inochikan dojo with Martial Arts Club.

Minegishi Mutsuko Sensei

Minegishi Mutsuko sensei, born in 1940 in Tokyo, is the highest among the female Aikido instructors. She registered at the Aikikai Foundation in 1972 and she trained under The Second Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru, Tohei Koichi and all the highest ranking instructors at Aikikai Hombu. Minegishi sensei contributes in Aikido spread in overseas, since 1974 by teaching and establishing dojo and organizations in many places around the world.

Ms. Minegishi taught Aikido in the U.S. for many years and in the Republic of Kiribati in the Central Pacific for six and a half years. In 1999, while she was the Chief Instructor of the Saipan Aikikai and the Advisor of Korean Aikikai, she established the Guam Aikikai, making it her base for her international Aikido activities. She is the Honorary President of the Aikido Federation of South Africa, the Technical Advisor of the Monaco Aikikai and Croatia Aikikai Federation. Her international Aikido activities include often travels in many countries. Sensei is particularly interested in teaching Aikido to children.

For more information contact Inochikan dojo

[Source: The photograph of the article is owned by Minegishi Mutsuko Sensei and Guam Aikikai]

Seminars with George Koliopoulos 6. Dan Aikikai

2011-09-16T19:27:00.007+03:00

George Koliopoulos Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai

Founder & Chief Instructor of the Hellenic Aikido Association

September 22, 2011

Aikido Westside dojo, Peristeri, Greece

For more information contact Mr. Spyros Sampsonas (glorfindel_gr@yahoo.gr)

September 23, 2011

Rafina dojo, Rafina, Greece (ευβοϊκού 37, Ραφήνα)

For more information contact Mr. Nikos Tolias (tolias_nikos@yahoo.gr)

From my Bookcase

2011-09-11T12:49:00.003+03:00

“The Aikido Master Course: Best Aikido 2”

By Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru

Published by Kodansha USA; 2nd edition (October 24, 2003)

ISBN-10: 477002763X

ISBN-13: 978-4770027634

About the Author

Moriteru Ueshiba was born in 1951, the grandson of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, and son of the late Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the second Doshu. He graduated from Meiji Gakuin University in 1976, became master of the Aikido World Headquarters in 1986, and in 1996 was named chairman of the Aikikai Foundation. In 1999 he became Aikido Doshu after his father's death and the permanent chairman of the International Aikido Federation in the same year. He holds several important posts related to the martial arts and is a trustee of the Nippon Budokan, the "hall of martial arts" located in central Tokyo.

The Book

Aikido techniques stem from a harmony of body movement and "breath power" (kokyu-ryoku). Since its founding by Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido has become one of the most renowned martial arts in the world, teaching its practitioners the way of harmony as a spiritual path. With its rapid development in the postwar period, Aikido is now practiced by over a million-and-a-half people worldwide, of all ages and backgrounds. The two direct successors to the Founder have therefore compiled official course books to establish guidelines for the proper practice of the martial art.

Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the Founder, together with his late father, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, coauthored the widely acclaimed BEST AIKIDO: THE FUNDAMENTALS, a comprehensive training aid for Aikido students from beginner to advanced. In THE AIKIDO MASTER COURSE: BEST AIKIDO 2, Moriteru continues the legacy of his predecessors, providing the essential second volume authorized by the Aikikai Foundation, the central organization set up by his grandfather Morihei Ueshiba.

In this volume, Moriteru shows probably more techniques and their diverse applications than any previous Aikido textbook. Based on a thorough understanding of the principles taught in THE FUNDAMENTALS, the basic techniques are given a broader application against a variety of armed and unarmed attacks and against more than one attacker. Many different kinds of pins are also illustrated in both their omote and ura forms, thus facilitating the study of Aikido techniques in a wide-ranging and varied manner.

THE AIKIDO MASTER COURSE builds on the principles of entering (irimi) and turning (tenkan) combined with "breath power" taught in the first volume, providing the practitioner with step-by-step instructions that will enrich knowledge acquired in the dojo. Illustrated with over 1,100 photographs of the author demonstrating each technique, this will be an indispensable guide for students of Aikido who wish to deepen their knowledge of the techniques, which, in the words of the Founder himself, have "unlimited application."

[Source: Publication by Aikikai Foundation]

Summer activities of Hombu

2011-09-08T11:43:00.003+03:00

[Read the original article by visiting the Aikikai Foundation’s official webpage. View the original post with all photographs and comments here]

The 33^rd Children’s Aikido Training Meet was held at the Nippon Budokan on July 18, 2011. In spite of the difficult situation in Japan due to the big Earthquake disaster occurred on March 11, many groups from all over Japan took part in. Four groups came from the heart of the disaster of the east side of the country. Doshu’s speech encouraged all the students to practice vigorously for all those students that could not attend the training meeting, because of the disaster.

On July 25 until August 3, 2011, the Mid-Summer Training (Shochu-Keiko) was held at Hombu Dojo. Every year Hombu organizes a ten-day training from the last Monday of July until the first Wednesday of August, which is the most hottest season in Japan. The practitioners, who accomplish to practice for 10 whole days, receive a diploma and a Tenugui (a special traditional Japanese towel) with the autograph of Doshu on it. This year, more that 120 attendees completed the whole Shochu-Keiko period.

The 10^th Japan High School Aikido Demonstration was held on August 5, 2011, at the Tokyo Budokan. Many High school students participated from many different schools of Japan.

[Source: Aikikai Foundation]

Seminar with Shihan Sugawara Tetsutaka

2011-08-30T22:44:00.003+03:00

Shihan Sugawara Tetsutaka (Aikido- 7. Dan, Katori Shinto ryu- Kyoshi, Goju ryu Karate- Kyoshi) is going to conduct an international Aikido seminar in Thessalonica, Greece on September 16-18, 2011, invited by Konstadinos Matzaras (Aikido- 5. Dan Aikikai, Iaido 4. Dan, Kendo & Jodo 3. Dan, Judo 1. Dan).

Shihan Sugawara Tetsutaka was born in 1941, in Hokkaido, Japan and he became a student of the Founder of Aikido, O-Sensei Ueshiba Morihei, in 1960. He became an uchi deshi in 1961 at the Ibaraki Dojo. In 1964, he entered Chuo University in Tokyo and in 1986; he received the Kyoshi license of the traditional martial art Katori Shinto-ryu.

Sugawara Tetsutaka Sensei studied Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate under Miyagi Yasuichi Sensei, Higaonna Morio Sensei and Kato Tomoyuki Sensei, receiving a full teaching license in Goju-ryu Karate. Additionally, Shihan has studied Taijiquan and other Chinese martial schools under the instructions of Masters Lujian Xing and Xing Yanlin.

Shihan Sugawara Tetsutaka was promoted to 7^th Dan in Aikido by the late Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru in 1995.

For more information contact: info@atrapos.gr

Konstadinos Matzaras sensei is a student of George Koliopoulos Sensei 6. Dan Aikikai. He is the leader of Yudokan Dojo in Thessalonica, Greece and many affiliated dojos, mainly in North Greece. He is one of the leading figures of the Hellenic Aikido Association.

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the seminar owned by Konstadinos Matzaras sensei and Yudokan Dojo, Thessalonica, Greece]

International Seminar with Peter Brady Shihan in Mytilene, Greece

2011-07-11T17:36:00.003+03:00

Mr. Peter Brady Shihan (6. Dan So Hombu, 3. Dan Iaido) is going to conduct an international seminar in Mytilene, Greece, on July 29-31, 2011, invited by Jimmy Georgiadis sensei 4. Dan Aikikai, Shidoin, founder and Dojocho of the ZenShinKan Dojo, Mytilene, Lesvos.

Mr. Peter Brady Shihan (6. Dan So Hombu, 3. Dan Iaido) started to practice Aikido in 1969. He is a House Principal of the United Kingdom Aikikai and he holds the position of Senior Coach and Children’s Coach within the British Aikido Board. He is the chief instructor of the Myo Shin Juku Aikido House of Aikido and the affiliated clubs. He has a strong interest in the weapon side of Aikido and also in the art of Iaido. Mr. Brady is the author of the book “Aikido- Develop Mind & body with Graceful & Powerful Defense Techniques” (Lorenz Books, 2006) and he has contributes to the book “The Practical Encyclopedia of Martial Arts” by Fay Goodman (also published by Lorenz Books)

For more information please contact Jimmy Georgiadis sensei: jimmyawol@yahoo.com

49th All-Japan Aikido Demonstration

2011-06-24T14:03:00.002+03:00

On May 28, 2011, the 49^th All-Japan Aikido Demonstration was held at the Nippon Budokan, Tokyo. The all-Japan Aikido Demonstration is one of the biggest annual events for the Aikido world. Every year, many people from Japan and overseas attend it.

Despite of the difficult social circumstances in Japan due to the Earthquake and Tsunami, the 49^th All-Japan Aikido Demonstration, 2011 was successful. The number of the attendees was almost the same as the previous years.

Doshu expressed its sincere condolence and sympathy to those who suffered from the Higashi-Nihon Earthquake.

Read the article, the speech of Doshu and impressions and view photographs in the official website of the Aikikai Foundation.

[Sources: Official website of Aikikai Foundation.

The photograph of the article is owned by Mr. Lawrence Warry. I would like to thank Mr. Warry, the owner of our Aikido World blog who attended the 49 All Japan Aikido Demonstration and gave me his kind permission to use his photograph.]

Seminar with George Koliopoulos 6. Dan Aikikai Hombu

2011-06-18T10:01:00.005+03:00

George Koliopoulos 6. Dan Aikikai, founder and chief instructor of the Hellenic Aikido Association is going to hold a seminar in Farsala, Greece, invited by his student, founder and chief instructor of Farsala Aikido Dojo, Mr. Serafeim Giotopoulos. The seminar will take place at the Culture Center of City of Farsala, Greece on June 25 & 26, 2011.

My good friend and Aikido instructor, Mr. Serafeim Giotopoulos started to spread the art of O-Sensei in this area of Greece some years ago, under the guidance of Koliopoulos sensei. The activities of Farsala Aikido Dojo are many, organizing seminars and participating in the seminars of the Hellenic Aikido Association. Mr. Giotopoulos and the members of Farsala Aikido Dojo are known to provide a great hospitality to their quests.

Schedule

Saturday, June 25, 2011: 17.30-21.00 (Aikido seminar)

Sunday, June 26, 2011: 10.30-13.00 (Aikido seminar) & 13.00-14.00 (Kyu Grading)

[Source: The photograph of the article is the official poster of the event owned by the Farsala Aikido Dojo]

Aikikai’s great donation for Higashi-Nihon Earthquake

2011-06-14T13:57:00.003+03:00

The Aikikai Foundation (Aikido World Headquarters), Tokyo as the parent Aikido organization led a world donation campaign for the victims of Higashi-Nihon Earthquake, in Japan. Individuals, Dojos and Organizations supported Hombu Dojo.

The Aikido World Headquarters expresses its sincere appreciation for this great support and cooperation for the donations (Gienkin) from all around the word.

From March 24 until May 31, the amount of 13,503,129 yen was collected. On May 28, 2011, during the 49^th All-Japan Aikido Demonstration, 866,867 yen were collected (they are included in the above, total amount).

All donations were consigned to the Japanese Red Cross on June 7, 2011 and the receipt will be issued by the Japanese Red Cross in several months.

Read the original announcement of the Aikikai Foundation

[Source: Official webpage of the Aikikai Foundation, Tokyo]

Note: Under the circumstances of this great debt crisis of Greece, many Greek Aikido practitioners, Greek martial artists and simple Greek citizens have supported the victims of Higashi-Nihon Earthquake in any way each one could.

Impressions from a seminar with Bjorn Eirik Olsen 6.Dan Aikikai

2011-06-13T11:02:00.005+03:00

One of the things that I like most about our Aikido organization in Greece is that the Hellenic Aikido Association all these years has invited some of the most interesting Aikido personas of the Aikido world, such as Toyoda Fumio (1947-2001), Sugano Seiichi (1939-2010), Kobayashi Yukimitsu, Sugawara Shigeru, Mori Tomohiro, William Smith (1929-2006), Gordon Jones, Peter Brady, Philip Smith, Bjorn Eirik Olsen and many other teachers who- I sincerely apologize that- I cannot remember this moment.

[Photo: Bjorn Eirik Olsen sensei 6. Dan Aikikai & George Koliopoulos sensei 6. Dan Aikikai]

So many Aikido practitioners and instructors all these years, from all around Greece and overseas have met and trained under such extremely interesting Shihan. And of course, the reader knows what it means for an Aikido enthusiast to be able to come in direct contact with many different teachers who not only know to teach Aikido in a high level, but also know the cultural context of Aikido. Thanks to our sensei, George Koliopoulos 6. Dan Aikikai, his students receive- additionally with his teaching- all these years a spherical and multidimensional approach to O-Sensei’s teaching.

One of these teachers and one of the most interesting persons and teachers of the European Aikido is Bjorn Eirik Olsen sensei 6. Dan Aikikai. Mr. Olsen is very interesting for many reasons. He has lived, studied, worked and trained in Japan. He has trained at the Hombu and in other places, under great Japanese teachers and direct students of O-Sensei, such as the late Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru (1921-1999), Osawa Kisaburo (1919-1991), Yamaguchi Seigo (1924-1996), Tada Hiroshi, Arikawa Sadateru (1930-2003), Saito Morihiro (1928-2002), Tanaka Bansen (1912-1988), Abe Seiseki (1915-2011), Suganuma Morito and many others. He has trained in Europe under other great Shihans such as Fujita Masatake and Kanetsuka Minoru. He has trained in a very old and traditional school of Japanese swordsmanship, called Kashima Shin-ryu under Inaba Minoru sensei and he has studied different yoga schools and chi-kung. I guess that one of his greatest moments in Japan was when he accompanied Doshu Kisshomaru and Osawa sensei demonstrating in front of the Norwegian Prince and Princess at Hombu, in 1988.

Mr. Olsen is one of the few Europeans who know Japan and the Japanese language so well and it is always educative for the Aikido enthusiasts to be taught Aikido from people who actually know the natural environment of Aikido, since this way the nature of Aikido and its progression can be easier understood. After all, Aikido is not only about some techniques. Olsen sensei is also a leading figure of the Norwegian Aikido Federation, which is a member of the International Aikido Federation and founder and chief instructor of the Tenshinkan dojo in Oslo, which means that he knows how to transfer the Japanese cultural context to the westerners. He has received the Japanese order "The Order of The Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon" and he has written several research reports about Japan, Asian markets, business culture etc. Mr. Olsen’s work, as a leader of the ICF Future AS, actually concerns the development of forms of organization and ways of thinking which combine the knowledge from western and Asian culture

This was the third time that Olsen sensei came in Greece from Norway and conducted a seminar at the headquarters of the Hellenic Aikido Association. Our sensei, George Koliopoulos is also invited in Norway often. The seminar started on May 26, with the Aikido instructor and Dojocho Dimitris Farmakidis teaching very interesting things, inspired by his experience with his teachers in Europe and in Japan. Some of his students followed him from Norway and it was very nice to meet again and train with these very nice people.

The main seminar started on May 28, 2011 with Bjorn Eirik Olsen sensei. Olsen sensei is an extremely nice person and a real gentleman. His Aikido is gentle and at the same moment it is very dynamic. It would be impossible to speak about all the things that Olsen sensei taught and spoke about, so I will try to remember some of them.

Olsen sensei gave as a great parallelism of the Aikido techniques and the art of Japanese calligraphy. He has been taught calligraphy from Abe sensei who passed away recently. Abe was a calligraphy master, a direct Aikido student of O-Sensei and actually he was teaching calligraphy to O-Sensei. Olsen sensei explained us how we change our extended energy during the technique as it is done in Japanese calligraphy.

Then he gave us a short but very clear lecture and demonstration of the three symbols of Aikido- the triangle, the square and the circle- and how these, united, are applied in Aikido. These three symbols were a part of O-Sensei’s teaching. Then Olsen sensei gave us the basic techniques and then he was taking us further by teaching advanced applications of these basics. His English is excellent and his verbal explanations were unbelievably precise. Even those attendants that didn’t know English could catch the point only by watching him.

He taught us basic techniques and tai-sabaki from Ushiro Eridori (collar held from behind) and Munadori (lapel held). He gave us explanations for the timing, the movement, and the position. Through these a pure Aikido atemi (strike) was demonstrated. This was not a strike coming from a different martial discipline under some non-Aiki philosophy. His atemi was generated naturally as a part of the Aikido technique and principles.

Olsen sensei receives the energy of the attacker from the very first moment and you can feel this as uke and perhaps if you have developed a certain level in Aikido. Then, his energy, his angles and his movement neutralize the attack from the very first contact, making the attacker incapable to actually execute his attack. In other words, he was ending the attack from the very first moment. He was creating an opening (suki) to uke and then he was leading him. As his uke, I had that feeling that this man has million ways to end my existence, but his “aura” was making me trust him and that I won’t be hurt. His techniques are precise and dynamic, but they are not painful. Olsen sensei- the way that I understood it- doesn’t manipulate his partner though pain and/or fear of pain, but he is leading him mentally, energetically and somatically.

I would like also to mention his breathing techniques and the set of warming up. Perhaps, they were the most simple and easy to be understood sets, but if they were applied correct the body and the mind were becoming really ready for the training. Then, he taught us about the flowing energy of Aikido technique and then the viewer could realize that Aikido has infiltrated this man. His teaching was about the Aikido technique, but you didn’t need much imagination to understand that these things can be applied in daily life, no matter how each one of us defines his daily life.

I guess that the reader is aware of how many difficulties the daily life of Greek people has nowadays, especially concerning financial matters due to the Greek debt crisis. Olsen sensei knew it very well. He talked to us about the human perception and one of the things that he said and I shall never forget is that the human ego is incapable to contain anything, therefore it is always hungry for more, but no matter how much we feed it, it can never be satisfied.

It’s always a very special experience to meet and train under Bjorn Eirik Olsen sensei. I hope- and I am not the only one- to meet him again soon.

[Sources: I would like to thank my friends Serafeim Giotopoulos, founder and chief instructor of Aikido Farsala, Greece and Dimitris Farmakidis founder and chief instructor of three Aikido dojos in Norway for giving me their kind permission to use their photographs]

Meeting of Aikido dojo representatives in Greece

2011-06-08T12:13:00.002+03:00

On May 29, 2011 a meeting was held between representatives of Aikido dojos in Greece and the chairman of the Federation of Jiu-Jitsu, Ελληνικής Φιλάθλου Ερασιτεχνικής Ομοσπονδίας Ζίου – Ζίτσου, Mr. Anastasios Poulikidis, concerning the perspective of Aikido in Greece to become a part of this federation.

As Mr. Vassilis Nykteris 4. Dan Aikikai, Aikido Academy-Circle Tissier, writes in his open invitation, in that first meeting were discussed issues concerning the relationship of Greek Aikido with the Greek State, the official recognition of the Aikido instructors from the Greek State, the possible ways of operating of a such federation, the protection of Aikido and the obligations of the different Aikido associations.

Mr. Nykteris writes in his letter that this perspective has no any personal character or benefit and it concerns the future of all Aikido dojos in Greece, despite the line that each dojo follows.

An open invitation for all Aikido dojo representatives from Greece was set for May 19, 2011 at 11:00 o’clock.

Kawahara Yukio Shihan passes

2011-06-04T10:25:00.002+03:00

Kawahara Yukio 8. Dan Shihan Aikikai was an official representative of the Aikido World Headquarters in Canada. He was the Technical Director of the Canadian Aikido Federation and the British Columbia Aikido Federation.

Kawahara Yukio Shihan was born in 1940 and he started practicing Aikido in 1950’s under Tanaka Bansen, in Osaka. Kawahara Shihan taught Aikido for a period in Taiwan and in 1975, he relocated to Montreal, Canada. In 1977, he moved to the West Coast. Kawahara Yukio Shihan passed away in Victoria in the evening of Thursday, June 2, 2011.

[Sources: Aikiweb, Aikido Journal, Canadian Aikido Federation, British Columbia Aikido Federation]

The Aikikai Foundation expresses its appreciation

2011-06-02T11:20:00.002+03:00

The Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo expresses its sincere appreciation to the attendees and other relevant groups for their support and cooperation for the 49^th All-Japan Aikido Demonstration and the cooperation with the Higashi-Nihon Earthquake donations.

The 49 All-Japan Aikido Demonstration on May 28, 2011 was successful in spite of the difficult social conditions in Japan due to the recent big Earthquake and tsunami. Aikido training continues in Japan even under such difficult times.

All the collected donations will be consigned to the Japanese Red Cross.

Read the original announcement of the Aikikai Foundation

[Source: Official website of Aikikai Foundation, Tokyo]

11th IAF Congress in 2012, in Tokyo

2011-06-01T12:27:00.007+03:00

The next Congress of the International Aikido Federation is planned to take place on September 17-24, 2012 in the Olympic Memorial Youth Center, Yoyogi, Tokyo.

Members of the International Aikido Federation’s Directing Committee asked whether the decision of the previous Congress in Tanabe in 2008, should not be changed because of the problems that the recent earthquake and devastating tsunami created in Japan. The Directing Committee was considering the possibilities to ask from Doshu and from the All-Japan Aikido Federation to hold the Congress in another part of Japan or to postpone the Congress or to hold the Congress outside from Japan.

The situation in Fukushima is serious, but Fukushima has some distance from Tokyo and the radiation levels in Tokyo are not in dangerous levels for the human health. It’s also likely that until the time that the 11^th Congress will be held, the situation in Fukushima will be stabilized.

The Chairman of the International Aikido Federation, Professor Peter Goldsbury attended the 49^th All-Japan Aikido Demonstration which was held on May 28, 2011 in Tokyo. The 49th All-Japan Aikido Demonstration was successful and, despite the earthquake and tsunami, Aikido training in Japan, in Tokyo and in Tohoku is continuing.

The Chairman of the International Aikido Federation, Mr. Peter Goldsbury announces in his article that he will communicate directly with the members of the International Aikido Federation after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) publishes its report about the Fukushima power plant at the end of June. According to the present circumstances the 11th IAF Congress will be held as it has been planned.

[Source: Read the original announcement of the International Aikido Federation and the IAF Chairman, Mr. Peter Goldsbury, published on June 1, 2011 by visiting the official website of the International Aikido Federation]

Tour & training in Japan (Films)

2011-05-25T11:26:00.011+03:00

These two films are from the tour and training in Japan of my good friend Dimitri Farmakidis sensei and his students from the Aikido-line of Vestoppland Folkehøyskole, from Norway, in 2010.

In Japan, Dimitri Farmakidis sensei and his students met and trained under Anno Motomichi Shihan 8. Dan Aikikai, Suganuma Morito Shihan 8. Dan Aikikai, Okamoto Yoko sensei 6. Dan and Takemura Hideki sensei 6. Dan Aikikai.

Dimitri Farmakidis sensei will teach in Greece at the FukuShinKan Dojo, during the seminar with Bjorn Eirik Olsen sensei 6. Dan Aikikai, on May 26, 27, 28 & 29, 2011, organized by the Hellenic Aikido Association and George Koliopoulos sensei 6. Dan Aikikai.

You may also find these films here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99OGDEauGv8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba5Y1cdh7Sw&feature=related

[Sources: These two films are published by Aikicosmos with the kind permission of Mr. Dimitri Farmakidis]

International Aikido Seminar with Bjorn Eirik Olsen 6th Dan Aikikai

2011-05-23T17:09:00.008+03:00

Athens, Greece

Hellenic Aikido Association, FukuShinkan Dojo- 3rd Septemvriou 144

Program:

Thursday, 26 May & Friday 27 May: 18.30-21.00 Dimitris Farmakidis sensei

Saturday, 28 May & Sunday 29 May: 11.00-14.30 Bjorn Eirik Olsen sensei

Organization: George Koliopoulos sensei 6th Dan Aikikai, Hellenic Aikido Association

The Hellenic Aikido Association is happy to invite Aikido practitioners from all associations in Greece and abroad to its international seminar. Practitioners of other martial arts are also welcomed. For more information please contact the Hellenic Aikido Association: www.hellenicaikido.gr

Bjørn Eirik Olse n 6th Dan Aikikai
Leader of the Norwegian Aikido Federation Technical committee
Founder of Tenshinkan Dojo

Born in 1955, Olsen sensei started to practice Aikido in 1977, when the first Aikido dojo was founded in Tromsø. In 1978, he studied under Kanetsuka Minoru sensei in England and in 1980, he found the TSI-Aikido in the Tromsø University. In 1981 Olsen sensei, led the instructions in Tromsø Aikido club and during that year he received his first dan by Fujita Masatake sensei. He lived in Japan from 1981 until 1984, training under the second Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru and other leading teachers at Hombu, Abe Seiseki sensei and Tanaka Banzen sensei in Osaka, Suganuma Morito sensei in Fukoka.

In 1989 he found the Tenshinkan Dojo in Oslo and contributed in the development of Aikido in Norway. He spent several travels, every year to Japan and Hombu. In 1991 he came back to live and work in Japan. He continued his training at Hombu and he trained in Kashima Shin-ryu Kenjutsu with Inaba Minoru sensei (director of the Meiji Jingu Shiseikan in Tokyo). Olsen sensei held the position of Chairman for the Norwegian Aikido Federation since its founding in 1985 until 1991. He has studied Hatha and Kriya Yoga and Chi Kung

[Sources: Read more about B. E. Olsen sensei]

Aikikai Hombu: Anniversary of O-Sensei’s passing & Aiki Jinja Festival

2011-05-20T12:26:00.003+03:00

Shinobu-kai

On April 26, 2011 the Annual Memorial service for The Founder of Aikido, O-Sensei Ueshiba Morihei (1883-1969) and The Second Doshu, Ueshiba Kisshomaru (1921-1999) was held at the Aikikai Hombu (Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan).

The Founder died on April 26, 1969, at the age of eighty-six. His lifework, the art of Aikido, spread all around the world and O-Sensei received many honors during his life and posthumously.

Following O-Sensei’s passing, his son, Ueshiba Kisshomaru was appointed Second Aikido Doshu. The Second Doshu continued the development of Aikido and the promotion of O-Sensei’s teaching in Japan and overseas.

After his father’s death in 1999, Ueshiba Moriteru (b. 1951) became The Third Aikido Doshu.

Every year, the commemoration meeting takes place at the third floor of Hombu in the main dojo, which is prepared for the ceremony. During the commemoration meeting (Shinobu-kai), Doshu gives a speech and then archive films featuring O-Sensei and Ueshiba Kisshomaru are projected on a big screen. After the projection there is a social gathering.

This year the customary reception after the projection was cancelled due to the Higashi-Nihon Earthquake. The ceremony started with keeping a silent pray for one minute for the victims of the Earthquake.

Read the article, the speech of Doshu, the impressions and view the photographs by visiting the official webpage of the Aikido World Headquarters, Aikikai Foundation.

Aiki Shrine Tsukinami-Sai

This year, due to the great Higashi-Nihon Earthquake, the annual Aiki Shrine Festival in Iwama was cancelled. But in place, on April 29, 2011, the Aiki Shrine monthly ceremony (Aiki Jinja Tsukinami-Sai) was held in Iwama.

The Ibaraki-Shibu Dojo (Ibaraki Branch Dojo) in Iwama was damaged by the Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011 and still cannot be used.

Read the article, the speech of Doshu and view the photographs by visiting the official webpage of the Aikido World Headquarters, Aikikai Foundation.

[Sources: Official website of the Aikikai Hombu, Tokyo]

Tohei Koichi Sensei passes

2011-05-19T17:33:00.004+03:00

Tohei Koichi Sensei passed away this morning.

Tohei Sensei was born in 1920, in Shitaya, Tokyo. He started practicing Judo at the age of 9 years old and at the age of 14; he earned his black belt in Judo. At the age of 16, he entered the Keio University. He studied at the Ichikukai dojo Zen under Ota Josei, president of the Daitokuji Temple and Misogi under Ogura Tetsuju, one of the leading disciples of the famous master Tesshu Yamaoka and from his successor, Hino Tesso.

[Photograph: Tohei Koichi Sensei]

At the age of 19 years old, Tohei Koichi Sensei started practicing Aikido under The Founder, O-Sensei Ueshiba Morihei. After the WWII he also became a student of Nakamura Tempu, who was teaching Unification of Mind and Body at Gokokuji Temple in Tokyo.

Tohei Sensei served as Head of the Teaching Staff at the Aikikai Headquarters until 1974 and he made his first trip in Hawaii in 1953, in order to introduce Aikido in the United States of America. In 1970, he was awarded 10. dan by the Aikikai Hombu.

[Photograph: Tohei Koichi Sensei and George Koliopoulos sensei in Chicago, US]

In 1974, Tohei Sensei resigned from the Aikikai in order to concentrate further on his personal teaching, concerning the development of Ki. Since 1971, Tohei Koichi had founded the Ki no Kenkyukai. On May 1, 1974, Tohei Sensei established the Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, known also as Ki Aikido and in 1978 he established the exercises of Ki movement through series of techniques with a partner, called Tsuzuki waza. Tohei Koichi has established the Olympic-style Taigi competition, using the Tsuzuki arts. On April 1980, he established the school for Kiatsu Therapy.

Tohei Sensei passed away this morning at 09:14 at the age of 91 years old.

[Sources: The photographs of the article are owned by my sensei George Koliopoulos 6. dan Aikikai Hombu, Founder and Chief Instructor of the Hellenic Aikido Association]

Abe Seiseki Sensei passed away

2011-05-19T15:03:00.004+03:00

Abe Seiseki Sensei passed away on May 18, 2011. Abe Sensei was born in 1915. He was a retired high school teacher, a master in calligraphy (Shodo) and an Aikido great teacher. He had also studied Misogi under Futaki Kenzo (1873-1966) who was the man who advised Abe Sensei to start practicing Aikido.

[Photograph: Seiseki Abe Sensei. As it was explained to me by Neil Segal sensei, who took this photograph, in the background of the photograph there is O-Sensei Ueshiba’s calligraphic work "Aiki Okami" also read "Aiki Taishin", meaning "The Great Spirit of Aiki" ]

Abe Sensei was a direct student of O-Sensei Ueshiba Morihei. In fact, Abe Sensei had a unique relationship with O-Sensei. One was the teacher of the other. Ueshiba Morihei regularly was visiting Abe’s home, in Osaka and there he was teaching him Aikido, while Abe Seiseki Sensei was teaching The Founder of Aikido calligraphy at the dojo that Abe had built for O-Sensei next to his house.

After O-Sensei’s death, in 1969, Abe Sensei kept on teaching Aikido and Shodo to many students from all around the world. He was an active member of Nitten, perhaps the most important art organization in Japan. Abe Sensei is the author of the stone carving “Aiki Jinja”, at the Aiki Shrine, in Iwama.

[Photograph: Seiseki Abe Sensei's stone curving at the Aiki Jinja, in Iwama]

[Source: The photograph of Abe Seiseki Sensei is owned by the Dojo-Cho of the Aikijuku Dojo, and Abe Sensei’s student, Neil Segal sensei. Neil Segal sensei took this photograph of Abe Sensei, at the Amenotakemusu Juku Aikido Dojo (Abe Sensei's dojo in Suita Japan). Segal Sensei was very polite to explain me that in the background of the photograph there is O-Sensei Ueshiba’s calligraphic work "Aiki Okami" also read "Aiki Taishin", meaning "The Great Spirit of Aiki". I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Neil Segal sensei for all the explanations and for kindly permitting me to use this photograph. For more about Abe Sensei and his teaching, please visit the official website of the Aikijuku Dojo.

The photograph of Abe Sensei’s stone carving in Aiki Shrine is a part of a photograph owned by my friend, Mr. Grigoris Miliaresis, who has given me his kind permission to use it]

Shihan Christian Tissier in Greece

2011-05-18T13:41:00.008+03:00

Shihan Christian Tissier 7. Dan Aikikai will conduct an Aikido seminar in Athens, Greece on May 21 & 22, 2011. Shihan Tissier is invited every year by his student Mr. Vassilis Nykteris 4. Dan Aikikai. Mr. Nykteris is the founder and the leader of the Aikido Academy in Greece and Cyprus.

Seminar

Date: 21-22 May, 2011

Location: New stadium of Ag. Dimitrios, Eleftheroton 25 & Chatzivasiliou

Schedule:

Saturday (May 21): 11:00- 13:00 & 15:00- 17:00, Sunday (May 22): 11:00-13:00

For more information: Aikido Academy

[Sources: Aikido Academy (Greece), official website of Shihan Christian Tissier, official website of FFAAA.

The photograph of the article is the seminar poster owned by the Aikido Academy in Greece]

Steven Seagal: Aikido & Acting

2011-05-16T13:23:00.008+03:00

I am among the Aikido practitioners who actually heard about Steven Seagal, while they had already started practicing Aikido. Yes, we do exist as well. Actually, you couldn’t call me a fan of martial arts film industry and these ‘karate” movies didn’t play any role, concerning my initial involvement in fighting sports and Budo. Personally, I had other reasons. Of course, when I heard that there is someone who actually shoots films with Aikido, I watched few of Seagal’s films and I have watched some parts of his latest reality show “Lawman”.

[Photo: Seminar with Steven Seagal in Bulgaria on September, 2004]

Some people, especially young ones, have started practicing Aikido, because of Seagal’s films. Some people stay in Aikido, because of Seagal’s productions. And some people argue that the way that he presents Aikido popularizes an inaccurate image of the art of harmony. I guess that the problem with Steven Seagal is that some people mix up the movie hero with the real Aikido teacher, and I tend to believe that this is something that Seagal wanted to happen.

Of course, Steven Seagal is a celebrity of the Hollywood star system, where some eccentricity always exists. Therefore, there are some rumors, gossips, myths and stories about him and his personal life, which I wouldn’t like to repeat. Still, some of his statements have been strongly questioned, but they have attracted attention which is what the game of the star system demands. Initially his career on film industry was based on his Aikido teaching career, but during the process, it seems, that the roles were reversed. Now, the majority of the public actually speaks, basically, about his Aikido within the context of acting and film productions and not about a Shihan, definitively devoted to Aikido, who actively trains, teaches and promotes Aikido- perhaps by making some movies too.

Seagal started to work on his debut film, “Above the Law” in 1987, directed by Andrew Davis. His meeting with the former Aikido enthusiast and talent agent, Michael S. Ovitz, played an instrumental role. Ovitz co-founded the Creative Artists Agency in 1975 and served as its chairman until 1995 and also he was the president of the Walt Disney Company from 1995 until 1997. Since 1988, Steven Seagal has acted in 40 films, 1 reality TV show and he has released two music albums. He has also marketed an energy drink, the “Lightning Bolt”, and the homeopathic “Diamond Lotus Oil”.

Since 90ies, there was a general declination of the popularity of this genre of films, such as the “Above the Law”, but during its era, “Above the Law”, was actually what the fans of the martial arts film industry wanted. The martial arts films are not popular anymore, at least in that 70ies and 80ies classical form. The taste has changed and films mainly based on featuring training scenes, minimal plot and fight sequences are not so liked by the public. The new generation of fans asks for more sophisticated scenarios, expensive productions, complex shootings etc. The simple story of the good policeman- the tough guy- that stands alone, goes around and avenges, it seems that it has been surpassed.

Steven Frederic Seagal, known in Japan as Take Shigemichi sensei, was born on April, 1952 in Lansing, Michigan. Apart from a 7th dan Aikido teacher and a film actor, writer and producer, Steven Seagal is a singer and a guitarist and he has released already two music works. He is a reverse deputy Sheriff, in which he bases his latest reality show “Lawman”. And he is an environmentalist, an activist, and a supporter of the 14^th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan independence movement. He has also studied Omoto and he is a Buddhist. Steven Seagal supports financially projects about needy children, AIDS, the protection of the environment and animal rights.

He started training Shito ryu Karate, as a child under the famous teacher, Demura Fumio and apart from Aikido he has studied other martial arts. During the late 60ies, he started training in Aikido at the Orange Country Aikikai in California, under Ishisaka Harry sensei (1929-1978). He received his Shodan (1t Dan) by Tohei Koichi Sensei in 1974 and shortly after he followed his Japanese future wife, Fujitani Miyako in Japan. In Japan, they got married (they divorced in mid80ies) and he became the head of her family’s dojo in Osaka. Steven Seagal is considered the first non-Japanese to operate an Aikido dojo in Japan, the Tenshin Aikido Dojo.

Ishisaka Harry sensei (1929-1978) established the Orange Country Aikikai in 1964, with the encouragement of Tohei Koichi Sensei, who was then the chief instructor of the Aikikai Hombu. Ishisaka sensei had a particular interesting to teach Aikido to “at-risk” teenagers of the community. Tohei Sensei introduced Aikido to the U.S. in early 50ies, but in 1974 he resigned from the Aikikai Foundation and found his own organization, the Ki no Kenkyukai. Steven Seagal as a head of the Tenshin Aikido Dojo, even though he was taught by Tohei Sensei, decided not to join Ki no Kenkyukai and remained affiliated to the Aikikai Hombu.

In Japan, Seagal studied Aikido under Abe Seiseki a well known Shihan, who was O-Sensei’s teacher of calligraphy, Isoyama Hiroshi who is known for his dynamic Aikido applications, Osawa Kisaburo (1910-1991) who was the director of the Aikikai Hombu until 1986, and of course The Second Aikikai Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru (1921-1999). When Seagal left Japan, he initially opened a dojo in Taos, New Mexico with his student and later a film stuntman, Craig Dunn. After another period in Japan, Seagal returned to the U.S. in 1983. Then, he opened a dojo with his senior student Matsuoka Haruo in Burbank and later moved to the city of West Hollywood. Many celebrities have trained under Seagal, but in 1997, Seagal and Matsuoka followed different ways.

[Photo: Steven Seagal Shihan 7^th Dan Aikikai and Haralabos Keranis sensei 5^th Dan Aikikai, in a seminar in Bulgaria, 2004]

In Los Angeles, the Tenshin Bugei Gakuen dojo was founded by Steven Seagal in 1983. Matsuoka Haruo, who has practiced with Seagal at the Tenshin Aikido Dojo in Osaka, was the chief instructor until 1997. Today this dojo is operated by other students of Seagal. Matsuoka sensei was one of his senior students for more than twenty years. In 1997, Matsuoka furthered his Aikido studies, by returning to Japan to teach and study under Abe Seiseki. In 1999, he came back to Los Angeles in order to continue teaching Aikido. He is the chief instructor of Doshinokai Dojo, Ikazuchi Dojo and the Aikido program of the University of California at Irvine.

In Osaka, the Tenshin Aikido Dojo was founded by Fujitani Yuriko (mother in law to Steven Seagal), in 1974. Seagal’s first wife, Fujitani Miyako Shihan 7th Dan Aikikai Hombu is now the head of the Tenshin Aikido Dojo. She is one of the few persons in the world that actually received her first dan by O-Sensei Ueshiba Morihei himself. Steven Seagal and Fujitani Shihan have a son, Kentaro who is an Aikido and Itou ryu Kenjitsu instructor and a daughter, Fujitani Ayako, who is a writer and actress. Kentaro Take-Seagal established the Tenshin club in Los Angeles (US), in 2007 and the Tenshin Dojo, Torrance (US), in 2009.

Steven Seagal has got re-married to the actress of the “Days of our Lives” Adrienne La Russa and the actress/model Kelly LeBrock (“The Woman in Red”, “Hard to Kill” etc). Currently, he is married to the professional dancer Erdenetuya Batsukh, known as Elle. He has two daughters and one son from LeBrock, one daughter from Arissa Wolf and one son from Elle.

He has stated his view, concerning Aikido and the way that he presents the art of Ueshiba Morihei. His fighting scenes in his movies are rather different from that of other on-screen martial artists. Unlike martial artists-actors such as Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chakie Chun, Jet Li, Cynthia Rothrock, Mark Dacascos, Kathy Long and others who had/have a striking-based martial arts background, Steven Seagal’s preferred scenes focus on throws and joint locks in response against attacks. In his films, his fighting choreographies are constructed around using an “opponent’s” inertia and body weight in order to employ various projections, immobilizations and neutralizations that incapacitate the scenario-aggressor. In this sense, his films are unique in the martial arts film industry.

[Photo: Promotional poster of Steven Seagal’s film, “Above the Law”, 1988,Warner Bros.]

His fighting scenes are not based only on striking (punching and kicking) choreographies. Yet, when he demonstrates strikes, their choreographies are constructed around to the idea of “cutting” and not “smashing”. The fighting sequences and time are very short. Seagal’s “street-fighting” scenes are not based on competitions’ logic (standing, blocking and counter-attacking for some minutes) which is preferred by the majority of the martial arts films. The necessary fighting time for a martial arts film, in Seagal’s case, is full filled by series of short fights with each one of multiple aggressors.

The Aikido which is demonstrated in his films is somehow linear, irimi-based, with an extensive use of atemi (strikes) and some influence of other martial arts can be seen. This way of Aikido’s presentation has been praised as a realistic one, since there are many Aikido people who prefer a dynamic Aikido routine. The same presentation has been criticized for some of its extremely rough applications, even though we are talking about film making, since Aikido might be misunderstood by the uninformed and those who actually perceive a film story as a reality. Speaking of his films choreographies, I must mention that many people are impressed by the stunts of his scenes’ partners, who take an excellent ukemi (falls) for him.

Concerning Aikido, many of the Aikido people around the world get too emotional with Steven Seagal and various comments are too “personal”. Some people adore him and some others dislike him. Yet, if he didn’t focus on making such popular movies, his contribution to Aikido would be a completely different story. Now he is considered by many people more as a known action films actor than an active Aikido instructor. But still, Steven Seagal possesses his own- very special- place in Aikido world and his contribution to Aikido merits to be mentioned.

[Sources: Official websites of Steven Seagal, Tenshin Bugei Gakuen, Tenshin Aikido Dojo, Orange Country Aiki kai, Doshinokai, The Encyclopedia of Aikido by Stanley Pranin (Aikido Journal) and Wikipedia.

The photographs of the article do not belong to me.

The first photographs belong to Mr. Haralabos Keranis sensei 5^th Dan Aikikai Hombu, President of the Hellenic Aikido Association, from a seminar with Steven Seagal in Bulgaria, on September, 2004. Keranis sensei has given me his kind permission to use his photographs.

The third photograph is the promotional poster of film/VHS/DVD “Above the Law” (Warner Bros. 1988)]

The postponement of Hombu Dojo 80th anniversary and Aikikai foundation 70th anniversary

2011-05-16T11:36:00.003+03:00

[ For the original announcement click here]

It is announced by the official website of the Aikikai Foundation, Tokyo
that due to the Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake, the Hombu Dojo's 80th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of the Aikikai Foundation are postponed.

Read the original article in the official website of Aikikai Hombu

[Source: Official website of Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Tokyo]

Tenshō embassy

2011-05-10T18:54:00.002+03:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Tenshō embassy (Japanese: 天正の使節, named after the Tenshō Era in which the embassy took place) was an embassy sent by the Japanese Christian Lord Ōtomo Sōrin to the Pope and the kings of Europe in 1582. The embassy was led by Mancio Itō (伊東マンショ Itō Mansho, 1570–1612), a Japanese nobleman, who was the first official Japanese emissary to Europe.

[photo: The Japanese embassy with Pope Gregory XIII on March 23, 1585]

The idea of sending a Japanese embassy to Europe was originally conceived by the Jesuit Alessandro Valignano, and sponsored by the three Kirishitan daimyos Ōmura Sumitada (1532–1587), Ōtomo Sōrin (1530–1587) and Arima Harunobu (1567–1612). Mancio Itō was chosen to act as a spokesman for the group dispatched by Ōtomo Sōrin, who was daimyō of the Bungo Province on Kyūshū and a close relative of Mancio's father; Shurinosuke Itō. On the 20th February 1582, Mancio Itō left Nagasaki in company with three other noblemen:

Miguel Chijiwa (千々石ミゲル Chijiwa Migeru)

Julião Nakaura (中浦ジュリアン Nakaura Jurian)

Martinho Hara (原マルチノ Hara Maruchino)

They were accompanied by two servants, their tutor and interpreter Diego de Mesquita, and their mentor Valignano, who only accompanied them as far as Goa in India, where he was to take up new responsibilities. On their way to Lisbon, at which they arrived in August 1584, they spent nine months visiting Macau, Kochi and Goa. From Lisbon, the ambassadors went on to Rome, which was the main goal of their journey. In Rome, Mancio Itō became an honorary citizen and taken into the ranks of European nobility with the title Cavaliere di Speron d’oro ("Knight of the Golden Spur"). During their stay in Europe, they met with King Philip II of Spain, Francesco I de' Medici; Grand Duke of Tuscany, Pope Gregory XIII and his successor Pope Sixtus V.

The ambassadors arrived back in Japan on 21 July 1590. On their eight year long voyage they had been instructed to take notes. These notes provided the basis for the De Missione Legatorum Iaponensium ad Romanam Curiam ("The Mission of the Japanese Legates to the Roman Curia"), a Macau-based writing by Jesuit Duarte de Sande published in 1590.

The four were subsequently ordained as the first ever Japanese Jesuit fathers by Alessandro Valignano.

Mancio Itō died in Nagasaki on November 13, 1612.

Martinho Hara was banished from Japan by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1614, and acted in Macau. He died in Macau on October 23, 1629.

Miguel Chijiwa seceded Society of Jesus before 1601, and died in Nagasaki on January 23, 1633. The reason of his secession is uncertain.

Julião Nakaura was caught by the Tokugawa Shogunate, and died a martyr by torture in Nagasaki on November 21, 1633. He was beatified on November 24, 2008.

[Source: Visit Wikipedia to read the original article]

From my Bookcase

2011-05-08T14:20:00.003+03:00

“Aikido: Develop Mind & Body with Graceful & Powerful Defense Techniques”

by Peter Brady Shihan

Photography by Mike James

Published by Lorenz Books, Anness Publishing (UK), 2006

ISBN: 9780754815921

ISBN-10: 0754815927

About the author.

Every year Peter Brady Shihan conducts seminars in Greece (Check the column with the seminars)

The book

This beautifully presented and accessible book is a fully illustrated guide to the history, philosophy and practice of this extraordinary art. Using over 500 specially commissioned color photographs, together with comprehensive text from one of the most respected teachers working today, this is a perfect guide for anyone beginning Aikido, or for experienced practitioners who want to go further.

The book begins by outlining the traditions, etiquette, principles and objectives of Aikido, then discusses how it sharpens the mind and the body, and explains the preparation, breathing techniques and warm-up exercises. The core of the book is a clearly photographed step-by-step guide to the basic postures, falls and movements of Aikido, all demonstrated by expert teachers. Advanced features include guidance on handling and using weapons, kicking techniques and some self-defense applications.

With advice on choosing a dojo (teaching school) and a wealth of useful contacts, “Aikido” is a definitive manual on learning these powerful, yet graceful exercises.

The author dedicates this work to Mr William Smith MBE (1929-2006).

Contents

Introduction

Aikido in Context: Historical Background, The

Development of Aikido, Traditions and Etiquette, Principles and Philosophy, Ki and Kokyu, Clothing and Equipment.

Preparatory Movements: Breathing, Warm-ups and Stretches, Basic Movements, Ukemi.

Aikido Techniques: Striking Methods, Rear-attack Techniques, Applying the Techniques.

Weapons and Advanced Training: Handling and Using Weapons, Kicking Techniques, Aikido and Self-defense, Self-defense and Techniques, Advanced Throws.

Styles of Aikido

Finding a Club

Useful Contacts

…And Justice for All: Hierarchy & Regulations

2011-05-06T13:08:00.003+03:00

I don’t know what’s harder; to develop a wise set of regulations or to apply the existed regulations in a wise way? A basic component of wisdom is justice. Some person sets regulations, according to relative parameters such as the current circumstances, his personal view, morality, policies, preexisted regulations etc. Each one who enters the system, he is doing it by being aware of these regulations. The leader, who has set the regulations, is there to ensure that these rules are applied equally to everybody. If the leader changes the rules, according to the circumstances and to intrapersonal relationships which serve his personal benefit, then he allows everybody to question his leadership and doubt him. By doing so, the leader may find supporters, but for sure he will also crate rebels.

And you know, it’s different when people doubt a system of regulations than to doubt the leader himself. Until now, people, around the world, doubted political ideas and ideologies, but nowadays- I mean the last decades- people started to doubt their political leaders, no matter the ideology which they were representing. Human history has shown that the philosophy of a system is opposed ideologically, while the leaders as persons are opposed with rebellions, which are rarely peaceful.

What do I mean by saying that a leader should apply (his) regulations with wisdom? A wise leader sets the regulations above everybody, including himself. If he creates a pyramid-like hierarchical structure where he is above everybody and everything, when one part splits, then the position of leader is loosing its balance and soon or later the leader will fall, along with the construction. The wise leader creates a hierarchical structure which has the scheme of a sphere. He comes in the center, so even if one part breaks, he is not falling and the system stands. Since he becomes the nucleus of the sphere, the only possibility for the system (the sphere) to fall apart, is if the nucleus explodes. Having the leader in the center, all the members feel their leader closer, as one of them and yet as their heart which he gives life to everything. They respect him and they are inspired by him. Of course the hierarchical structure exists, since some layers of the sphere are closer to the nucleus. The nucleus (the leader) is surrounded by the center (the leading members) and the sphere is composed of different layers.

The leader should be the ultimate example of loyalty and commitment; therefore he becomes the guardian of the system. The wise leaders create a system where they do not put themselves above or lower than anyone, since they symbolize the system. In fact, a leader should be considered as the system itself. This is the reason that Doshu has no dan ranking in Aikido. He is Aikido. I mean, what Aikido dan would someone give to Aikido itself and who would be able to do so? Some persons think that Doshu is the only 10^th dan. Well, I disagree. Doshu symbolizes Aikido itself and Aikido is impossible to possess Aikido ranks.

A wise leader becomes the system itself, because he doesn’t put himself above or lower than anybody or anything (regulations included). He is not a dictator who stands at the top of a pyramid and decides and acts at will. By the way it’s easy to replace the top of a pyramid, since the roots, the base and the construction may stand. On the other hand if you try to replace the nucleus of a sphere, then you must first destroy the sphere. So even, if there must be an exception from the regulations, the wise leader has already set regulations, concerning the exceptions. If he has to change or update the regulations, he is doing it again according to specific regulations about changing or updating the existed regulations that he has set. This is satisfying the common feeling of justice and justice is a basic component of wisdom and politics.

In Greek language, “polis” means city, “politis” means citizen and “politics” means the system that keeps an order and harmony among citizens, by ensuring respect. “Politics” may also mean the harmonious way of social behaviour of each citizen and the harmonious coexistence between different states. Well, I am just talking about the original meaning of the term. In fact, the bad connotation of “politics” today is not about “politics”. Politics without justice is not real politics.

You know, I am not differentiating the vertical from the horizontal (or their combinations) patterns of leadership. Even though, the Aikikai has been constructed according to a classical Japanese vertical- hierarchical- pattern, called Iemoto system (“house-origin”), in fact in my eyes it looks more as a sphere than a pyramid. Doshu is Aikido; Hombu is the center of Aikido, Aikikai is the “mother organization”, even for the organizations that are not affiliated to Aikikai and around Hombu there is a layer of the organizations which are officially affiliated to Hombu. In the periphery of them, there are indirectly affiliated organizations and dojo and in the outer layer there are the completely independent organizations. This is the organizational construction of the entire world Aikido community and this is not based only on what somebody teaches. It rather depends on the type of the official organizational and teaching relationship with O-Sensei and Doshu. The organizational pattern of Aikikai, the way that I see it, is based on regulations and hierarchy; and not only on hierarchy and intrapersonal teaching relationships.

I don’t know if you have read the regulations of Aikikai. Aikikai Hombu’s regulations, concerning the official recognition of an organization actually ask from these organizations to become hierarchical spheres (with board and committees around the representative) and not pyramids. Aikikai recognizes hierarchy in relation with organizations. No matter the rank of a representative, if his organization ceases to exist or the representative splits from his organization, he is not longer authorized to promote people, while Aikikai has specific regulations in order to exam how the organization will keep on being affiliated to Hombu. Does this mean that the Aikikai recognizes the hierarchy only within the context of a system of regulations (organization)? I think yes and this way Hombu promotes harmony plus ensures the affiliation of each member of each organization to the origins of Aikido, O-Sensei, Doshu and Hombu. Receiving dan certificates directly by Hombu and Doshu himself is the physical incarnation of this philosophical and organizational connection.

Doshu is not only the nucleus of the center. He symbolizes the entire Aikido technically, philosophically and politically. So, he is also the regulations of Aikido. Doshu is there to ensure and guard Aikido, technically, philosophically and politically. So, the opinion that Doshu is above the law is not accurate. He symbolizes everything, so he never acts in a way that he would doubt himself.

It’s my belief that the wise laws and the regulations are like “bombs”. They mean to destroy themselves as soon as they meet their target. And their target is to educate. Since they educate, they have no reason to keep on existing. If we know why it’s not good for us and for the society to steal and we don’t steal, we need no laws and regulations against stealing. Of course if an official person steals and permits to some people to steal, while he prohibits and punishes stealing by the rest of the people, then we talk about corruption. Corruption is when the persons put themselves above the rules (break the laws), no matter whether they have set these rules themselves or not. Corruption means lack of justice and a corrupted leader most probably will try to corrupt the system and a number of members. In fact a corrupted leader needs as many corrupted members as it is possible, since then the rights that are provided by the regulations are ceased and the leader is capable to manipulate his followers in order to have personal benefits. You know, manipulation is easier than real leading, therefore the weak and unstable leaders manipulate, while the strong inspire only with their actions. They use to call corruption politics or business, but it’s not; it’s corruption, since there is no justice. Yet, a corrupted leader will betray everybody soon or later and then the corrupted members will seek for justice. Do they deserve it?

Everybody deserves justice, even if he has been corrupted. The moral question is; should we break the rules in order to restore justice, concerning somebody who has put himself above the regulations and broken them? Should we kill the killer, even if the law prohibits killing? Revenge is often confused with moral rules, but in fact revenge is trying to restore justice with injustice. In fact this way we also become corrupted with a good excuse. I think that we can never restore justice by injustice. We should never betray the betrayers and we should never cheat on cheaters. I think that this is the heart of Aikido’s teaching. Concerning corrupted leaders we must take under consideration not to risk the future of the system and so the future of the rest of the members. Whether we like it or not, justice means to preserve the existed regulations. We may change the regulations, but we should never break them.

Justice must be a basic component of hierarchy and regulations, since hierarchy and regulations are basic components of honour and freedom. All of them, they set the “ma-ai” and the unity. In other words, we are not the same, but we are equal. Justice, as long as it is blind, is the key and the leaders, as long as they have not a “blind” perception are to be remembered for ever.

[Source: Photograph of Themis, Chuo University, Japan. Themis (Greek: Θέμις) is an ancient Greek Titan. She is described as "of good counsel", and is the embodiment of divine order, law, and custom. Themis means "divine law" rather than human ordinance, literally "that which is put in place", from the verb τίθημι, títhēmi, "to put". To the ancient Greeks she was originally the organizer of the "communal affairs of humans, particularly assemblies"- Wikipedia]

Teaching Beyond the Form- Film by Dimitri Farmakidis sensei

2011-05-05T22:54:00.007+03:00

The purpose of this "film" is to honor the teaching beyond the "Form", and to guard the values and wisdom that are roots of the Art of Aikido

Composition, Editing & Filming: Runar Brekkhus
(some material borrowed from previous students)
Idea, Concept: Dimitris Farmakidis sensei
Text: Dimitris Farmakidis sensei & Lisa Hunt
Students: Carlos, Mikael, Jonas, Camilla, Nils E., Lisa & Erik

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U00GwM-Sy4U&feature=share