Ian and I are attending the California Aikido Association friendship training this weekend. Today’s session was a meeting of Division 2 dojos. Division 2 is led by Frank Doran Shihan.
Doran Shihan and Danielle Smith Sensei taught. Doran Shihan emphasized the concept that aikido does not really have tenkan (turning) techniques. Rather, the tenkan techniques are really irimi-tenkan (entering-turning). If you simply turn out of the way of an attack, chances are that you will still be in a dangerous position. However, you can move yourself to a save position by entering and then turning.
Danielle Smith Sensei emphasized moving from center and included a fascinating exploration of the 8-directions kata (happo giri) to teach how to take balance.
It was a great time and we learned a lot.
Tomorrow, we will be at Aikido of San Jose training with all 3 divisions of the CAA.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.