Your KI is the KEY
2nd Floor, Brgy Valenzuela, Multi-Purpose Bldg. II, 1695 Baler St., Valenzuela, Makati City, Philippines 1208
Makatiaikikai.com is now online.
Lucio R. Alejo Jr. | Jun |
Regidor H. Ofrin | Reggie |
Call: 632 890-2571 loc.220
Office (FROM 8-5PM)
The Makati Aikikai Dojo conducts its training of beginners and blackbelts alike based on the principles laid out by its founder Ueshiba Morihei Osensei as taught to us by Fujimaki Hiroshi Shihan. Aikido in this dojo is taught in the mainstream style of the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan.
Aikido is not an intellectual process. It is a form of physical and mental training carried out in an atmosphere of traditional Japanese formality and discipline leavened with goodwill and sweat. There are no competitions; matches are viewed as philosophically incompatible with the nature of "aiki" (blending of energy).
Generally, Aikido emphasizes throwing(Nage waza) and pinning(Katame waza) techniques, often using some form of joint locking. Partners (aite) usually practice from standing(Tachi-waza), half-kneeling(Hanmi-handachi) and sitting(Suwari-waza) positions and great emphasis is placed on posture and grace of movement centered on the lower abdomen.
The instructor, called sensei, briefly demonstrates a technique for the class. The trainees then pair off to practice together in a spirit of mutual cooperation and respect. Aite(partners) alternate between being the person applying the technique, called nage, and the one who "receives" the throw or pin, uke. In this way they continue to perform invigorating physical exercise, yet in a manner that can be tuned to the level, age, and attainment of each individual. Throughout, each person is expected to be performing "internal" training as well.
Aikido Etiquette
Please be punctual. Enter the dojo (the building where we practise) and be on the tatami (mat surface) at least five minutes before the class starts and meditate until the sensei (instructor) arrives. When you come earlier, do warm-up exercises and practise by yourself or with other students. If you happen to be late, wait just off the mat until acknowledged by the instructor. Step onto the mat and perform a kneeling bow to O-Sensei (the Founder of Aikido). Join in the warming-up exercises or if these are over, do your own warm-up at the edge of the mat. As always, be aware of anyone moving or being thrown near you, and move if necessary. Occasional lateness or lateness caused by special commitments such as one's work schedule is acceptable, but lateness caused by poor planning or lack of conscientiousness is an indication of a lack of order in one's mind, and unless corrected will hinder one's learning and progress in aikido.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The students are reared in the proper ettiquette and protocol of traditional Japanese martial arts which begins with a bow and ends with a bow to signify respect for the founder, the teacher and to each other. The word “Onegaishimasu” is uttered to each other or to the teacher while bowing in order to express one’s desire to learn & request guidance in the performance of a technique. Literally, it means “Please extend your kind favor to me”. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
About "Rei"
Aikido is more than a sport; it teaches a way of life. Because of this, aikido deserves our respect. That respect is expressed through the concept of rei, which means "appreciation and respect", and through the manner in which rei is performed. Rei literally translates to a bow given during the course of practice. Rei is done to O-Sensei, the dojo (the place of the Way), the sensei, and other practitioners. Through rei we express our appreciation and respect for life itself.
Rei to the dojo
Upon entering the dojo building, do a standing bow towards the Kamiza (shrine) by bending the body 30 to 45 degrees with the arms held by the side of the body. At all times, while in the dojo when not on the tatami, footwear of some kind must be worn. Put on your zori (sandals) or equivalent when getting changed, and leave them neatly at the side of the tatami during the practice. Leaving sandals in disorder indicates disorder in one's mind.
Rei to the tatami
The tatami surface is the training surface in the dojo and as such it is important to bow there as well. Upon stepping onto the tatami, kneel down in the position known as seiza (sitting on the heels with the back straight) and bow putting both hands in front of the knees keeping the back straight. That bow is also required upon leaving the tatami. Furthermore, if for any important reason it is necessary to leave the tatami during the class, first ask permission from the sensei, then leave the tatami after completing a standing bow, if it is a temporary absence, or a kneeling bow if it is the end of your practice.
Rei to O-Sensei
The spirit of the Founder is always present in the dojo. In our aikido training, we cannot practise without thanking him for the gift of his art. We do a kneeling bow to the Kamiza at the beginning and the end of the class. If one arrives late for the class, one kneels and bows to the Kamiza upon stepping onto the mat.
Rei to the Sensei
After the rei to O-Sensei, the practitioners do a kneeling bow to the sensei. This should be repeated at the end of the class as well. At the beginning of the class it is customary to say Onegai-shimasu (Please help me in my practice) as one bows to the sensei; while at the end of the class, one says Domo arigato gozaimashita (Thank you very much).
Rei to your partner
Your partner is the mirror of yourself. Ignoring your partner's individuality and self-esteem is against the spirit of aikido. Your partner is not someone you compete against, but a person to train with and improve with. Show respect to and consideration of your fellow practitioners in every aspect of the practice.
Again, do not forget that your partner is the mirror of yourself and helping your partner is helping yourself. Partners should bow to each other when starting or finishing practising together. Senior practitioners are precious helpers for you. Regardless of age, sex and social status, they deserve your consideration. Listen to them sincerely and follow their directions in practice. On the other hand, senior students should not take advantage of their position. They should remain humble and sincere, both in attitude and behaviour, and try to be good role models for beginners.
Rei to the weapons that are used
Before and after the use of the bokken (the wooden sword), the jo (the 4-foot stick), or tanto (the wooden knife) hold the weapon at eye level with both hands toward O-Sensei and do a standing bow. Even a piece of wood can be a great help in one's aikido training. When one practises with it, it becomes a part of one's body. Thus, throwing around, stepping on or jumping over the weapon is disrespectful.
General manners
While you practise, always be alert. Careless practice causes accidents and makes no improvement in one's aikido. Do not waste both your and your partner's time in unnecessary talk during the practice. Do not hesitate to let your partner and the sensei know when you cannot continue the practice because of sickness, injuries, or genuine tiredness. When a short rest is necessary go quietly to the corner after bowing to your partner and the sensei, and watch the class. If you feel sick, and still want to practise, see the sensei and ask permission. Since your body belongs to nobody else, take good care of your health and prevent accidents. As to hygiene, wash your keiko-gi (the uniform worn during practice) regularly. Pay close attention to personal hygiene and be sure to keep your toe and finger nails short and filed at all times. Never wear jewellery, watch, hair-slide etc at any time on the tatami. This will help prevent accidents to both yourself and your partner. The dojo, where we practise, is in the care of the membership. It is the responsibility and the pleasure of the members to see that the dojo is clean at all times. This is accomplished after each practice. Do not wait to be directed, but show initiative and do whatever is necessary to ensure that the building is clean
Ashi Sabaki (Footwork)
The five basic footwork are described below: |
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The aikidoka is drilled on the importance of the five basic footworks that constitute the movements of all aikido waza (techniques). The elements of Ashi sabaki include kamae (stance), zanshin (balanced posture) and ma-ai (proper distancing & awareness of one’s surroundings) in the execution of all aikido movement. Ashi Sabaki can be practiced individually or with a partner. Advanced drills include the use of a bokken (wooden sword) to integrate cutting exercises to the footwork.. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Okuri ashi (Transport Entry Step)
From kamae, the leading foot moves first and followed by the trailing foot while maintaining a shoulder-width space between the legs. This can be done forwards, backwards and at lateral angles.
Tsugi ashi (Shuffle Entry Step)
From kamae , the trailing foot moves first to prompt the leading foot to move in the direction of choice. This footwork is usually practiced for speedy entry or to adjust to the speed of the partner if one’s movement is delayed.
Ayumi ashi (Walking Entry step)
Literally means “to walk”. Thus, it is a walking movement with emphasis on the 3 elements stated above.
Tenkan (Pivot Turn)
From kamae ,the body pivots from the ball of the leading foot while the trailing leg sweeps in a circular motion to carry the body around to face the opposite direction( sometimes at a 90 or 45 degree orientation) and have the final position in the same kamae.
Tentai (Body Turn)
From kamae, the leading foot followed by the trailing foot independently changes their respective orientation by 90 degrees to effectively turn the body so that it faces the opposite direction. It literally means “body turn”. This characterizes a big change in direction with minimal movement.
Junbi Taiso (Warm-up Exercises)
The start of each keiko is characterized by a standard set of stretching, limbering and breathing exercises to prepare the aikidoka (aikido practitioner) for the subsequent techniques to be performed and to minimize the risk of injury that may occur due to a lack of warm-up exercises. |
Ukemi(Rolling & Break-falls)
Ukemi literally means to receive a technique. Thus, each aikidoka is trained to master the fundamental movements involved in responding appropriately to any throw, lock or hold to protect himself from injury. It also entails delivering a proper attack, whether it is an empty-handed strike/grab or one with a weapon. Mastering correct ukemi also allows one to get a feel of the technique from the opposite perspective of the nage (person who executes the waza). Mastery of ukemi is an indispensable part of aikido practice and must be given special focus by any aikidoka. |
Aikido is a very comprehensive form of self-defense; it teaches time-tested and proven techniques against any attack.
This is accomplished by using techniques for neutralizing confrontations as peacefully-yet effectively-as possible in an attempt to reconcile the reality of violence and discord through harmony and compassion.
Aikido techniques use efficient movement, rather than strength.
Aikido
eye-key-doe
Ai = harmony, Ki = spirit, Do = The Way or Path
Aikidoka
eye-key-doe-kah
A person who practices Aikido..