What is Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to by his title 'O Sensei' or 'Great Teacher'). On a purely physical level it is an art involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.

Upon closer examination, practitioners will find from Aikido what they are looking for, whether it is applicable self-defense technique, spiritual enlightenment, physical health or peace of mind. O Sensei emphasised the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace. "The Way of Harmony of the Spirit" is one way that "Aikido" may be translated into English. This is still true of Aikido today, although different styles emphasise the more spiritual aspects to greater or lesser degrees. Although the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of the art.

Aikido is the way of defending physical, mental and emotional attacks from a centred state of harmony within yourself. Aikido is a breakthrough for those unhappy with aggressive competitive confrontational martial arts. It has no sex, weight or age divisions. If you must defend your life such concepts are useless. Aikido trains the mind through the body.

Ai - Harmony/union, Ki - Vital breath/energy, Do - Way

Iwama Ryu

While there are a number of different styles of Aikido, Iwama Ryu Aikido, which is taught at Aikido Mackay, is the style that was taught by Morihiro Saito, based in the Iwama dojo.

It is generally considered sufficiently stylistically different from mainstream Aikikai that it is named individually, even though it still is part of the Aikikai.

Saito Sensei was a long time uchideshi of O Sensei, beginning in 1946 and staying with him through t0 his death. Many consider that Saito Sensei was the student who spent most time directly studying with O Sensei Saito Sensei says he is trying to preserve and teach the art exactly as it was taught to him by the Founder. Technically, Iwama-ryu seems to resemble the Aikido O Sensei was teaching in the early 50s mainly in the Iwama dojo. The technical repertoire is larger than in most other styles and a great deal of emphasis is placed on weapons training.

Iwama Ryu is Aikido with Atemi (strikes) to vital points, with Irimi (entering) and initiation of techniques by Tori (person executing the technique) and highlights the distinction between Omote and Ura.

Aikido Mackay is affiliated with Iwama Ryu Aikido Australia which was founded by the late Michael Field Sensei (5th dan), who was a student of Saito Sensei and studied as an uchi-deshi for a number of years in Iwama.

Training

The dojo is located at Shed P1, Mackay Showgrounds, Milton Street, Mackay QLD

Tuesday 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Thursday 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Students are expected to arrive early so that setup before class can be done quickly and efficiently by all.

New Students

New students please arrive at least 20 minutes early so that any necessary introductions can take place without delaying the class.

Please print and complete the following forms, and bring with you to your first class:

STUDENT ENROLMENT FORM

CODE OF CONDUCT

Fees

Members

$90 per calendar month (includes all weekly classes and is due on the 1st of each month)

Casual

$20 per class

Regular Casual Block

$150 for a block of 10 classes (to be used within 12 months)

Common Dojo phrases and words

Phrases

Onegai Shimasu - Thank you for what we are about to do / Thank you for your help

Arigato Gozaimasita - Thank you for what you did

Uke - The attacker / person receiving the technique

Nage - Person being attacked / performing the technique

Sempai - Senior student

Dai Sempai - The Senior instructor in the dojo

Attacks

Shomen Uchi - Forehead strike

Yokomen Uchi - Side of Head strike

Tsu Ki - Thrust

Katate Dori - One wrist held

Sode Guchi - Sleeve grab