Ringsend Dojo. 18 September 2024

Today’s class at Ringsend Dojo was dedicated to Aiki-ken practice, an essential part of Aikido that teaches precision, timing, and control through sword movements. Focusing on the fundamentals, we worked through a series of exercises that helped develop fluidity and coordination.

We began the session with Suburi exercises, which are the basics of sword movements. These repetitive drills help refine our cutting techniques and body alignment:

• Suburi 1–7: We worked through these seven fundamental cutting forms, ensuring precise posture and movement in each.

After that, we moved into Awase, practising partner-based movements to build harmony and connection:

• Migi Awase: Right-side cut.
• Hidari Awase: Left-side cut.
• Go no Awase: Partner practice based on the fifth suburi.
• Shichi no Awase: Partner practice based on the seventh suburi.

To close out the session, we practised Shihogiri and Happogiri, which are advanced cutting drills that test our ability to move fluidly in multiple directions:

• Shihogiri Migi & Hidari: Cutting from both right and left stances in four directions.
• Happogiri Migi & Hidari: Cutting in eight directions from both right and left stances, practising full-body movement and awareness of the space around us.

Each exercise provided a deeper understanding of Aiki-ken, reinforcing the connection between sword work and Aikido’s principles of balance, flow, and control.

Whether you’re interested in Aiki-ken or Aikido’s broader practice, Takemusu Aikido Society is open to all levels. Our classes are a great way to improve focus, discipline, and overall well-being. We welcome you to join us every Monday and Wednesday!

For more information, visit our website at www.aiki.ie.

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