International Aikido Seminar in Warsaw. 4-6 October 2024

Our assistant instructor, Jan, has been attending the International Aikido Seminar in Warsaw, Poland, hosted by Takemusu Aikido Warsaw (TAW). While the seminar officially began on Saturday, Christian Taschner Sensei (5th Dan, Iwama Takemusu Aikido) led two classes on Friday night, providing a valuable introduction before the main sessions.

Both classes were structured in the traditional Iwama Aikido style, starting with Aiki Ken and moving into Taijutsu. The classes were structured to help practitioners grasp the fundamental principles of movement, distance, and timing. These principles are the foundation for mastering more advanced techniques in future training.

Friday’s Classes:

First Class (Aiki Ken):

• 7 Suburi
• Migi & Hidari Awase

Second Class (Taijutsu):

• Tai no Henko
• Morotedori Kokyuho
• Shomenuchi Ikkyo (Omote & Ura)
• Shiho Nage
• Kotegaeshi
• Suwari Waza Kokyuho

During the Taijutsu class, Jan had the opportunity to train with Nina Fuggenthaler Sensei (3rd Dan) from Takemusu Aikido Dojo Ampertal, Munich. Nina now leads the Munich dojo after Christian Taschner Sensei relocated to Sweden. 

Saturday’s Seminar:

The official seminar kicked off on Saturday, with a combination of Aiki Ken, Aiki Jo, and Taijutsu sessions, offering an in-depth exploration of core Iwama Aikido techniques.

Morning Classes:

Weapon Class (Aiki Ken):

• Kumitachi 1–5

Taijutsu Class:

• Tai no Henko
• Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare
• Morotedori Kokyuho
• Techniques against Yokomenuchi attack
• Zagi Kokyuho

Afternoon Classes:

Weapon Class (Aiki Jo):

• 31 Jo Kata
• 31 Jo Awase (Sections 1–3, 3–6, 1–6, 9–11, and finally 1–11)

Taijutsu Class:

• Tai no Henko
• Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare
• Morotedori Kokyuho
• Techniques from Ushiro Ryotedori
• Zagi Kokyuho

Insights from Wojciech Dzięcioł Sensei:

Jan had an insightful conversation with Wojciech Dzięcioł Sensei, who explained the philosophy behind the Iwama style. This tradition, passed down from Morihei Ueshiba O’Sensei, emphasizes the importance of preserving both technique and culture through a lineage of teachers and students. According to Wojciech Sensei, this is why every class begins and ends with the same foundational techniques, ensuring that the essence of Aikido is maintained.

Jan was also curious about the practice of holding the Ken with the left hand at the bottom and the right hand in front, as is done in Aiki Ken. He asked if practising only on the right-hand side might lead to an imbalance in movement or posture. Wojciech Sensei responded by noting that this tradition likely stems from historical reasons, where left-handed people were often forced to use their right hand. However, the practice of Aiki Jo, where the Jo is held in left hanmi, helps correct any potential imbalances.

Countries in Attendance:

• Poland 🇵🇱
• Ireland 🇮🇪
• UK 🇬🇧
• Sweden 🇸🇪
• Germany 🇩🇪
• Ukraine 🇺🇦
• Lithuania 🇱🇹

This seminar has been an incredible learning experience for Jan, and we look forward to hearing more from the rest of the sessions!

 

Jan with Christian Taschner sensei. Warsaw, 5 October 2024. 

For more details about our dojo and classes, visit www.aiki.ie.

#aikido #warsawaikido #takemusuaikido #takemusu #christiantaschner #aikidoseminar #takemusuaikidosociety