Balbriggan Dojo. 15 December 2024

Yesterday, 14 December 2024, marked 141 years since the birth of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba. Today, at Balbriggan Dojo, we honoured his legacy by exploring Budo, a technical manual O-Sensei wrote in 1938 for Prince Kaya Tsunenori. This profound work offers insights into Aikido practice, revealing not only technical elements but also the philosophical underpinnings of the art.

We began the session by reading key passages from Budo and discussing their relevance to our training today. The following principles, displayed prominently in the changing room at the Iwama Dojo, should serve as our guide:

1. 
   Aikido can determine life and death with a single blow; therefore, when training, observe the instructor's directions and don't engage in contests of strength.
2. Aikido is a way that makes one person an equivalent of thousands; therefore, when training, always be mindful not only of the space in front of you but also of what is happening in all
   directions.
3. Training should always be an enjoyable experience.
4. An instructor can only impact a portion of the teachings. To be able to use a technique, you must learn it through diligent and ceaseless training. Only then will you begin to to remember with your body. It is pointless to desire to learn many techniques. To master a technique, you must make it your own.
5. Daily training begins with Tai no Henko. Gradually increase the intensity of your training. Make sure not to overexert your body. Even older people should not injure themselves. Continue to train enjoyably and strive to realise the purpose of training.
6. Aikido is the training of mind and body. Its purpose is to produce sincere people. Since all techniques are entirely secret, you should not reveal them indiscriminately to the public. The improper use of any technique by ill-mannered persons is to be avoided.

With these teachings in mind, we moved to the tatami to embody the principles through the following techniques:

• Tai no Henko
• Katatedori Iriminage
• Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote
• Shomen Uchi Nikyo Ura
• Shomen Uchi Sankyo Ura
• Zagi Kokyuho

Tai no Henko

Shomen Uchi Ikkyo

Shomen Uchi Nikyo

Shomen Uchi Sankyo

During practice, we focused on old forms to understand the evolution of pre-war Aikido techniques. We observed that, while O-Sensei made some minor changes to the techniques after the war to reflect his evolving vision, the core forms and principles remain fundamentally unchanged. These older techniques are fierce and uncompromising, and we are reminded of the importance of preserving this spirit when practising modern versions.

This approach deepened our appreciation of Aikido’s essence, blending the intensity of its origins with the refinement of its contemporary forms. It was both a journey into the past and a reminder of the timeless relevance of O-Sensei’s teachings.

The session wasn’t merely a commemoration; it was a chance to deepen our connection to Aikido’s roots and reaffirm the values O-Sensei envisioned. His principles remind us that Aikido is more than a martial art—it’s a path to mastery, sincerity, and harmony. Let us carry the spirit of O-Sensei’s teachings forward in every practice, striving for mastery, sincerity, and joy.

 

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We welcome practitioners of all levels and ages to join us at Balbriggan Dojo. Whether you’re taking your first steps in Aikido or refining your skills, our classes offer something for everyone.

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

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