Ive already checked the official Shin-shin Toitsu Aikido website and there’s not a dojo in the country of this particular style…yes there are some variations which call themselves ‘ki’ Aikido in Budapest – but thats a good 3 hours away.

No problem though, Im sure I will have the opportunity to try this one day…thanks for trying to help set me up with an introductory lesson.

For the time being Ill remain focused on the style Im currently practicing…and incorporate other elements into my training that I learn along the way.

Peace

dAlen

Believe it or not, everything you really need is taught in that first lesson–everything else after it is moves and forms and practicing Mind and Body Coordination with others who know how to do it.

It’s the mindset that’s most important. At least, that’s what the black belts keep telling me!

Reason being is it may indeed help the form of Aikido I do.
I believe it would help me in the subtilities of movement which would improve and benefit the techniques I already have.

Im only 5th kyu (we have 6) and though I know the techniques, at this point its rough. And I cant help but think that something like ki aikido with more fluidity would help.

But all in its timing. (Still trying to piece together what is working and not working in practice.)

Peace

dAlen

As a follow up though, sensei has started to occasionally make a student do it again.

The other students who came back from Japan also talked about doing a form while being judged. Everyone had to do it again, some a few more times.

The idea was that if they do it, no matter how ‘right’ they do the form the second time will probably be better than the first.

Believe me, I know exactly what you’re talking about. The problem is, that when it’s done right it doesn’t matter what position your arm is in.

In fact you can freely move your arm in and out as you wish but the person testing can’t move it at all, or stop you from moving your arm.

I recognize the difference between when I’m thrown with strength and when I’m thrown with Ki.

When I’m thrown with strength there are opportunities to do other arts, other motions, and go somewhere other than where I’m being lead….but when I’m thrown with Ki, it’s like an irresistible force just plopped me on the ground.

Good luck with your training, and enjoy.

Peace

dAlen

I like the concepts behind ‘ki’ Aikido though.

We tried the unbendable arm, and I will give my 2cents on what I observed.

It appears to be less like magic, obviously, and more about proper technique and positioning.

At one point the arm is in one position and its easier to bend, then from another position it is substantially harder.

Now Im sure you can make it bend anyway, though the angle kind of makes it where you would have to break the elbow.

(Again, how we did it.)

The guys doing this were into this style of Aikido, and ironically into harder arts such as Krav Maga and Russian Knives and subsequently left the dojo.

Be interesting to hear more of your experiences and comments on why you believe the technique works and doesnt work, under which conditions. (how much is technique, and how much is the mind potentially just not trying hard enough to bend the arm, etc.)

So many dynamics involved to be sure.

Peace

dAlen

I mean your sensei seemed to imply that you were going against teaching methods? I dont see how – you were just doing the technique again for positive reinforcement so that the guy could repeat the experience…right?

Anyway, I dont get it. Whats the point? Is there more to this?
I mean was Sensei showing a technique that didnt work, but then you figured out how to make it work and he was upset it was different?

Sorry, just trying to get what the problem there was…you would think Sensei would be happy that someone got it right. (Especially in the Ki realm of Aikido.)

Anyway

Peace

dAlen