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Kokyu Nage"Aikido is wide as nature itself, the further one progresses on the path, the more one can see ahead."
Ueshiba Morihei
(Founder of Aikido).
Aikido dojo Shi Zen Ryu frequently organises Introduction courses in Aikido. The main principles and basic techniques of Aikido are taught in a series of eight weekly lessons. This course is an ideal start for anyone who wishes to start practicing Aikido.

The next introduction courses will start on:

Monday 25 january 2010 and
Tuesday 26 january 2010.

Instructors:
Tom Verhoeven & Kim Fok

Times:
8 Mondays from 19:00  to 20:30 hrs
8 Tuesdays from 20:30 to 22:00 hrs
 
Coordination
Ki, Shin and Tai (ki, mind and body).
To become one with the other, harmony between body, mind and ki is indispensable. To help aikidoka experience this harmony, every lesson begins with a series of exercises, aiki taiso and kokyu ho.

Kokyu ho
Breathing method, breath coordination exercises. In Aikido techniques are not forced using muscle (wan ryoku), but performed by applying breath power (kokyu ryoku) . Kokyu ho is a collective name for exercises in which breath, mind and movement become coordinated.

Te Hodoki
Techniques to free oneself when grasped.

Katame waza
Grips, techniques to exercise control, techniques to arrest a person.
The first of these techniques is dai ikkyo, an armlever which is easy to learn and yet remains fascinating as one progresses. This technique also forms the foundation for many other techniques.

Nage waza
Throws
Besides katame waza Aikido is characterised by its many ways of throwing.
A few examples are:
  • Kote gaeshi: with a turn of the hand the opponent is brought to the ground
  • Kokyu nage: nage throws their partner using timing, coordination and  the element of surprise. The use of kokyu ryoku (breath power) plays an important role, hence the name kokyu nage - breath-throw.
  • Shiho nage: four directions throw. A technique which can be performed in four directions.
  • Irimi nage: A sharp technique with  three basic forms, and a remarkable number of variations.
  • Tenchi nage: in fact a variation of irimi nage. With a gesture as if nage attempts to unite heaven (ten) and earth (chi), his partner is thrown.
  • Kaiten nage: one of the most beautiful techniques of Aikido is described as roll-over or turn-over throw because aite (the partner) is more or less turned upside down.
  • Aiki otoshi: With this technique aite is not such much thrown, but is made to fall over. Otoshi means fall.

A few of the principles explained during the course are:
Aiki Synthesis- to become one with the other, with nature, and with the environment.
Zanshin- maintaining attention. Being alert not only while performing the technique, but also after it is completed.
Ukemi- the art of receiving a technique.

Clothing requirements
A judo suit or a tracksuit, and slippers or sandals 

This course is an ideal start for those who are considering practicing Aikido. Members of Shi Zen Ryu may also follow the introduction courses.

Subscription for this course can be done by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by phone (+316 5084 5983) or in the dojo until 30 min. before  beginning of the course. Fees: € 70,- to be paid before the beginning of the first lesson, in cash only.