Aikido Classes
Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). Even as a young man O-Sensei was an extraordinary martial artist, a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of jujutsu. He also had a stong spiritual drive and brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over others. O-Sensei combined his life study of martial, philosophical and spiritual disciplines with his personal genius to create a form of budo dedicated to the protection of life. "The secret of Aikido" he wrote, " is to harmonize with the movement of the universe and bring ourselves into accord with the universe itself." O-Sensei Maintained that budo is a work of love, a path to overcome discord in ourselves and bring peace to the world, " to make the heart of the universe one's own heart."
The essence of all Aikido technique is the use of total body movements to create spherical motion around a stable, energized center. Even when a technique appears to be using only one part of the body, close observation reveals the Aikidoist's movements are, in fact, total body movements. Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular; sending an opponent flying thorough the air. Others are small, deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved through precise use of leverage, inertia, gravity, and the action of centrifugal and centripetal forces. Ultimately, it is the energy of the attack itself which brings down the attacker.
Instruction
Shannon Reitan Sensei, Chief Instructor at Takayama Dojo, has been training in the Aiki arts since 1979. Reitan Sensei holds the rank of godan (5th degree black belt) in Aikido as well as yudansha ranks in two styles of Aikijujutsu. Reitan Sensei teaches and/or oversees all classes at Takayama Dojo.
