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Aikido and Kashima no Tachi

Body & Sword as one

Private 1:1 sessions on request

Dedicated time to just work on you

About the Class

What to expect from a training session (keiko)

All training sessions begin and end with reiho / 礼法 or bowing-etiquette. This will take place on the tatami (training mats) which will then lead into body warm-up exercises, stretches and then time dedicated to learning the fundamentals of body-movement based on traditional Sumo training (shiko / 四股) where we search for our energetic centre within our body. This type of warm-up helps us acquire a specific kind of flexibility and strength that is needed for budo training.

We'll then attempt to relate these body fundamentals in taught Aikido techniques to make it 'practical' and in studying the different 'Kashima-no-tachi / 鹿島の剣' sword forms; the aim is to develop a better understanding of timing and distance as well as honing our martial spirit, literally through the clashing of swords (wooden ones).

Our Aikido techniques, whilst similar to traditional Aiki-kai (Aikido Headquarters) and follows their syllabus of increasing proficiency; is very much influenced by the Shiseikan Budojo style as taught by Minoru Inaba Sensei who has infused these techniques with his expertise in Kashima-no-tachi.

In terms of the sword forms, students typically begin learning basic 'suburi / 素振り' or repetitive practice cutting consisting of the most basic 'kesagiri / 袈裟切り' or diagonal cut from the shoulder. This is also the first 'kata / 型' or form within the first of five Kashima-no-tachi 'tachi-ai / 立技' or partnered sword series called 'Kihondachi / 基本太刀' or basic sword strokes.

Quite often, there will be a fluid mixture of both Aikido and sword-work to help students deepen their understanding and knowledge of their 'budo-body', particularly as some of the more advanced Kashima-no-tachi forms involve body-body contact.

From the basic sword strokes, the student increases their ability and deepen their understanding of Kashima-no-tachi through the next subsequent four sword sets where the distance, timing, tempo, psychological and physical contact increases.

At a more advance level of training, students are guided to learn 'battojutsu / 抜刀術' or drawing the sword from scabbard as a solo form and then in 'stressed' response against an opposing and attacking swordsman cutting at them.

All ability levels and ages are welcome to study and train. Please discuss any requirements you may have prior to training so that we can meet / adapt to your particular needs.

What to wear / What equipment?

In terms of clothing, the keiko-gi (translated as training clothes) can be bought online from around £20 or so. I tend to advice students to obtain the judo type of clothing as we often train in grabbing each other's bodies / shoulders / lapels. These can be sought online from places such as Decathlon or Nine Circles which is a dedicated Japanese martial arts equipment supplier in the UK.

For your first few lessons, it is not essential to have the keiko-gi but 'comfortable sportswear' such as a tracksuit and t-shirt will suffice. We also train barefoot and for all jewellery to be removed for safety reasons.

In terms of other equipment, the primary equipment is the bokken (wooden sword) from the Kashima style. There are limited UK suppliers and they cost around £60 (again can be bought from Nine Circles). However, the quality of the wood not as robust as traditional Japanese white oak and may not take the demands of repeated sword on sword strikes. As such, the preference is on sourcing swords from a single supplier in Tokyo. Whilst I'm sure you'll know that this then becomes more expensive with the import charges, but quality bokken are hard to come by.

Much later on, if students have reached a higher proficiency, they can progress to an imitation sword (iaito) or a real live blade (shinken). These can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds.

Insurance

All students will be required to be insured to continue long term training (typically after the 3rd training session). Our insurer is with British Aikido Board (BAB) and purchased online through our umbrella insuring organisation, Aikido Development Society. This is at the cost of £20 per year for adults.

Insurance is for the purpose of personal accident cover. Please see the BAB website for further information.