First day - Preparation

 

Tuesday 6 August, 2013

This day started with early morning practice at 07h00 in the open air dojo near the field that encourages a sense of expansiveness in the training. Given the mix of people practising - from complete beginners in Aikido to a 4th kyu from Germany and a nomadic shodan (1st degree black belt), we focused on laying some foundation stones for the practice:

Starting with tori-fune, the traditional rowing exercise that marks the beginning of the first class of the day, we rowed out to the notional island that is the dojo where we could practice untrammeled by any other concerns or the previous night's dreams. Tori-fune is the basis of all of aikido movements as it emphasises movement from one's centre and the principle of "centre first, limbs after". Tori-fune also emphasises the maintenance of postural and structural integrity whilst moving through space, shifting weight without over-extending.

Thereafter we became more acquainted with 3 basic ways of moving:

1. irimi (entering with the body) both forward and back (also known as ayumi ashi or entry step) 
2. kaiten - swivel or pivot; and
3. tenkan - 180 degree turn

Thereafter, we moved onto 3 combination body movements:

1. irimi-kaiten: stepping forward then swiveling resulting in the creation of a forward spiral. This was especially well experienced whilst a partner held onto a participant's wrist who then walked around a tight centre but creating more and more centripetal force
2. irimi-tenkan: stepping forward then turning 180 degrees, resulting in a   rearward spiral; and finally'
3. tenkan kaiten: that eventually forms the basis for shiho-nage or four corner throw

Over the coming days we will build on these foundation stones and explore more how these and other aikido principles, movements and techniques might hold practical significance in our lives in general.