Geelong Sabaki School (Karate & Aikido Geelong West)
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Aikido - Students from 13 yrs+
What is Aikido?
The Japanese word Aikido consists of three characters, which can be translated as “the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe.”
Aikido is a true Budo or “Martial Way”. It has evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. It must be understood that studies in earnest Budo is more than a science of tactics; it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit.
Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, known to thousands of students of Aikido throughout the world as O Sensei (Great Teacher). Even as a young man, Morihei Ueshiba was an extraordinary martial artist, a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, as well as the art of ju-jitsu. But O Sensei also had a strong spiritual drive, and brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over others.
Leading a life of austerity and rigorous training, O Sensei struggled with this dilemma. He delved deeply into the study of religion, especially Shinto, (Japan’s native religion of nature worship). The dilemma was resolved in a moment of profound awakening. Transformed by his spiritual insights, Ueshiba transmuted his technical mastery of traditional martial arts into a new martial art. The art of Aikido was one that was fundamentally different from those that preceded it. It was also one of refinement and astonishing power.
“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 word 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”. O Sensei taught that true awareness is not grasped by intellect alone. “This is not mere theory”, he said. “You must practice it”.
Aikido Training
The final aim of Budo is personal transformation. Its goal is the creation of integrated human beings who are able to bring the totality of their wisdom and capabilities in order to resolve a problem. Yet philosophical discussion is rare in the dojo, (training hall). The focus is highly practical. Constant repetition to master the fundamentals of movement, timing and breathing is the fundamental requirement. Students train themselves to capture the opponent’s action and redirect it with techniques of martial efficiency and power. At the same time, they become aware of the tendency to overreact to opposition, and learn to remain CENTRED under all conditions.
Most practice is done with a partner. Each works at his or her own level of ability, alternating as UKE (the attacker) and NAGE (the one who receives the attack). Both roles are stressed as each contributes skills that enhance overall sensitivity and control.
Increased stamina, flexibility, and muscle development occur naturally as a result of training, but the techniques themselves do not depend on the strength for effectiveness. Since Aikido’s movements and techniques arise from the most efficient utilisation of the entire being, great power can be developed by the practitioner, regardless of physical strength. Aikido practice encompasses a broad range of training styles, and allows people to train based on their individual stage of development. As a result, Aikido can be practiced by MEN, WOMEN and CHILDREN of all ages.
Dynamics of Aikido
The essence of all Aikido technique is the use of total body movements to create spherical motion around a stable, energised 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 immobilise 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.
Centering
The Aikidoist develops a relaxed posture in which the weight of the body is directed towards its physiologic center in the lower abdomen. Gravity is no longer a force to be overcome. Rather it serves to support and stablise posture. As a result, ordinary movement assumes an appearance of grace and economy. The effects of centering are mental as well as physical. In addition vitality increases, the senses are sharpened, and one is less affected by the irritations and annoyances of daily living. This state in referred to in Japan has having hara, or strong ki. It is a manifestation of the inner quality which aids the student of Aikido to develop to his or her fullest potential in every area of life.
Our style of Aikido
Follows the style emulated by Shihan Steven Seagal, capturing both the classical aspects of Aikido represented by the late Shihan Abe Sensei, and the street fighting skills required in today’s modern age.
Shihan Segal trained under the great masters Cedo Tohe, Isoyama and Seseki Abe.
He met the calligraphy/aikido grandmaster who was one of O’Sensei’s closest students and a 10th degree Black Belt in Aikido; an administrator of the world aikido headquarters, Aiki-kia in Tokyo. The late Abe Sensei received the Budo Korosha medal of excellence in martial arts, presented by the Japanese government. A chief instructor of eleven universities and six high school aikido clubs, he was the sensei to Morihei Ueshiba in calligraphy.
His calligraphy has been shown world wide including in 1982 on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. He is a member and adjudicator of the Nitten Japan fine arts exhibition and a counselor to the Nihon Shogei-In (Japan Calligraphic Art Institute) Executive Committee.
He has taught over 200 calligraphy masters and has over 3000 students in the Kansai area, and also has many students from Shihan Seagal’s Ten Shin dojo.
Video about the late Abe Sensei:
Sensei Craig
Sensei Craig began his martial arts journey at 15 years of age practising Kyokushin karate for 13 years, Craig was graded to black belt by the late Master Masutatsu Oyama in Kyokushinkai Hombu, Tokyo Japan in 1976.
After Kyokushinkai Sensei Craig changed to Ashihara Karate being graded to Yondan by the late Master Hideyuki Ashihara in Matsuyama in 1994. The only Australian to be graded to this level by Kancho Ashihara himself. Craig continued to visit Ashihara Hombu regularly and teach at his Dojo in Geelong, as the Ashihara Head Instructor in Australia for 17 years.
In 1994 Sensei Craig also began training in Aikido. He was graded to Black Belt in Osaka, Japan in 1998 & 2nd Dan in 2006 by 10th Dan Master the late Seiseki Abe.
Sensei Craig continues to maintain strong links with Japan.
Sensei Craig and the late Abe Sensei 2006 at Osaka Dojo
2003 visit to Osaka Dojo, Sensei Craig & Abe Sensei
Abe Sensei generously shared his calligraphy skills with students (Left to Right: Sensei Craig, Abe Sensei, Marianne)
Further information about Abe Sensei:
