Tonight consisted entirely of practising in lines. A fantastic energy as always in the dojo. In honour of Kagami Biraki, we didn’t have any mochi, so we settled for a wee dram instead and celebrated the promotion by Popkin Sensei and Brogna Sensei of four members of our group to…
I’ve been to many martial arts seminars over the years through involvement in Aikido and Karate. I’ve enjoyed every one of them in different ways and occasionally I’ve used the word ‘superlative’ in relation to particular events. ‘Aiki Connections’ is most definitely in the superlative category; from the subtle refinement…
After an absolutely incredible Aiki Connections weekend, this merry band of brothers came together with the aim of consolidating what they learned. Their commitment and effort never ceases to impress me.
I had heard about the Aiki Connections seminars many years ago so it was on my radar. After reading the 1990 interview with Seigo Okamoto Soshi, translated by Christopher Li in 2019, I decided to definitely take part in the next one. Unfortunately Covid put the plan on hold. Finally,…
One week to go until the weekend of the year, Aiki Connections. This merry band of legends continue their hard work on the basics. Bravo guys.
A small but super focused collection of Daito-ryu enthusiasts worked incredibly hard last night. That’s it.
One of our two fantastic teachers, Popkin Sensei, once again talked us through another revelation tonight. The ability to tweak our application and level up our understanding via video chat never ceases to amaze me.
We are booked at the same venue as last year, The Rock Lodge in Whitstable. Have a look at the menu below and we’ll contact all those booked on for the weekend to see if they want to attend the meal.
A few people are away at the moment, but our temporarily pared down study group prepared for an evening of intensive focus and training. Enter Popkin sensei on a video call from New York to look in on proceedings. It still amazes me how he so easily diagnoses and corrects…
Back from a small break, with lots of lovely nikkyo/nikkajo/kote-mawashi (delete as applicable).
A good turnout for a splendid evening of uprooting and crushing tonight. Well done to everyone for their hard work and determination.
This Saturday, Daito-ryu took over the Shogun Dojo as once again we took the study group “on tour”. We didn’t have to travel far this time though as we infiltrated Shogun’s regular Aikido and Karate classes. Great effort was made by both groups to try something a bit different. And…
Serious training was conducted last night. But plenty of smiling too. Some real progress being made.
Ginjukai UK Branch went on tour to Bristol yesterday. We caught up with old friends, and checked in with Ginjukai members from the west country. Out thanks go to Daren and Rich for hosting and looking after us.
Tonight was all about Aiki Age. And most enjoyable it was too. Especially because of Lionel’s “required softness” rum, which was most appreciated.
Tonight during practice, we received a video call from the USA. One of our two teachers, Popkin Sensei, phoned in for a video chat and very kindly gave us some instruction.
Another evening of lines, albeit short ones. Focus was on balance breaking. Thank you to everyone for all their continued hard work. We forgot to take a group photo, so this one will have to do
Another cracking evening with the hard core of UK Daito-ryu. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and hard work.
When you work in lines and there’s only four of you, you get small circles and dizziness.
Tonight we did a solid two hours of training in lines. The knees will feel it in the morning, but it was well worth it. Well done everyone.
These guys are Very serious about their Daito-ryu. An excellent evening training was followed in classic “three beers softness” fashion at the pub.
Tonight we trained entirely in lines. And most enjoyable it was too. Thanks to the group for all their hard work. And thank you Lionel for the gift of the lovely wine.
Back for our first session of the new year. We last met at Aiki Connections in December. Today we practised with renewed vigour, excited for UK Daito-ryu in 2023.
First Daito-ryu training of 2023 commences this Friday night. If you haven’t experienced Daito-Ryu before, get in touch.
Not sure where to start. I’ll leave this as a placeholder until I can write a full report. Suffice to say, Aiki Connections was amazing.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or have any requirements for Aiki Connections. Not long now guys!
Thanks to everyone who attended this evening’s study group session. Such an excellent workrate, we got through so much. It was lovely to hear everyone so excited for December’s Aiki Connections weekend.
Tonight we focused in on the three techniques of Daito-ryu – Up, down and turn. Unfortunately we also said farewell to Will who is leaving for warmer climes. We will miss him.
Very enjoyable evening at Study Group. Everyone is desperate for December to come around quickly so we can get busy with enjoying Aiki Connections 2022. As our inimitable Lionel put so eloquently “gagging for it!”
A very focused session tonight, with the aim of minimum effort, maximum effect. As always, a varied degree of success was achieved. But we loved every minute of it. We also celebrated Dangerous Dave’s birthday.
Absolute cracker of a study group session last night. Kudos to all who always travel so far to train together. Then we finished off with our attempt at the requisite beer softness (albeit in the wrong order).
We took a Sunday field trip to East London to visit Hikarikan Aikido and spend a day exploring soft kuzushi. Here’s to many more!
Timetabling meant we had a smaller, yet highly focused group training this time. An absolutely cracking evenings training, (without any cracking).
Great study group session tonight. So happy to see everyone and to continue our progress. Hoping we can get together for another meeting this month.
The first Study Group training session of 2022 is done. Focus and attention on basics was the order of the day. Much enjoyment and many laughs were had by all. Such a great group.
Two study group sessions this month, as everyone is keen to focus in on improving. With a great group like this, training is such a pleasure.
A thoroughly enjoyable study group session tonight. Considerable progress was made. Then we had beer. Such lovely people. Lee couldn’t make it. Thankfully his dogi was able to stand in for him.
The next Daito-ryu Study Group Session is 7pm, Friday 8th October in Swalecliffe, Kent. If you would like to attend, get in touch and introduce yourself.
What a splendid way to spend a Friday evening. To meet up with some wonderful friends, and crush them.
