Aikido Kenkyukai International AKI Aikido Kenkyukai International




AKI Aikido Kenkyukai International Takeda Sensei Connect to Takeda Shihan's official AKI website
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Aikido Kenkyukai International (AKI) is an affiliation of Aikido dojos throughout Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and Tanzania inspired by the teachings of Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan, 8th dan.

These dojos are directly linked to Aikikai Honbu Dojo (Aikido World Headquarters) in Tokyo through Takeda Sensei, and all gradings are internationally recognised and awarded through the Aikikai Foundation, Japan. AKI instructors in Sydney are also MAIA (Martial Arts Industry Association) accredited coaches.


The AKI Approach
In our Sydney City & Bondi Beach Dojos, keiko (practice) is
high energy and fast paced with an emphasis on sensitivity and adaptability to our partner’s movement. We aim to foster an exploratory and creative approach to Aikido study, rather than simply fixating on rote practice of kihon waza (basic martial techniques). Hence our name: 'kenkyukai' means 'research group'.

The kakejiku (scroll) hanging in our dojo reflects this unusual approach. It comprises only two of the three kanji (characters) that make up Ai-ki-do: 'ai' (to meet) and 'ki' (universal energy or spirit). The character 'do' (path or Way) has been deliberately omitted as Takeda Shihan is encouraging us to find our own Way, to discover and develop an expression of the art for ourselves through sincere study and research of 'Aiki' (harmony). This approach is challenging, exciting and inspiring, and most of all, it's great fun!


 AKI Aikido Kenkyukai International, Aiki

   'Aiki'
Ukemi
AKI Aikido Kenkyukai International, ukemi One of the first things we learn in Aikido is how to take ukemi and this is arguably the most important part of our physical practice. Ukemi means 'receiving with the body' and refers to the way in which we receive dangerous joint locks and throws safely through gentle rolls, blending movements and breakfalls. By giving up our ego and flowing with our partner's movement instead of resisting and fighting against it, the physical conflict between us is neutralised and we move together in
hara ukemi

harmony. When we are non-resistant, there is nothing for our partner to struggle with and thus, there can be no conflict. It is due to this basic principle of harmony (non-competitiveness and non-resistance) that Aikido is able to be practiced with full bodily contact safely and without injury.

AKI Aikido Kenkyukai International, tobi ukemi AKI Aikido Kenkyukai International, ninin gake
tobigoshi ukemi    

mae ukemi    
Students take a lot of ukemi (they are thrown over and over again) during and after
an AKI Aikido class!

Atogeiko
At the end of class, the teacher and the students bow formally towards the shomen (front of the dojo) and then towards each other. For serious students however, this marks the true beginning of class! What follows next is known as atogeiko (after practice) and is a time for students to approach their sensei (teacher) and senpai (senior students) for ukemi. The average student will receive anywhere from 20 to 100 throws at a time, depending on their ability. This practice, while physically demanding, is invaluable for their progress as it develops suppleness, sensitivity and inner weight. Once fatigued, they are no longer able to resist their partner’s movement and thus, begin to move naturally and freely with no concept of mind, in accordance with Aikido principles. Atogeiko is a test of spirit through which they learn to extend themselves beyond their physical and mental limits.

     Iron is full of impurities that weaken it;
     through the forging fire, it becomes steel
     and is transformed into a razor-sharp sword.
     Human beings develop in the same fashion.

          O-Sensei

Gradings
In Aikido, students progress through the kyu grades (white belts; fifth kyu to first kyu) and then through the dan grades (black belts). Kyu gradings are held twice annually in Spring and Autumn and dan gradings are held once a year in Spring. All gradings are internationally recognised and registered with Aikikai Japan. (Click to download the AKI Australia Grading Syllabus and Requirements).

Gasshuku
Gasshuku (literally 'lodging together') is a traditional Japanese custom of spending a weekend of intensive training together. People practice and stay together, share meals, and play music, often in very beautiful surroundings. Several such camps are held each year and the practice is often led by Takeda Sensei or other high ranking instructors from Japan. Intensive training such as this fosters a very special connection between participants and enables a unique kind of keiko that would not otherwise be possible. You can check out the events calendar and news page for information on events like these, both here in Australia and overseas.