We recently had one of our students write a great blog article on the connection between Martial Arts and flow (See D. Lucy’s article in the lounge section of our blog). For those of you that found this an inspiring read, then we would like to remind you of our up coming Wisewarrior workshop, we’ve titled it;
“the art of harmonising spirit” 21st of July, 2 till 4
It will deal very much with “flow” using Aikido as the base for us to explore flow within martial arts.
The class has been running now for around 18 months and challenges students not just physically with moves and concepts but also on a somewhat deeper level. The practice of Aikido has far more to do with ‘Harmonising’ with ones opponent rather than fighting with them. This is one of the hardest things to convey in the lessons as it has much to do with ‘Letting Go’
The word Aikido itself is often translated as the way of harmonising spirit. Within Wisewarrior we have two approaches to the study of Aikido. The first is the very popular study of Aikido-Te on a Wednesday evening. This “style” taught in Bushido is akin to other schools of ‘Aiki jujitsu’, and gives the student a very “street/reality” approach. Incorporating many strikes and kicks, as well as the more traditional locks and throws, this style has a full and interesting syllabus, which our students can choose as a route to BAMA blackbelt in.
The second approach to the study of Aikido is what we are teaching on a Tuesday evening, where the focus is much more upon the principles of Aikido rather than any street/self defence effectiveness. There are no strike, no kicks, and no “opponents”. We try to encourage an environment where we can work with partners, looking very much at concepts and principles that deal with improving the way in which we redirect the energy of our partner. We hope this class in its unique feel, touches upon the universal spirit people call Aikido.
Aikido principles are, for want of a better phrase, ‘scientifically perfect’ in other words they just simply ‘work’. But the weak point in all of this is not the subject but the practisioner! Often students bring tension and attachment to a movement which leads to added frustration when a movement seems not to work. The ‘nack’ of Aikido is to let go of wanting it to succeed and and enjoying the graceful movements for what they are, rather than just what they can do.
Each movement offers new challenges on this deeper, more personal level. Practice forces the student to dig deeper and learn more about themselves and in so doing it can be seen that the movements encourage personal contemplation, hence our class is called ‘Reflective Aikido’
This taster session on the 21st of July is open to all and is from 2pm to 4pm, so if you know of anyone interested then please bring them along. The session will touch upon the ‘Seven Elements’ that ripple through Reflective Aikido, each a path to greater understanding of ones self. We look forward to seeing you there.
Reflective Aikido Taster Session. FREE. Cheltenham Pilates & Yoga on the 21st of July.
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