🔶 SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2022

The next Online Workshop of 2022 will be exploring the theme of: 'Freedom of Movement'.

“Move like a beam of light: fly like lightning, strike like thunder, whirl in circles around a stable center.”
— Morihei Ueshiba

The value of formal pattern training, as we practice in Suburi and Kata, is in the ability to go deeper and deeper into the function of the form and the demands of the movement in the domains of the biomechanical and feeling-sensations. Allowing us to delve into areas such as grounding, centering, power-generation, as we slowly make fundamental changes to the organisation of our bodies. However, the limits of the form can also begin to lock us into set repetitive patterns, and the form itself risks becoming a restriction.

In order to progress in our training we must constantly approach the form as if we are creating it anew each and every time, with the curious mindset of the explorer. We may come to the realisation that all form arises from formlessness, someone at some point codified the practice as a representation of a principle, and that the form serves as an example and can be seen as a possibility rather than a limitation. We can approach genuine freedom of movement, the only restriction being the limits of our own understanding and creativity!

In the classic text The Demon's Sermon by Chozan Shissai, a swordsman journeys up to Mount Kurama, and eavesdrops on a series of dialogues of the Tengu (mythical Japanese creatures said to hold the secrets of Budo). One of the dialogues between the master and student concerns the principles of movement and stillness central to martial arts that is worth quoting in full:

'One asked: 'What does it mean "to be motionless in motion and in stillness not still"?

He answered: 'Man is a creature of movement. It is impossible for him not to move. Yet a man who possesses these characteristics may, to be sure, be very busy with his day-to-day activities. In spite of this, he does not allow his Heart to be set in motion by things; his Heart is balanced and still, free from desires and not held captive by his self. In terms of swordsmanship this means: If a man is confronted by a superior enemy force, even though he may dispense his cuts to the right and to the left, his spirit will remain completely still in respect to life and death and his thoughts unmoved by the superior enemy's power. This
is called "motionless in motion".

"Essence and function have one source. Hence, that is what is meant to be conveyed by the phrase "motionless in motion and in stillness not still ". In terms of swordsmanship this means: A person confronts the enemy with his sword or spear in hand. If in this act he is impartial, without hate or fear, without thinking " should I do this or rather that? " and from this frame of mind adjusts to the approaching opponent, then that person's reactions will be unhindered and free...'
— Excerpt from 'The Tengu-geijutsu-ron of Chozan Shissai' - REINHARD KAMMER
(Read in full here: https://terebess.hu/zen/teng.pdf)

The workshop will explore these ideas and will weave in and out of the Takemusu Aikido Bukiwaza and Taijutsu systems, and explore the levels of Kihon to Ki no nagare, with Kata and Jiyuwaza practices.

Register NOW to secure your place!

🔶 SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY:

10:00 - 10:45 1st Class
11:00 - 11:45 2nd Class
12:00 - 12:45 3rd Class
12:45 - 01:00 Q&A + Discussion Period

All times are  Central European Time (CET)

🔶 REQUIREMENTS:

All the training will be designed especially for solo home training.

Keep your weapons (Bokken + Jo, Tanto) close by and ideally you will need a minimum of ca. 4m2 for the exercises.

🔶 ONLINE CONTENT:

The training will be recorded LIVE and available for students to review after the Workshop. This can be accessed through the YouTube Channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/TAKEMUSUAIKIDO

🔶 INSTRUCTOR:

All classes will be led by  Michael Ormerod, 3rd Dan Aikikai.

Michael Ormerod began his training in Aikido at the age of 15 in the UK. He has trained extensively throughout Europe and under taken an intensive training period in Japan under the guidance of Hiroki Nemoto Sensei (7th Dan) and training in the Founder’s Dojo and Hombu Dojo. In 2016 he began a full time apprenticeship under his teacher Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros (6th Dan), training and teaching in the Takemusu Aikido Motril Dojo and attending international seminars as assistant. In 2019 Michael received the rank of Sandan (3rd Dan) from the Aikikai in Japan, Tokyo. Early 2020 saw the creation of the Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo, as a response to the Covid Pandemic – giving people the opportunity to continue their daily practice and the comfort of knowing that Aikido is just a click away under any circumstances.

🔶 PAYMENT:

Workshop Fee:
(Included in FULL DOJO MEMBERSHIP)

Full Workshop: 20 Euros

Payment can be made through PayPal using the following link:

paypal.me/TakemusuAikidoOnline

Alternatively, for direct bank transfer, please contact for IBAN and Bank details.

🔶 MORE INFO:

Email: takemusuaikidoonline@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +34 621 23 18 82

Web: www.aikidoonline.org

In Aiki 🙏

Michael
TAKEMUSU AIKIDO ONLINE DOJO