Hi all,
My name is Boaz,
I'm an Aikikai shodan.
Recently I had the pleasure to participate in a couple of Aunkai classes, and would like to share some of my thoughts.
( *1st I'd like to apologize 4 the long message
)
Reasons:
Dissatisfaction After practicing for a few years now I have dissatisfaction with my:
• Posture
• Balance (especially after completing some techniques)
• Generation of power
• Martial movement
Believing Aikido has more to offer then just mechanical leveraging:
• I.E. neutralizing attacks immediately, b4 they are facilitated.
• Blending and uniting "internally" with attackers sensing attacker's intent b4 him.
• Using attackers energy even if he is balanced and attacks differently then in Aikido basic kihon.
• Being "strong" enough to be soft.
Being able to repeat "ki" demonstrations because of the idea behind them, not in order to show off.
Thanks to discussions here, I have been exposed to several individuals who seemed to have similar concepts, knowledge and training methodology of how to obtain the above. All of them agreed to the immortal: "It has to be felt". So I decided to try to feel as many of these guys as possible.
Recently I had the opportunity to visit Japan so I decided my first stop in this quest would be the Aunkai group.
I received a warm welcome from everyone which was important for this intimidated gaijin.
Classes:
I participated only in 2 classes:
Thursday: moving from basic exercises towards the bujutsu applications (yet not applications per-se).
Saturday: basic exercises.
Akuzawa sensei:
About my size (1.75m, 60kg).
Appears normally built and besides his forearms that seemed firm/muscular, didn't seem particularly muscular. Demonstrated convincingly how his method could be integrated in different fighting styles. What I liked most is his demonstration of how good structure and movement facilitate working against a larger opponent whilst carrying/balancing a load, I.E, distributing/dealing with forces while keeping balance.
The Ideas that were conveyed:
• Alignment: The torso as an axis that can be tilted but not bent.
• Extension: keeping the torso "opened" stretching-open the chest, pelvis and limbs, in other words to all directions.
• Connection to the ground: letting inserted forces be channeled to the ground and exerted ones from the ground.
• Relaxation-Minimization: Using minimal movements and minimal amount of muscles and organs per exercise.
• Examination: asking yourself at each moment: "what am I doing now, how can I improve it, with less effort, and less body organs". Teacher and partner feedback clear and guiding.
Conclusion of my experience with the Aunkai method:
*Coherent. A few "Basic" ideas that connect several concepts we know from Aikido.
*Logical, has tests to validate your understanding and advancement. relies on thinking and self exploration, not just mindless repetition.
*Could (should) be integrated in an Aikidoka's practice.
*Can show results in a relatively short span of time (a few years).
*Can enhance your Aikido no mater your purpose.
I'm looking forward to practice again with the group, meanwhile trying to practice on my own.
I apologize in advance for any inaccuracies and hope the Aunkai guys will correct them.
Boaz