Our syllabus focuses on using weapons to develop a deep understanding of martial movements, both with and without weapons, against multiple attackers. We will ensure that through training, you will gain an intuitive understanding of biomechanical principles that make movements efficient. We also emphasise how verbal de-escalation can often prevent unnecessary physical violence, even when prepared for it.
The Iwama schools of Aikdo greatly emphasise Jo (stick) and Ken (sword). Aikido weapons techniques were designed as tools for body development and to improve hand-free techniques and physical conditioning through, for example, precision and timing, body alignment and proper use of strength, blending and centring.
We consider that all empty-hands attacks are, in effect, tanto (knife) attacks for which the same defence can be applied. By treating all attacks the same way, the body can learn one way to move against all possible attacks, armed or unarmed.
So, while, at first sight, the Aikido syllabus can look daunting, most techniques use the same principles, and learning one will help in learning the others. By understanding why the technique works, you will be able to self-assess and review your own training.
Over time, you'll learn to internalise many principles to take balance at first contact and never give it back, use joint limitation to move your opponent, leverage leaver effects to gain an advantage when you are not in a position of strength and use gravity and your weight to generate force without relying on raw strength, etc. All these concepts can sound a bit alien at first but will make sense once understood.
In particular, through regular training, you will learn the following:
Aiki Jo Bukiwaza: 20 Jo Suburi, 6 Jo Kata, 31 Jo Kata, 31 Jo Kumi Jo, 13 Jo Kata, and 10 Kumi Jo.
Aiki Ken Bukiwaza: 5 Ken Kumi Tachi, 7 Ken Suburi, and the Ki Musubi No Tachi.
Aiki Ken Tai Jo: Ken and Jo techniques to harmonise sword and staff movements.
Aikido also has a wide range of unarmed movements, where we focus on learning to move with power and balance from our centre and bring our opponent to the floor.
Many videos of our Aikido techniques are available on Alexander Gent’s YouTube channel where they are demonstrated alongside Sensei Paul Lowing. You will also be able to find many other instructors on the TIAE website sharing their passion for Aikido and our syllabus on YouTube.
We look forward to sharing our love for Aikido, regardless of your previous experience or style.