OSU!

Very exellent method of learning this aiki-style

Gozo Shioda kancho developed a method for teaching himself to do what O'Sensei
was doing and has been kind enough to share it with us all

It is one of the most fundamentaly horizontal lineages. A building block system
for producing strong aikidoka.

Weight distribution, center line, circularity, atemi, and dynamic movement all
steming from strong kamae.

The transmission of power from the legs and toes directed by the hips and
through a properly centered but relaxed upper body is a great foundation for
true aikido.

Suwari-waza, shikko, seiza-ho, jiyu-waza, as well as randori are foundations for
solid technic. "Ki no Myoyo o Tadsshiku"

Chida-sensei is my current favorite. He has the smooth as glass movement that
seems effortless. Like a rolex watch as simple and elegant as it looks on the
outside you know there are many precision moving parts inside that have been
meticulously installed and are rigorously maintained.

Installing the foundation is simple if not challeging. Logical movement and
realistic, effiecient technic are the base for any effective art. The Logic of
the head above hips and 60-40 weight distribution with and extreme emphesis on
the center line make moving from and sqaureing the hips much more fundemental to
the art and very effective in trasmitting/blending with the power of an attack.
One must learn to control ones self before controlling an opponent. "Masakatsu
Agatsu"

I really like the the "no bull" approach that Gozo Shioda kancho created with
the school having a horizontal approach to maintaining the lineage.

A strong foundation in basic technic with both push and pull distinctions for
grabs and irimi and tenkan for strikes many which include atemi. Atemi for me
has a three fold purpose. Uke protects himself with more awareness, if uke is
blocking hes not hitting shite (ties up that arm) and atemi breaks the mind-body
connection of the attacker (breaks the root of the opponent).Kiai does something
similiar. Also I like the classifications for technic by technic rather than by
attack. A much more positive way to organize what we are doing.

Many thanks to Robert Mustard-sensei for translating for us gaiji and bring us
closer to understanding Aikido OSU!

Finally..... I really just like yelling OSU!

Spirted and enthusiastic training is really alot of fun!

Peace!

Eric Campbell