This year’s seminar, I attended one day of practice. I managed to get
there early before the typhoon had arrived.
As usual, Suzuki Sensei demonstrated great speed, power and timing. One
thing we must keep in mind is posture.
Keeping a low center of gravity is an important aspect in order to utilize
our whole body correctly and generate power from our hips and legs.
If we pay close attention to Suzuki sensei’s posture, we can clearly see
him bending his knees moderately and using his center in connection with
the opponent.
A very useful point in this training camp was how to take correct ukemi
(break fall) correctly by engaging and using our whole body. This means our
energy and Ki should be always attacking our opponent and never giving up
until the last moment when it is necessary to take ukemi. A good example
was shown by Suzuki sensei when he was taking ukemi in Ikkyo omote and ura.
He uses his Knees (very low stance) and hip power in order to rotate
correctly and maintain a good posture.
The more I do Aikido the more I realize the great importance of Ukemi. We
must develop sensitivity, flexibility and the correct intention to attack.
I was called a few times by the teacher to take break falls from ushiro
ryote tori, ushiro ryo kata tori and ushiro ryo hiji tori. I always try to
maintain my body in a relaxed state, this way I am able to feel the
teacher’s technique and react accordingly. The same concept applies for all
the attacks.
We should lower our body, rotate our hands, lead our opponent and extend
our ki energy outwards to throw the opponent.
I Also had an opportunity to practice with several people including Nakao
sensei as we did shomen uchi kaitenage. I was thrown by ease by Nakao
sensei as he entered smoothly, took my balance and threw me.
This seminar was one of many which I had attended. I believe with if we are
able to learn one point from the training camp this is great. We should try
never to forget these detailed points. This way we can incorporate it in
our daily practice and continue to progress.
This was a valuable experience for me. I will keep working on trying to
perfect my ukemi.