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Lenape Aikikai AIKIDO 16 Mill Street Mays Landing, NJ 08330 Phone/fax: 609-645-7224 email: [email protected] Web site: www.mntainfo.com/Lenape ...
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Lenape Aikikai

AIKIDO

16 Mill Street Mays Landing, NJ 08330

Phone/fax: 609-645-7224 email: [email protected] Web site: www.mntainfo.com/Lenape

A true warrior is always armed with the three things: the radiant sword of pacification; the mirror of bravery, wisdom, and friendship; and the precious jewel of enlightenment.

NIZAM TALEB, Shidoin, Aikido Nizam Taleb, 5th degree black belt (Godan) in Aikido, is chief instructor at the Lenape Aikikai, located at the Shore Fitness Center, 5401 Harding Highway, Mays Landing, NJ. He moved to Sweden in 1968 where he lived 26 years and studied at the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, and finished his studies at Uppsala University, Dept. of Physics, prior to returning to the US in October, 1994. Taleb’s Aikido career began in September, 1972, under T. Ichimura, Sensei, 6th Dan Aikido, 6th Dan Iaido. After only two years of intense training Nizam was permitted by Sensei Ichimura to begin teaching the sword and staff techniques as a integral part of Aikido on a regular basis at the Uppsala Aikido Club. From 1984 to the time he left Sweden in 1994, Nizam trained at one of the affiliated dojos for Y. Kobayashi, Sensei, 8th Dan Aikido. During this period at the Iyasaka Aikido Club, Stockholm, Sweden, Nizam instructed and trained under Urban Aldenklint, 5th Dan Aikido. Due to his passion for weapons training, Nizam has developed a style of Aikido that clearly emphasizes the samurai tradition in dealing with present day society. Not only has he taught in Sweden but Germany, Denmark and various US cities including Milwaukee, New York, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Aikido is considered to be the youngest of the Oriental Martial Arts. The founder, Morihei Ueshiba passed only in 1969. It has its roots firmly planted in the Samurai warrior tradition. Discipline, harmony, control, fluidity in movement, love, inner peace and beauty are some of the attributes associated with Aikido. Nizam believes in a total centering of oneself. To obtain this one must submit oneself to a serious reevaluation of life in order to gain a respect for life and an acceptance of humility. Aikido is made up of three (3) Japanese words. The first Ai, which means harmony or

blending; becoming one with your inner self and environment. Ki, which means energy, refers to the inner energy that is manifested in all properly executed Aikido movements. Although one of the more elusive of the attributes it is certainly obtainable. And finally Do, the Way or Path. Putting it all together: The Harmonious Path of Inner Energy.

Reflections of my friend and mentor Stefan Stenudd. The instructor seen in the picture below along with Stefan, Ichimura sensei, was my first Aikido teacher. Visit Stefan’s web site at www.stenudd.com where you will find a wealth of information about Aikido and Iaido. The picture on the left is from 1974, with an adolescent me as uke to Ichimura sensei, my teacher at that time. Today it is more than a quarter of a century that I have practiced aikido. How many hobbies will last for that long, remaining fascinating? And how many sports? Normally I am impatient, to say the least, and anything that I have to repeat over and over will very quickly lose its attraction. Not so with aikido, the gentle martial art from Japan. I keep on doing those exercises, keep on struggling to refine the techniques, decade after decade - and my fascination seems to increase instead of fade. This is an anomaly, a koan if you will, that can only be comprehended if aikido is interpreted neither as a sport nor a system of self defense, but as an art. Of course it’s an art - endlessly intriguing, infinitely variable, never perfected. What else could it be? And art - long while life is short - might be the only dimension bringing meaning to it all. Aikido - as well as the whole world around us, the ten thousand things, as the Chinese put it - would be better understood as objects of art. Thus life, and all it contains, is an empty canvas and man’s formidable abilities is the brush, while his emotions, reflections and visions is the paint. In the case of aikido it might be more proper to talk about the rice paper and the ink - also relating more accurately to the dress code: the white keikogi and the black hakama. So, let’s swing our brushes - all over - and rejoice in our mutual creativity! Stefan Stenudd

What is Aikido? The Japanese word Aikido consists of three characters which can be translated as “the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe.” Aikido is a true Budo or “Martial Way.” It has evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. It must be understood that studies in earnest Budo is more than a science of tactics and selfdefense; it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit. Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, known to thousands of students of Aikido throughout the world as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). Even as a young man, Morihei Ueshiba was an extraordinary martial artist; a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, as well as the art of ju-jitsu. But O-Sensei also had a strong spiritual drive, and brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over others. Leading a life of austerity and rigorous training, O- Sensei struggled with this dilemma. He delved deeply into the study of religion, especially Shinto, (Japan’s native religion of nature worship). The dilemma was resolved in a moment of profound awakening. Transformed by his spiritual insights, Ueshiba transmuted his technical mastery of traditional martial arts into a new martial art. The art of Aikido was one that was fundamentally different from those that preceded it. It was also one of refinement and astonishing power. “The secret of Aikido,” he wrote, “is to harmonize with the movement of the universe and bring ourselves into accord with the universe itself.” O-Sensei maintained that Budo is a work of love, a path to overcome discord in ourselves and bring peace to the world, “To make the heart of the universe one’s own heart.” O-Sensei taught that true awareness is not grasped by intellect alone. “This is not mere theory,” he said. “You must practice it.” Dynamics Of Aikido The essence of all Aikido technique is the use of total body movements to create spherical motion around a stable, energized center. Even when a technique appears to be using only one part of the body, close observation reveals the Aikidoist’s movements are, in fact, total body movements. Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular; sending an opponent flying thorough the air. Others are small, deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved through precise use of leverage, inertia, gravity, and the action of centrifugal and centripetal forces. Ultimately, it is the energy of the attack itself which brings down the attacker. Aikido Training The final aim of Budo is personal transformation. Its goal is the creation of integrated human beings who are able to bring the totality of their wisdom and capabilities in order to resolve a problem. Yet philosophical discussion is rare in the dojo, (training hall). The focus is highly practical. Constant repetition to master the fundamentals of movement, timing and breathing is the fundamental requirement. Students train themselves to capture the opponent’s action and redirect it with techniques of martial efficiency and power. At the same time, they become aware of the tendency to overreact to opposition, and learn to remain centered under all conditions.

Most practice is done with a partner. Each works at his or her own level of ability, alternating as uke (the attacker), and nage (the one who receives the attack). Both roles are stressed as each contributes skills that enhance overall sensitivity and control. Increased stamina, flexibility, and muscle development occur naturally as a result of training, but the techniques themselves do not depend on strength for effectiveness. Since Aikido’s movements and techniques arise from the most efficient utilization of the entire being, great power can be developed by the practitioner, regardless of physical strength. Aikido practice encompasses a broad range of training styles, and allows people to train based on their individual stage of development. As a result, Aikido can be practiced by men, women and children of all ages. Centering The Aikidoist develops a relaxed posture in which the weight of the body is directed towards its physiologic center in the lower abdomen. Gravity is no longer a force to be overcome. Rather it serves to support and stabilize posture. As a result, ordinary movement assumes an appearance of grace and economy. The effects of centering are mental as well as physical. In addition vitality increases, the senses are sharpened, and one is less affected by the irritations and annoyances of daily living. This state is referred to in Japan as having hara, or strong ki. It is a manifestation of the inner quality which aids the student of Aikido to develop to his or her fullest potential in every area of life.

AIKIDO TERMINOLOGY Uke - Person being thrown Nage / Tori - Person throwing Posture (shizentai gamae): Migi gamae - right side Hidari gamae - left side Sankakutai - typical Aikido triangular stance Ma-ai - Distance between the nage and uke.

Stances (Hammi): Ai hammi - Both persons take migi gamae or hidari gamae at the same time Gyaku hammi - reverse stance Gedan - hand position low Chudan - hand position medium Jodan - hand position high Attacks: Shomenuchi - Frontal attack to top of head Shomenu-tsuki - Frontal attack to eyes Munetsuki - Frontal punch Yomenuchi - Frontal-angular attack to side of head/neck Katate-tori - Wrist grab Kata-tori - Shoulder grab Katate-tori hantai / Kosa-tori - cross hand grab Kubi-shime - Choke hold Katate-tori Ryote-mochi - Two hands grab one hand Ryote-tori - Grab both wrists Ryokata-tori - Grab both shoulders Randori - Multiple man attack

Hanmi Handachi-waza - Nage in sitting position and uke standing Suwari-waza - Nage and uke perform techniques on knees Jiyu-waza - Free Style Jo-tori - Staff taking Tanto-tori - Knife taking Kumi-jo - Paired jo kata practice Kumi-tachi - Paired bokken practice Taijutsu - Empty hand practice Irimi - Direct entry Tenkan - Indirect or outside entry. Body makes complete turn around attack. Atemi - Hand strikes Jiyu-waza - Free style Jo - Staff Suburi - Sword/ bokken practice Shikko - Knee walking Defense

Pins: ikkyo (omote/ura) first technique (forward/backward) nikyo (omote/ura) second technique folding wrist (forward/backward) sankyo (omote/ura) third technique twisting wrist (forward/backward) yonkyo (omote/ura) fourth technique on arm nerve (forward/backward)

Throws: irmini nage twenty-year throw juji nage “+” or crossed-arms throw (uchi/soto) kaiten nage rotary throw (inside/outside) kokyo ho sokomen irimi nage / breath throw kokyo nage breath throw [there our many, many variations of this] koshi nage hip throw kote gaeshi wrist turn-out shiho nage (omote/ura) four-direction throw tenchi nage (omote/ura) heaven-and-earth throw aiki otoshi leg pull throw ushiro udoroshi pull down from behind

More Aikido Terminology

More Aikido Terminology

Morihei Ueshiba Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) was history’s greatest martial artist. Even as an old man of eighty, he could disarm any foe, down any number of attackers, and pin an opponent with a single finger. Although invincible as a warrior, he was above all a man of peace who detested fighting, war, and any kind of violence. His way was Aikido, which can be translated as “The Art of Peace.” Morihei Ueshiba is referred to by the practitioners of Aikido as O Sensei, “The Great Teacher”. The Art of Peace is an ideal, but it developed in real life on many fronts. Morihei in his youth served as an infantryman in the Russo-Japanese War, later battled pirates and bandits during an adventure in Mongolia, and then, after mastering a number of martial arts, served as an instructor at japan’s elite military acadamies. Throughout his life, however, Morihei was sorely troubled by the contention and strife that plagued his world: his father’s battles with corrupt politicans and their hired goons, the devastation of war, and the brutality of his country’s military leaders. Morihei was on a spiritual quest and was transformed by three visions. The first occurred in 1925, when Morihei was forty-two years old. After defeating a high-ranking swordsman by avoiding all his cuts and thrusts (Morihei was unarmed), Morihei went into his garden. “Suddenly the earth trembled. Golden vapor welled up from the ground and engulfed me. I felt transformed into a golden image, and my body seemed as light as a feather. All at once I understood the nature of creation: the Way of a Warrior is to manifest Divine Love, a spirit that embraces and nurtures all things. Tears of gratitude and joy streamed down my cheeks. I saw the entire earth as my home, and the sun, moon, and stars as my intimate friends. All attachment to material things vanished.” The second vision took place in December of 1940. “Around two o’clock in the morning as I was performing ritual purification, I suddenly forgot every martial art technique I ever learned. All of the techniques handed down from my teachers appeared completely anew. Now they were vehicles for the cultivation of life, knowledge, virtue, and good sense, not devices to throw and pin people.” The third vision was in 1942, during the worst of the fighting of World War II and in one of the darkest periods of human history. Morihei had a vision of the Great Spirit of Peace, a path that could lead to the elimination of all strife and the reconciliation of humankind. “The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood as a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek competition are making a grave mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst sin a human being can commit. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent slaughter - it is the Art of Peace, the power of love.” Morihei secluded himself in the country and devoted every minute of his life thereafter to refining and spreading Aikido, the Art of Peace. Unlike the authors of old-time warrior classics such as The Art of War and The Book of Five Rings, which accept the inevitability of war and emphasize cunning strategy as a means to victory, Morihei understood that continued fighting - with others, with ourselves, and with the environment - will ruin the earth. “The world will continue to change dramatically, but fighting and war can destroy us utterly. What we need now are techniques of harmony, not those of contention. The Art of Peace is required, not the Art of War.” Morihei taught the Art

Lenape Aikikai Fee Schedule at Lenape Aikikai For 2004

Children $45/month (when classes are offered twice a week otherwise $35/month) Adults $70/month 12 months

$800.00

6 months

$400.00

3 months

$200.00

Lenape Aikikai 1 child 1x/week

Fee Schedule Per Month $35.00

1 child 2x/week

$45.00

1 adult

$70.00

Family Monthly Plans Family Plan I 1 adult & 1 child

$105.00

Family Plan II 2 adults

$130.00

Family Plan III 1 adult & 2 children

$140.00

Family Plan IV 2 adults & 2 children

$185.00

Lenape Aikikai Package Deals for New Adult Students

3 months training plus a Gi $240.00 Package Deal for New Children Students

3 months training plus a Gi $160.00

Morihei Ueshiba, 1883 - 1969

Kisshomaru Ueshiba, 1921 - 1999

Moriteru Ueshiba, 1951 -