What is Kokikai Aikido? Kokikai Aikido emphasizes natural movement, ki development, relaxation, good posture and mind-body coordination. It is a minimalist martial art that focuses on making techniques effective while using little physical effort. An axiom of the style is “minimal effort for maximum effect.” The name Kokikai means “school of radiant ki”. Our style uses four basic principles: Keep One Point (to develop calmness) The style was founded by Shuji Maruyama (referred to as Maruyama Sensei, or just Sensei), and continues to be led by him. He continues to develop the art, so there is no set textbook way of performing any technique. The History Kokikai-Ryu Aikido founder Sensei Shuji Maruyama began his study of Aikido in 1955 under Koichi Tohei Sensei who was at the time chief instructor of Aikido under Master Ueshiba. Later after receiving an introduction from Tohei, Maruyama Sensei apprenticed directly with Master Ueshiba. Aikido
was developed by the founder of Aikido Master Ueshiba in the samurai
tradition of Budo. Master Ueshiba placed emphasis on maximizing human
potential – emphasizing strength and efficiency through the coordination
of mind and body. Through a special realization he was able to develop
his potential power. The essence of his realization was that he
discovered how to use only necessary strength. He understood his natural
human ability and how to use that ability correctly and efficiently,
and he applied his understanding to develop a system of new techniques
that would eventually solidify into the art known as Aikido.
The Results An effective form of self-defense, Kokikai Aikido relies on a strong mind and correct technique not physical strength alone. As a result classes include both men and women practicing on equal footing. Designed to defend against multiple attackers, it offers many solutions to aggressive behavior by others. By
emphasizing human development, Kokikai Aikido results in
self-improvement. Kokikai Aikido training promotes centering, correct
posture, relaxing progressively and positive mind. The combination of
these elements produces a different concept of strength which results
when mind and body work together in a relaxed way. This discipline not
only allows us to defend ourselves, it enables us to increase our
enjoyment of our daily lives and enrich the lives of others. Most
importantly, Kokikai Aikido offers us the opportunity to learn how to
control ourselves, so that we can deal with any situation gently, and
with confidence.
The Refinement In
the further development of Kokikai Aikido, Maruyama Sensei has stayed
true to Master Ueshiba’s tradition and has refined the techniques to
make Aikido more effective in modern circumstances. Maruyama Sensei has
caught Ueshiba’s feeling for using only necessary strength, using the
minimum effort necessary to achieve maximum results, but he now applies
that feeling to technique responsive to the realities of modern unarmed
fighting. Kokikai Aikido practice is characterized by realistic, focused
attacks, and the fluid responses that employ timing and rhythm to take
the opponents balance completely before the application of a throwing
technique. Anyone Can Do It In our teaching we encourage everyone. Maruyama Sensei has said not everyone can be a great marathon runner or tennis player, but everyone can become proficient in Aikido through Kokikai training. He says "I can do it, you can do it." We invite you to join us to experience, the power and enjoyment of Kokikai Aikido. |
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