Takemusu Aikido Ireland Spring Course. Thomastown and Waterford. Sensei Simone Chierchini 5th Dan.

Another weekend of throws, pins, cuts and rolls, some Kokyu breathing, then off to the pub.

Putting it so simply hardly gives it justice. This seminar was interesting on too many levels to mention. Sensei Simone’s ability to explain and demonstrate both technique and principle is remarkable. The adaptability of Takemusu Aikido and the sure scope of content could leave many confused. Fortunately for us Simone is able to put into words and show things in such a way that our beginners can understand and improve their own Aikido.

This seminar was held in 2 locations. We started on Friday with a short class in our Waterford Dojo. Sensei Simone emphasised flow and flexibility and covered about 4 techniques. He spoke about the important of being able to perform a technique from many different situations and the mental state required to do so.

The next day we trained in the beautiful hall of Camphill Jerpoint, Thomastown. Sensei Simone started a class with a Kokyu session. Kokyu exercises are a kind of breathing movement mediation similar to QiGong. We were also fortunate to be able to listen to Phillip Cullen playing the piano during this. After lunch we trained in Bukiwaza {weapons} , covering the sword katas of Iwama Ryu. This is a wonderful way to train. Not only are the katas interesting by themselves but also in relation to the Empty handed Aikido. Sensei Simone always likes to explain the close relation between armed and unarmed technique.

On Sunday we returned to our Waterford Dojo. There we continued with a simple series of technique in an almost kata like fashion. Focusing on flow and then returning to more basic kihon practice we were able to both capture the basic principle and to look into other possibilities. Our Bukiwaza was Jo {staff}. We learnt a short kata and went over the basic suburi exercises. Our course finished with a grading ceremony. The first students of Waterford Dojo received their 5^th Kyu.

Thanks to Camphill Community Jerpoint and Black Belt Academy Waterford for hosting the event.

We hope to have Simone back this Summer.