Aikido 合気道

Sankyo

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) in the early 20th century. As the physical practice of philosophical principles developed by O-Sensei, Aikido strives for the ultimate goal of peaceful resolution rather than defeat. Composed of three Japanese characters: Ai, meaning harmony; Ki, spirit or energy; and Do, the path or the way, the word Aikido thus signifies the "Way of Unifying Life Energy". In this regard, O-Sensei created a martial art in which the preservation of one’s attacker is equally important as one’s own self-defense.


Aikido is more than the study of physical techniques; proper etiquette, attitude, and behavior are also stressed. The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature. The Aikidoist trains to harmonize with, rather than confront an aggressive line of force and converts it into a circular motion that renders attackers helpless. The Aikidoist trains to apply various wristlocks, arm pins or unbalancing throws to subdue and neutralize attackers without serious injury. Such practice is done in tandem with learning the art of falling, or "ukemi", which trains the body and mind to receive such techniques in a safe manner.


Aikido is not a sport and hence there are no competitive tournaments. Rather, by cooperative training, the Aikidoist betters oneself without belittling others, without the intention of harm or fear of injury. As traditional Japanese budo, Aikido maintains the qualities of martial spirit, effective technique, and intense training. This, coupled with the premise of mutual respect and caring, and the important balance between attacker and defender, encourages the spirit of O-Sensei’s desire for universal peace.


Weapons


Aikido techniques and principles of movement have roots in Japanese weapons systems used by the samurai in warfare. These martial art forms have been modified over the years and are practiced in order to enhance and deepen our understanding of Aikido. Our weapons' training includes Bokken (wooden sword), Jo (wooden staff) and Tanto (wooden knife). The practice consists of individual exercises know as suburi and kata, partner practice (kumi-jo & kumi-tachi), and weapon disarming (tachi-tori, jo-tori, tanto-tori).


Iaido 居合道


Iaido is the traditional martial art of Japanese swordsmanship, which evolved from the combat techniques of feudal Japan into the modern system of movement and poise practiced today. Students learn how to draw and cut with the Japanese sword. Considered a meditative practice, the training is also physically vigorous. Mental focus, timing, and proper distance are developed through study and repetition of the ancient forms. In Iaido training, we attempt to understand the use of the weapon while simultaneously conditioning and vivifying our body.


Montérégie Aikikai offers Iaido training in the style of Muso Shinden Ryu as taught by Mitsunari Kanai Sensei. Several additional styles are also studied in our program. For more information, you may wish to read this interview with Kanai Sensei.


Intensive Program

"Unity of Principle & Technique" c
alligraphy by Kiyoshi Nakakura

The Montérégie Aikikai intensive program is a radical way for motivated students to immerse themselves in the disciplines of Aikido, Aikido weapons, and Iaido. It is specifically designed to offer the kind of focused learning experience not available in most modern dojo. Students considering the path of an instructor and/or seeking to follow the path of ‘aiki’ as a life-long study should apply.

Applicants must have a strong motivation to train every day while living harmoniously in a setting where service to the community is expected. Working in close proximity with the chief instructor, you will learn attention to detail. This is a hands-on learning experience, an apprenticeship. The training and teaching of skills is basically one-to-one even if participants are many in number.

In the case of students with previous training, the aim is not necessarily to define the entirety of their martial arts education, but to complement past experience with a temporary period of singular focus and depth. This is similar to the effect that a semester of cultural immersion abroad has on the fluency of a foreign language major. Our intensive program hopes to achieve the same effect with regards to traditional Japanese budo.

Anyone may apply. However, considering the required level of fitness, it is ideal that the applicant be in good physical health. The dojo has a rigorous curriculum. You may write to the chief instructor with questions or to request an application interview.