Goryukan Stafford Dojo Uchideshi Blog

Keep your feet firmly on the ground

2010-11-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

There are several things in life that go together hand in hand so to speak: Rhubarb and custard for one, office work and typing for another but what about martial arts and kicking? Did you ever see a Bruce Lee film where he didn’t kick someone half way across a room or a Jackie Chan movie where he kept his feet on the ground? Well where do you draw the line between what we see on the big screen and what is actually practical?

In all honesty there are probably very few martial arts that do not train their students to perform kicks. Yoshinkan Aikido is one of those rarities of which I speak. The only kicking done in this martial art is when Uke (the attacker) performs a kick solely for Shite (the defender) to defend against it. So why are there no kicks in Yoshinkan Aikido when so many other arts promote this as good practise?

Well it is quite simply a case of balance. A person is more stable and has a stronger base when he/she has both feet firmly planted on the floor. As soon as an opponent lifts his foot to kick, something as small as your finger can be used to unbalance them. Low kicks in martial arts are a lot more effective than high ones. High kicks should only ever be used to finish an opponent off.

In Yoshinkan Aikido a person learns to defend from kicks not only from a standing position but also from seiza (kneeling). It sounds some what unfair does it not? You knee while they run at you and try to kick you in the head. When you first hear of this scenario then you would be forgiven for thinking: - “knee while someone tries to kick you in the head, are you insane?” but when it is performed by a trained individual that understands mai (fighting distance) and has good timing the advantage is by no means in the aggressor’s favour.

When you attempt to kick a kneeling man in the head your genitalia are completely exposed. One strong palm strike to the inside of the leg will send a man crashing to the ground. Once an opponent finds himself lying on the ground wondering ‘what happened?’ then his confidence will drop. But palm strikes are a kind way of dealing with this kind of attack in this situation. If Shite is so inclined when the kick is delivered he can propel his body forward sliding through the standing leg with his whole body. The combination of Uke’s weight coming forward and Shite’s body trapping Uke’s standing leg, can result in a broken leg for Uke.

It’s not a very nice way to handle the situation but then again neither is trying to kick someone in the head, don’t you think!

Interview with a Uchideshi

2010-10-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Name: Gavin Toft
Age now: 28
Age at time of course: 24

1) Tell us a little about your background?

G.T. Originally from Cheltnam got 2 sisters: one older one younger. I’m a chef by trade. I’ve always felt drawn to martial arts. I was doing ‘Tae kwon do’ back then but it didn’t suit my size and weight (i.e. I’m quite short). I Moved to Stafford looking for work as a chef. Read up on other martial arts. Aikido sounded like it suited me and fortunately there was a dojo in Stafford.

2) What initially attracted you to Yoshinkan Aikido?

G.T. It just resonated with me. Being small and not particularly strong, the prospect of finding a martial art that really worked on the basis of body mechanics alone sounded like a dream. Plus I saw the pictures of the guys wearing Hakamas and thought they looked cool!

3) What made you want to do the Deshi course?

G.T. I was already training a lot anyway. Sensei asked me and it felt like the right thing for me so I signed up.

4) What did you enjoy about the course?

G.T. I’d have to say the intensity of it. It moved at a very fast pace. I learned a lot more about myself, my body and its capabilities.

5) What did the course entail?

G.T. Well about 14 hours training a week broken down into: two one on one sessions with Sensei, training and instructing during the kids classes with more intense training during the adult classes. You had to watch the other students helping them to learn and understand the techniques better. I used to have to put the mats out twice a week and clear them away. (They have permanent laid mats now)! As well as doing cleaning and maintenance duties.

6) What was most challenging about the course?

G.T. Probably waking up in the morning stiff as a board aching and having to go to either go to work or back to more training. Maintaining the energy and attentiveness…

Can you explain what you mean by attentiveness?

G.T. ‘Explain what I mean’. Being ready all the time to be called up as Uke to perform or demonstrate a technique. Being in tune with Sensei knowing what technique he’s going to do before he even does it. Not screaming like a girl when pressure points are being demonstrated on me.

7) How had it changed you as a person? (i.e. what qualities within yourself are stronger; better, do you now perceive things differently?)

G.T. I feel more centred as a person more rounded. More confident within myself and my abilities. A lot more relaxed in tense situations should they arise. I have learned and nurtured the teaching qualities within myself.

8) What advice would you give to anyone who was thinking about doing the course?

G.T. Just go for it! You must have genki its essential. Being in good physical condition before you begin the course helps. Make sure you can commit to the requirements of the course. It is very intense but life changing.
Read ‘Angry White pyjamas’ before you sign up. Make sure you get your rest time in and look after your body (make sure you take the time off specified in the contract (I didn’t and believe you me you need it).

9) What is your favourite technique and why?

G.T. Any Kokyu nage (Breath throw) because it’s effortless. It just requires perfect timing.

10) What is your strongest memory about the course?

G.T. The one on one Jiyu waza session with Sensei that lasted for an hour. Which is like constant ukemi but with the added force of good technique on top.

11) What is Jay Savery like as a Sensei?

G.T. He is understanding. He sees things from a lot of different perspectives which I think enables him to explain things as well as he does. He draws upon his own personal and practical experience to explain techniques.

12) What is life like as a Deshi outside of the dojo? (in evenings and social occasions?)

G.T. Your duties as a deshi continue much the same inside as outside the dojo. You must be a good example to other students. I was most of the time apart from when I was on the karaoke in the local night spot. You continue to anticipate the needs of Sensei…

What do you mean by that exactly?

G.T. Just small things really like having a cup of tea waiting for him before he even thought about wanting one.

13) Any other comments or observations that you’d like to make about being a Deshi?

G.T. Yes just one – OSU!

Martial Etiquette

2010-08-05T01:47:00.000-07:00

‘Sometimes manners is the difference between keeping and losing your head’

Etiquette is something that transcends into all areas of life, be it when visiting a friend’s house, going to a silver dinner service or training in the dojo. In ancient Japan when the Samurai walked the earth, good etiquette would insure that a person would live longer. Something as trivial as touching another man’s sword could cost you your head! Although the days of the Samurai have been and gone, etiquette and good manners are still an absolutely vital part of martial arts.

So what part does etiquette play and how do we instil it in ourselves?
Well, firstly if you’ve going to teach someone how to defend themselves then you have to teach them discipline and more importantly self discipline. A Sensei simply cannot teach just anyone the art of fighting alone. If that person has a bad attitude then they will surely abuse that skill and use it to do bad things! So discipline and self control are an absolute must when learning any martial art.

‘With all power comes great responsibility’.

So we’ve covered why it is necessary to have etiquette but how does etiquette in martial arts or more specifically in Yoshinkan Aikido, help to instil discipline?
Well first time you enter a real dojo and see this etiquette in motion it is strange thing to witness. First of all each student must bow before entering the training area itself and say the word ‘Osu’. (Both are a vital part of the process so I’ll try and explain each one. First the bow: Hands by the side, feet together, the bow must be rigid and done from the waist not with the neck and only to about 45 degree angle. It must be executed with a sharp precise movement lasting only a second or two.

Secondly the bow is accompanied by the word Osu, which is an abbreviation the Japanese word Ohayo Gozaimasu" which means ‘good morning’. The term Osu has a more universal meaning though than just “Good Morning” or “hello”. It is used as a form of acknowledgement to someone else’s presence and of their knowledge. It is used in agreement to say ‘I understand’ and always in a positive manner.
When you hear the word used in the right context and with the right tone, you will despite the translation barrier, instantly recognise that it has a strong meaning. It is not a word to be taken lightly.

When entering a dojo the Osu must be said with conviction, same as when facing or answering another student or Sensei. If not then it can be taken as an insult! It’s a bit like you saying ‘hello’ to someone and that someone then ignoring you – it’s rude!

So it’s important to learn not only how to say ‘osu’ and bow correctly but when to perform these actions. So we know that it must be performed when entering the training area. It must also be performed before stepping onto the mat. If you are late arriving for a class then it is considered good etiquette to kneel in seiza in the corner of the mat until Sensei acknowledges your presence and bows to you. Which in turn you bow osu and then run to your place on the mat.
At the beginning of any class all the students will line up in seiza (kneeling position) facing shomen (front). When Sensei enters the mat and takes up his position the Sempai (most senior student) will call out “Shomen ni rei” which simply means ‘bow to front’, (The kneeling bow is again performed in a specific manner which we will cover another time) Sensei will then turn and face the students. Sempai will call out “Sensei ni rei” (bow to teacher) and everyone bows together this time calling out osu in a sharp positive tone. You are now ready for class – congratulations.

Kihon Dosa - The building blocks of life

2010-07-20T03:36:00.000-07:00

With the exception of breathing there is one thing all living creatures have in common – ‘movement’. All living things move be it to catch food or to escape from prey. Movement is quite possibly the most important defence mechanism that any one of us possesses.

Take the martial artist for example: He may be strong, powerful and have immense technique but when it comes to a situation that may require him to defend himself he is effectively rendered defenceless without the power of movement. You could have the most incredible blocking skills but if you stand there and give a person enough shots at it they will eventually hit you (yes even if your name is Bruce Lee)!
For the majority of us who are every day people that are not strong powerful warriors that are carved out of granite wielding immense technique, how do we manage to survive? Well my moving of course! For one and probably the best lesson of self defence is to never put yourself in that position in the first place.

However when that option is removed and we are likely to be set upon we need to turn to our natural assets. By maximising those natural assets we can in fact transform into very strong and powerful beings.

Now we talked in an early article about the basic stance – Kamae (posture). From this basic stance a lot of power can be generated and it all comes down to body mechanics. But in order to survive a person must effectively move and somehow remain strong while doing so.

The founder of Yoshinkan Aikido (Gozo Shioda aka "Kancho") knew this. Gozo Shioda was a mere five foot nothing, he was not carved from stone, he was not a giant. He was by all intensive purposes an everyday man like you and me but he controlled other people while generating immense power using very little effort.

There are countless videos on Youtube of Gozo Shioda being pursued by three, four sometimes five people, all of which are bigger than him, all of which are younger and stronger than him, yet when making contact with him they encounter a sensation similar to that of running into a brick wall! You can watch these videos and when you do it is certainly with a sense of disbelief as it all looks so unreal – fake even.

But believe me when I say that if you have ever experienced the power of effective kamae you will soon become a rigid believer in what you see. “Don’t believe me?” Well get yourself down to your nearest Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo and find out for yourself! Now while Gozo Shioda had mastered both movement and technique for himself how could he effectively teach others to do the same? The answer – the invention of something called Kihon Dosa (basic movements).

Kihon Dosa comprises of three basic movements ‘Hiriki no yosei’, ‘Tai no henko’ and ‘Shumatsu Dosa’. Gozo then broke them down even further into 'ichi' and 'ni' (one and two) giving a total of six movements. The practice of these movements not only gives a person power through their posture but it also teaches them the movements required to learn effective technique. The kihon Dosa are the building blocks of everything that you do in Yoshinkan Aikido. Over the up and coming weeks we will look at them in more detail. Until then stay alive and keep on moving.

Shinza all welcome.

2010-06-25T03:14:00.000-07:00

For the beginner – the natural stance

2010-06-25T03:02:00.000-07:00

With all martial arts there is a particular form and set of movements that define each individual art, a certain something that separates it from its neighbouring styles. Some Kung fu systems for example are based on the movements of animals: Monkey, Tiger, Crane (which oddly enough appeared in the famous final scene from the original film ‘the karate kid’) and praying mantis to name but a few. In some styles of karate they perform katas (set movements). These Katas involve moving in a particular way, shape or form. When it comes to learning and practicing these forms, all will require you to be flexible not only in body but in mind also. When you’re engaged in a pressured situation like a fight for example: it takes a lot of training to ‘naturally’ fall into a particular style and stance. So what is so different about Yoshinkan Aikido?

Yoshinkan Aikido is quite unique in that it is based on natural principles. For one: a person naturally walks with their feet turned outwards, this helps to give stability and balance. In Yoshinkan Aikido this natural principle is encouraged.

Another natural principle in Yoshinkan Aikido is to stay square on to your opponent/aggressor. This is the complete opposite of most martial arts which encourage you to make yourself a smaller target and to protect the vital organs.

The Aikidoka is not afraid of his enemys attack. He almost offers himself up for attack, so when the aggressor makes his move he will in fact reveal his own weakness to the aikidoka who will then become strong.

Examples of this strength can be found in the way the martial artist stands in Yoshinkan aikido. With the correct posture it is possible to absorb the strength of an opponent and to redirect it somewhere else.

Now let’s take a more detailed look at the stance: The Aikidoka remains up right, front knee bent keeping the back leg straight, both feet are turned outwards at about 45 degrees. The chest sticks out forwards and the shoulders remain back. Both hips and shoulders remain square. For the beginner the hands enter into the centre line, the high hand (same as front leg i.e right leg right hand) extends out from the chest with a slight bend at the elbow. The low hand is positioned a fist from the body around the lower abdomen (around the belt knot area). The fingers on both hands are spread with the ring finger pointing forwards. Spreading the fingers brings the tendons into play and the body’s natural strength. From the head to the back foot there should be a straight line. This straight line brings into play the body’s natural mechanics and in turn allows the person to become extremely solid. How solid you ask? Well I have personally witnessed four full grown men in a line attempt to push over a Sensei before and fail miserably. It is a really incredible and quite awe inspiring thing to not only witness but also to feel when practised correctly. I hope you have enjoyed your first lesson on one of the natural principles of Aikido, it is one of many waiting for you.

Self Defence -The Importance of Timing

2010-06-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

I’ve had some really good feedback from people reading my articles and again I’ve been asked for my thoughts on real self defence so with this in mind I found myself thinking about an incident which happened to me outside the very club I worked at.

In the dojo we practice our techniques with a large amount of space between us and one of the reasons for this is “Timing” take the Front Strike First Control for example when we strike we raise our hands in front of the body together then boom!!! we “STRIKE” this gives you the chance to see and feel the timing in a technique.

Well let’s get back to the incident in question, I was out with one of my friends also a doorman/bouncer, we had a great night full of fun and I was ready for home and a good night’s sleep, we walked back past the club as my friend wanted a ciggie and didn’t have any, as usual.

I waited outside for him while he went in and got his fix (a cigarette) as I waited this guy caught my eye, the reason was just the fact he didn’t look right to me, as he walks toward me I know something isn’t right so I move out of his way to save any confrontation, as I move he turns back and comes toward me again, I thought any minute now he’s gonna say something.

I didn’t know who he was but for some reason I got the feeling he knew me, as he comes toward me for the third time he stops and said “You kicked me out the other week not so hard now are you” then came the name calling I thought “big deal” you’re not the first and you won’t be the last to call me names but then he starts to get very aggressive telling me how much its gonna hurt when he drives his fist in my face. With that he dipped his head backwards I quickly employed a Metsubishi (eye smash) as he came forward to head butt me BANG!!! He was clean out for the count, he had just head butted my fist, I didn’t feel a thing and I do mean nothing it was as if I had just punched thin air the timing was spot on, a second before or a second after the outcome might have been different, it was then and there I realised the importance of good timing, especially in self defence.

Self Control

2010-05-30T06:11:00.001-07:00

We spend hours in the dojo sweating and training and we follow traditions and rituals, all designed to enhance our self-control and to make the moves natural and instinctive.

Most of us thankfully will never use the skills that we have learned. Others unfortunately will be forced to use it.
Those that know me will know that I am an Ex Doorman in the town where I live; many people are probably unaware of the volatile scenes that Doormen are faced with on a daily basis.

On one such shift I was on the door of the club I worked at. The Code word for trouble was “Mr Christopher” and we would often hear such things as “Mr Christopher to stage bar” or “Mr Christopher to dance floor”. On this particular night I was called to a fight on the dance floor.

The call was placed from the D.J who over looked the dance floor. The guys that were fighting had no idea that doormen were being summoned to the dance area and I was first on the scene and greeted by five guys all fighting.
Here is the dilemma, do I leave the public with a violent “chemically enhanced” bunch of idiots, who may injure bystanders as well as each other, or do I do a runner and wait for other doormen to deal with the problem?

As I shouted at them to stop, another guy suddenly appeared from nowhere and he quickly became very aggressive and confrontational, and was not willing to listen to any form of calming talk or reasoning.

Other doormen were on their way or should I say I hoped they were. Within seconds this new troublemaker, dropped his dominant fist back and swung at me ( knowing how to tell which is the dominant fist is something we learn during training). Without thought or reasoning I was able to enter into his strike blocking it and executing a powerful throw that sent him off balance and into a bunch of tables.

He did not know what technique I was going to execute and neither did I, yet I was still able to send him to the ground safely, I then picked him up in sankajo technique to enable me to maintain control of both him and the situation.

After that the other guys stopped fighting and just looked at me, I warned them all that they would all have to leave, then just in the nick of time the other doormen showed up and they were all safely escorted from the club.
Using “REASONABLE FORCE” on these people, even in self-defence is a MUST, and if I hadn’t it would most certainly have had repercussions for me.

In these situations it is so easy to lose control and this can be very dangerous, not only from a physical point of view, because if you lose control, you cannot think clearly. But also from a legal point of view losing control and using excessive force can lead you into conflict with the law.

Thanks to my training with YOSHINKAN AIKIDO I was able to keep my temper controlled and so think clearly not allowing frustration to take hold. My training also meant I reacted instinctively yet calmly so I was able to go home to my wife and children without any repercussions, from either the law or, my own inner emotional state.

Budo or not budo, that is the question.

2010-05-29T03:33:00.000-07:00

There are many questions in life that a person may spend many an hour pondering upon, such as: Why am I here? What sort of job would best suit me? How does inflation really work? And why am I so interested in soap operas when surely my own life is much more interesting? To some degree all these questions are worth consideration and more but what true relevance and bearing on your life do they have if any? Which brings us to the question: ‘Budo or not Budo?’
To the average person the word ‘Budo’ has little if not no meaning. In fact for most people the word ‘Budo’ is not even in their vocabulary. Yet it is a huge word in the world of martial arts. For anyone practising or considering practising a martial art then it should very much be a word at the forefront of their mind when partaking in the journey of self discovery that only a true martial art can provide.

Let me explain: in the Japanese context the word Budō is a compound of the root bu (武:ぶ), meaning war or martial; and dō (道:どう), meaning path or way. Specifically, dō is derived from the Buddhist Sanskrit mārga (meaning the "path" to enlightenment). The term refers to the idea of formulating propositions, subjecting them to philosophical critique and then following a 'path' to realize them.
Dō signifies a "way of life". Dō in the Japanese context, is an experiential term, experiential in the sense that practice (the way of life) is the norm to verify the validity of the discipline cultivated through a given art form. The modern budō has no external enemy, only the internal enemy, that of one’s own ego.

Similarly to budō, bujutsu is a compound of the roots bu (武), and jutsu (術:じゅつ), meaning science, craft, or art. Thus, budō is most often translated as "the way of war", or "martial way", while bujutsu is translated as "science of war" or "martial craft." Many hundreds and even thousands of years ago Eastern countries (one of the most famous being Japan) developed fighting or ‘killing arts’ aka a ‘Budo’. These Budo’s were used to defend life and forge the future of a people by preparing them for war. In years gone past these Budo art forms have crossed the oceans and made its way to our Western shores in the forms of what we now know to be martial arts. With all translations something was lost. But why does this happen?

Well to be honest that really depends upon the intention of the person or people using it and to what aims. Primarily martial arts were created to hone fighting skills and kill enemies (it was a matter of survival). In the modern western world most people take up martial arts as hobbies as oppose to a way of life which is where the budo element comes in. A lot of martial arts have been watered down by modern society to make them more appealable to the mass consumer and safer in the eyes of the law. Which when you think about it kind of defeats the original idea. Nowadays we have a lot of sport orientated martial arts that are competition based. Competitions do help strengthen individuals’ abilities and hone their skills but like all sports and competitions they’re bound by rules. When it comes to a real self defence situation there are no rules or limitations on how far a person can or is willing to go. When it comes to a matter of life or death it is only down to the courts of the land to decide whether that defensive action was just and right in the given circumstances.

Right now with any luck your head will be swarming with even more questions about what a Budo is and why you should take it into consideration when taking up a true martial art. Any bona fide Sensei or Sifu should be able to elaborate on what one is and why it is relevant to your development as a martial artist.

Good luck with your quest.

Kancho Sensei UK Seminar

2010-05-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

Yasuhisa Shioda Soke or Kancho Sensei was born on 15th November,1952. Kancho Sensei started practicing Aikido at the age of thirteen under his father the late Gozo Shioda Soke the Founder and the first Yoshinkan Aikido Kancho. In 1984 Kancho Sensei spent three years in England and helped establish the basis for the spread of Yoshinkan Aikido overseas. The Tatsumaki Dojo was the place to be on Saturday May 22nd 2010, Kancho Sensei was giving a seminar in the uk for the first time in 26 years.

Kancho spoke in english at first then for the rest of the time Kancho spoke Japanese I thought Kancho did a good job of speaking english, as I can only say a few words in Japanese, I found Kancho Sensei to be friendly and open with very strong technique, we started off with Kihon Dosa and then moved on to some basic techniques,Shiho Nage was first follow by some Nage Waza in the afternoon. There was a lot of people at the seminar so throwing space was a bit limited,. Kancho Sensei was kind enough to have some photos with us and sign a few books. If you have missed Kancho's visit to England shame on you, it was a great seminar and I really enjoyed it I even got my photo taken with young skywalker himself Dan Holloway nice to see you again Dan.

Gavin Toft Uchi Deshi

2010-05-19T03:33:00.000-07:00

Gavin Toft is back training at Goryukan Stafford Dojo, Gavin was uchideshi from 2006 -2008 and completed the Goryukan Stafford Uchideshi Program which lasts for 2 years, training for about 16-18 hours a week giving him a min tolal of 1664 hours training. The training time on other courses like The Japanese Senshusei Course which is about 950 hours training over 11 months, So welcome back Gav.

For more infomation on this program click the following link
Goryukan Stafford Uchideshi Program

Rubens Sensei 6th Dan Yoshinkan

2010-05-13T01:50:00.000-07:00

We had a visit from David Rubens Sensei 6th Dan Yoshinkan on Wednesday 12th May 2010.

Rubens Sensei trained under Gozo Shioda Soke in the Yoshinkan Hombu Dojo in Tokyo for four and a half years from 1984-1988.

For two years he was ‘uchi-deshi’ (live-in student), completing the Japanese Instructors course with ten members of the Tokyo Riot Police Special Group; subsequently spending fifteen months as a live-in assistant instructor to the school - one of only three Westerners presently training to be given that status.

During Rubens Sensei's visit he gave a 2 hour non-stop ride through Yoshinkan Aikido which was very enjoyable, Sensei took us through a basic Shiho-Nage then after that Sensei did some very fast Kokyu-Nage's. The lesson went very fast and seemed to start, then before we knew it - the lesson had ended.I would like to thank Rubens Sensei for visiting us and sharing lots of great storys about his time at Honbu. Thank You Sensei and I hope to see you again very soon, Osu!!!

2010-05-03T02:45:00.000-07:00

Joe Thambu Shihan UK Seminar 2010, It was nice to see Thambu Sensei again and as always you leave training thinking Wow!!! what a seminar! Thambu Sensei is truly a great teacher the day was full of new ideas and different ways of thinking about technique. Sensei Joe is a very warm teacher and what I mean is he makes you feel like you have know him for years, Not all teachers have that ability. If you have never been to a seminar with Thambu Sensei then you are definitely missing out. Osu!!! Sensei, see you again soon.

Injured

2010-05-03T01:56:00.000-07:00

I will not be at training for about two weeks due to two slipped disks in my neck which is pressing on a nerve making three fingers on my left hand to go numb, I have also got a small rip in my left bicep and tricep due to over doing it in the gym.

Henry Pielacki Sensei and Robert Purnell Sensei will be taking classes till I return, so train hard and I will see you all soon.

Next stop Kancho Semniar.

Osu!!!

Dojo Closed Sunday 2nd May

2010-05-01T03:05:00.000-07:00

Don't forget people Dojo CLOSED Sunday 2nd May due to Sensei and students attending Thambu Seminar. Osu!!!

Miranda Clinic 2010

2010-04-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Goryukan Stafford Dojo is proud to host Steven Miranda Sensei of Aikido Yoshinkan Sacramento U.S.A. "Seikeikan" Miranda Sensei visited the U.K. for the first time in 2009 where he did his first U.K. seminar, which was a great success.

We had students from the Shoshinkan who we are hoping will visit us again this year. This is a open invite to all Aikidoka to come and train with a Great Yoshinkan Instructor. If you are interested in attending please click on the following link I want to ATTEND.

Miranda Sensei Bio

Miranda Sensei (5th Dan) is The founder and chief instructor of Aikido Yoshinkan Sacramento is Mr. Steven Miranda. Steven began his study of Yoshinkan Aikido in 1982 under the direction of Mits Yamashita Sensei,(6th dan) of the Sanbukan Dojo . Steven first met Yamashita Sensei at El Camino Community College in Torrance, CA.

Along with his training, Steven was also the primary instructor for the Wednesday night classes at the Sanbukan. Among Steven's responsibilities was teaching the new students dojo protocol and etiquette, ukemi (falling) and the required basic techniques and kihon dosa required for their first exam. Steven also assisted with the police defense tactics course and was taught combat defense grappling by Yamashita Sensei and Sensei Johann. Steven was promoted to shodan in 1997 and nidan in 1999 by Yamashita Sensei.

At the encouragement of Yamashita Sensei, Steven invited Amos Parker Sensei, 8th dan, to continue his training in July of 2000. In 2001, Steven was promoted to sandan, yondan in 2004 and to godan in November of 2008. Examinations were administered by Parker Sensei. Like the dojo itself, all of Steven's dan ranks are registered with the Aikido Yoshinkai Foundation in Tokyo Japan. Steven was also granted his Dai Ni (level 2) instructors certificate. This enables Steven to promote and register his students with the Yoshinkan honbu dojo to the rank of sandan (3rd degree black belt).

I want to ATTEND THIS CLINIC

Jay Savery Aikido Yoshinkan

2010-04-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Jay Savery Aikido Yoshinkan

2010-04-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Dojo Closed

2010-04-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,

Dojo will be closed on the following dates please make a note of it for your records First Date will be 2nd of May 2010 more dates to follow so please check back soon.

Osu!!!

Goryukan Stafford Dojo

2010-04-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Saturdays training is adults only this week due to dan testing, Robert Purnell who has been uchideshi for the last two years is going for his Shodan we all wish him well.

so please remember adults only. following week training as normal. Osu!!!"

Yoshinkan Aikido

2010-04-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Yoshinkan Aikido: "Staffordshire's only Registered Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo. Aikido Goryukan Stafford is Staffordshire's leading traditional martial arts school based in Stafford. Goryukan Stafford Dojo offers quality instruction in Aikido,Self Defence,Physical Restraint for Security & Doorsupervisors and Physical Intervention for Schools and Care Homeswith classes 5 days a week in one location with classes for both adults & children. We provide a welcoming environment for beginners suited to achieving your personal goals."