AIKIDO WEAPONS TRAINING

Our Aikido Weapons syllabus includes a range of Jo (wooden staff), Bokken (wooden sword) and Tanto (wooden knife) techniques as well as a number Jo and Bokken Katas.  This part of the training programme provides an interesting and comprehensive element to our Aikido practice giving it a sense of completeness.  

The Jo, Bokken and Tanto are the three principal weapons universally associated with Aikido and here are a few reasons why we use them in practice:  

• Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido derived many movements and techniques from the Classical Weapon Arts such as, Kendo (the way of the Sword), Archery, Spear Fighting, and Fencing.  It is therefore, essential  to incorporate weapons training into our syllabus to gain a fuller understanding of how these movements can develop your skill and proficiency. 

• The Bokken is an especially important weapon when used in Aikido training.  Many movements used in Aikido are derived from the movements of the Japanese Sword.

• Weapons training can help you develop Mai-ai, (correct distancing). Putting the two together; Mai-ai and movement can accelerate your progress.  

• As you progress through the grading system, you will begin to practice at a more advanced level. In order to do this safely, you will need to learn how to attack and defend correctly using weapons.

• In order to gain a better understanding of a technique and its movement, sometimes it is essential for the Instructors to demonstrate it using a weapon such as the Bokken, Jo or the Tanto.   Giving a visual example of how a techniques works using a weapon will aid your understanding.

• The Katas we use at Haden Hill Aikido Club not only facilitate understanding of the general principles of Aikido movements but also help the co-ordination of mind and body as well as focus and concentration. The use of Katas when practicing with Children are a great source of fun in learning to co-ordinate body movements and in particular helps develop their concentration.  This may then reflect in other parts of their lives such as at school, especially during exams.

• The level of intensity during Weapons training can give an added element of satisfaction to the practitioner, especially in practicing defences against a weapon attack. It can also provide an opportunity to develop skills in  responsiveness and sensitivity to the movements and actions of others.  Weapons Training is always carried out under the supervision of both Instructors in a highly structured, safe environment.