Aiki Jo, Japanese short staff, as practiced in Aikido.
Interested Students always welcome.
Experienced 4th dan instruction trained from a school with a long tradition of Aiki weapons.
Aiki Jo, principles, practice and local North Devon class in Bideford on an art developed by Saito Sensei 9th Dan based on the teachings of O-Sensei the Japanese founder of Aikido.
www.aikijo.weebly.com
this new site relates to Aiki Jo in Devon,
its principles and its relationship with Aikido.
I apologise if you have come by this route looking for the Aiki Jo but that seems to be the way of the great web.
I hope you persist and click on the link above and visit the Aiki Jo site . . . and even better, please contribute to its content.
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Corfe Mullen - Wellsprings Aikido. 10.4.11
Below, students and teacher together from the above workshop. Sensei Paul McGlone centre; subject was effective use of Jo in application and in solo practice, development of correct mind connection and improvements to posture and Jo handling ... plus lots more. And this from a teacher whose equal in Iwama weapons you will rarely find.
Report on excellent Jo workshop.
I have practiced Aikido since the mid 1970s but the ...... no ... there's just no point in putting words down .... you needed to be there to share the enlightening journey we were shown ... it was brilliant, a real eye opener into the 'real' Aiki Jo. I have heard words before but never shown with such detail and patience what they actually meant. Brilliant.
We'll try and follow his teachings on our Wednesday night classes and see how far we can go. Richard (3rd Dan TIA)
Boken for precision, Jo for flowing, the essence of each inherent in the body and spirit of one who walks the path of Aikido - way of harmony of spirit.
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More Jo later that day with Sensei Sargeant but this time a kumijo that we had not seen before as it had been developed by the teacher himself. I'm looking forward to teaching it myself as it contains some difficult elements and some invaluable principles.
There were some excellent key pointers about Aikido and progressing one's own learning.
Once again, you really need to be there to know.
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Above left, Sensei Mark Allcock 2nd Dan; above right, group photo taken at the workshop, 18th July 2009, Bideford, North Devon.
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Poole, Dorset 18th April 2009, weapons course.
A workshop of enlightening import; The fine detail about WHY something is done and HOW you need to respond. The difference between exercises designed for blending and harmony and exercises to examine martial skill with an order of events that complement those of real life. Both Jo and Ken were practiced. (Ken = wooden sword) Where and when the power is manifested and how little effort is required, the relevance of feet postures and values of these and body posture........... all this and more ... what a day.
More than half the students were black belt level, and those that weren't were keen to be there too, a studious group that took on board the essence of the teaching, and jolly nice people at that. They had travelled from Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Devon and Berkshire to meet in friendship and study the art together.
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Aikido and Aiki Jo students, at Bideford, with 6th dan
Sensei Tony Sargeant, (centre).
Young and old together pose for a group photo after enjoying a two hour workshop.
Jo workshop on 22nd February 2009 in North Devon;
The instructor - Sensei Tony Sargeant 6th Dan (Japan)
Normally residing in Greece but visiting the UK for this and other workshops.
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Members of the 'Martial arts for oldies' group that trains in Bideford, of course they're not all old ! Left to right - the visiting teacher Sensei Tony Sargeant founder and principal of Takemusu Iwama Aikido Europe, Patrick, John, Michael, Paul, Colin, James, Morgan and Richard, who runs the local class.
During the workshop students had insights into the importance of body balance and timing in the use of the Jo. They explored the 6 kata and the key elements of positioning; some partner work, including parries from attacks to knee, kidneys and head. The essence of internal working and the requirements for the mental approach to Jo work were also paramount in the lesson.
You had to be there to understand ... and even then much practice will be required to put the understanding into action. ........ we're going to give it a good try at our local class.
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Below; Assisting at martial arts demo - South Molton 23rd Aug 2008
The end form of the suburi, katate toma uchi, Mark Allcock from Dorset on left (2nd Dan) and myself (the old one on the right). We joined in a Martial arts demonstration organised to publicise the pannier market