Warmley Ki Aikido

2011 Gradings

2012-01-07T17:17:00.000Z

Been a bit lax in updating this site as most is repeated on the BKAA blog at bkaanewsletter.blogspot.com

However at the end of December the following grades were well deserved at the Warmley club

Hanna Lord - 1st Kyu
Pete Lord - 1st Kyu

Simon Daniel - 5th Kyu

I would also like to welcome Iggy Lam to the club.

Oscar 4th Kyu

2010-11-09T14:32:00.000Z

Congratulations go to Oscar on achieving his 4th Kyu, Orange belt.

This was well deserved and after looking at his membership book, well overdue.

Since starting Oscar has regularly attended the class, and continues to learn as I introduce new techniques.

Well done.

My thanks also go to Hanna and Pete for assisting as ukes

ps. I will add a picture once I get it

BKAA photos

2010-10-02T18:43:00.003+01:00

Hopefully this should've worked! Fingers crossed, here's the link:

Betsy's photos

Thanks Betsy, it worked and your photos have been made available through the BKAA Blog also.
Thanks for you and Oscar attending yesterday

2nd Kyu for Hanna and Pete

2010-05-23T09:50:00.001+01:00

An early start on Saturday to travel to Bournemouth dojo gave Hanna and Pete the opportunity to demonstrate their achievements in Aikido.

I was very pleased with both your performances and you both demonstrated that when the pressure is on you remained calm and continued with the techniques.

I'm sure I bounced a few times on the Bournemouth luxury mats...

Both Hanna and Pete were assessed by Jim O'Dwyer and passed their 2nd Kyu, Blue belts, which they are now proudly wearing.

Well done to you both, I will dig out the next round, although we will concentrate on more lateral aspects of our Aikido practice now.

Friday Evenings

2010-05-16T09:22:00.000+01:00

I have decided that Friday evening 18:30-20:30 will continue for the foreseeable future, as although at the end of the week all are tired and raring for the weekend. At least it is not cutting into the weekend and Saturday morning.

Hopefully as people get accustomed to the time then we will see a return to the class numbers.

Next Saturday is our trip to Bournemouth dojo, early start, as their class starts at 09:30, although be good to practice with Jim and his dojo again.

Where is this year going already?

2010-04-30T12:59:00.001+01:00

We are now rapidly approaching the May Bank Holiday and I am pleased that our karate members are meeting the Japanese Masters for a weekend of cultural integration, my youngest son will be there to menace you all. Enjoy, as I'm sure you all will.

As you are aware I have moved the session to Friday evenings, 18:30-20:30, which seems to be going well, although please try not to shock the oldies playing badminton too much. You maybe there someday...

I will probably continue with this as people seem to get to the session without too much trouble.
I think planning my work diary better would assist in ensuring I'm back on time, but it'll get sorted.

Just a couple of dates to note:

Friday 7th May, still on the badminton court, as I'm again sailing at the weekend.
Saturday 22nd May - Bournemouth weekend to look at Blue belt syllabus :o)

First weekend of October is going to be the BKAA Seminar, this time it will be in Swindon, so closer to the time I may arrange a bus for the Saturday.

Some dates coming up

2010-03-29T16:43:00.001+01:00

Just to let all know, although I will also remind by email and text.

Due to this weekend being Easter there is no class this Saturday.

Also the following week we commence the Friday evening classes 6:30-8:30pm.

Hopefully that will give everyone enough time to get home, including myself.

Further dates to think about are:

22nd May will be a road trip to Bournemouth for a grading and some social time with Jim and his lot...

Enjoy your weekend off and see you soon.

Congratulations to Betsy and Tony

2010-02-14T17:49:00.001Z

As a matter of progression I am pleased to announce the grading of Betsy and Tony to 5th Kyu, Yellow belt.

After concentrating on the syllabus for the weeks since the New Year and to stop any nerves and apprehension, after two hours of practice, they were both thrown in at the deep end of be assessed.

Both passed the assessment yesterday to begin their path in Aikido.

Well done and thanks for the other dojo members for assisting as Ukes and filming.

New Year, New Venue

2010-01-04T12:19:00.001Z

Welcome to the New Year, New Decade and all that. I hope you are all rested over the festive period and are now raring to go again on the mats in 2010.

This week we begin our sessions in the Squash Courts, so turn right to the other hall this time. Times are the same as usual, 10:30-12:30, and I will see whether the amount of mats need to be adjusted. This depends on the number of people attending, although I may adjust format of mat layout to give space between. This is something you will have to bear with, and with a bit of trial and error we will get the format that suits.

See you all this coming Saturday morning, 9th January 2010.

Festive Greetings and Dates for 2010

2009-12-24T10:41:00.003Z

I hope you all had an enjoyable 2009 and enjoyed the past few weeks of weapons training.

From the New Year, start back on Saturday 9th January, we are in the Squash courts.

Another couple of dates to remember are the BKAA Seminars:

Saturday 13th March 2010 11.30am-5.30pm

Sunday 14th March 2010 10.30am-1.30pm

Saturday 9th October 2010 11.30am-5.30pm

Sunday 10th October 2010 10.30am-1.30pm

I may look at extending the Seminar Sunday times, although will have to consider the number of attendees this year.

Swindon dojo are looking at running an afternoon session on either a Saturday or Sunday in late January, I will let you know once dates have been fixed.

Hope you all have a good break over the Christmas and New Year and see you all refreshed for 2010.

"Our survey says"

2009-12-02T09:04:00.005Z

To give you all access to the survey that I carried out on the format of our Aikido class and the Techniques that I adopt and pass onto you all. Here are the results:

First about the Class and Tuition Style:

And then I asked questions to see whether there were techniques or elements of the class which you thought I could improve.

As you can see Multiple Attacks and Randori come up as the main focus area, therefore I will concentrate on this in each class moving forward:

As always please approach me, if you want more of something, or you wish to continue running through a principle to really embed it in your mind. Otherwise there is so many options and little time to get you comfortable with all.

December Dates for Warmley Aikido

2009-12-02T07:35:00.005Z

As this year has quickly moved passed and all the ambitions at the start have drifted into the past and now become plans for 2010. I would like to let you know of some dates to end 2009.

The last few weeks I have enjoyed running through weapons katas and hope that it has given you a grasp of some of the techniques.

I have found with the survey that I sent out that many of you want to see more Randori and Multiple attacks in the class, therefore this will be introduce for 2010.

5th - Grading at Bournemouth, so no Warmley class
12th - Early class 9-10:30, Zenshin party at Fry's Club, Keynsham
19th - Normal class, drink after at The Griffen, Warmley (Bridgeyate)
26th - No class
2nd Jan - No class
9th Jan - Start again in The Grange Squash Court, 10:30-12:30

I will post more before the end of 2009, although again it has been an enjoyable year.

Search for a Suitable Hall

2009-11-11T17:50:00.005Z

With the charging of mats, per mat, the Grange School has become non-cost effective for the Aikido group.

I have found another hall that is available on Saturday mornings for a reasonable cost, however our club may have to resort to multiple weapons classes over the coming weeks before Christmas, as I will find it difficult to instruct techniques which involve breakfalls until I find another source for mats.

Also getting mats that meet our needs and storage of them is another issue I have to look at.

Please bear with me in the following weeks, I will endeavour to continue as a club. These things are planned to test our resolve.

Another option is for us all to join ranks with Zenshin dojo :o)

To add to this post, I have looked into the cost of the Grange School Squash Courts and this with the hire of some mats is more cost effective than purchasing our own mats, storing and transporting them and moving to a new venue.

Therefore from the New Year our class will be in the Squash Courts, so turn right instead of left. We may find it more noisy due to the Netball in the hall, although we'll work that out.

BKAA Winter (Autumn) Seminar 2009

2009-10-21T15:38:00.003+01:00

Small turn-out this time, the recession, Autumn bugs or timing of this year's BKAA Seminar took it's toll on the numbers, although those who attended again enjoyed their time and the nuances of Aikido that was learnt by all.

Focus on wedges and braces was the theme of the weekend, and I will try to pass on during our weekly classes, although my memory is certainly getting worse the longer I leave it.

The Bath sports village judo dojo is certainly an impressive event venue and I will be looking for the next seminar to be before Easter 2010. This will depend on the availability of instructors and venue, as soon as date is set I will be notifying all BKAA members.

I have also attended the Yuudansha meal with Zenshin dojo karate, very enjoyable evening and good to socialise with others with similar interests.

Betsy has survived Freshers week at Reading and is now starting her Uni life, although continues to visit us at the Warmley dojo during the weekends. Oscar has started his apprenticeship at Rolls Royce and is enjoying the move into working life. (Unfortunately that ends long summer holidays, although sabbaticals are available for us older types.

I am still trying to arrange a drink over lunch, maybe November is good for that.

BKAA Seminar Next Week - 3rd/4th October

2009-09-26T22:13:00.002+01:00

Next week is the BKAA Autumn / Winter seminar at the University of Bath, all BKAA members are welcome, or come along to watch the event on either day.

Times are :

Saturday 3rd - 11:30am to 5:30pm

Sunday 4th - 10:30am to 12:30pm

Prices are £30 for the weekend, £20 for Saturday and £10 for Sunday.

Hopefully I will see you at sometime during the weekend.

Karate - Zenshin dojo trip to Japan

2009-09-16T09:22:00.003+01:00

This week sees Kate, Pete, Hanna and Zoe venture off to Japan as part of a Zenshin dojo visit to the Japanese karate masters.

I'm sure they will all have many stories to tell when they return.

I see many similarities in techniques between those we practice as part of my class and those that Rob and the Zenshin dojo practice.

Just to remind their is no class this week - 19th September

I would also like to give Betsy all our thoughts as she begins her adventure in Uni next week.

Zoe goes for Orange

2009-09-06T22:39:00.004+01:00

To show that progress for Aikido students is attainable.
I would like to congratulate Zoe Reeves on achieving her 4th Kyu (Orange belt).

This level brings many new aspects of the Aikido techniques, immobilisations and movements and therefore is not a simple tick in the box to achieve.

Another demonstration to show that the journey we begin will take perseverence and patience.

Dates for the remainder of 2009

2009-09-04T15:15:00.002+01:00

As this year has speeded past us, I am trying to plan for the remainder of 2009, prior to the end of year break.

Dates to remember:

19th September - No Aikido class - I'm away
3rd and 4th October - BKAA Seminar, University of Bath
Sometime in October, early November, dojo drink at lunchtime
26th December - No Class
2nd January 2010 - No Class

I will be holding Orange and Yellow belt gradings before the end of the year, although yet to decide when.

Also look out for Blue belt trip to Bournemouth or Swindon :o)
Always good to meet others from other BKAA dojos.

New members and Summer here already

2009-08-03T17:44:00.006+01:00

A long time has passed since my last entry and since then we have had a new starter in Tony Bromiley, he has taken to Aikido quickly and passed his Red belt at the end of July. Another beginning on the journey which we pass through.

This year seems to be sailing past me and all the plans at the start have vanished and blurred. We are now looking at the summer holidays, although I will be continuing classes throughout August, I may take a break in September.

Before we know it the BKAA Winter seminar will happen and then we will be into 2010, where did the Millenium bug go, that doesn't seem that long ago.
This year before the nights draw in and the evening get their Autumn chill, we will go out for a drink together, probably after a class for a lunchtime. As arranging any other time is like herding cats.

The class is working towards their next grades, and we may see the pressure increase in September as the seminar draws closer.

BKAA Spring Seminar

2009-03-24T10:29:00.003Z

The last weekend saw the BKAA Spring Seminar again at the University of Bath.

Hope you enjoyed the day and learnt from the others in the dojo.

As always it is best to try different partners while you have the opportunity and see how all groups have slight changes and adaptations to the techniques.

We are looking at running the next seminar in October or November, although a beach trip may come in the summer months.

February and March events

2009-02-22T11:22:00.003Z

Seems a long time since I have written anything. Time certainly is speeding up this year.

Couple of early starts this month, one just gone, and second in a couple of weeks. Also the BKAA Spring Seminar is at the University of Bath in March.

Here are the dates for you to remember:

28th February - normal time 10:30 start

7th March - early start 08:45-10:30

14th March - normal time 10:30 start

21st & 22nd March - BKAA Spring Seminar at the University of Bath

28th March - No Aikido

Also remember you can view all the dates in the
"Warmley Aikido Google Calendar"

New Year - Fresh Start

2009-01-05T17:07:00.005Z

Welcome to 2009 and I hope the New Year finds all refreshed and ready to start again.

I'm sure the first couple of weeks back will feel the strain. Hopefully there won't be too many aches and pains, and the obvious lack of stretching over the festive season is bound to be evident.

I have my goals and challenges this year and although I will be looking at my personal stuff, will not lose the focus of getting you all moved on this year. I have plans to do more with weapons, both kata and techniques.

Just to get us back into rolling about the mat, I will plan to run through kokyunage and projections exercises this week and possibly end with some randori, although all could change on the day.

Two weekends to note in the diary are the 21st/22nd March and 5/6th December, this is when the BKAA seminars have been booked. These are again both at the University of Bath, Claverton Down.

Usual start time this week of 10:30 and hope to see you all then.

Happy Christmas and New Year

2008-12-23T23:24:00.002Z

Happy Christmas and New Year, hope you all have an enjoyable time over the next few days.

I wish you all the best and will see you in 2009.

Pete

Christmas Greetings and Closedown

2008-12-11T23:15:00.002Z

This year has certainly flown by and we have managed to get through with various successes from new members, gradings, meetings with other dojos and seminars.

I hope you all have enjoyed your Aikido this year, as I have, and will enjoy a few weeks break to enjoy some Saturday mornings at home and the seasonal cheer.

I have decided that this weekend (13th) will be the last until the New Year and we will begin again on the Saturday 10th January.

This will give us all the chance to refresh ourselves and begin with renewed vigour.

Thank you all for attending the class and making 2008 successful for the Warmley club.

Moving into 2009, I will start to focus on my own progression and aim to progress you all on your Aikido journey.

I would like to wish you and your families all the greetings and wishes that come with the season and wish that you all have an enjoyable break.

If I don't see you this weekend, have a Happy Christmas and New Year.

BKAA Winter Seminar

2008-12-08T16:17:00.008Z

My eyes must be going, as this photo is fine when you click on it ?

The last weekend saw the BKAA Winter Seminar held at the University of Bath Judo dojo. Members from far and wide attended and had an enjoyable weekend of Aikido and bouncing around the superb mats.

Once again our knowledge was tested and the nuances of Aikido were brought to our attention.

I was pleased to see many of the Warmley dojo in attendance and mixing with the other members of the BKAA. These events are always a good occasion to get to meet others and understand the difference between styles of teaching.

Our next seminar is planned for the end of March, although dates have to be confirmed.

Congratulations to Oscar and Betsy

2008-12-08T16:03:00.004Z

I would like to congratulate Betsy and Oscar on their start towards a long and rewarding Aikido knowledge. Betsy has been awarded with her 6th Kyu (Red Belt) and Oscar his 5th Kyu (Yellow Belt), although I have to remember my camera to document these events.

Weekend activities from End November to December

2008-11-14T15:11:00.004Z

Time is certainly flying this year, and we will soon be in the December season, where again training become sporadic and heads fuzzy with the cheer of the year.

Couple of things are happening in December that effect the Aikido club:

The first weekend 6th & 7th December is the BKAA winter seminar which again is being held in the University of Bath Judo dojo, all are welcome to attend and the price will be £30 for the weekend and less, if you only attend a single day. Start on the Saturday is 11am and Sunday begins at 10:30am. Hope you can all attend.

The following weekend, Saturday 13th, we have been invited as part of the Zenshin group to join the karate clubs in their festivities at the Fry's Club at Cadburys in Keynsham. I will add further details of this, although good night is normally had by all.

As the Aikido club I would like to go out for a drink on the last Saturday 29th November , The Swan in Swineford seems a good location for me, although I am also happy to venture in the deepest parts of central Bristol, let me know what suits best. Partners are welcome at both the Zenshin and Aikido drinks.

Aikido styles

2008-10-18T17:51:00.002+01:00

Just wanted to add some information on the style we practice in Warmley, as a Ki Aikido style we focus on the centre, or one point and inner energy we all have within us.

For us in Bristol area we have many others styles with both the HQ for the National Aikido Federation and HQ for the Ki Federation of GB in Somerset.

Must be a popular county for Aikido.

There are also other styles which are practiced Tomiki and Yoshinkan, the former run competitions and latter is a style which has been adopted by the security forces.

All styles have their roots with Morihei Ueshiba Sensei (O-Sensei), although have split into various forms to their current formats.

Ki Aikido has a few forms in the UK and we practice one of them, although the principles were all founded through Koichi Tohei.

During my classes, although I present the feeling of keeping everything centred and anchored to the one-point, it is something that I will focus on more moving forward. We will start to practice being bumped and maintaining our postures throughout the techniques.

Portsmouth to Cascais,Portugal

2008-10-12T17:51:00.006+01:00

Hiya, after my week away sailing, which I enjoyed thoroughly, even though the weather was atrocious and I spent 4 of 6 days soaking wet and cold. The picture doesn't show the night and force 8 weather, as nodody felt like getting the camera out.

My thanks go to Kate who stood in for me while I was away and ran through karate punches, kicks and stances. I'm sure that those who attended found this worthwhile.

More Weapons to come

2008-09-29T20:12:00.006+01:00

After the weekend I am in two minds, focus on Ki and the Spirituality of Aikido or build confidence and practice more with bokken and jo.

As with all our classes there is lots to learn and little time to cover it all, although eventually all will unfold and become part and parcel of our training.

I enjoy Ki development, as it is fundamental to building posture and stance, and enables us to maintain balance when performing techniques. It gives the ability to centre on our inner strengths, which are instilled in all of us, although seldom called upon.

As speed of attacks increase, then so our ability to escape becomes more vital. However escape is the primary path, getting a technique into play is secondary. As always if you're not there, you don't get hit. Aikido is "The Way of Harmony", although maintain the harmony within yourself and move to maintain it always.

Our class is growing, and with this space for weapons practice is reduced. Therefore I will bring other weapons to the class to bring the urgency of weapons attacks. I am looking at batons and possibly short swords.

If you have further ideas, please add here as I am always open to ways to improve my teachings, whether these are positive or critical, all helps you get what you require from the classes.

I also need to find my camera and get some recent pictures you all at work, please bring your cameras to the next few sessions and we'll see what we can get.

Class Dynamics

2008-09-22T09:10:00.000+01:00

Summer seems to have passed us by, although the last weekend brought out the shorts and sunglasses and got me sorting my garden out at long last.

As the Aikido class goes I am now finding that the class dynamics and selection of topics to choose from varies with whoever walks through the door.

I have a topics and lessons planned in my head, then 10:30 comes and all goes into the pot to deal whatever I think of at the time, although there is always a base plan that I try to follow.

With the increasing diversity of skills and levels within the dojo, I am trying to ensure that all get a fair chance to keep interests up and progress at the necessary level. However I am also maintaining the fundamentals of Aikido and keeping an eye out to ensure that these basics are still thought of and practiced.

So whatever your grade, you will find that I cover fundamental stuff and emphasise these basics to ensure they are firmly installed.

To keep the flow of the class, this weekend will be the start of an earlier class to run through, some weapons and advanced techniques. This coming weekend I have decided that various Jo and Bokken techniques will be addressed, so see you all at 09:30, if you are interested in this. Otherwise normal class starts at the usual time 10:30-12:30.

Weekend Training

2008-08-13T09:50:00.001+01:00

Hi, as summer is on us, although tropical summer, without the sun is more like it. In the coming months I am going to go back to basics and concentrate on balance, ki, compression and anchoring the opponents. I will start to split the class into general warm-up, focus on finer points and then grading and techniques session. We will see how that goes and if I run out of time.
In addition I am going to introduce a senior or weapons hour before the normal class every other week. This will give us time to look into using Aikido in different situations, with various weapons.
I would also like to bring back Randori sessions at the end of the class, maximum 4 attacks.

2008 Gradings and Summer Classes

2008-08-09T19:16:00.000+01:00

As an Aikido club - Warmley Aikido has been running for more than 3 years, we have had regular members from the start and recently Hannah, Betsy and Andy have show interest in this martial art and have been welcomed to the club.

In July I held some gradings, as we were well overdue for progression. My congratulations go out to Kate, Hanna and Pete on achieving their 3rd Kyu (Green) belts and Andy on his 6th Kyu (Red). The award of these grades was well overdue and rewarded for all their hard work and perseverance in Aikido.

Summer is now on us, well British summer, so classes and class sizes are sporadic, so apart from a class next week, we will practice when we can until restarting in early September.

The autumn sees us looking towards possible meetings with the Swindon, Bournemouth and Malvern dojos. Further additions to this blog will add detail.