Zenshin Kokoro Aikido

The meanings of the kanji calligraphy:

 

 

 

Zenshin   The Whole Body, One’s Whole Heart,

                    To Progress.  Gradual Advancement;…...

 

 

 

 

 

Kokoro   Spirit / Heart / Mind;…....

 

 

 

 

 

Aikido    The Way to Harmonize Energies;

 

Ai        Harmony, unity, to meet, principle of integration

 

 

Ki       Life energy, Spirit energy, Centralized and 

           Coordinated energy in technique

 

 

Do     Way, path of a discipline, combining principles and

           elements of practice and endeavour

 

 

 

 

The Zen symbol, the circle, is simply used here as a visual reminder of the practice aimed towards a composed, aware and immovable mind (fudoshin); just as stability and power comes from the centre, furthermore, that the continued practice of the circularity and arc-like moves of Aikido within technique work towards the essence of blending (musubi / awase) and harmony (ai).   With respect, this is not a reference to any religious endeavours.

 

Zenshin Kokoro Aikido is a school of traditional Aikido.

Training and practice is aimed towards the development of co-ordination and balance, whether in stillness or movement, progressing to the assimilation of the harmonic principles of Aikido and gradually improving the co-ordination of the student as a whole.

This includes developing energy (Ki - considered as centralized and coordinated energy)

For example, in essence ….

To harmonize the energy of the attacker with the energy of your response including…Tai sabaki (body position/placement) - implementing ma-ai (distance and timing) – creating kuzushi (‘breaking’/disruption of the attacker(s) posture) - through to completion of waza (technique) and zanshin (remaining awareness).

 

Although that may sound long winded or complex, you should bear in mind that, depending on the technique used, the whole event from start to finish can be less than a second or two.

Aikido, correctly practiced, can provide in the development of self-awareness, self-confidence and self-defence, however, there are no short cuts… good practice improves practice, improves practice.

Weapons.. Many Aikido techniques and moves are derived from defences against weapons attacks.
We at Zenshin Kokoro Aikido practice regular weapons training, predominantly traditional weapons: the bokken (practice sword), the jo (staff) and tanto (knife) and sometimes more contemporary weapons.

Fudoshin-

Immovable mind

An untroubled mind without reaction or attachment

Takemusu Aiki

Intuitive Aiki

Intuitive and appropriately responsive Aikido

George McMaster began training in martial arts over 30 years ago after joining a Kung Fu class conducted by Trevor Burwell at the St. Nicholas Parish Hall in Hull (George McMaster now teaches an Aikido weapons class there on Monday evenings).  His training in Aikido in Hull began under the direct instruction of the respected Alan Pirie Sensei.  Pirie* Sensei was a gentleman who exemplified and defined the genuine spirit of Aikido and Budo.

 

*Pirie Sensei’s clubs included venues at the Orchard Park Community Centre; Stepney Lane School and the original Rising Sun Aikido School.  However, after Alan Pirie Sensei passed away in 1995, the loss of such a venerable spirit and unique teacher led to a variety of irrevocable changes over the ensuing years including some instructors leaving to (or being invited to) open their own schools.

 

Dedication, Integrity, Inspiration

Trevor Burwell

Professor Chee Soo (1919 – 1994)

Alan Pirie Sensei (1927 – 1995)

W. Smith Shihan MBE (1929 - 2006)

 

T.K. Chiba Shihan,  Y. Yamada Shihan,  Y. Kobayashi Shihan

 

Vince Thompson Sensei (Mirfield Martial Arts Club), Keith Hayward Sensei (Te Shin Kai)

Philip Smith Sensei (Ren Shin Kan), Henry Ellis Sensei (Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido),

Peter Brady Sensei (Miyo Shin Juku Aikido), Gwynne Jones Sensei (Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society),

Bob Jones Sensei (British Aikido Board), Joe Curran Sensei (British Aikikai),

Robert L Vourch Sensei (Brittany France)

Integrity……….Balance……….Health……….Unity……….Courtesy……….Spirit

To students everywhere who share those same virtues

Because regardless of grade or situation we learn from each other

 

The school of Zenshin Kokoro Aikido remains independent to ensure we remain open-minded in attitude. We practice specific core principles to maintain a high level of training and development.

Any student (whether beginner, or more experienced student or sensei) is welcome to train with us.
Focus is on integrity and quality.

We have no inclination at all towards politics, empire building or egotism on any level. None of that kind of thing matters, it does not have anything to do with Aikido or Budo; accordingly we remain independent.

Integrity          Balance          Health          Unity          Courtesy          Spirit

 

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