What does it mean to forge your body and connect your mind?
The traditional martial arts of Japan contained wisdom in how to both develop the body, and control the mind.
We are a study group practicing a martial art known as Aunkai.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pxfJijfG20
The founder Akuzawa Minoru, is well known for his skill in Aiki/Internals, and open nature. A former competitive gymnast and amateur kickboxing champion, he turned his eyes to traditional arts after meeting a master of one of the Yagyu sword fencing traditions.
Many times the martial arts are filled with vague descriptions of how to achieve many of these skills.
Perhaps because the founder of our system is a quirky, fun instructor who never learned in an orthodox classroom setting - our approach is anything but ordinary.
Not content to simply sit and "recreate" the skills of old, we continue to innovate and see how far we can push the internal skills inherent in Japanese martial arts.
If the above sounds super serious...We are focused on having FUN!
We take a different look at conventional power and speed, and teach how to harness "internal forces" in your body. If you ever wondered exactly how the really adept traditional teachers pull off seemingly incredible feats - this is the class to join.
Please note, we have a special LINE group where members can be kept up to date of schedule changes. Most members announce their attendance here and not on Meetup. If you would like to be added, feel free to ask us when you attend!
We are a satellite group attached to the Aunkai, a Modern Koryu Bujutsu, founded by Akuzawa Minoru, and hosts special classes with him on occasion.
The class is generally led by Rob, a senior instructor within the Aunkai, and has spent the past decade or so decoding how Akuzawa-sensei does what he does. When he isn't hanging out with our members at the local café, he can occasionally be found giving seminars in different countries.
Our group is lucky to be comprised of some very talented members.
James and Yumiko who are licensed Yoga instructors and are only too happy to do a deep dive into body alignment during class and in separate events.
C-san, a judo instructor and blackbelt who has extensive experience under Hino-sensei in Osaka, and a luminary in his own right.
Whatever your experience or background, we're here to make sure you a) have fun and b) get something amazing out of the experience.
YouTube Videos:
Collaboration with Shioda Masahiro Sensei (Grandson of Shioda Gozo, Aikido Luminary)
(Very very cool montage of Shioda Kancho! =>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84dJxNGIYCI)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E49uEhXBUJE
Collaboration with Shioda Sensei, Robert and Akuzawa-Sensei
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYqVgU3PY44
Documentary by Guillaume Erard (Aikido 5th Dan), featuring our Mentor Akuzawa Minoru:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pxfJijfG20
Montage of a special class in Hong Kong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2ujrlEYt9I
Interview with the host
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZCggMUSVFs
More details below:
Benefits:
-Improved posture and health
-Reprogramming our nervous system to handle stress and injury
-Learn better movement habits.
-Generally addicting skills, and we take no responsibility if you find yourself trying them out in public
We kindly ask for a 1000 yen contribution to cover the studio and lesson fee.