Aiki Connections 10th Anniversary Weekend
Howard Popkin and Joe Brogna return to Whitstable UK in July 2024 for the 10th anniversary UK Aiki Connections weekend.
For more details visit our dedicated events page
One week to go
With only a week until the 10th anniversary Aiki Connections weekend, we knuckled down to training in preparation.
The Run Up
With only two weeks until the big weekend the group was out in force tonight with excitement growing for the event.
Let’s go
Preparing for our amazing teachers’ presence in a few weeks, the group knuckled down to practise.
Less than four weeks
With less than four weeks to go until Aiki Connections, and all the fun, laughter and mind boggling skills that go with it. If you have yet to settle up your final balances, please could you do so as soon as possible. We have a meal booked for Saturday evening. …
More ups and downs (and turns)
Last night we worked through the basic syllabus, plus a few crushing Aiki sage for good measure.
Quiet night in
With holidays etc, we ran with a proper skeleton crew last night. We focused hard on basic principles. Then we went to the pub.
Realisation
Seeing how all techniques are connected, tonight the group members began to realise how far they have come.
Line Dancing
Skeletal
With our Essex contingent away this week, our diminutive few, the skeleton crew of Daitō-ryū’s hardest core, concentrated on the basic syllabus solidly for two hours. I genuinely believe they leveled up somewhat. Great work guys.
Improving (slowly)
A fantastic study group session yesterday, with much noticeable progress. Our school’s Daitō-ryū waza is so incredibly detailed, that in two hours we only managed to get through three of our basic techniques. We love in depth study.
Work Rate
These guys were deep in study this evening, working super hard in the run up to the Aiki Connections 10th anniversary weekend in July.
Able hands
The group knuckled down to basic syllabus last night. These waza consist of so much precise detail they alone provide years of focused study and insight.
Focus group
Tonight the UK branch put the work in big time. Working the lines, plus focus on our basic syllabus. Well done everyone.
Daitō-ryū Intensive
Sorry there are not more pics from yesterday, but with high level hiden waza, photos are not permitted.
Good times
We crammed a lot into two and a half hours training last night. Good turnout, lovely bunch.
Excellent work
Great turnout for tonight’s study group session, which went to well over two hours. One attendee drive down especially from Sheffield to experience what we do. A very big welcome from us all.
Good Friday? Awesome Friday!
With part of the group back from Honbu, the UK branch of the Daitō-ryū Ginjukai is back at it. Bank holiday Friday? Pish and nonsense! Onwards!
Pics from honbu
Smashing it
Turn turn turn
Smashed it
The ups and downs (and turns) of Daito-ryu
Last night we spent a lot of time focussing on using the opponent’s power against them. We also practised putting on our overcoats (I’ll get my cloak).
Crushing it
Opening the Mirror
Tonight consisted entirely of practising in lines. A fantastic energy as always in the dojo. In honour of Kagami Biraki, we didn’t have any mochi, so we settled for a wee dram instead and celebrated the promotion by Popkin Sensei and Brogna Sensei of four members of our group to…
New Year Renewed Vigour
Brendan’s feedback
I’ve been to many martial arts seminars over the years through involvement in Aikido and Karate. I’ve enjoyed every one of them in different ways and occasionally I’ve used the word ‘superlative’ in relation to particular events. ‘Aiki Connections’ is most definitely in the superlative category; from the subtle refinement…
Boys Buoyed
After an absolutely incredible Aiki Connections weekend, this merry band of brothers came together with the aim of consolidating what they learned. Their commitment and effort never ceases to impress me.
Gábor’s review
I had heard about the Aiki Connections seminars many years ago so it was on my radar. After reading the 1990 interview with Seigo Okamoto Soshi, translated by Christopher Li in 2019, I decided to definitely take part in the next one. Unfortunately Covid put the plan on hold. Finally,…
Smashing it
One week to go until the weekend of the year, Aiki Connections. This merry band of legends continue their hard work on the basics. Bravo guys.
Focused few part 2
A small but super focused collection of Daito-ryu enthusiasts worked incredibly hard last night. That’s it.
Revelation
One of our two fantastic teachers, Popkin Sensei, once again talked us through another revelation tonight. The ability to tweak our application and level up our understanding via video chat never ceases to amaze me.
This Group
Such a brilliant evening training tonight. Popkin Sensei’s instruction had everyone buzzing and working super hard. It’s such a pleasure to practise Daito-ryu with these people every week. Their hard work, camaraderie, encouragement and laughter makes the whole endeavour thoroughly worthwhile. So proud to be part of it.
Grafters
Seminar meal
We are booked at the same venue as last year, The Rock Lodge in Whitstable. Have a look at the menu below and we’ll contact all those booked on for the weekend to see if they want to attend the meal.
Focused few
A few people are away at the moment, but our temporarily pared down study group prepared for an evening of intensive focus and training. Enter Popkin sensei on a video call from New York to look in on proceedings. It still amazes me how he so easily diagnoses and corrects…
Working hard
Back at it
Back from a small break, with lots of lovely nikkyo/nikkajo/kote-mawashi (delete as applicable).
Ups and downs
A good turnout for a splendid evening of uprooting and crushing tonight. Well done to everyone for their hard work and determination.
All Day Daito-ryu
This Saturday, Daito-ryu took over the Shogun Dojo as once again we took the study group “on tour”. We didn’t have to travel far this time though as we infiltrated Shogun’s regular Aikido and Karate classes. Great effort was made by both groups to try something a bit different. And…
The writings on the wall
Warm evening…
Epic summers evening
Serious training was conducted last night. But plenty of smiling too. Some real progress being made.
Lucky lot
Crush em!
Bristol Study Group
Ginjukai UK Branch went on tour to Bristol yesterday. We caught up with old friends, and checked in with Ginjukai members from the west country. Out thanks go to Daren and Rich for hosting and looking after us.
Up!
Tonight was all about Aiki Age. And most enjoyable it was too. Especially because of Lionel’s “required softness” rum, which was most appreciated.
Nifty fifties
Proper treat
Tonight during practice, we received a video call from the USA. One of our two teachers, Popkin Sensei, phoned in for a video chat and very kindly gave us some instruction.
Tonight was fun
Another evening of lines, albeit short ones. Focus was on balance breaking. Thank you to everyone for all their continued hard work. We forgot to take a group photo, so this one will have to do