It is five years since the passing of Okamoto Seigo. We have to thank him for all he did to openly spread awareness of Daito-Ryu Aiki around the world, and for passing his skills to our teachers so we can all continue to benefit from his memory. We will do…
Shihan Certification & Hiden Ogi scroll awarded to Okamoto Seigo by Horikawa Kodo What are the basic techniques of Daito–ryu? Okamoto: These are basics that were created by Shisho (Kodo) in Hokkaido. In our case we have changed them a little, but basically speaking they are the same. If one…
My own martial arts training started with Shaolin kung fu, then jujitsu. So since starting training in Aikido, my biggest battle has been with acquiring softness and trying not to use brute strength in techniques. As one part of my early investigations into aikido I investigated the source of Aikido,…
When I was younger, I had a very good friend who I spent more hours training with than I can remember, and thanks to him I carry some of the injuries I do today and likewise for him I would imagine. We were stupid and probably pushed close to the…
A two-day seminar with Howard Popkin and Joe Brogna. As martial artists we tend to walk a fairly similar path. We try out a style, find it is a good fit for where we are at that time and we either stick with it, or as our life and needs…
Aikido folk often pay lip-service to the fact that their art derives from Daito-ryu, but not many get the chance to actually train in aikido’s parent art. I was fortunate enough to be able to share a mat with Howard Popkin and Joe Brogna at the Aiki Connections seminar recently,…
Reposting this article for the benefit of our Study Group members (and anyone else who might be interested of course). Last year I wrote the following article for the British Aikido Association magazine “Shizentai”. The intended audience is mainly Tomiki Kenji lineage aikido folk. I very much like the name…
For our last Herne Bay Study Group session of 2019, our intrepid band of merry Daito-ryu practitioners spent an evening studying kotegaeshi with a focus on Aiki sage. Genuine progress is very noticeable, and I couldn’t be happier with how the group is going. My thanks to everyone involved, and…
Tickets are now on sale for Aiki Connections VII, 30th-31st May 2020. Visit our Event Page to book your place.
What a great night we had on Friday in Herne Bay, with considerable progress being achieved.
This interview with George Ledyard is well worth a read over at the Aikido Journal website. It is entirely applicable to Daito-ryu, which George mentions a few times with regard to training methodology and skill transmission. The Role of Ukemi in Aikido – Part 1 The Role of Ukemi in…
Looking forward to seeing our fantastic group in Herne Bay tonight, to diligent training and to concentrating super hard as always. And no we aren’t at this level (yet).
It was “Study group on tour” shenanigans this weekend.Will and Tom joined me for a weekends Daito-Ryu training in Bristol and Torquay.As is becoming the tradition, Will kindly brought some booze with him which obviously we had to taste in advance.Daughter made some crafty Daito-Ryu gifts to take with us.And…
Another super enjoyable study group session in Herne Bay, with much progress on the eternal journey towards softness being made.
An awesome bunch of budoka came together yesterday in Herne Bay for more enjoyable Daito-Ryu endeavours.
Some more Aiki Connections feedback, this time courtesy of Rob Ayre. “The line between Aikido and Daito-Ryu is fast disappearing for me. Everything I want from Aikido exists in Daito-Ryu. The subtle and soft movements with devastating effects are worthy of sincere study. To be unable to move or to…
Back fresh from my week in the USA, which included the three day Daito-Ryu Ginjukai Honbu Weekend (among other things) on Long Island, New York. I had a fantastic time, and learned so much. It is great to train and benefit from the experience of so many other Ginjukai members.…
Last night, all eyes were on Herne Bay seafront as our intrepid gang of Daito-Ryu enthusiasts met once again for more action. We were joined for the first time by our friends Lionel, Lisa and Mark from Essex. Fresh from their first experience of Daito-Ryu at Aiki Connections 2019, they…
Some cracking feedback courtesy of Stu Marshall…. What can I say that hasn’t already been said multiple times with greater eloquence and insight? Not much. It’s all true what people say. Every bit of it. Unless it’s anything other than superlative, in which case it’s an outrageous fabrication. Fake News.…
It was a balmy evening in Herne Bay, as a handful of intrepid Daito-ryu advocates studied into the night.. Everyone is really looking forward to next weekend. Bring it on!
What a fantastic evenings practice. It was great to see Trev, and a warm welcome to new study group member Daz.
Calling all Aiki Connections participants! Make sure you get your orders in for this year’s ultra limited edition run t-shirt design. Look at these beauts, absolutely loving their 2018 shirts. Don’t miss your chance to be an absolute legend. This year’s design, again Hokusai Katsushika inspired, features mount Fuji and…
As we pass the “two months to go” point until Aiki Connections 2019, we just want to thank everyone who has so far booked onto the weekend. This year looks like it is going to be very well turned out. We can’t wait to see everyone, and we know it’s…
Teacher of Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu and Aikido Founder Ueshiba Morihei (December 14, 1883 – April 26, 1969) Today is the 50th anniversary of his passing.
Not long now! To all those who put down a deposit for Aiki Connections weekend, 1st May 2019 is the deadline to pay the remainder of your balance.
A lovely evenings training in Herne Bay last night. Thanks to all who attended, and for the great work.
Pictorial lineage of the Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu Ginjukai Takeda Sōkaku, the founder of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu (October 10, 1859 – April 25, 1943) Takeda Sōkaku (middle) and his student Kodo Horikawa (right). Kōdō Horikawa (1894–1980) Kōdō Horikawa (second from left) seated with Shioda Gōzō (third from left). Kōdō Horikawa (middle) training with…
Daito Ryu Article for BAA Shizentai Magazine Daito Ryu article in BAB Aikido Times Magazine Howard Popkin Interview part 1 in BAA Shizentai Magazine Howard Popkin Interview part 2 in BAA Shizentai Magazine Aiki Connections 2017 advert in BAB Aikido Times Magazine
Howard, you and Joe Brogna operate the Daito Ryu Ginjukai in New York. For those who don’t know what it is, please could you tell us about Daito Ryu? Daitoryu Aikijujutsu was brought to the public eye a few generations ago by Takeda Sokaku. The son of a Samurai, Sokaku…
July will see our 6th annual Aiki Connections weekend with Howard Popkin and Joe Brogna. As anyone who has participated before will tell you, it’s a fantastic weekend full of laughter and a rare opportunity to sample and try for yourself, some amazing authentic Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Half the places for…
We are pleased to announce the following Daito-Ryu Study Group sessions in Bristol and Torquay during mid February. Following the successful visit in 2018, we return to Bristol on Saturday 23rd March at Bristol South Aikido Dojo, Fortfield Road Bristol, BS14 9NX. On Sunday 24th March, we are at St…
We have already sold half of the tickets to next year’s Aiki Connections weekend. If you intend to participate but have yet to secure your ticket, I would advise you to act now. Read testimonials from previous attendees here. Understanding that stumping up the necessary consideration this close to Christmas…
We have a few remaining T-Shirts from Aiki Connections 2018. If you would like one, we are offering them for £12 each plus £3 postage. Book your Aiki Connections 2019 weekend ticket now Order the last remaining event t-shirts for £12 (plus £3 postage) below via PayPal. Where to? Posted…
The classic training error of taking the group shot at the end when 5 people had already left. I just got back to Kent after a long drive back from Bristol (4 hours is always an eternity with my kids in the car). On Saturday, we held a 6hr “Study…
The 1st September is upon us. This means the early bird discount for Aiki Connections comes to a close. We have added the facility to pay a deposit in order to secure a limited space without paying the full £120 in one go. Book your Aiki Connections 2019 ticket now
On 1st September 2018, the ticket price for Aiki Connections 2019 will go up to £120. If you want to save £20, book early and in turn help us greatly with the organisation of the event. Visit our event page to book your place now
Some fantastic photos of Horikawa Kodo, Okamoto Sensei’s teacher. Our thanks to Ole Kingston of Daito Ryu Enryukai. A Young Kodo Taiso Horikawa, Sokaku Takeda, Kodo Horikawa. The famous photo of Kodo with a young Gozo Shioda.
Next in our series of “Required Viewing”, is this video of Horikawa Kodo’s remarkable soft skill. This will be very familiar to those who have trained with Popkin Sensei and Brogna Sensei. Enjoy.
Whilst on holiday in Cornwall, I visited fellow Ginjukai member Dave Remnant. Dave kindly showed me around his land and property before we took to his home dojo. Converted from a former stable, this fantastic facility was the setting for an evening of Daito-ryu, beer and pizza. My thanks to…
Some nice feedback from John Shields… I have been practising the art of Aikido for the last 30 years, and have had the good fortune to have trained with various Sensei and Shihan from both Europe and Japan. On meeting Sensei’s Popkin and Brogna, I was amazed at their technical…
Aiki Connections seminar feedback just in courtesy of Phil Glover….. Tl;dr: It was good, join us next time. So, it’s been a couple of weeks since the 2018 Aiki Connections Seminar and I’ve been using the time to try and organise my thoughts to offer some feedback. Before we start, a bit…
Great news. Howard and Joe will return to the UK in 2019, on the weekend of July 13 & 14. You can pre-book your place now. Aiki Connections 2019
New review received, this time courtesy of Mr Mark Jenner…. Another great Daito Ryu weekend in Dover with the Aiki connections crowd, four years now and it’s not yet failed to deliver! This is much more than just another martial arts seminar, enlightening, thought provoking, and frustratingly minimalist, it’s all…
Our thanks to Simon Thackeray for this feedback… An enlightening and enjoyable weekend with knowledgeable, skillful teachers who were keen for everyone to get what it is they’re teaching and make time for everyone there. Some six hours a day of training time could have been heavy going, but it…
Aikido folk often pay lip-service to the fact that their art derives from Daito-ryu, but not many get the chance to actually train in aikido’s parent art. I was fortunate enough to be able to share a mat with Howard Popkin and Joe Brogna at the Aiki Connections seminar recently,…
