Shobu Aikido of Ohio: My Martial Journey

Aikido is a non-competitive martial art that can be practiced by almost anyone. Aikido techniques do not rely on physical strength but rather develops relaxed power through the focus of intention and Ki. The result is a creative method of non-destructive conflict resolution.

Aikido is practiced on many levels. The first level is includes the development of stamina, flexibility, and learning how to focus one's intention. The second level is built on the first and stresses self-defense techniques that teach the natural order of movement. In this process the students also become adept at ukemi, the art of rolling, falling and protecting oneself. Aikido provides the opportunity for the development of the entire person. It is a workout of the entire body and mind and results in increased strength, overall physically fitness, flexibility and centeredness.

At the third level students are gradually introduced to the secrets of receiving and harnessing the power of ki, they also develop spatial awareness and learn to judge proper timing and distance. During this training the goal is to establish and maintain an energetic connection to your partner and to lead them off balance. This eliminates the need for more destructive means of resolving situations.

The highest level of aikido is mind over matter. This involves the use of visualization techniques, the power of intention and ki, breath control and meditation. Aikido is truly a spiritual martial art that explores themind - body - spirit connection. This advanced level of training at Shobu Aikido reaches a level not easily found elsewhere. The student learns how to manifest power and effectiveness by the focusing of intention alone. This level depends on and can only be reached through the refinement of technique and the students own deepest feeling. For this reason it alternates between the physical and the spiritual.

In the process of practicing aikido, students inevitably find themselves less stressed and more energetic, better equipped to manage life's many conflicts with calm control. Aikido is great for adults and kids alike because practice encourages respect for self and others, self control, cooperation and responsibility.

Gasshuku or weekend long intensive seminars with William Gleason Sensei are available seasonally.

My Martial Journey

Happy Holidays All,

We had a very interesting advanced Aikido class last night. Danny and Doug worked with me on ukemi and how to move more efficiently from the center. It got me really thinking what is ukemi and how to receive from the hara. Not an easy thing to do. So much of good ukemi is staying connected and being aware and prepared to fill an opening if one is presented by nage while moving. They were talking to me about having heavy hara on light feet. Again not so easy because of the paradoxical nature of heavy and light in the same body. But I find this to be the case in many Aikido concepts, Heaven and Earth, water and fire mudra, and so on.

And the other aspect that we worked in class were kokyu throws and the importance of getting uke off balance by taking the center. Of course timing is very important but this also develops Kime or spirit. A belief that this particular approach in dealing with this conflict will result in a resolution. Especially with the kokyu technics this is absolutely key to them effecting uke’s center. It was good food for thought.

Peace,

The Maestro

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Jay Weik Sensei began to study the martial arts in 1977, and in 1987 began the practice of Aikido with Bill Gleason Sensei at Shobu Aikido of Boston.

In 2001 he moved back to his hometown of Toledo to found Shobu Aikido of Ohio, and in 2005 he began co-leading intensive Shobu Okugyo retreats with Gleason Sensei which focus on Kotodama and Aiki principle.

In 2013 he was awarded the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) by Gleason Sensei.

Jay appears extensively in Gleason Sensei's 2001 video 'Aikido and Japanese Sword' as well as his 2009 book "Aikido and Words of Power."

Gleason Sensei and Jay Sensei also study Internal Power/Aiki with Dan Harden.