Criteria
In order to pass our highest belt level, (comparable to 3rd Dan Ki-aikido with a few extra criteria) a person has to meet all of the Ki-aikido requirements. They must defend against a 5-person free style attack, be able to defend against weapons without getting cut and be able to defend against 30 different contiuned attacks, some with up to 3 people attacking simultaneously, each group of attacks consisting of 12 defenses. As well, they have to be able to meet our ki development criteria based on the teachings of Koichi Tohei Sensei, 10th Dan, founder of Shin Shin Toistu Aikido, and the additional hidden teachings of Morihei Ueshiba, the original founder of Aikido. New and old students work together from day one as we head towards our individual goals as a group.
Weapons
Tanto, jo and bokken. (Knife, staff and sword). Many of our techniques can be done standing or in seiza with or without weapons. It is empowering to practice how to bare-handedly disarm and control an attacker who is using these weapons without getting hit or cut. We practice with wooden weapons for safety reasons.
Empowerment
"As a woman, aikdio equalized and empowered me. When I found out without using muscle or struggling that I would learn to throw two or three larger men simultaneously who were attacking me, holding me at both arms and from behind around the neck, I was excited. When I did it myself in the first year, I was hooked. The harder a person attacks, the more energy they give me. So when utilizing an attacker's own energy against them, the harder a person attacks, the easier it is to throw them and the harder they fall. Once I understood how to do this, my world changed."
A Way Of Life
Aikido becomes a way of life to those that practice it regularly, and the concepts can be applied to nearly everything a person does in their life with family and friends, at work, in the boardroom or on the mat to successfully harmonize conflict.
Above: Student (white belt centre) prepares to avoid attack surrounded by 5 people wielding jo's
Left: Steve Rockel Sensei, 1st Dan throws Jason Yee Loy Sensei, 3rd Dan of Toronto
