Aikido in Korea

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The Korean Aikido Federation in Seoul, South Korea, is now well established. The Teacher is Mr. Yun Ick-ahm , known as Gwangjang-nim in Korean. He was previously well known as a 6th Dan Hapkido and 5th Dan Taekwondo instructor. He also spent time in Thailand studying Muay-Thai Boxing and played a major role in introducing it to Korea. In his youth he even became the All Korean National Kickboxing Champion.

Later, on a trip to Taiwan he came across Aikido, and converted to this art after meeting Kobayashi Sensei. His main contention with the Korean arts is that they are too aggressive.

He established his Aikido network in Korea during the early 1990s, has visited Japan many times (Kobayashi Dojo in Tokorozawa), and to date, has attained the rank of 4th Dan. There are also a few foreigners training: Joe Bowen attained his Shodan and Nidan here (currently in the UK) ; Andrew Pratt got his Shodan. Yun Ick-am Gwangjang-nim is also training a new generation of future instructors, many of whom have switched from Hapkido, Taekwondo, or Taekyon etc., and thus Aikido is slowly spreading throughout the country. Kobayashi Sensei and/or his son visit regularly, and in between times, we see several other high ranking Japanese or other foreign teachers. Accordingly, the Korean Aikido Federation is associated to Aikikai Hombu Dojo through Kobayashi Dojo.

If you are travelling to Korea, for business, holiday etc., why not incorporate a little training into your visit ...

Shincheon Dojo

The Korean Aikido Federation Hombu Dojo is very near to Shincheon Station on the green #2 subway line. This is also the main station for Yonsei University. Leave the station via exit #5, walk straight ahead and turn right almost immediately. Walk to the end of the short street and turn right - the dojo is in the basement of the first building on your right.

Training Times
Mon-Fri : 06:50-7:50 / 10:00-11:00 / 17:00-18:00 / 19:00-20:00 / 21:00-22:00
Sat : Unsure, so phone up for details.
Sun : 12:00-13:00

Dojo Tel: 02 3275 0727

Pyeongchon Dojo

As of Feb 2004 the Seoul-dae Ip-gu dojo no longer exists. Members have moved to Pyeongchon, Anyang-shi, just south of Seoul. To get there take the blue #4 line eight stops south from Sadang. Get off at Pyeongchon Station and take exit #1. Exit up the left stairs and then turn immediately left and then immediately right, you will come to a main road. Turn right and walk to the next junction. Cross the street continue on, quite a way, to the next set of lights. Turn right, walk 200m and you will see a small shopping area. The dojo is shared with Hong-ik Taekwondo on the fourth floor.

Presently, there are Aikido classes Mon-Thur.

Training Times
Mon-Thur: 20:30 - 22:00

Call Yu Hyeon-sang (016-375-3971). You can also call the Shincheon Dojo for information about Pyeongchon or other regional dojos. Speak English slowly ...

As of Feb 1998, the dojo fee allows you to train in any of the several dojos around the Seoul area (not entirely sure if this rule is still valid).

Training for one month
Monthly fee: W70,000 (Korean Won) - varies according to status (student / worker etc).

You can pay for your training on a one-off irregular basis for W15,000 each time, but it is better to join and train regularly if you want to learn Aikido properly.

Keikogi (training suit) W30,000

Yongsan Aikikai

There is a dojo on the U.S. military Base at Yongsan, Seoul. Practice is three times a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The founder of this club and main teacher, Joe Bowen, has now relocated to the UK. The club is presently run by Andrew Pratt.

Check out the new Yongsan Aikikai website for more information.

Korean Aikikai International Links

LTC Brian L. Koziol , who trained in Seoul and helped with the Yongsan Army Base Aikido Club, continues to maintain relations with the Korean Aikikai. He is currently studying and teaching Aikido in the Virginia / Washington D.C. area. Click here to view his website.

My name is Rupert M J Atkinson (pic1), (pic2) originally from Sheffield, U.K. Note: as of January 2006 I have moved to Auckland, New Zealand.

Present Status (2007): Student, University of Auckland, Diploma in Secondary Teaching (Japanese & English)
MA Degree in Applied Linguistics, University of Southern Quesensland , Australia.
MA in International Relations (ABD), Seoul National University , R.O.K.
BA Degree (First Class) in Japanese and Korean Studies, School of East Asian Studies , University of Sheffield, U.K.

Total training in Korea - 11.5 years.
Total training in Japan - 3.5 years.
Total training in the UK - 10 years.

My first Judo lesson was in about 1974 during the Kungfu craze of Bruce Lee / Kwai Chang Caine. Judo as a kid was not so productive. Accordingly I spent a few years wandering and after stints of trying out Judo, Karate, and Ju-jutsu I discovered Aikido and began to take it all the more seriously. And having discovered Aikido, I then returned to Ju-jutsu and Judo with vigor. I have since been training almost everyday in several martial arts for well over two decades. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, my Aikido is now more like Jujutsu.

I don't know why I train and in fact, have never had any particular reason except that I enjoy it. Due to frequent changing of jobs, and moving from place to place, I have had quite a varied martial journey - and although I have attained ranks in several arts, remain very much a student.

I have wandered amongst various styles and everything I have done, more or less, has been with the intention of improving my Aikido, which in itself has become more like Jujutsu. In my first ten years of madness I attained black belts in six arts, starting from white belt and working my way up through each-and-every painstaking level. Naturally, my whole life was focused in that direction at that time - work and study took second place. Contrasting that, in my second ten years to date, due to a combination of work and study, I have ignored gradings, but barely a day passes where I don't train. Strangely, perhaps, it was not until well after ten years that I felt I had really gotten anywhere or that being a black belt really meant anything. Even now, I still wonder. I still go to the dojo thrice a week but most of my 'useful' training is done at home in the mornings by myself.

Until mid-January 2006 I was regularly teaching at the Korean Aikikai in Pyeongchon, Anyang-shi. Previously, I taught at the Korean Police National University Aikido Club (in Yongin-shi) from 2002-2004. I also taught an Aikido group at the military air base at K16, to the south of Seoul near Songnam City, at the US Military Base in Yongsan-gu, Seoul (1997-98, before the Yongsan Aikikai was established). I also taught at the 'Seoul Club' (a private sports club) opposite the national theatre (1996-97), and to international students at International House in Tongsung-dong, Seoul (1994-95).

Grades I have received are: (in no particular order)

Aikikai Aikido 2nd Dan 1990 : The Aikikai is my main style now. Inspiration comes from many sources: Omura Hiroaki Sensei 8th Dan (ex-uchideshi, [also 8th Dan Shotokan Karate] Renseikai Kawasaki Dojo, Japan), Ando Tsuneo Sensei 5th Dan (Yoshinkan, Urayasu Dojo, Chiba), Nakajima Kenjiro Sensei (Seishinkai, Chiba, Funabashi), Soke Nakamura Hisashi (Takeda Ryu Sobudo, Chiba, Japan), Soijima Sensei 5th Dan (Shiseikan, Chuo University, Tokyo), Kanetsuka Minoru Sensei 7th Dan (British Aikido Federation, Oxford, U.K.), Terry Ezra Sensei 6th Dan (previously B.A.F., now running the Komyokan Aikido Association in Liverpool, U.K.), Ken Marsden Sensei 4th Dan (B.A.F., Leeds, U.K.), Robert Brodie Sensei ?Dan (Edinbrugh, Scotland), Barry Vigrass Sensei 3rd Dan (Wakefield, U.K.), and Steven Johnson Sensei 6th Dan Kyushindo (Retford, U.K.). Note : Since I haven't seen most of those Sensei for the last ten years their grades might have altered.

The aforementioned have been my teachers as I have travelled from place to place and any skills that I may have developed are, I believe, a combination of their teachings. Just to drop some more names, in Japan I attended courses by Ueshiba Kisshomaru Sensei and Shirata Rinjiro Sensei (organised by Omura Hiroaki Sensei). I also took part in a demonstration in front of the famous Sugino Yoshio Sensei (he visited our dojo in Kawasaki-shi) of Katori Shinto Ryu, and another in front of Shioda Gozo Sensei of Yoshinkan. When I visited Hombu Dojo I saw Ueshiba Moriteru Sensei (plus several others), and have been on many courses in the U.K. with visiting Sensei such as Chiba Kazuo Sensei, Fujita Sensei, Nariyama Sensei, and most of the European based Japanese Sensei at one time or another. In Korea, we get regular visits of various teachers from Kobayashi Sensei 's organisation. In February 2003 I also attended the Thailand Aikikai's 40th anniversary and actually represented Korea. In September 2004 I participated in the week-long International Aikido Federation course in Tokyo and had the opportunity to study under various prominent sensei. Korea will likely become an IAF member in the near future.

Many teachers have their good and bad points but there is something to be learned from all of them. For the inquirer, I would recommend you, at the very least, pay Terry Ezra Sensei in the U.K. a visit someday, as well as visit the Hombu Dojo in Japan. For more information try the World Federation of Aikido or Aikido in the U.K. Or, you could try looking to the ancients for advice: " The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. " Sun Tzu.

Yoshinkan Aikido 6th Kyu and proud of it. Graded in front of the little big boss Shioda Gozo Sensei himself - got thrown by him too : Teacher - Ando Tsuneo Sensei, 5th Dan, Urayasu Dojo, Japan. Ando Sensei has become independent although he continues to teach the Yoshinkan style under his own banner - Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu (Dragon). He was / is known as one of the best Yoshinkan instructors and in 2002 put out a popular video. Note : Many of my Korean students seem to think my original style is Yoshinkan. Well, I only did it for about one and a half years but must have been influenced more than I thought! Yoshinkan has a lot to offer, especially Ando Sensei. I met him later in the UK and try to visit his dojo when back in Japan (last time was March 2006).

Shiseikan Aikido (one year's training only): Teacher - Soijima Sensei 5th Dan, Chuo University , Tokyo, Japan.

Ki Aikido No grade Sporadic training only.

Institute of Aikido 2nd Kyu 1986: Teacher - Robert Brodie ?Dan.

Tomiki Aikido 1st Dan 1987 : Teacher - Barry Vigrass, formerly 3rd Dan in the British Aikido Association (never saw him lose in Randori), but now studies Hakko Ryu Aiki-jutsu in the Dentokan (Wakefield). Other teachers were Bob Jones 5th Dan, Ollie McDonald 2nd Dan (deceased, but was an inspiration) and on occasion, Loi Lee 7th Dan of the Yawara Dojo in London, UK. My good friends Dave Fielding MBE and Vanda Fairchild are now both 5th Dan and together run what is probably the most successful Tomiki Aikido Dojo in the U.K. called Tanseikan . Martin Wilson and Steve Walker now run the club in Sheffield. Scott Albright is also another Tomiki Aikido friend who runs the Shodokan club at the University of Sheffield and another in the town centre.

Kyu-Shin Atemi-Jutsu 1st Dan 1991 : Teacher - S. R. Johnson 6th Dan, Butokuden Dojo, U.K.
Kyu-Shin Aikido 1st Kyu 1991 .
Kyu-Shin Judo 1st Kyu 1991 .

Takeda-ryu Sobudo, Aikido 1st Dan 1990 : Teacher - Soke Nakamura Hisashi, Chiba, Japan.

Judo 1st Dan 1990: Teachers - Abe Shin 5th Dan (Olympic Gold Medalist in Moscow, never saw him lose to his students, not even once), Japan. Barry Vigrass, Steve Johnson, U.K. + various others. I graded in Japan before a panel of top ranking Kodokan Sensei. To give you an insight into Japan, when I say 'panel' I mean 'panel'. There were about 20 'seniors' all around sat behind desks. And for sense of perspective, my teacher, a mere 5th Dan Olympic Champion, was relegated to errand-boy (as were others) - no desk for him. Humbling. From 1996-98, I was also a member of Seoul National University Judo Club in Seoul, Korea. Click here for more Judo links.

Ju-jutsu 1st Dan 1987: Teachers - Paul Jenkinson 4th Dan (at that time), WJJF, BJJA, Sheffield, UK. Also trained under Robert Ross 1985-6 while working in Scotland. Another friend from my time in Edinburgh is Bill Armitt who is still practising Jujutsu there today. I heard that The WJJF / BJJA organisation of that era died a death in the late 1980s due to some scandal related to legitimacy. As a result, many of the clubs deserted, reformed, and / or joined other organisations.

Kashima Shin Ryu No grade. I first came across style this during my Aikido training in the U.K. around 1984. I find that the style of cutting and posture suit my body and mind-set perfectly. I was also happy to discover that my Aikido teacher in Chuo University (Shiseikan) taught this system - instead of the usual Aiki weapons exercises. I have found that the Kashima sword work and related exercises are far more realistic and useful for my training. I have also become aware that Kashima traditionalists don't seem to like the idea of Aikidoka doing it and have heard a few arguments that say it isn't compatible with Aikido. Well I don't believe them. It is a perfect match for me. But, lacking contact with any official school for considerable time, I have over the years modified and added somewhat to what I learned to the extent that I can no longer really call it Kashima-ryu.

Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido No grade. The teacher was called Richard Tutin and I trained for a couple of years, 1986-88. I liked the attention to detail but in the end found that it didn't help my Aikido training in any practical way at all. In fact, to be honest, I now think that Iaido is a complete waste of time. If you want to do Iaido, first study Kendo and Kenjutsu for a few years - if you master them and have a strong foundation you'll be able to make up all the Iaido you want. To actually study starting with Iaido is ridiculous - it is nothing more than making tea. Accordingly, I prefer the dynamics of Kashima Ryu, but have since moved on to what I jokingly call Assault and Battery .

Assault and Battery No grade. There are none. In fact, one day I just made it all up. Basically, you try to hit me with a jo (staff), I try to defend myself (it's fun with a bokken too). Then speed it up and add power. If you are not well versed in weapons work - don't even think of it. I have organised some structure into it to allow a modicum of logical progress, but pain and injury are but a moment away - you have been warned! Once you try it, you will likely never bother with the standard junk again. It can be great fun, but is not for the faint-hearted. It scares the hell out of me :-)

Goshin-jutsu 4th Dan 1999 : This grade was awarded in Goshin-jutsu by a UK based organisation that recognises skill acquired across a range of arts.

Enshin-jutsu Honorary 2nd Dan 2000 : This grade was awarded in Enshin-jutsu, a UK based school. I am an honorary technical advisor.

Wing Chun Kung Fu No grade, indeed, there were no grades. Keen to study, I first learned the forms from a book. I joined a school in Edinburgh (1985), another later in Sheffield (1986), and studied for about four years (1985-89). The teaching was very informal, powerfull, yet fluid. The teacher in Sheffield was Mike Harper, quite young as I remember, but he had a scientific approach to training that I liked. I continue to practise the forms several times a week, albeit - my own bastardised versions. I don't have a wooden dummy so my version uses a tree or pole! If you want to know more about Wing Chun, you had better look elsewhere!

Archery Took archery lessons for two years while at college (1986-88) and ended up with an instructor's certificate. I also took lessons in Japanese Kyudo while an exchange student in Japan at Chuo University (1992-93).

My main interest has been in Aikido , although Judo and Jujutsu arts remain important - I go through all I have learned every now and again. I also trained for four years in Wing Chun Kung Fu and continue the practice by myself as I believe it also complements Aikido. I have tried lots of other arts such as Kendo, Iaido, Tai-Jutsu, various Karate styles, Taekwondo, Hapkido, Escrima, Taichichuan, Muay Thai but have only limited experience in these - a few extra Kyu grades here and there, although my Korean Hapkido teacher, way back when, insisted that I wear a black belt even though I was a beginner - the first such case! Must be getting somewhere. But in fact it got me nowhere since, as I didn't have to learn the syllabus properly, I didn't. Must be another lesson in there... At no time did I consider not doing Aikido. It is the only constant. Since around 2000, I have become interested in reading about old European arts.

I have received positive feedback on the following few tips. Perhaps accordingly, I have written a book (Published in April 2005) that expands upon them considerably: Discovering Aikido: Principles for Practical learning, The Crowood Press, U.K. Check it out!

My Philosophy
" I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left ."
" The best feint is a real punch ." - Bruce Lee.
I have no more philosophy.

Principles I : It is the principles we should be searching for; they are the same in each art. No art has a monopoly on the principles, although certain arts might be said to emphasise certain principles. The principles determine the form, of which there are many variations. It is therefore strange that it is usually the forms that determine the art. This has to be a mistake. If we research the principles, then there can be no determining the forms. If you search for the principles, and come to understand them, your forms will be limitless. rmja (C)

Principles II : The most important thing I have discovered is that many of the principles within each art are the same and therefore transferable. If it is not transferable, then it is probably not a good principle thus you should question it. I am now collecting these principles and use them as a basis for my teaching. I find it to be a very efficient method. What principles you ask? Well, it's not easy to explain, and I'm still collecting them. I hope that by using my ideas, other students will be able to map out a strategy for their own development and learn efficiently, not wasting time barking up the wrong tree like I did. I have found that I can teach a keen student just about everything I know in just two years. It is up to them to accept it. The twenty-year technique is for idiots (I was one of them). rmja (C)

Principles III : Kata, such as found in Judo or Tomiki Aikido, are better understood in terms of principles than attacks or techniques. Some kata name the attack, others name the technique. Both have useful implications for the way a student learns. Better still is to concentrate on acquiring one principle per technique. For example, in the first technique of the Koryu Dai San of Tomiki Aikido tori initiates the attack. This is the true principle within the technique irrespective of whether it is named shomen-uchi (attack), ikkyo (technique), or shomen-uchi ikkyo (both). Once a true principle has been recognised, it can be applied in many, if not every other technique. Search for the essence. rmja (C)

Principles IV : Change. The basic forms reveal useful principles that can be collected and studied. At first, we have to practice the form repeatedly to get the principle right. If we can not do it, we have to train until we can. However, there comes a time, if the form fails to work, when it is necesary to change to one using a different principle. If the situation changes, then so must you. Accordingly, exercises that account for change are very useful. rmja (C)

Warm-up Exercises : My warm up exercises are for me. All the exercises I do contain an aiki element - coordination, breathing, stretching. By the time I am finished, I have exercised all the main muscle groups, twisted and stretched each limb inside and out, all the while breathing in rhythm with the movements. Concentrating on breathing in rhythm to movement in the warm-up exercises will eventually, naturally, transfer over to the techniques - but for beginners it needs a certain amount of conscious thinking to get the process started, after which, it is best to forget about it and let it happen naturally. rmja (C)

The Basics : Everyone knows we have to practice the basics, but what does this really mean? Most dojos seem to get them out of the way as soon as possible, moving onto the 'more interesting' stuff. However, it is not until you actually begin to find the basics interesting that you can really begin to learn.
A problem in certain dojos is that what is learned in the basics does not appear in their techniques. Don't fall into this trap. If your basic training is not useful in your techniques then you are barking up the wrong tree. rmja (C)

The role of uke : For speedy learning uke is better regarded as a partner than an aggressor. Uke is not someone you train on, but someone you train with. Changing roles between tori and uke you become your own training mirror. Most importantly, the better you carry out the role of uke the better your own skill will become. If you find yourself just waiting for your turn to do the technique you will find it difficult to learn.
When you move, the movement should begin in your center. You should not collapse or fall over without good reason, nor should you jump before being thrown. In the beginning, you should learn to go wherever tori wants you to go, lightly (but firm, not wishy washy) and without any apprehension, then your training can be fun. It must be enjoyable. Next, you have to get past the stage of knowing where you are going to fall. You have to learn to trust tori. In Judo, uke should resist not in a negative way by crouching low (like two rugby players shoving each other ) as many seem to do, but rather by standing up straight and moving lightly. You may be thrown more often, but so what? You'll learn to fall better. You'll learn to throw better. If you stand up straight you will be in a more dominant position, you will get used to it, and then you will like it. You will be closer to your partner and will be able to turn in for a throw quicker. In kata Judo, uke should be upright and firm but when thrown should be as light as a feather, the proverbial empty jacket, but in a controlled aiki kind of way. A good Aikido uke can usually comprehend the role of uke in Judo kata, but the reverse does not seem to happen when a Judoka crosses over to Aikido. The responsiveness that an Aikido uke learns is unique to Aikido and provides students with a better understanding of going with the flow, in my opinion. Contrary to the softness blurb that is written about Judo, all too often it unconsciously teaches one to resist everything one's opponent does - it doesn't have to be that way. rmja (C)

The 'hard' vs 'soft' fallacy : Basically, your energy should be like water; not so simple perhaps, but a reasonable aim. A common analogy is water coming from a hose. Whether it comes out under high or low pressure its essence remains unchanged. The skill then, is to be able to increase or decrease your pressure in your own energy, while maintaining essence, or flexibility. Some people insist on working only at low pressure , others only at high pressure all the time, but this restricts your development. A runner sometimes runs slow and sometimes fast. His aim may be to increase his speed, but running slower will be part of his training. He cannot run fast all the time. In this way, to steal a phrase, you can lengthen your line .
In reality, your techniques will all be a never-ending change of hardness and softness as you move through your various positions. To yourself, your aiki may feel soft, to your partner it may, at times, feel as hard as nails, but in a polite kind of way. To an onlooker, it may look as though your uke took a dive. Just as there is no hard or soft water, there are no hard or soft styles or techniques, the two are inseparable. rmja (C)

Using the bokken or jo : Nothing amazes me more than to see people being taught complicated partner forms before they even get the hang of the basics. This is a problem everywhere I have been. What is learned in the beginning sticks like glue, and if you learn it wrong, then it will stay wrong for a long time. It is very hard to recognise, let alone undo, a bad habit. Accordingly, I think long weapon forms are a waste of time. They might improve something, like your memory, but I think that short sharper forms are far more realistic for training purposes. With short sharp forms, one can concentrate on the details far easier and thus improve at a faster rate. Two or three movements concentrating on one detail should suffice. Long Erol Flynn like pseudo duels are silly. That being said, Erol Flynn looked much better than most of the Aikidoka I see, myself included perhaps :)
Once the basic form is memorised, try doing it faster, switch the feet, use different beginnings, try a different finish - expand on the basic form and make it your own. If you do not apply your own mind to learning, you are not learning.
Another problem is that many people carry themselves differently when using Aiki weapons. For myself, the way I do things with a bokken or jo must correspond exactly to what happens in ordinary Aikido practice. If what you're doing doesn't match, then something is wrong and you will develop contrary bodily movement habits that will serve only towards confusion and even if you train for fifty years you will never really know what you are doing. rmja (C)

Kokyu-ho / kokyu-nage : The principle of kokyu appears unique to Aikido, and to a lesser extent, Jujutsu (However, Jujutsu in Japan does have a strong aiki element). It is not that other arts don't have it, rather, Aikido names it, and aims to develop it. I have, on occasion, seen practitioners of other arts who appear to have it, but they do not know they have it, and as a consequence, have no means to easily pass it on. Therefore, it is apparent that kokyu can be acquired with no knowledge through extensive practice - but not always, it depends upon the person. Further, what I have experienced is, if you have training in kokyu , you will learn other arts more rapidly - which of course signifies its importance. rmja (C)

Takemusu : Once you learn the basic techniques you can begin to develop your Aiki by practising Kokyu-ho and Kokyu-nage techniques. After a while, you will find that you are able to create your techniques on the spot, and endless variations. While people often say there are thousands of techniques, you cannot go out, learn, and remember them all. The only way forward is to use your brain and rediscover them for yourself; follow your intuition according to the principles you have learned. rmja (C)
Take a look out of your window into the garden. All those millions of insects are part of one great struggle, every day until their death. This cycle of life and death - takemusu - is inescapable - but humans have created society and have mostly overcome it, or rather, in the martial sense, lost it. So, in order to improve our minds in martial arts we must consider what we have come to lose. If we are to survive we must fight ceaselessly, we can not be passive even for a moment or we will die (lose). All creatures follow this cycle. In fighting for survival, it is best to harmonise with "nature" rather than fight against it. In fact, this is nature's way - all is in harmony - what is not will cease to exist. Accordingly, to harmonise is to offer a greater chance of survival. rmja (C)

The money principle : What I have observed over the years is that usually, the cheaper the training, the better the training. High prices often signify nothing less than a rip off. Don't buy it. I wasted a fortune to discover this. rmja (C)

Finding a good teacher : The teacher must still be an active student of the way. Also, check out their students - if they are good, it might rub off on you. rmja (C)

There are many more tips - not easy to explain in words, ... so they remain for my students. You might find a few more tips in Yupado below. Also, check out the links for old European arts where you can find some old literary works that deal with real fighting strategy. The so called secrets are all there. Otherwise, try my book (see above).

Ueshiba had many students, and while many of them have continued his tradition, others went on to found their own schools. Generally speaking, some of these teachers have developed their own variations of Aikido, and others teach only that which they were directly taught by Ueshiba - which sometimes has had the peculiar characteristic of freezing the Aikido that Ueshiba Morihei was developing in time. Today, the Aikikai style contains many teachers who each have their own natural idiosyncrasies and it may be said to be the most adaptable style. Also, the Aikikai seems to have successfully initiated succession by hereditary heir; Ueshiba Kisshomaru; Ueshiba Moriteru.

Kobayashi Aikido is the style that is followed by the Korean Aikikdo Federation in Seoul. Kobayashi Sensei (junior) visits each year (his father visited before he retired), with numerous other high ranking sensei visiting at random throughout the year. Kobayashi Sensei (senior) was one of the last uchi-deshi. His school in Japan, Tokorozawa, is very strong with many affiliated dojos. This style is pretty much mainstream Aikido as found in Hombu Dojo with the exception that they also practice the bokken and jo work of Iwama (Saito Sensei).

Renseikai is the name of the school run by Omura Hiroaki Sensei 8th Dan Aikido, 8th Dan Shotokan Karate, ex uchi-deshi of Ueshiba Morihei. Affiliated to the Aikikai his schools operate in the Yokohama / Kawasaki areas to the south west of Tokyo in Japan. I trained there for about two and a half years in total (1989-91 and 1992-93) and have visited a couple of times since. Before I joined this school I visited several others and found that his students were the best in the area. Of course, I was hoping that some of it might rub off. One of his old students I remember, Nakano Shyuuichi Sensei, now has his own school called Koutokukai . I visited this school in March 2006 and was pleased to meet up again with Nakano Sensei and a few old friends.

Yoshinkan Aikido , founded by the late Shioda Gozo Sensei , is arguably what was taught by Ueshiba at an earlier period. This is the art that became the style taught to the Japanese police, which perhaps then explains the extreme regimentation that exists within it. It is a system where one can teach many in regimented fashion. I studied this style for a year and a half in Urayasu, Chiba, under Ando Tsuneo Sensei. This style is rapidly growing in popularity in the West, probably because its system is so standardised having rigidly preserved basic forms. Accordingly, many Aikikai students can be found within their ranks learning the basics. Yoshinkan's regimentation will probably ensure its survival after its founders' death. I heard attempts to continue by hereditary succession initially failed and that individual instructors were doing their own thing while remaining affiliated to the centre - but I have since learned that Shioda's two sons are now running the show. Still not sure though.

Shiseikan Aikido is based at the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo and I trained at their branch in Chuo University 1992-93. The teacher was Soejima Sensei who was also employed as an official at the same university. The style seems to be a mixture of Yoshinkan and Aikikai, perhaps explained by the fact that, as far as I know, they used to be affiliated to the Yoshinkan but are now connected to the Aikikai Hombu. As a university club, they train hard, six days a week, have various seasonal trips for training at dojos in the mountains, and have a large alumni. Soejima Sensei was also very proficient at the Kashima-ryu style of swordsman ship, which I like (the B.A.F. in the UK often do it too). Interestingly, one of the other Aikido groups operating in Seoul is affiliated to Shiseikan.

Iwama-ryu Aikido at Iwama (never been there) is the continuation of Saito Morihiro Sensei's experience of what Ueshiba taught him. Many Aikidoka consider Saito Sensei's Dojo to be one of the most traditional of the traditional styles. I studied this style in Scotland for a year (1985-86) in the Institute of Aikido under Robert Brodie Sensei. Saito organised the system of bokken and jo training that many people learn today alongside Aikido. While it is a solid system, students ought to keep in mind that it is generally known that Ueshiba rarely taught weapons techniques. As such, the formalised system of weapons training in Iwama-ryu belongs to Saito alone, although he was probably one of the most qualified of Ueshiba's students to codify it into a system. Indeed, one can even grade in Saito weapons, although I think that to be a mistake. Why? I met some chap in Japan who clearly had little skill yet claimed to have some weapons' related Aikido grade. He insisted what he was doing was right but could not tell me why. He was one of the My way is the only way brigade. Still, who am I to criticise?

Ki Aikido , otherwise known as Shinshin Toitsu Aikido in Japan, was founded by Koichi Tohei Sensei . He was another of Ueshiba's top students and was even the Chief Instructor of the Honbu Dojo for a time after Ueshiba's death. He formed his own style, moving on to concentrate on his own methods, which may be said to mirror Ueshiba's concentration on ki and harmony late in his life. Now that he has retired his style is facing the problem of continuity. I once visited their Honbu Dojo in Tokyo and discovered it was in an apartment in a tower block!

I have only attended a few classes in this style but have met many a Ki Aikido student on the Aikikai mat and have been astonished at their softness, but amazed that they often didn't seem to know the names of even the common techniques. Another trend is that Ki Aikido Kyu grades are often labelled Aiki Fairies by other schools. While their kyu-grades might appear suspect to some, their Dan grades, in my opinion, are excellent. Perhaps this was a U.K. trait.

Tomiki Aikido , or as it is often known in Japan, Shodokan Aikido , was moulded by Tomiki Kenji Sensei who was also a Judo master who studied under Kano. Considering that Aikido lacked a competitive element, he modified the techniques to make them suitable for randori / competition, and the way they are taught to make teaching more efficient. He systematised the techniques into katas and held limited competition, the purpose of which was to provide the means to test and improve one's techniques, certainly not to produce winners. The katas are very interesting and contain many old techniques that have their roots in the Jujutsu that either Ueshiba or Tomiki learned in their youth. Interestingly, the rules of Tomiki Aikido almost perfectly contrast those of Judo, thus allowing Tomiki Kenji to develop a much wider range of techniques in a competitive environment and probably satisfy his curiosity to boot. Many Tomiki Aikido students therefore also learn Judo. Some good points about this school are the various methods of practice such as light / heavy randori, ni-nin-dori, traditional style kata, and light / heavy tanto randori. Tomiki students usually practice all these different methods regularly. However, it is said that Ueshiba was not happy with Tomiki's new style and publicly declared that it was not Aikido. He asserted that Aikido could not be competitive as it was a martial art, not a game. Ueshiba said that Tomiki had 'missed the point.' Some people assert that is was actually his son, Ueshiba Kisshomaru, that worked to create trouble for Tomiki Sensei who was at one time, one of Ueshiba's highest ranking students. Either way, this school is one of the fastest growing styles of Aikido in the U.K. and is currently headed by Nariyama Sensei , one of Tomiki Kenji's former students in Osaka. I trained and taught this style through the 1980s, during which time I slowly found my self drifting to the more traditional. I trained at the Shodokan Hombu a few times in the summer of 1989 when I had the opportunity to watch my friends perform in the World Championships in Nara, Japan. My own personal criticism is that many of these schools tend to put all or most of the training emphasis on Tanto Randori "fighting," (upon which competition is heavily based) whereas I think, it should be far less important, rather, just one of the several methods of practice. As a consequence, I concentrated my energies on learning all the katas, in which I like to think I succeeded at that time.

Takeda-ryu Sobudo has no connection with Ueshiba's Aikido. It has had a successive line of headmasters for almost 400 years and is presently run by Soke Nakamura Hisahi . Their Hombu Dojo is in Tokyo but I trained at the Soke's house in Chiba-ken since I was lucky enough to find it in my neighbourhood. This art is not so well known but for some reason is growing rapidly in France. Originally it was a school of Jujutsu but after WWII it changed into its modern Budo form, which now comprises of seven schools in one. The basic principles of movement for each art, be it Kempo, Iaido, Aikido, Jodo, Shuriken, ???, and Kendo are all the same which means that once you learn one art, the next is much easier. There is no insignificant logic here. There is a competitive element too (even in their Iaido) but this is not the ultimate purpose of the art, rather, it is just one of the methods of practice. This is a very important distinction. The training schedule is also interesting, and rotates on a monthly basis. The first week covers basics and thus helps beginners learn and seniors revise. As the month advances more complicated techniques are introduced and then the cycle starts again. There is no discrimination between senior and junior - all train together. As far as I know, succession is sometimes by direct heir, and sometimes by the top ranking practitioner of the time. For example, at present they refer to themselves as Takeda-ryu Nakamura Ha (Ha = sect or branch). I used to have a link to a European website but it disappeared - I heard their leader got Hamon-ed (ex-communicated) from Takeda-Ryu!

Kyushin-do exists mainly in the U.K., being the creation of Abe Kenshiro Sensei who, although mostly known as a Judoka, also introduced Aikido to the U.K. in the early post war period. An interesting story I heard is that when he was introducing Aikido he would accept challenges, which of course, came mainly from Judoka at that time. Perhaps he failed to mention that he had been the All Japan Judo champion, twice I think, but beating them somehow gave validity to Aikido. For one reason or another he had problems with the U.K. Judo groups so he put together his ideas to found his own school based on his martial principles which; place strong emphasis on the martial aspect; retain the Judo katas as a key element of Judo practice; intermingle concepts such as maai or zanshin between each art; insist that Aikido be practised as lightly as possible; teach the eloquence and importance of the idea of etiquette in kata etc., all in order to cultivate the harmony which transfers through to each respective art in Kyushin, namely, Aikido, Judo, Kendo and Karate. The principles of each art are quite similar and all the arts were taught together. But these arts were not taught as separate arts as such. We learned the arts individually but the purpose was to eventually reach a standard where they could be put together, to be used as a total system of self-defence. We never knew which art we would be studying the next time we went. We could not choose what we wanted to do. People often tend to learn just one of these styles but we were fortunate in that our instructor, S. R. Johnson, taught aspects of each of them. He was influenced by Reg Bleakman and Abe Kenshiro when he was a young Judoka and was instantly impressed with Kyushindo ideas.
Strangely, Abe Kenshiro seems to have been forgotten in Japan. Judo people think he moved over to Aikido, and Aikido people have generally never heard of him since he was after all, a Judoka. All of the Kyushin students had considerable experience in other arts. As a small club, membership remained the same for the almost ten years I was there and rarely exceeded six or seven members. Considerable emphasis was placed on light harmonious practice, perfection, and repetition of katas to the extent that they become automatic etc. The ultimate aim of our Kyushindo was Atemi-Jutsu, or simply, self defence. Mr. S.R. Johnson also ran a school of Oriental Chinese Medicine, which several of us studied. Unfortunately, due to various differences of opinion the club disintegrated in 1993, although Mr. S.R. Johnson may have since started a new group. A couple of his old students have since formed their own independent clubs.
One thing that I have noticed is that some of the attendants to sumo wrestlers in the quarterly Japanese Sumo Basho, have Kyushin characters written on their yukata . And another coincidence was that the dojo we shared in Seoul was called Kushim Dojang ( Kyushin Dojo ).

Enshin Juku is a new school founded by an old friend, Vincent Foster (3rd Dan) who has had extensive experience in many arts including Tomiki Aikido, Jujutsu, Kyushindo, and Muay-Thai Boxing. He also holds a licence in oriental medicine and another in massage therapy. While many of the techniques in his art have been taken from his total martial experience, what differs is the way they are organised to facilitate learning. Going through the grades one modifies what one has learned previously so as to build on experience rather than simply learn a whole new range of techniques, as seems to be the norm in so many U.K. Jujutsu schools today. The aim is simply, efficiency in learning, effectiveness in technique: A practical art.

Wing Chun : While a style of Kung Fu, it might be of interest to other Aikidokas to know of similarities and differences. Wing Chun is all about attack. Its moves are simple and logical - stick to the centreline, evade, and punch, the faster the better. It was designed as an art to be learned easily hence its moves are logical and symmetrical. In Wing Chun, movement starts from the hand and the body and feet follow. This is the same principle as in fencing and might cause one to wonder of Aikido's claim to be based on Japanese fencing. Well, Western (rapier) fencing is based on the thrust and is very similar to Wing Chun - they both claim that the thrust is the shortest and fastest, and therefore, the best route. Japanese fencing is mostly based on the blow, hard and heavy, hence the need for the body to be behind it. And while Wing Chunians proclaim the straight line to the target to be most efficient, it ought to be pointed out that one criticism of Western (rapier) fencing is that in duels of olde one could often be stabbed several times and continue to victory, whereas a blow (from a sabre) would be more debilitating. As is usual, one ought to consider all possibilities rather than just proclaim that what one does is the best or only way. Both have their merits and he is the wiser who knows them.

Yupado : The Koreanised version of my name! (flow / wave / cross the water). Just joking really, but this, I guess, is my Aikido, probably best described as being a mixture of the above styles. I have taken this and that from here and there, discarded some, taken other stuff on board and fitted it all together according to my own understanding in terms of matching basic aiki foot / hand movements with the shapes found in aiki-ken or aiki-jo.

Rob Sheehan, 3rd Dan Jujutsu, 1st Dan Judo. Runs his own club, Castle Black Belt Academy.

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Korean Connections

After World War II many Koreans returned from Japan. One man, Choi Yong-sul, claimed to have learned Daito-ryu directly from Takeda Sokaku, saying that he had been his servant for some thirty years. Although there is no such official evidence in Daito-ryu records (there may be confusion in the records since Koreans had to have Japanese names - other Korean names have been verified in the records), it is evident that he learned something in Japan and, from what I have gleaned from others and seen with my own eyes by watching the few who stick to his original teachings in Korea, what is being taught today in Korea appears to be Japanese in style; it resembles Daito-ryu and, above and beyond that, is an effective aiki art in its own right. What is evident is that Choi had high skill; it may be that Choi learned from Takeda, a student of Takeda, or elsewhere. But he did learn something, that is certain. Choi was, by all accounts, illiterate. The fact that he knew the names of Takeda Sokaku and Ueshiba Morihei itself suggests association in one way or another - such remains to be proven. Anyway, most modern Hapkido has undergone quite radical change since its early beginnings in the 1950s, mostly due to the addition and incoproration of kicking and more modern weapon techniques.

Choi Yong-sul was successful in passing on his art, which at various times had names such as Kido, Yusool, Yawara ... but it was his students who changed the name to Hapkido, which uses the same Chinese characters as Aikido (apparently against Choi's advice as he knew of the existence of Aikido in Japan). The addition of weapons and high kicks combined with movie fame and political connections ensured its growth and success. The twist is that many of the younger modern Hapkido teachers do not know their own Hapkido history; Choi Yong-sul has been erased and they assert that the art they do has existed in Korea for eons (perhaps an effort to erase Japanese links). There are, however, a few people still practicing exactly what Choi Yong-sul taught and due to the Internet - more are finding out and becoming interested. Another character in the tale is Jang In-mok. He also studied Daito-ryu in Japan (1920s-30s) and there is verifiable proof in the form of certificates and other records but he was not so successful at creating a large school and as such, few know of him and fewer still remain who follow his teachings. What I myself have come to realise is that Choi Yong-sul must have had great skill - all modern Hapkido can be sourced directly to him in much the same way that all modern Aikido, no matter what the school, stems from Ueshiba. The Jang In-mok line needs more research.

Kim Yun-sang is the present Doju-nim of Yongsul-gwan based in Geumsan, South Korea. He studied directly under Choi Yong-sul for the final thirteen years of his life and teaches Choi's original art, Hapki Yusul , as he learned it, without modification. They do not have high kicks or weapons. This school's techniques appear Japanese in nature, and have been verified as having their roots in Daito-ryu by a visiting Japanese Daito-ryu senior student, Mr M. Fukuoka, who wrote such in an article for the Japanese martial arts magazine Hiden.

Shin Hoon runs a branch of Yongsul-gwan in Seoul. His dojang uses the Taekwondo Dojang located to the rear of the War Museum in Yongsan. Classes run every Sunday morning from 8am and Wednesday Evenings.

Song Il-hoon leads Daito-ryu Aikibudo , which is based in the Yongin / Songnam area. He succeeds the Jang In-mok - Heo Il-woong line. This group's syllabus consists of Daito-ryu techniques, including Ono Ha Itto-ryu kenjutsu. They also practice Aikido, being affiliated to the Aikikai via the Shiseikan in Tokyo. I have seen them train and what they are doing is certainly a Japanese art. What they do is sound; to me it seemed more like Aikido. But then, Daito-ryu itself often looks like Aikido too.

As to the controversy in Korean circles as to whose art holds a genuine lineage to Daito-ryu I would say that none do, in the sense that none are recognised by Daito-ryu organisations in Japan. Their arts may have their origins in Japan, but without constant contact and exchange combined with certification they can make no such claim today. Even if they were Daito-ryu in the past, now they are very much Korean arts. At best, they might be able to trace their lineage to Japan in a historical context. The fact that such controversy has arisen is due to the Korean market recently opening up to Japanese culture. Increased acceptance combined with internet access has seen Korean marital artists rediscovering the Japanese (or Chinese) roots of arts that some of them had hitherto thought were entirely Korean. Anyway, the West likewise has many systems of Jujutsu that have no connection to Japan other than distant history (See Kyushin-do above) - some are aware, others are not. In such a situation, what matters is not so much where you come from, but where you are now and where you are going. Is what you do good? Is it improving? This is where the attention needs to be placed. That's it.

Jeong Chang-hwa runs Musan Dojang (Takemusu Dojo) and is affiliated to the Aikikai via Minegishi Mutsuko of Saipan. This group practices Aikido ... but seems to have disappeared.

Myung-ji Univeristy , Yongin campus, also have an Aikido club (not sure of affiliaton).

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The Unusual (C) - I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.

Nobo-jutsu

Nobo-jutsu, from the lineage of the I-Con-U-Ryu, is a modern concept that aims to counter and provide alternative to those schools that deceive their students. It's philosophy is as old as age itself and begins with the teaching that all knowledge can be found in no-knowledge. This means that there is in fact very little to learn thus progress through the grades can be rapid for those who are ready to pay the meagre fifty dollars fee. Nobo-jutsu is exclusive in that its techniques are so secret that many of the current practitioners do not know them. And even if they did, they would probably be reluctant to divulge them. They have to be "Earned."

First Dan certificates come in many colours and you must specify your favourite when you apply. Second Dan certificates come only in black and white, the committed only need apply. Third Dan certificates are rare as people soon realise that the martial arts are just too expensive. Indeed this is one of the most important things you will come to realise and explains why, to date, there have been no fourth Dan certificates printed. Enlightenment in Nobo-jutsu means that the student has realised that there is indeed nothing to learn therefore everything that there is to learn has already been learned. This is the highest teaching and can only come from the painful personal experience of parting with what you treasure for no apparent reason other than to satisfy your ego. Thus it has become acknowledged that the only way you can progress to fourth Dan and above is to grade yourself. Thus you are ready to impart your wisdom to others, as I do now.

Anyone with a spare fifty dollars who desires to grade must first deposit it in the charity of their choice and then send me the receipt for registration. Keep in mind that sending it directly to me may result in the faster processing of your certificate.

Please note: The newly available white on white certificates have that Zenish character so sought after by advanced martial artists. Of simple design, they instil the essence of supreme nothingness and thus show that one understands the importance of no-knowledge. They will impress upon your friends the simple fact that you do indeed, know nothing. For a more detailed explanation see a 1994 blank dissertation on 'Zen' in the Japanese Studies Library of the University of Sheffield written by the now famous Zen Master A.N. Onimasu. For more 'I-Con-U- Ryu' prices please E-mail me direct. (C)

Nobo-jutsu Zen Ukemi

The fall-break is the means to victory, the break-fall is the means to train.

Break-falling quietly without being hurt is the aim of those train to be passive. Break-falling with the intention of inflicting violence on the tatami is the aim of those who aim to create victory from temporary setback. Merging the two, and being able to operate at either extreme, provides an element of choice in passive strategy.

And if no one hears you, did you really just perform that ukemi?

Therefore :
In training to be silent, train in a place where no one can hear .
In training to be noisy, train so that no one can hear.

And, when you master ukemi, you are as ready to start as you are to leave.

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My Movies

Rupert MJ Atkinson
Latest update: June 2005

New Movies: Since buying a video camera in 2005 I have videoed many classes and edited out gigabytes of stuff. Nothing spectacular, just point the video in the approximate direction and leave it running. I tried putting in my webspace here but excessive banwidth usage is a problem so I am now experimenting with Google Video.

1. Search for stuff here: http://video.google.com
2. Download Google Video Viewer here: http://video.google.com/video_download.html
3. If keen, upload stuff here: https://upload.video.google.com

There does not appear to be any limit to the amount of stuff you can upload. You can even charge people to watch - but mine are set at no fee.

Anyway, I uploaded a few vids about a month or two ago and they will soon be viewable - I think. Put my name (Rupert Atkinson) in the search and they should come up. Last time I looked they were - not yet available (nothing else was either) - but my guess is they should be soon. It seems to take a long time from uploading to becoming available. Once it works, it could become a good format for everyone to share stuff.

Here are some older Aikido Movies, made in mid-2000. Ukes are Andrew Pratt, Oh Byong-seok, and sometimes myself. The movies were recorded on digital camera by my friend Anthony Boyd who, incidentally, does the Korean sword art - Hae Dong Kumdo - here in Korea.

If interested: Korean Music mp3 3.57MB (A traditional style Korean song)

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Aikido in Sheffield, U.K.

The Sheffield Hallam University Aikido Club in the U.K. is another place where I spent many a good year training with my friends - it only cost a pound to train, which was voluntary! I even ended up as the teacher for a time. Before me, the teacher was Ian Pemberton (after ten years teaching English and translating Japanese in Japan, now back in the UK teaching English having completed an MA Linguistics at Reading University). Before him there was Mike Simpson, a university lecturer in Sheffield . After me, the teacher was Roger Grant up until 1999. Another old student was Gerry Begley who is now teaching in Limmerick, Ireland. In 1999 some changes occurred in the BAF As a result, Terry Ezra Sensei left to form his own organisation. The Sheffield Hallam University Club found itself with a new teacher, Paul Turner. Paul is affiliated with the Kai Shin Kai Aikido group and moved the club under their direction. In 2005, Paul moved to Loughborough and Roger Grant is back in charge of things.

The Sheffield (Tomiki) Aikido Club was originally affiliated to the old Georgian Judo Club throughout the 1980s. After several moves via London Road, Smithywood Road, and Norton Leisure Centre, it is now located at the English Institute of Sport. I started the Norton club with Peta Bavelja in summer 1986. The present teachers are old friends Martin Wilson and Steve Walker . Other Tomiki friends from this club are Barry Vigrass (our teacher), Vincent Foster , Peta Bavelja , Nick Baker , and Dave Fielding MBE who is now 5th dan and UK National Coach running a successful club in London called the Tanseikan . I can still remember the bi-weekly evening bus journeys to Leeds with David for extra training. I have recently also discovered that Tony Russell Ward (2nd Dan Tomiki Aikido, 3rd Dan Shukokai Karate, 4th Dan Judo), my first Aikido sempai/teacher, is back on the scene, after years in the army, and running Kenshinkan in Sheffield. The core of Barry's students are still training, which is no doubt due to his good example - several other of his students (e.g. Robert Jones in Leeds) have gone on to greater things while he remains content to be somewhat anonymous. In fact, Barry threw away all his grades and started from the beginning again when he discovered Hakkoryu Jujutsu. Barry's technique was always on the painful side (he was a prison officer in a notorious U.K. prison) but after just a few months of Hakkoryu it became excruciating; it doesn't leave the tell tale signs that people (prisoners?) can complain about afterwards! I have since heard that Barry is now a Shihan in the UK Daitokan.

The Shodokan Aikido Club is run by another friend, Scott Albright 5th Dan, in Sheffield.

The Sheffield Hallamshire Aikido Club appeared on the scene after I left Sheffield. They practise traditional Aikido. Various Aikido friends (club pics) are located here.

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Other Aikido links

Korea

English Martial Arts - Terry Brown

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Republic of Korea

This thin brown line dividing North and South Korea stretches from east to west right across the country.

Sheffield, England, UK

Family / Dad / Jake / Friends / Me / Aikido pics / Aikido Movies / Bike / Art / Scrata

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This page is always under con-struc-tion

...E-mail to: info(AT)aikido-in-korea.com Replace the (AT) with an @ and type Aikido in the 'subject line' and it might arrive ..., otherwise it is just SPAM

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