Aikido and
Self Defense Training
as taught by Karl Geis Hanshi
Kevin J. Anderson Chief Instructor John LaCorte Instructor
Aikido 4th Dan Blackbelt Aikido 3rd Dan Blackbelt
aikido@tcef.net offbalanceone@yahoo.com
Welcome to Vero Beach Aikido and Self-Defense Program. We are dedicated and committed to the highest standards in the martial arts. In addition to teaching self-defense, our professional and personalized instruction is proven to increase self-confidence, reduce stress, and improve fitness. Our nationally certified instructors emphasize effective, efficient and practical self-defense techniques while maintaining a safe, positive and traditional learning environment. There are no tournaments or competitions in Aikido. Instead, Aikido emphasizes personal and mental development as well as street effectiveness. In fact, Aikido is taught to police officers as the primary form of defensive tactics in many law enforcement training academies throughout the world.
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a responsive martial art in which the practitioner uses off-balances and an attacker’s own strength and momentum to gain control of the attacker rather than attempting specific techniques. Aikido can be easily and effectively practiced by people of almost any age or size and often despite physical limitations and still be highly effective.
There are many different styles of aikido, some of which you can find in Vero Beach. The style we teach is based on Tomiki-ryu Aikido. This differs from most Aikido styles primarily by the use of forms, or kata. Most Aikido styles learn techniques independently instead of in a set pattern or form.
What does Fugakukai and Kihara mean?
Fugakukai means “house of higher learning.” The Fugakukai is an organization established by Karl Geis Shihan to promote Tomiki Aikido in the United States and internationally. Mr. Geis started from a mandate by Mr. Tomiki to expand his style of aikido. Mr. Geis and his students, along with guidance from other teachers, have expanded upon the precepts laid forth by Mr. Tomiki and now teach a form of Aikido called Kihara.
Is Aikido safe?
If you practice any martial art, expect to be injured. All martial art practitioners at some point experience injury from very minor to severe. Obviously, Aikido contains a level of risk. Still, care is taken to see that safety is first; that people work within their limits, and that people train the proper skills they need before progressing. With safe training comes safe practice.
How did Aikido start?
Aikido was begun by Morehei Ueshiba who studied Daito-ryu jujitsu. Mr. Ueshiba taught many students including Kenji Tomiki, a judo expert. Mr. Tomiki, using ideas from judo, focused on certain aspects and ways of teaching aikido. Karl Geis learned from Mr. Tomiki and continued these ideas through the Fugakukai.
Is Aikido a religion?
No, aikido advocates no religious belief or ideology. People may confuse bowing as a type of worship, but bowing is simply a show of respect. Most aikido people do share a common philosophy of searching for a peaceful resolution to conflict and to general self-improvement.
Class Outline
1. Tegatana No Kata is the “form of handblades.” It is also called the walking kata. It is a series of evasive and defensive movements meant to teach efficient, stable, and proper movement in twelve movements.
2. Hanasu No Kata is the “form of releases.” Similar to walking kata, this form teaches defensive movement when grasped by an attacker in eight movements.
2. Kihara is the “23 basic forms.” These are the core techniques that demonstrate how to effectively use off balance and an attacker’s own motion and momentum to subdue them.
3. O Waza Ju Pon is the “major ten forms” or more commonly called the Big Ten. These movements elaborate on the first previous teaching and in separating from an attacker. The first five are required for 1st degree black belt.
4. Ukemi is the term for falling. Ukemi is essential to self-defense and safe practice. To properly learn fall without injury is essential to self defense. Almost anyone can learn how to take falls properly, safely, and slowly.
We hope this sheet answers your initial questions regarding self defense and Aikido. I also hope you will seriously consider practicing this effective and beautiful art of self-defense. If I can answer any more questions, or help you in any way, please ask me or contact directly.
Fee Schedule:
FIAA dues are $45 dollars a year for membership. This fee is not due until you reach Green Belt (approximately in 8 months given three hours of practice a week). This membership certifies your rank with the organization and allows you to participate in clinics and seminars. Rank fees are additional and depend on the rank you earn.
The Fugakukai International Association
AIKIDO PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
RANK | BELT COLOR | HOURS PER WEEK | TOTAL HOURS IN AIKIDO | MINIMUM AGE | TIME IN GRADE | TOTAL TIME IN AIKIDO |
