OUR STYLE OF AIKIDO
The true purpose of Aikido, as expressed by Founder
Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei, is "the loving protection of all
things." This simple and honorable guiding philosophy
resides, as it should, at the heart of the Wadokai Aikido
organization, as do the final words spoken to Suenaka
Sensei by the Founder, three months before his death:
"Make Aikido better, but don't change the principles.
Whatever you do, don't stray from the path of Aiki."
Suenaka-ha Tetsugaku-ho (Suenaka style,
philosophical way) Aikido is a self-defense system
designed to be street-effective while still maintaining
and paying equal attention to spiritual, mental and
moral/ethical development. This style of Aikido is
derived from the Founder Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei's
Aikido and that of Shin-Shin Toitsu Aikido founder
Koichi Tohei Sensei. Suenaka-ha Tetsugaku-ho Aikido
incorporates both the martial techniques (waza) and
spiritual teachings of O'Sensei and the practical
ki-development exercises developed by Koichi Tohei
Sensei. Aikido, insists Suenaka Sensei, is neither
expressly physical nor spiritual rather, it is both.
Aikido should be as the Founder envisioned it: a way to
effectively and decisively defend oneself from attack
while preserving and respecting the attacker; a path
both martial and spiritual, not one or the other.
To this, Suenaka Sensei has added techniques drawn
from his decades of experience in kendo, judo, ju-jitsu,
kempo and karate-do, plus more esoteric ibuki
breathing and misogi ritual purification meditative
practices. The style is clean, economical and
street-effective, the atmosphere joyful and respectful,
the goal physical and spiritual betterment.
I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit us, try
a class or better yet become a pratictioner of Suenaka
Aikido in the Ashland or Richmond Suenaka-Ha Aikido
Dojo.
The true purpose of Aikido, as expressed by Founder
Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei, is "the loving protection of all
things." This simple and honorable guiding philosophy
resides, as it should, at the heart of the Wadokai Aikido
organization, as do the final words spoken to Suenaka
Sensei by the Founder, three months before his death:
"Make Aikido better, but don't change the principles.
Whatever you do, don't stray from the path of Aiki."
Suenaka-ha Tetsugaku-ho (Suenaka style,
philosophical way) Aikido is a self-defense system
designed to be street-effective while still maintaining
and paying equal attention to spiritual, mental and
moral/ethical development. This style of Aikido is
derived from the Founder Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei's
Aikido and that of Shin-Shin Toitsu Aikido founder
Koichi Tohei Sensei. Suenaka-ha Tetsugaku-ho Aikido
incorporates both the martial techniques (waza) and
spiritual teachings of O'Sensei and the practical
ki-development exercises developed by Koichi Tohei
Sensei. Aikido, insists Suenaka Sensei, is neither
expressly physical nor spiritual rather, it is both.
Aikido should be as the Founder envisioned it: a way to
effectively and decisively defend oneself from attack
while preserving and respecting the attacker; a path
both martial and spiritual, not one or the other.
To this, Suenaka Sensei has added techniques drawn
from his decades of experience in kendo, judo, ju-jitsu,
kempo and karate-do, plus more esoteric ibuki
breathing and misogi ritual purification meditative
practices. The style is clean, economical and
street-effective, the atmosphere joyful and respectful,
the goal physical and spiritual betterment.
I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit us, try
a class or better yet become a pratictioner of Suenaka
Aikido in the Ashland or Richmond Suenaka-Ha Aikido
Dojo.
| Aikido of Suenaka-Ha Ashland |
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| Roy Y. Suenaka, Soke |