The new Monday class

Hello all you Sanbukan devotees,
Last Monday marked the first Monday class in years.  We worked on a couple of techniques that are not covered in the standard syllabus, both based on techniques covered in Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere.  They were modified to better suit the intention of the lesson, ALWAYS KEEP YOUR CENTER.

 images from Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere
click the image to animate

Uke grabs both of your wrists in a straight grab for the "one - on - one" attack.

You do a reverse 180 degree pivot in right stance, while bringing your elbow just over uke's arm. In this first motion, you have not moved uke much from his original position.

Next, while stepping back with your right leg, you draw back your right arm to place uke in a sankajo position while keeping your left arm outstretched, much like an archer draws his bow. It is important that during this motion you keep your hips and shoulders facing the same direction and keeping your center line.

Next, you keep your arms stationary with respect to your torso and perform a "turn-in-place" motion. Finally to complete the throw you take a step.

 images from Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere
click the image to animate 

Uke chokes you from the front.

Your right hand extends up through the middle of the choke, brushing up past uke's face and then extends down uke's right arm. This movement of your arm is vertical with respect to you.

At the same time you are starting a step and a half pivot. By the "half pivot" part, you have placed your left arm loosely on uke's shoulder, while your right hand acts as a hook for uke's arm which has his weight and balance dependent on it. After you complete the step and a half pivot, you now let your right arm drop. You begin to turn in place and your left arm pushes into the small of uke's back and your right arm comes up for an irimi.  Finally, you take a step and complete the irimi throw.

After the techniques we participated in a bit of light randori.  Each student was allowed to pick a single defense against a right center punch. Even just one person coming in at a time at random can get a bit unnerving for beginners, but everyone had a fantastic time.

Try it this way...

Today's blog entry is an excerpt from Ryu Mail Magazine - February 2011 that discusses a problem many Aikidoka face. What do you do when when you're shown many different ways to perform the same technique?




The Art of an Aiki Life

In this section this month, Ando Sensei talks about the meaning of obedience. The word he uses is sunao. This can be translated as obedient; dutiful; respectful; submissve; in other words someone who is not stubborn; willful or obstinate. This word has very positive connotations in Japan, especially when applied to a child, whereas in English the word may have slightly negative connotations. Certainly, when used to describe an adult it may suggest that the person is overly meek or submissive, ready to obey any command unquestioningly. In this instance, Ando Sensei is also using it in the context of being obedient to one's own best self.

He recalls that Shioda Sensei told his uchi deshi that the best way for them to learn aikido was to obey him unquestioningly. "If I tell you to eat shit, then you say 'yes sir!' and eat it." Ando Sensei thought to himself that he definitely wasn't going to eat any but Shioda Sensei had made his point about the importance of obedience.

The problem was deciding who to obey. At that time, the uchi deshi were not taught directly by Shioda Sensei but by their senior deshi. One deshi told him to do a technique in this way, while another told him to do it in another way - everyone was telling him something different. The only thing to do was listen and nod obediently at every opinion; try it once and then choose from among the various options. At the very least, the quantity of information you possess increases. If you aren't obedient in a situation like this and don't listen to what people are teaching you then you lose a little bit of information every time.

Brian Kaneshiro

Last Tuesday Brian Kaneshiro passed his Yellow Belt test. His techniques were clean and energetic. And his Uke, Ernesto, looked very fierce.



Congratulations Brian

22nd Black Belt

This last Saturday January 8th, 2011 Jeremy Johnston became the 22nd Black Belt to successfully pass the incredibly difficult test Yamashita Sensei has created.

Sensei Johann placed Jeremy on the spot right after the test by requesting an impromptu speech. Here is what was said:

"As many of you know, I've spent a lifetime in the martial arts. I started when I was very young. And several of the people who are here now and have known me for 25, almost 30 years, have seen my strugle through the martial arts. I am by no means a natural. I've struggled through every little bit of it.

About 16 to 17 years ago I had a major set back, I broke my hip. That's what brought me to Mits. I had seen Mits, actually through Soo Bahk Do. Master Duncan here and Mr. Greco were kind enough to work with me back then quite a bit and we knew Mits through Soo Bahk Do. He holds a second degree in Soo Bahk Do, of course It was called Tang So Do back then. But anyway, I saw how beautifully Mits moved and how it focused on the hip. And back then I was on my cane a couple times a year at least. And I dont even have a cane anymore. Aikido strengthened my hip. Aikido made me able to continue the martial arts, and I'm so glad I never ever stopped, because it formed this family that we have here.

And a few years back when the Dojo looked like it might go away, I said nooo. Couldn't have that. And so many of you guys, Andrew, Jay, Sean. All of you pitched in. We bult this home for ourselves. Everybody here chipped in and you are still chipping in by being here for us. You're the ones that keep this place, and my love for the martial arts going. So Thank You all!"

First class of 2011

We had a great class! Everyone was energetic and eager to start the year off right. Sensei Larry, as usual, lead the class with grace. I can't thank him enough for all he does for us.

Just a reminder, there is a Black Belt Test this coming Saturday Jan 8. As a result the class will most likely be a short one to make room for the test.



The weather report says sunny skies and a high of 60°. Which is just about perfect for that much exercise.

Hope to see you all there.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!!

I'm posting baby New Year's picture to remind people of what he stands for. A sense of renewed spirit that 2011 will bring health, happiness and prosperity.

Let's all share that abundance together and with our friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.

Seasons Greetings

We at the Sanbukan Dojo wish to extend Warm holiday wishes for health and happiness and a New Year filled with success!




Although the Dojo is officially closed, many students will be coming to the Dojo to work on various techniques, their next belt requirements, etc. Should you wish to join us on the mats, please contact Patrick Reed directly and he will open the doors for you (562) 500-6683.

Regular class schedule will resume on Tuesday January 4th