aikidamashii dojo

Preliminary Announcement from Malaysian Aikido Association

2011-11-22T01:45:00.000+08:00

Preliminary Announcement: Hombu Shihan Seminar 2012

Hombu Shihan Seminar 2012
Shoji SEKI Shihan

Dates:
23rd March to 25th March 2012

Venue:
SPORTS ARENA @ SENTOSA
JALAN SERI SENTOSA 2A
TAMAN SRI SENTOSA
58000 KUALA LUMPUR

Programme:
To be announced

Seminar Fees:
To be announced

All Aikikai Aikido practitioners are welcome.

Notice of Persekutuan Aikido Brunei Darussalam's 6th Annual General Congress 2011

2011-11-12T14:27:00.003+08:00

The 6th Annual General Congress of the members of PERSEKUTUAN AIKIDO BRUNEI DARUSSALAM will be held at Aikidamashii Dojo, Unit 42, 1st Floor, Block "A", Melabau Complex, Kg. Serusop. Jalan Muara, Brunei Darussalam on Sunday, 27th November 2011 at 2:00pm.

November 2011 public holiday

2011-11-03T12:47:00.000+08:00

Please be informed that the dojo will be closed on Monday 7th November 2011 as it is public holiday. The beginners' class will be merged with the seniors' class on Tuesday, 8th November 2011.

BAF seminar 2/2011

2011-10-27T07:44:00.001+08:00

The BAF second seminar for 2011 will be held from 25th-27th November 2011 at Aikidamashii Dojo. More details will be released by BAF at a later date.

Edited: 10th November 2011

Please find the tentative seminar programme as follows:

Date	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Friday, 25^th November 2011		16:00 – 17:30 Training session	19:30 – 21:00 Training session
Saturday, 26^th November 2011	9:00 -10:00 Training session 10:30 – 11:30 Training Session	16:00 – 17:30 Training session	19:30 – 21:00 Training/ upgrading session
Sunday. 27^th November 2011	9:00 -10:30 Training session

Invitation from Mumei Shudan Singapore

2011-09-23T18:17:00.001+08:00

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri 2011

2011-08-28T10:39:00.004+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo wishes all Muslim friends and family Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Last Practice before Hari Raya 2011

2011-08-23T07:45:00.000+08:00

Please be informed that the last practice session before Hari Raya celebrations will be held on Monday, 29th August 2011.

The dojo will be closed thereafter and will re-open on Monday, 19th September 2011 with the new class schedule.

To all our Muslim members and family

2011-07-31T10:52:00.000+08:00

Change in Timetable

2011-07-27T13:22:00.002+08:00

Please be informed that there will be the following changes to classes:

Beginners' class
Mondays       19:30-20:30hrs
Wednesdays 19:30-20:30hrs

Seniors' class
Tuesdays       19:30-20:30hrs
Thursdays      19:30-20:30hrs

The changes will take effect on Monday, 19th September 2011.

Aikido Seminar in Jakarta by Donovan Waite shihan, 7th Dan

2011-07-23T12:29:00.000+08:00

Promotions 1/2011

2011-07-22T17:10:00.002+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo would like to congratulate the following members for passing their examinations held and conducted by Zainuddin Abd Khalic sensei, 4th dan of Aikikai Malaysia.

5th Kyu

Sharon Lee Yuen Hui

Mohd Sahril Hj Mat Salleh

7th Kyu

Lim Ren An

Keep up the good training!

BAF seminar 1/2011

2011-05-14T19:13:00.005+08:00

The Aikido Federation Brunei Darussalam will hold a seminar to be conducted by Zainuddin Abd Khalic sensei, 4th dan from Aikikai Malaysia.

The seminar will take place from ~~10th-12th~~ 17th - 19th June 2011 at Aikidamashii Dojo.

Details of the seminar will be released soon. Stay tuned!

Aikido Seminar

Zainuddin Abd Khalic sensei, 4^th Dan

10^th~~-12~~^th 17th - 19th June 2011

Tentative Programme

Date	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Friday, 17^th June 2011		16:00 – 17:30 Training session	19:30 – 21:00 Training session
Saturday, 18^th June 2011	9:00 -10:00 Training session 10:30 – 11:30 Training Session	16:00 – 17:30 Training/ grading	19:30 – 21:00 Training session
Sunday. 19^th June 2011	9:00 -10:00 Training session 10:30 – 11:30 Training Session

Updated on 9th June 2011.

Aikidamashii certification presentation and potluck night

2011-04-05T08:35:00.001+08:00

Congratulatory speech from VP

Vice President presenting the yudansha certificates on behalf of Hj Haneef sensei of AMA and BAF

Hj Sabtu sensei receiving his nidan certificate

Chiong receiving his shodan certificate

Group photograph

Yudansha group photograph

Noh receiving his shodan certificate

Celebration time!

Condolence message to Japan

2011-03-19T18:23:00.000+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo extends its deepest condolences to the people of Japan on the recent 15th March 2011 earthquake. Our prayers are with them at this difficult time and hope that Japan will make a good and strong recovery.

Chinese New Year Greetings 2011

2011-02-02T13:07:00.000+08:00

Wishing all celebrants a wonderful Rabbit year filled with all things good and joyous!

The dojo is now closed and classes will resume on Wednesday, 9th February 2011.

3rd Hombu Instruction Tour 2011

2011-01-04T19:40:00.001+08:00

The Aikido Federation Brunei Darussalam (BAF) has announced that the 3rd Hombu Instruction Tour will take place from 21st - 24th March 2011.

Tentative Programme for Aikido

Date	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday, 21^st March 2011		16:30 – 17:30 Training session 17:45 – 19:00 Training session
Tuesday 22^nd March 2011	7:45 -8:45 Training session 9:00 – 10:00 Training Session	16:30 – 17:30 Training session 17:45 – 19:00 Training session
Wednesday 23^rd March 2011	7:45 -8:45 Training session 9:00 – 10:00 Training Session	16:30 – 17:30 Training session 17:45 – 19:00 Training session

New Year Greeting 2011

2010-12-30T07:11:00.000+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo would like to wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous new year. May 2011 be a year of good tidings and joyful moments.

Training will resume on Monday, 3rd January 2011.

See you on the mat!

Upgrading November 2010

2010-12-03T13:20:00.004+08:00

Congratulations to the following members on their successful grading and promotion to the following ranks:

NIDAN

Hj Sabtu Hj Awg Besar

SHODAN

Mohamad Noh Matassan
Ng Thin Chiong
Wong Seow Chui

8th KYU

Lim Ren An

Lim Ren Wen

BAF Executive Committee 2010 - 2012

2010-11-12T07:35:00.000+08:00

Following the BAF Annual General Congress held on 7th November 2010, the members of the Executive Committee 2010-2012 are as follows:

President

Pg Sufian Pg Omar

Vice President

Ahmad Isa

Secretary General

Wong Seow Chui, Sarah

Treasurer

Ng Thin Chiong

Committee Member

Hj Md Jamil Dato Hj Abd Hamid

Committee Member

Tay Boon Chye, Peter

We wish the Committee all the best in carrying our their duties and responsibilities towards its member and in the development of Aikido in Brunei .

BAF Annual Seminar by Hj Haneef sensei, 6th dan, Aikikai Malaysia

2010-11-11T23:35:00.001+08:00

Pesekutuan Aikido, Brunei Darussalam ("BAF") will be hosting its annual seminar to be conducted by Hj Haneef sensei. It will ake place from 26th - 28th November 2010 at Aikidamashii Dojo. The timetable is as follows:

Friday, 26th November 2010

9:00 – 10:30 hrs - Training

15:00 – 16:00 hrs - Training
16:30 – 17:30 hrs - Training

19:30 – 20:30 hrs - Training

Saturday, 27th November 2010

9:00 – 10:30 hrs - Training

15:00 – 16:00 hrs - Training
16:30 – 18:00 hrs - Training and upgrading

Sunday, 28th November 2010

9:00 – 10:30hrs - Training

The timetable above is tentative and is subject to change. For more information please contact your local dojo-cho or the Secretary General at persekutuan.aikido.brunei@gmail.com.

Announcement 2/2010

2010-10-20T07:14:00.000+08:00

Please be informed that the Dojo will be closed today. Regular classes will resume on Monday, 25th October 2010.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

2010-09-08T07:43:00.005+08:00

Aikidamashii would like to wish all its Muslim friends Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Please be informed that the dojo will be closed from 8th September 2010 to 19th September 2010. Training will resume on 20 27th September 2010.

Happy holidays!

Obituary 2/2010

2010-09-07T07:29:00.003+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo offers its deepest condolences to the family of the late Sugano Seiichi shihan, 8th dan, on his recent passing. The Aikido community mourns the loss of another great teacher.

Obituary

2010-07-10T09:48:00.004+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo expresses great sadness at the recent passing of Nobuyoshi Tamura shihan, 8th dan. It is a great loss to the Aikido community and he will be missed. Deepest condolences to the family fo the late Tamura shihan.

Brunei-Japan Martial Arts Exchange Programme

2010-06-25T12:40:00.006+08:00

Please be informed that Japan International Cooporation Center in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, Brunei Japan Friendship Association and Persekutuan Aikido Brunei Darussalam is holding a Brunei-Japan Martial Arts Exchange Programme featuring Aikido, Karate and Kendo. Instructors/players will be despatched from Japan to train together with fellow Bruneian counterparts which will include a demonstration for all 3 martials arts on Wednesday evening, 7th July 2010 at Orchid Garden hotel. The demonstration is open to the public. Admission is free.

The aikido instructors/player will be despatched from Aikikai Foundation and we have the pleasure of welcoming IRIE Yoshinobu shihan, 6th dan to Brunei once again for this programme. He will be accompanied by Oyama Yuji shidoin, 4th dan and Miss Nakada Akiko.

The training programme for aikido is as below:

JENESYS PROGRAMME – Martial Arts Exchange Programme

3^rd-10^th July 2010

Programme for Aikido as at 22nd June 2010

Date	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday, 5^th July 2010		16:00 – 17:00 Training session 17:15 – 18:15 Training session
Tuesday, 6^th July 2010	9:00 – 10:30 Training session	16:00 – 17:00 Training session 17:15 – 18:15 Training session	20:00 – 21:00 Training session
Wednesday, 7^th July 2010	9:00 – 10:30 Training session		Demonstration And Reception at Orchid Garden Hotel
Thursday, 8^th July 2010	11:00 – 12:30 Visit to Maktab Sains Aikido Club	16:00 – 17:00 Training session 17:15 – 18:15 Training session	20:00 – 21:00 Training session

Please continue to visit our blogsite for any further development.

Announcement 2/2010

2010-05-20T09:43:00.001+08:00

Please be informed that the dojo will be closed from 24th-31st May 2010.

Training will resume on 2nd June 2010.

On Stretching - An article by Bruce Everett Miller

2010-05-14T07:16:00.000+08:00

Stretching As An Important Tool In Preventing Martial Arts Trauma

By Bruce Everett Miller, PA-C

The issue of health to the martial artist is one that carries a lot of emotional impact. Whether it is because of illness or because of injuries, when we are not in full health we cannot, in most cases, enjoy the martial arts we love best.

With as much at stake as all that, there obviously arise a great number of different opinions on both how to both care for our health and restore it once we are sick or disabled. This series of articles will deal with the subject of injuries. Mostly the understanding of injuries and how they relate to the martial artist. Along the way you will find that the more you know about the way your body works, the better you can take care of it and also how you can use someone else's body against him.

There are many different approaches to preventing injuries. Besides the issue of safety, the most commonly agreed upon way to prevent injuries is to stretch before working out. Almost everyone agrees on this point of fact but unfortunately most people have never really been taught how to stretch. For those of you who scoff at the idea of having to be taught how to stretch, then I ask you a simple question. How many times have you pulled a muscle during a work out when you thought you were already stretched out? If the answer is never you are either a master at stretching or lying. Either way you don't need this article.

For the rest of us, I want to state that the most common fault in stretching is not that we don't stretch, or even stretch the major muscles adequately. What we fail to do is stretch the minor muscles.

The most common non-impact injuries that I see (and/or treat) in martial arts are bone bruises after sparring and those relatively small but very painful muscle pulls or tears. (We will talk about bone bruises in the next article). The main reason for the muscle pulls is that we tend to stretch out joints in the directions which we are used to moving them in. Makes sense so far. What we don't realize is that almost every joint in the body is built to withstand and compensate for some rolling motion as the joint goes through its full range of motion. The major muscles which we are used to stretching are those which are responsible for the major movement of the joint, but the minor muscles are responsible in a large part for keeping the joint aligned. When we don't stretch these minor muscles, we run the risk of pulling or tearing them if we move the joint suddenly in any angle oblique from the normal direction that it was primarily designed to go. This is also what we do to our opponents when we force their joints in ways that they were not designed to go.

Therefore, we need to loosen up these small muscles surrounding each and every joint. The method I recommend is as follows: First, develop a set pattern in your stretching. For example, start with the feet and work upward or vise versa. Secondly, not only stretch each and every joint in its major directions of travel, but also roll each joint in as much of a circular motion as possible. This loosens up the minor muscles we talked about above. Thirdly, make sure that any tension you place on muscles and ligaments during your stretching is done with slowly increasing pressure. Jerky movements should be avoided, because even small jerks can tear the small muscle fibrils which make up each muscle. While this won't cause dramatic pain or limitation of motion, such injuries can add up.

If you work as hard at developing good stretching habits as you do learning a new form, then soon you will have developed a way to dramatically decrease injuries. Even more importantly, correct stretching in itself can make you feel better even after the effects of the rest of the work out have worn off.

The next article on preventing martial arts trauma will continue on the subject of stretching and address the post exercise stretch.

About the Author:

Bruce Everett Miller, PA-C, is a 6th degree black belt in the style of Quan Li K'an and a teacher of Tai Chi which he combines with his Western medical training as a Physician's Assistant to provide his own unique perspective on the martial arts. He is a well known teacher, seminar leader and author who has produced thirteen books and four videos on various karate related subjects including freefighting, pressure points, the principles of kata, Acupuncture, and light force knockouts. For more information on his books, vidoes and seminars see: www.cloudnet.com/~bemiller/

Announcement 1/2010

2010-03-29T09:51:00.000+08:00

Please be informed that Aikidamashii Dojo will be closed from 29th March 2010 for one week.

Training will resume on 5th April 2010 at 7:30pm.

Chinese New Year Greetings

2010-02-09T07:29:00.000+08:00

Aikidamashii would like to wish all celebrants a healthy, prosperous and successful Chinese New Year!

Announcement 4/2009

2009-12-31T16:36:00.002+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo is now closed for the New Year holidays.

Classes will resume on Wednesday, 6th January 2010 at 7:30pm.

Happy New Year to all and may the year ahead be blessed with good training and friendship.

Season's Greetings 2009

2009-12-24T12:32:00.003+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo would like to wish its members, friends and families Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

May 2010 be a year of love, health, joy and success for all!

Congratulatory Message 4/2009

2009-11-18T22:47:00.001+08:00

Ren Wen (R) with his Elder brother Ren An (L)

Aikidmashii Dojo would like to wish a very happy birthday anniversary to Lim Ren Wen who turns 11 today! May you be blessed with love, health, joy and success and many years of good training in aikido!

Aikidamashii Aikido Seminar 3/2009

2009-11-12T12:48:00.004+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its 3rd aikido seminar from 11th-13th December 2009.

The seminar will be conducted by Zainuddin Abd Khalic sensei, 3rd dan, who is a member of the Aikikai Malaysia Technical Committee and currently the Supervising Technical Instructor of Aikido Federation, Brunei Darussalam ("BAF"). Zainuddin sensei is a regular visiting instructor who always have much to share from his 3 decades of aikido training.

For more information regarding the seminar kindly contact Hj Sabtu sensei at +673 8841155 or Sarah Wong at +673 8713542 / wongseowchui@gmail.com.

See you soon!

Aikikai Foundation Newsletter - Hombu Instruction Tour 2009

2009-10-24T17:18:00.003+08:00

The article below is a reproduction of a newsletter from the Aikikai Foundation website written by Fujimaki Hiroshi shihan on the Hombu Instruction Tour in February 2009.

The Hombu Instruction Tour 2009 is a milestone for Aikido in Brunei as it is the first time Hombu Dojo includes Brunei Darussalam in its Instruction Tour Programme. In this way Brunei is able to receive instruction directly from Hombu Dojo as part of its technical development as well as to foster relationship with the Aikikai Foundation. It is an invaluable experience for all aikidokas in Brunei.

It is hoped that the Instruction Tour can be an annual event in Brunei.

Hombu Instruction Tour

A Southeast Asia Instruction Tour: 15 Days in the Philippines, Brunei and Indonesia Fujimaki Shihan and Suzuki Shidoin's Whirlwind Trip: Dan Promotions at Every Stop Fujimaki Hiroshi shihan and Suzuki Koujiro shidoin visted Southeast Asia between February 10-24 for an instruction tour that took them to the Philippines, Brunei and　Indonesia. The first seminar was in Cebu, the Philippines, at the Sacred Heart Aikido dojo, run by Mr. Benson. Six classes were held over three days and people came from places including Manila and Mindanao island. Around 70 participants attended each class, practicing vigorously　and deepening relationships through Aikido that wouldn't otherwise occur. Two people received their shodan grades during examinations. Then it was on to Manila on the 13th for a seminar that began immediately. About 150 people attended the first class, over half of whom were yudansha, giving us the feeling that Aikido is flourishing in Manila. A seminar of six classes was held at the PJA Dojo, where 180 participants practiced strenuously, including some who came from Cagayan de Oro island. During examinations, 22 people passed their shodan tests, while 7 received nidan and 2 received sandan. We arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Kingdom of Brunei, on the evening of the 16th, and were met by Mr. Sabtu, head of the Aikidamashii Dojo, and Mr. Ahmad. We held seven classes during a three-day seminar at the Aikidamashii Dojo, attended by 23 people. Fujimaki shihan concentrated on teaching kihon waza. This year marks the fifth year since the introduction of Aikido in Brunei. There are four dojo in the Brunei Darussalam Aikido Federation (Mr. Harris, president), created three years ago. The highest level in the kingdom is shodan. Participants include women who cover their heads with scarves, demonstrating the pervasiveness of　Islamic culture. Brunei is an abundantly green country, full of polished gold mosques. On the 20th, we arrived in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, having transferred in Singapore. We were met by Mr. Poetiray of the Yayasan Indonesia Aikikai, and Mr. Ferdiansyah of the Keluarga Beladiri Aikido Indonesia (KBAI). The seminar on the 21st, sponsored by the Yayasan Indonesia Aikikai, was held in a basketball gymnasium covered with mats. About 140 people from 45 dojo participated. Practice focused on tai sabaki and the importance of ukemi. The second half of the seminar was devoted to examinations; 22 people qualified for shodan, 11 for nidan and three for sandan. After the examination, Fujimaki shihan presented Mr. Poeitiray with his godan certificate awarded during this year's Kagami Biraki ceremony. The second day of the seminar was sponsored by the KBAI at the American Club in Jakarta. About 130 people from 42 dojo participated. At the examinations, two people qualified for shodan, 5 for nidan, 2 for sandan and one for yondan. The last day of instruction began at 8 a.m. on the 23rd at Indonesia's military headquarters for a one-hour seminar attended by 15 people. We departed that evening, having completed everything according to schedule, and arrived back home. (By Fujimaki Hiroshi, Hombu shihan)

The actual newsletter can be read here.

Announcement 3/2009

2009-10-22T22:11:00.005+08:00

The Aikido Federation of Brunei Darussalam (BAF) recently held its Annual General Congress and a Pro Tem Executive Committee was elected which consists of the following office bearers:

President - Pg Sufian Pg Omar
Vice President -Ahmad Isa
Secretary General - Wong Seow Chui, Sarah
Treasurer - Ng Thin Chiong

The information is available at BAF's website.

Festive Greetings

2009-09-17T00:24:00.004+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo would like to wish all those of the Islamic faith

"Selamat Eid al Fitr

Maaf Zahir dan Batin"

Announcement 2/2009 - corrigendum

2009-09-16T23:30:00.000+08:00

Please be informed that the Dojo will resume training on Monday, 5th October 2009 at 7:30pm after the Eid al Fitr holidays.

Announcement 2/2009

2009-09-10T08:41:00.003+08:00

The Dojo will have its last training session for the month of Ramadhan on Wednesday night 16th September 2009 from 9:00pm - 10:30pm.

Thereafter the Dojo will be closed for the Eid al Fitr holidays and will resume training on Wednesday, 30th September 2009 at 7:30pm.

Congratulatory Message 3/2009

2009-09-01T22:36:00.004+08:00

Congratulations to Mohd Noh and Dinah on their baby girl Safura!

Seminar 31st July - 2nd August 2009

2009-08-24T11:26:00.011+08:00

Once again Aikidamashii Dojo had the pleasure of inviting Zainuddin Abd Khalic sensei, 3rd dan and President of Aikikai Malaysia, to conduct a seminar. The seminar saw participation from members of Aikidamashii Dojo as well as BSRC Dojo.

From left to right: Raimin, Peter, Ali, Zainuddin sensei, Chui, Nadiah and Hazirah.

Zainuddin sensei with the male participants.

In this seminar sensei focused on footwork and hip movements in executing techniques. Sensei also instructed on, among others, bukiwaza in several sessions of the seminar which gave the students a more tangible perception of how it related to taijutsu training.

Uke: Ali

Sensei with Ren Wen (uke) and Ren An (in seiza)

Ren An and Ren Wen. They learn very fast and have seen much improvement since they started the last few months.

Chiong training with the jo and loving it!

In addition one session was held at BSRC Dojo where Shakirin Lamit took his upgrading test.

Photograph taken during the ride to Seria.

Our heartiest congratulations to Shakirin who is promoted to gokyu! (Best student that night)

Sensei with Aikidamashii Dojo and BSRC Dojo participants.

Announcement 1/2009 - Training hours during the month of Ramadhan

2009-07-30T12:01:00.003+08:00

Please be informed that training will carry on as usual during the month of Ramadhan but at different times as shown below:

Mondays 21:00 - 22:30hrs
Wednesdays 21:00 - 22:30hrs

The first day of training will start on Wednesday, 26th August 2009.

Congratulatory Message 2/2009

2009-07-26T00:58:00.005+08:00

Our congratulations and best wishes to Hj Sabtu sensei and Kak Maslin on the birth of their baby boy!

Obituary 2/2009

2009-07-17T13:39:00.004+08:00

Aikidamashii Dojo and its members offers their deepest condolences to Hj Sabtu sensei and his family on their bereavement of the passing of his brother, Hj Rosli Hj Awg Besar.

May he rest in peace and God bless his soul.

UPDATE - Aikido seminar 31st July-2nd August 2009

2009-07-17T13:05:00.003+08:00

Please be informed that the dates for the aikido seminar in August 2009 has been moved to 31st July-2nd August 2009. The seminar will be conducted by Zainuddin Abd Khalic sensei, 3rd dan of Aikikai Malaysia.

The seminar programme is as follows:

Friday, 31^st July 2009

Time Particulars

15:00hrs Session 1 at Aikidamashii Dojo

16:30hrs End of session 1

19:45hrs Session 2 at Aikidamashii Dojo

21:30hrs End of session 2

Saturday, 1^st August 2009

Time Particulars

9:30hrs Session 3 at Aikidamashii Dojo

11:00hrs End of session 3

15:00hrs Session 4 at Aikidamashii Dojo

16:30hrs End of Session 4

16:45hrs Group Photograph session

20:00hrs Session 5 with upgrading at BSRC Dojo

21:30hrs End of Session 5

Sunday, 2^nd August 2009

Time Particulars

9:30hrs Session 6 at Aikidamashii Dojo

11:30hrs End of session 6

The seminar fees are as follows:

Aikidamashii members

Adults - B$50.00
Students (12-18 year old) - B$30.00
Children (below 12 years old) - B$20.00

Non-Members

Adults - B$60.00
Students (12-18 year old) - B$40.00
Children (below 12 years old) - B$20.00

The closing date for registration is Tuesday, 28th July 2009. Terms and conditions apply kindly refer to your respective dojo-chos.

For any queries please contact Hj Sabtu sensei at +673 8841155 or Sarah san at +673 8713542.

See you at the seminar!

Aikidamashii DVD night!

2009-06-19T08:24:00.010+08:00

Aikidamashii organized a get together for a premiere night of the 10th IAF Seminar & Congress dvd purchased by Chiong san who so nicely opened up his home for the get together. It was also to see whether there was footage of any of our members who attended the event. Therefore a few of us were quite excited!

There was a generous spread of dishes courtesy of the members.

Sighting no. 1!

Sighting No. 2!

Sighting No.3!

It seems that everyone got their share of airtime! As the euphoria of the "3 seconds of fame" subsided everyone settled down to watch the dvd. Look at all those attentive faces. Noh san would join us later.

The seminars just get better...

and better.

"We are really enjoying ourselves!"

The seniors' first group picture since the upgrading.

We're not always that serious you know.

Sensei's son showing us how kotegaeshi is done. He makes a very good model actually. Natural.

And this is what you get after watching 3 hours of non stop aikido!

See you all at the dojo next week!

Seminar in August 2009

2009-06-16T12:40:00.006+08:00

Newsflash!

Aikidamashii Dojo is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a seminar from Friday, 7th to Sunday, 9th August 2009.

Details of the seminar will soon follow so please lock your dates and visit our blogsite regularly.

In the meantime train well and with joy!

Logo Design competition

2009-05-26T08:21:00.005+08:00

News flash for Aikidamashii members!

The Dojo is holding a logo drawing competition! The purpose of this competition is for members to design a logo that best reflects the image, ideals and spirit of the dojo. It is open to all members of Aikidamashii.

Rules of the competition are as below:

1. The logo will be circular in shape not wider than 6 cm in circumference.
2. The logo can be in black and white or in colour (no more than 3 colours are to be used)
3. Each member can submit more than 1 design.
4. Each design is to be accompanied by an explanation of the components and colours chosen.
5. The design is to be signed by the designer with his/her name and I.C. number.
6. The deadline for submission of the design(s) is 25th june 2009.

The logo designs can be submitted either to Hj Sabtu sensei or Sarah san.

The winner of the competition will be announced within 3 weeks from the closing of the deadline. The announcement will also be put on the Dojo's notice board. The winner of the competition will receive a prize from the Dojo.

So members please put your creativity in full gear and design away!

Seminar and upgrading 15th-17th May 2009

2009-05-23T23:42:00.006+08:00

The seminar was successfully conducted by Hj Haneef sensei, 6th dan (Technical Chairman of Aikikai Malaysia) with Zainuddin sensei, 3rd dan (President of Aikikai Malaysia and Supervising Technical Instructor of BAF ) and Suzalie sensei, 3rd dan (Vice President of Aikikai Malaysia). The seminar saw participation from Darussalam dojo, Aikikai Wira dojo and BSRC dojo.

From left to right: Pg Sufian sensei, Zainuddin sensei, Suzalie sensei, Hj Sabtu sensei and Sarah Wong

from left to right: Hj Haneef sensei, Pg Sufian sensei, Zainuddin sensei, Suzalie sensei and Hj Sabtu sensei

Hj Haneef sensei with Ahmad Isa

An upgrading session was conducted on 16th May 2009 and Aikidamashii Dojo would like to offer its congratulations to the following members who passed their upgrading and obtained their promotions:

Mohd Ali Awang Adi - 1st kyu

Mohd Noh Matassan - 1st kyu

Ng Thin Chiong - 1st kyu

Wong Seow Chui - 1st kyu

Once again congratulations to the members above. Let all of us work hard and train sincerely with one another with the aim of mutual development and well being.

Finally a big thank you all who helped to make this seminar happen. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Also a word of thanks to Ms Rozi Yunos who so kindly contributed some very tasty snacks for the seminar.

Until the next seminar, train well!

Update- Seminar by Hj Haneef sensei, 6th Dan, 15th-17th May 2009

2009-05-13T12:30:00.003+08:00

Please be informed that the finalized timetable for the seminar is as below:

Friday, 15^th May 2009

6:00pm – 7:30pm Seminar

Saturday, 16^th May 2009

9:00am- 10:30am Seminar

3:00pm- 4:30pm Seminar

8:00pm – 9:30pm Seminar/Ugrading

Sunday, 17^th May 2009

2:30pm – 4:30pm Seminar

The only change is the Friday session which has been re-scheduled to the evening to enable those who are working and staying outside Bandar to optimize participation in the seminar.

Hope to see as many of you as possible during for the seminar.

In the meantime train well!

Seminar by Hj Haneef sensei, 6th Dan, 15th-17th May 2009

2009-05-12T00:20:00.003+08:00

The Aikido Federation. Brunei Darussalam ("BAF") has informed that it will postpone the seminar to a later date that is to be confirmed. However, due to strong response from its members as well as for the benefit of the members from other dojos who have registered for the seminar, Aikidamashii Dojo will organize the seminar in place of BAF. The seminar will be conducted by Hj Haneef sensei, 6th dan, with Suzalie sensei, 3rd dan of Aikikai Malaysia. This seminar is open to members of other dojos. Please find the timetable as below.

Friday, 15^th May 2009

3:00pm – 4:30pm Seminar

Saturday, 16^th May 2009

9:00am- 10:30am Seminar

3:00pm- 4:30pm Seminar

8:00pm – 9:30pm Seminar/Ugrading

Sunday, 17^th May 2009

2:30pm – 4:30pm Seminar

(the above timetable may be subject to change and if so will be notified to participants immediately)

Kindly note that the seminar will be held at Aikidamashii Dojo. The seminar fees for Aikidamashii members are B$40.00 (adults), B$30.00 (student) and B$20.00 (members age 12 and below). For non Aikidamashii members the seminar fee is B$50.00.

For more information please call Hj Sabtu sensei at +6738841155.

Food for thought

2009-05-08T11:58:00.004+08:00

Many a times we forget the important and significant role that an uke plays and the responsibility that comes with it. The article below is worth much to ponder over.

Note: the article below is courtesy of www.aikidojournal.com. The original article can be read here.

Aikido Journal Home » Articles » The Case of the Reluctant Uke

The Case of the Reluctant Uke

Available Languages:

by David Lynch

Aikido Journal #117 (1999)

The following article was prepared with the kind assistance of Jon Aoki of the USA.

For those of us not congenitally attracted to violence, aikido training sometimes presents problems that are difficult to ignore. They come in human form and in distinct personality types. Amongst these is the reluctant uke.

This is the guy who tries to block all your efforts to apply a technique and takes a smug delight in refusing to fall. He dedicates his time on the mat to trying to prove your techniques do not work. And sometimes he succeeds.

He may be new to aikido, having migrated from another martial art or, worse, someone with years of experience who knows precisely when to make himself totally uncooperative for maximum effect.

Typically he seems not to understand how meaningless and destructive his behavior is, and no amount of aikido philosophy gets through to him. He sees everything in competitive terms and believes that every technique must work regardless of the circumstances. Only rarely will he change his spots.

How many people have given up aikido because of him? How many women have been turned away from the art by his chauvinistic behavior? How many honest and sincere instructors has he caused to hang up their hakama, convinced they are not qualified to teach?

Sometimes the reluctant uke is amenable to reason and will respond to a pep-talk, provided it is delivered early in his career. He should not be confused, by the way, with the uke who holds firmly or strikes positively in order for both partners to research and discover the meaning of aikido. The difference is in the attitude and the intention.

Of course the reluctant uke can be dealt with physically, by a swift atemi or a painful and dangerous abbreviation of a technique, and some instructors have earned a fearsome reputation for meting out this kind of eye-for-an-eye treatment, but many of us hesitate to respond in this way. Usually the effort to block a technique makes the blocker an easy target for a punch, but retaliation is not consistent with the aims of aikido, and could lead to an ongoing exchange not different from a contest.

My own son went through a period (thankfully short-lived) during which he became a very reluctant uke indeed. While I was slowly performing a technique in front of a class he would suddenly exert his full strength to block it halfway through. To respond with atemi was not really an option under the circumstances.

We also had a champion power-lifter in our class who used to apply his massive strength at the most unexpected times. Once when we were doing kokyuho he suddenly pulled my arms in towards him, enveloped them with his brawn and pinned them under his armpits. Aside from head-butting him or biting his nose - options I did not consider appropriate or necessary - I was powerless.

No doubt readers have had similar experiences and will recognize this type of attitude. It was a type neatly represented by a Chinese martial arts instructor I once met in Hong Kong. I only visited him at the suggestion of a friend who said the man would be glad to meet me and keen to exchange technical know-how. But, in the event, he was very suspicious and began interrogating me on my motives in coming to see him. I was about to flag the whole scenario away as another cross- cultural cock-up when he said: “O.K., show me some aikido.”

Thinking to start with nikyo, I invited him to grip my wrist, whereupon he made the memorable and no doubt perfectly logical remark, from his point of view: “Why would I do anything as stupid as that?” He obviously saw the whole exchange as a challenge aimed at testing him or showing him that my technique was superior to his.

Unfortunately, many aikidoka have the same attitude - having missed the point of training by a country mile and having failed to see that aikido is defensive, not offensive, and that its goals transcend winning and losing. When you take on aikido you must put aside the whole idea of winning and losing and focus on achieving harmony. You can’t have it both ways.

Seeing aikido in competitive terms is like trying to prove something that cannot be proven. Occasionally even a Japanese will display this attitude, though the respect for authority in Japan generally militates against it, and most Japanese aikidoka appear to accept the nage-uke (performer-receiver) cooperative system of training. One Japanese friend told me, under the influence of alcohol, that he would love to have just one shot at testing his sensei’s skill by refusing to fall nicely all the time. He added that he was prepared to pay all his own hospital bills! In general Japanese aikidoka (not all of them, of course) are more inclined to abuse their position as nage, by thrashing their unfortunate and obedient ukes.

What is so puzzling to me is not just the fact that people seem unable to think outside the parameters of a contest but that they confound training in the dojo with reality. Getting the reluctant uke to understand this is often a major challenge. (If only he would just go away and take up a competitive sport like judo or karate where he could block to his heart’s content!) Aikido is not, after all, for those who feel the need to defend their egos at all times. We can, within limits, always learn something by trying to relate to these contrary individuals, but those limits need to be recognized, and going beyond them can be counter-productive to say the least.

Dojo training is not a life-and-death affair, and there are many things you cannot and need not do in the context of training. Just as you cannot do ikkyo on an elephant or kokyuho on a concrete wall, there are some ukes who cannot be thrown against their will without nage resorting to dangerous or violent tactics departing, in the process, from the principles of aikido training.

How you react is a measure of your training and your personal philosophy: a laugh or a smile may be enough. Though the urge to suggest, in one way or another, that these ukes get a life can be quite strong, we need to learn to take a metaphorical step back (which is also a sound technical approach) and to calmly refuse to play the reluctant uke’s game. Even if you cannot do anything with him, it really does not matter, as it is only a game after all. Paradoxically, a realization of this fact is sometimes all it takes for the technique to actually work, but you should accept the fact that you can’t win ‘em all.

When it is your turn to be uke and you feel you could stop your partner’s movement, you should resist the temptation and allow him to compete his technique. What have you got to lose? What do you gain otherwise? Certainly you show your partner the inadequacy of his technique by blocking it, but there are more positive ways to encourage him and help him to improve.

Some instructors precede their demonstration of a technique with a realistic version, as opposed to the standard dojo version. This is a sort of a bad cop-good cop approach where you explain how to break an arm with ikkyo, smash a head with shihonage or mangle a wrist with sankyo – not forgetting the devastation that can be wreaked with powerful atemi. You then proceed with aikido… “But, in the dojo, we do it this way.” While okay up to a point, this approach panders to the competitive mentality and can become an end in itself, to the detriment of the aikido spirit.

The competitive mentality can invade a dojo like a virus against which a constructive, harmonious training atmosphere offers little immunity. Newcomers feel intimidated and do not speak out, and often the instructor feels unable to do so either, without losing face. He may feel that he should be able to take all this in his stride, just as O-Sensei accepted challenges from all-comers in the old days.

Far better, I think, to acknowledge that we are not O-Sensei and that these are not the old days. It is the instructor’s responsibility to protect his students from ignorant people, and to ensure the dojo is a place where something worthwhile can be learned and where students treat each other with mutual respect, not a battlefield for shallow egos intent on outdoing one another. The dojo should be a sanctuary where one can safely experiment with ideas and techniques that aim for a completely different outcome.

The difference between training and reality (and between a competitive sport and a martial way) is well illustrated by the aikidoka who responded to a challenge from a judo man by showing up with a live sword tucked in his belt. These days, however, it is not very practical to say it with swords whenever taijutsu seems inadequate, but another weapon, often underestimated, is the spoken word. Despite the stoic budo tradition which prizes the strong, silent type, I feel it is appropriate to speak up when one encounters the boorish, reluctant uke. This is by no means easy to do and calls for some resolve. It may not stamp out the breed but it may make life more tolerable for many members of the dojo, i.e., for those who really want to learn aikido and have no interest in competing. Left unchecked the reluctant uke just becomes more and more reluctant.

Unfortunately, the seniority system tends to intimidate beginners, who are the ones most likely to be affected by blocking and bullying, but I feel that remaining silent while someone is applying unnecessary force in the dojo is an outdated and inappropriate attitude. Furthermore, it is always better to use your tongue than your fists, and to use your brain before trying to brain someone else, or before they try to brain you.

Old attitudes die hard, as I found when visiting Japan recently. I was sitting with a group of students in one of the dojos I used to train in when somebody mentioned my articles in Aikido Journal. The sensei present said, “It is interesting that these days virtually anyone can write about aikido, whereas in the old days only the very top teachers dared to do so.” (He actually used the Japanese words “were allowed to,” which is revealing.)

Whether this remark was aimed at me (if the cap fits, wear it) or was just a generalization I do not know for sure. However, I believe anyone is entitled to speak or write about aikido, regardless of rank or experience. It is up to the listener or reader to decide how much credibility to give their words. Freedom of expression is just one of the planks of democracy that many older-generation Japanese appear to have difficulty with.

When it comes to O-Sensei-style mystical insight and any attempt to explain that in words, I would agree that he who speaks does not know and I would be the first to accept whatever divine punishment came my way if I even pretended I had access to that kind of knowledge. I suspect such punishment would not be as dramatic as a bolt of lightning, but would more likely take the form of a gradual slide into even greater ignorance. You would end up like the proverbial man without a torch, in the coal-cellar, searching for the black cat – that isn’t there! In that sense, ignorance is its own reward. It is a risk one has to take when opening one’s mouth on anything, but this should not stop anyone from protesting at glaring breaches of the aikido spirit.

Coal-cellars aside, there is a dark side to aikido which is typified by the reluctant uke, and if senior exponents have become blasé about it, then it is important for newcomers and those who can still see it clearly to show it up by whatever means they can. They have as much right as anyone else to speak up.

Experience does not automatically lead to enlightenment, and some sensei talk utter rot while some ordinary people have far more wisdom to offer. It is a sorry delusion to assume that people with long experience of aikido are somehow superior. Likewise, any unwritten rule that prevents a person from protesting about the abuse of power by those in high places should be relegated to the garbage heap of worthless traditions.

The danger of becoming psychologically desensitized to violence increases every time it is ignored, and we need only look at the death and destruction that is now almost commonplace around the world to see the end result of this attitude.

The old Roman adage si vis pacem para bellum (if you want peace prepare for war) is another bit of traditional wisdom that does not fit the observable facts. Preparation for war has always led to war, and it is depressing to see this borne out even as we speak.

We should thank our lucky stars that we are able to practice aikido, where the opposite aspect of the human spirit is manifested.

The least we can do is to try and maintain peace and harmony in our aikido training, insignificant though this may seem in comparison with the scale and horror of the current destructive global events.

There is more than enough conflict in the world already.

Let us see if we can find another way.

BAF seminar 15th-17th May 2009

2009-04-28T17:37:00.004+08:00

The Aikido Federation, Brunei Darussalam ("BAF") has released its timetable for the upcoming seminar as follows:

15th May 2009, Friday
3:00pm-5:30pm Seminar

16th May 2009, Saturday
7:30pm-9:00pm Upgrading

17th May 2009, Sunday
10:00pm-11:30am Seminar

2:30pm-4:00pm Seminar

7:30pm-9:00pm Seminar

The seminar will be held at Aikikai Wira Dojo at Kg. Tanjong Maya, Tutong District, Brunei Darussalam

The seminar fee is B$40.00 for BAF members and B$50.00 for non BAF members. For those who are eligible for upgrading on 16th May 2009, the upgrading fee will be notified by BAF in due course. The deadline for payment will expire on 10th May 2009. Kindly make payment through your respective dojos.

Please be informed that the above timetable is subject to change.

Aikido Seminar 15th-17th May 2009

2009-04-10T18:02:00.003+08:00

The Aikido Federation, Brunei Darussalam ("BAF") will be hosting a seminar to be conducted by Hj Haneef sensei, 6th dan, Technical Chairman of Aikikai Malaysia.

Akikai Malaysia is the supervising organisation of BAF and aikidokas in Brunei are looking forward to training under Hj Haneef sensei in one month's time.

The seminar programme will be posted once the same has been finalized by BAF.

In the meantime practice, practice, practice.

Hombu Instruction Tour 2009, Brunei - Tour around BSB and Sayonara Dinner

2009-03-10T00:37:00.014+08:00

Welcoming lunch at Portview Restaurant
From Left to right: Sarah, Fujimaki shihan, Zainuddin sensei, Hj Sabtu sensei, Chiong, Ali, Ahmad Isa and Suzuki Shidoin

On the arrival of Fujimaki Hiroshi shihan and Suzuki Koujiro shidoin the Hombu Visit Organizing Committee organized a brief tour around Bandar Seri Begawan and a welcome luncheon at Portview Restaurant. It was a day of relaxation, orientation, acquaintance and dialouge before the start of 7 very instructive sessions conducted by Fujimaki shihan with Suzuki shidoin. Visits were made to the Yayasan Complex, Water Village with house visit, Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque and later on the Brunei Museum

Chiong and Suzuki Shidoin
Location: Yayasan Complex

From left to right: Sarah, Fujimaki shihan and Chiong
Location: Yayasan Complex

From left to right: Chiong, Hj Sabtu sensei, Fujimaki shihan, Suzuki shidoin and Sarah
Location: Jetty to Water Village

At the end of the seminar a Sayonara dinner was held at the residence of the Chairman of HVOC 2009 Mr Ahmad Isa marking a successful and enjoyable end to the Hombu Instruction Tour Aikido Seminar in Brunei. The dinner was followed by presentation of certificates of participation by Fujimaki shihan to participants present at the dinner. Fujimaki shihan expressed his hopes that everyone had enjoyed the seminar and advised on the importance of practice. As aikido in Brunei is still at the very young age, Fujimaki shihan would like to see the development of strong basics in Brunei aikido.

Enjoying the night
From left to right: Suzuki shidoin, Fujimaki shihan, Ahmad Isa, Chairman of the HVOC 2009 and Sufian sensei

Before the start of the certificate presentation by Fujimaki shihan
From left to right: Suzuki shidoin, Fujimaki shihan, Sufian sensei, Ahmad Isa and Hj Sabtu sensei

Fujimaki shihan presenting a certificate of attendance to Hj Sabtu sensei.

Fujimaki shihan presenting a certificate of attendance to Sufian sensei. Looking on are Suzuki shidoin and Hj Sabtu sensei.

From left to right: Suzuki shidoin, Zainuddin sensei and Fujimaki shihan

From left to right: Suzuki shidoin, Ahmad Isa and Fujimaki shihan

Fujimaki shihan (second from left) being presented with a souvenir from BAF by Awang Hafiz (second from right), Assistant Treasurer of BAF

Sufian sensei, dojo-cho of Aikidmashii Dojo presenting a souvenir on behalf of Aikidamashii Dojo to Fujimaki shihan

Long queue for Fujimaki shihan's signature

Group photograph taken of Fujimaki shihan and Suzuki shidoin with seminar participants

Group photograph of Fujimaki shihan and Suzuki shidoin with instructors and members of Aikidmashii Dojo

It was a truly wonderful experience for all and we hope that Fujimaki shihan and Suzuki shidoin have enjoyed their trip to Brunei and in conducting the seminar here.

To all aikidokas in Brunei, gambarimasu yo!

Hombu Instruction Tour 2009 - Inaugural Aikido Seminar 17-19 February 2009

2009-03-03T01:21:00.008+08:00

Group Photograph

The Inaugural Aikido Seminar of the Hombu Instruction Tour 2009 was held from 17th -19th February 2009 at Aikidamashii Dojo. The Brunei Aikido Federation (BAF) had the pleasure of having Fujimaki Hiroshi shihan to conduct the seminar with Suzuki Koujiro Shidoin. A total of seven session was held over the 3 days. In attendance was also Zainuddin sensei, President of Aikikai Malaysia, BAF's supervising country.

Fujimaki shihan conducted the seminar with strong emphasis on the basics of aikido. This is beneficial to the aikidokas in Brunei considering we are rather new to aikido with the BAF being formed a little over 3 years ago. As the number of participants were about 23 persons at maximum Fujimaki shihan and Suzuki shidoin were able to give much individual attention to the participants. Safety during practice is often stressed as well as enjoying the training.

Fujimaki shihan illustrated the natural and circular movements in aikido techniques and took great care to ensure that participants see and understand what was being taught. In executing the techniques he taught about protecting one's centre and to effectively execute the technique. To help us develop our overall stength as well as maintaining our centre we practiced certain drills with one hand for example executing the kotegaeshi and iriminage.

Apart from the techniques Fujimaki shihan also taught us about the importance of being a good uke. A good uke is important for the development of both the nage and uke in aikido. Keeping musubi is very important in this case and we did alot of practice on musubi. While one of things that a nage does when executing is to keep maai and cause kuzushi on the uke, the uke must keep musubi and his own balance. Uke must maintain natural movement and keep the "bounce" while the technique is being executed. During training Suzuki shidoin would assist and guide us on being a good uke.

All and all it was a very good seminar and beneficial for aikido in Brunei which is still very much at a developmental stage. Hopefully this will be a good start to fostering a good and lasting relationship with Aikikai Foundation and that there will be more Hombu seminars to come in Brunei!

From left to right: Ali, Chiong, Fujimaki shihan, Shakirin and Mohd Noh

From left to right: Shakirin, Ali, Suzuki shidoin, Mohd Noh and Chiong

Sufian sensei and Fujimaki shihan

Ahmad Isa and Fujimaki shihan

Sabtu sensei and Fujimaki shihan

Update - Malaysian Aikido Association's 15th Anniversary Celebration 2nd-5th July 2009

2009-02-21T08:15:00.005+08:00

Picture courtesy of Malaysian Aikido Association

Please be informed that information on the seminar programme, fees and related matters such as transport and accommodation are now available on the Malaysian Aikido Association website. The seminar will be held at the Indoor Sports Arena, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The full seminar fees for foreign participants is USD 180.00 if paid before 31st March 2009. Foreign participants registering from 1st April 2009 onwards will need to pay USD230.00. The full seminar fees includes training, welcome tea, anniversary dinner and souvenir goodies bag. There are also separate rates available for per session fees and yudansha classes.

As this will be rather grand event and a sizeable participation from overseas is expected MAA also provides assistance on transport and accommodation reservation at Olympic Hotel or Cititel Midvalley.

Kindly note that various deadlines do apply to registration and related arrangements so please register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

It will indeed be a very memorable experience to attend this seminar as we have the chance to learn from various very experienced senseis and shihans. Moreover it is just 2 hours away by flight from Brunei. It is hoped that as many aikidokas as possible would be able to join this seminar to learn, share and make friends.

See you there!

Hombu Instruction Tour, 17th-19th February 2009

2009-01-28T02:09:00.008+08:00

Attention to all members of Aikido Federation, Brunei Darussalam.

The Hombu Instruction Tour 2009 will be held from 17th-19th February 2009 at Aikidamashii Dojo. The seminar fee is BND80.00 per person and BND40.00 per person for students if registration and payment is made by 30th January 2009. Different rates will apply for registration after the deadline so please register now!

Please click on the picture for full view

Please click on the picture for full view

For those who intend to apply for upgrading at the seminar please take note of the upgrading requirements by clicking here and here.

Kindly submit your registration and payment through your dojo/clubs.

See you there!

Congratulatory message to Hj Muhd Haneef sensei

2009-01-24T22:41:00.007+08:00

Our heartiest congratulations to Hj Muhd Haneef sensei, Chairman of the Technical Committee of Aikikai Malaysia on his recent promotion to roku (6th) dan by the 3rd Doshu of the Aikikai Foundation, Ueshiba Moriteru. It is a most deserving promotion and recognition by the Aikikai Foundation of his enduring effort to spread aikido within Malaysia and beyond.

Sensei is not only a very experienced and knowledgeable aikidoka but also the Founder of the Helang Putih Perkasa silat martial arts.

We wish sensei all the best in his future undertakings and hope that Aikikai Malaysia, our supervising organization and Aikido Federation, Brunei Darussalam will continue to foster good relations with each other and work together in the development of as well as the cultivation of the spirit of aikido in Brunei Darussalam.

Update - Visit from Hombu Dojo in February 2009

2009-01-16T23:47:00.006+08:00

Fujimaki Hiroshi sensei (Picture courtesy of Aikikai Foundation)

The visiting instructors from Hombu Dojo who will be conducting the seminar in Brunei from 17th-19th February 2009 are Fujimaki Hiroshi sensei (6th dan Shihan) and Suzuki Koujiro sensei (4th dan Shidoin).

The details of the seminar will be finalized very soon so stay tuned!

To read the original post please click here.

Obituary 1/2009

2009-01-09T17:55:00.001+08:00

Our deepest condolences to Lance Jackson and his family on the recent passing of his father. May he rest in peace.

Last keiko of 2008

2009-01-03T10:37:00.002+08:00

From left to right: Zainuddin sensei, Hj Sabtu sensei, Hj Jamil and Ahmad Isa
Venue: Saffron Restaurant

Aikidamashii had its last training session on 30th December 2008 which was graced by Zainuddin sensei. Sensei and his family were on their way back to Kota Kinabalu from a holiday in Kuching as well as upgrading in Bintulu and stopped over in Brunei for 2 nights so an opportunity to train with sensei must not be missed! The training session was informed through dojo representatives so that everyone will get a chance to train with sensei.

During the session sensei trained with us as nage as well as uke. Kokyu exercises were done followed by stretching exercises and technique training. Sensei trained hard with us and made sure that we were pushed to our limits when training as the nage. One thing though...sensei is definitely fitter than most of us!

Apart from training most time was spent with sensei sharing and exchanging thoughts on aikido and training. A most wonderful and delicious New Year's Eve barbeque dinner was hosted by Mr Ahmad Isa and his wife Mdm Faridah at their residence as we reflect on the year that has passed and the events for the year that is to come.

We hope to see more of sensei as well as the united and steady development of aikido in Brunei in 2009 and years to come.

Visit from Hombu Dojo in February 2009

2009-01-01T14:24:00.001+08:00

Good News to all aikidokas!

Hombu Dojo has extended an offer to the Brunei Aikido Federation (BAF) to send 2 instructors to Brunei for a seminar as well as upgrading session (if requested) in February 2009. Hombu Dojo conducts an annual roadshow whereby it sends its instructors to certain countries to conduct seminars and upgrading part of its effort to spread and develop aikido worldwide. It is very fortunate indeed that Hombu Dojo is including Brunei in its list of countries. Apart from Brunei, the designated instructors will also be visiting Jakarta, Indonesia as well as Manila and Cebu, the Philippines.

For those of us in Aikidamashii who attended the 1 0th IAF Congress and Seminar at Tanabe, Japan in October 2008, it was a truly memorable and valuable experience being able to attend the keiko of various shihans and direct deshis of O' Sensei (Kaiso) as well as to learn the culture and training etiquette and standards in Japan. For those of us who do not yet have the opportunity to train in Japan, this is very good news indeed as now all aikidokas in Brunei will have the chance to train under and learn from 2 senseis from Hombu Dojo in February 2009 and hopefully every year onwards.

A committee headed by Mr Ahmad Isa has been set up by BAF to organize the Hombu Dojo visit. Details will be announced later once all arrangements have been finalized so please visit our website regularly for updates.

Any volunteering assistance is most welcome! To volunteer assistance please call Hj Sabtu Hj Awg Besar at +6738841155 or Sarah at +6738713542.

A BAF meeting was held at Aikidamashii dojo on 29th December 2008

Going through the information

Meeting in progress

Etiquette in the dojo and beyond

2008-12-26T11:58:00.000+08:00

In our preoccupation with training and developing our skills on the mat we sometimes forgot something very important and intergral to our training, etiquette. It is arguable that as we engross ourselves in the pursuit of polishing our skills on the mat etiquette may take a secondary role in the dojo.

Let us take ourselves back to the time when we first started training...and in this case aikido. One of the first things that we were taught was etiquette in the dojo. When, where and how do we bow, which knee goes down first when we are taking a seat in seiza and which knee comes up first when we come up from seiza, bowing to sensei when he finishes teaching, taking seiza or half seiza when seisei is explaining, holding your weapons in your right hand when you are not engaged in training or combat, bowing to your senpais and senseis, how to conduct yourself when being graded and the use of certain honorific terms when adressing each other, etc Has it ever crossed your mind why we need to have and maintain etiquette at the dojo or contemplated upon the subject?

Some of us might take it as just part of what you need to do when you are in the dojo and when you train. However there is much more to that and etiquette is very important not only in the dojo or every else to preserve and maintain civility in society. When Hj Haneef sensei, accompanied by Zainuddin sensei came to Brunei in May 2008 for to conduct a seminar and upgrading, he tooks pains to remind everyone the importance of etiquette. Sensei even reminded every student who was taking their kyuu and/or shodan grading exams at every level to obeserve the necessary etiquette. This is evidential that etiqutte forms and integral part of our lives and in this case in the dojo and in the spirit of aikido/budo, we must strive to make etiqutte and important part of our lives.

Not everyone may agree with the observation of etiquette but there is always a common ground and a threshold level of behaviour and manner of conduct that is applicable to everyone that in a collective undertaking. This is important and necessary to maintain order and civility, otherwise there would not need to be a legal system or any system for community regulation for that matter. For example we would not need to have traffic lights on the road so that individuals can drive however they want to. Even day to day interactions individuals are expected to behave in accordance to the social contract. Etiquette is not peculiar only to the Japanese but in every civilized culture.

Stanley Pranin in his article Etiquette and the Preservation of Well-Being eloquently articulated his views on the issue of etiquette which may provide us with some insight and understanding on the same.

It is hoped that as fellow aikidokas as well as brothers and sisters we keep in mind that learning martial arts or self defense is not just about learning the skills to protect or to be a good fighter , but that in the course of our path in budo we can by extension promote and maintain well being in our lives and those around us.

Rest Day on 25th December 2008

2008-12-24T10:39:00.001+08:00

Please be informed that there will be no class this Thursday 25th December 2008. The dojo will be closed for the public holiday.

Season Greetings and Happy New Year!

A synopsis of Zainuddin sensei's seminar, 12th-14th December 2008.

2008-12-22T23:00:00.000+08:00

Front row seated from left to right: Ahmad Isa, Zainuddin sensei, Lance Jackson, Hj Sabtu sensei
Back row from left to right: Chiong, Mohd Noh and Sarah

It was great to have Zainuddin sensei with us again and have him conduct a seminar at Aikidamashii.

In this seminar sensei introduced us to some kokyu or breathing exercises and techniques as well as focus during the exercises. The breathes should come from the hara, each breathe in or out should last for 7 beats. Once the breath has been emptied 3 beats should elapse before drawing the next breath. The kokyu exercise lasted between 15 to 30 minutes and if you did it right you shojld be sweating profusely by the end of the session!

In terms of techniques sensei taught us about preparation and response time to attacks. In the usual course of practice we would get ready for one attack and nage will execute the technique commanded accordingly. In this seminar the uke practices making multiple attacks while the nage responds to the attacks and decide what is the best way to diffuse the attacks.

As for grabbing attacks more resistance is given to the nage so that the nage learns how to excute the technique without using brute force. During training one inevitably gets carried away or frustrated, hence will resort to using force to make the techniques work. We are taught to be patient and to feel where and how a "meeting point" can be arrived at to execute the technique.

Randori or jiyuwaza was also part of the training starting with futare gake gradually increasing the number of attackers. As it was part of training the emphasis was placed on the nage'a awareness of the surrounding and learning how not only to diffuse the attacks individually but also in the course of it to neutralize other oncoming attacks.

There were many other lessons learnt during the seminar which were thought provoking as much as they are invaluable. These lessons are not just limited to waza training.

If you want to join the next seminar by Zainuddin sensei please visit our blog for more information and updates!

International Aikido Demonstration at Kumano

2008-12-08T23:30:00.001+08:00

On the 7th Day of the 10th IAF Congress & Seminar and International Aikido Demonstration was held at The Kumano Hongu Taisha. The bus set off at approximately 09:00hrs together with our hirugohan bento sets. We arrived at Kumano well ahead of schedule and thus did a bit of sightseeing before making our way to the venue. The Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine is listed as a World Heritage site thus we could not miss the opportunity for a visit.

We proceeded to the demonstration venue in good time and as we were looking for a nice patch of grass to sit on we saw some of the international demonstration teams doing their last minute rehearsals. After 5 days of attending seminars with various shihans the participants would have received some inspiration for their demonstration.

Before the demonstration commenced the Shinto religious rites were carried out, followed by Addresses from the Mayor of Tanabe city Manago Mitsutoshi, Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru, IAF Chairman Dr Peter Goldsbury, Kumano Hongsu Taisha Head Priest and IAF Demonstration Implementation Committee Chairman Kuki Ietaka and Governor of Wakayma, Nisaka Yoshinobu.

The first demonstration was given by Waka sensei, Mitsuteru Ueshiba who is the Assistant Dojocjo of Aikido Hombu Dojo. Therafter 9 dojos each from the Wakayama Prefecture Aikido Federation and Kansai Area gave their demonstration before it was passed on to the international participants. Representatives were from Singapore, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Great Britain & Scotland, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand. Each demonstration lasted for approximately 90 seconds starting and ending with a beat of the drum. The penultimate demonstration was given by Hiroshi Tada shihan and the final by The Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru and both demonstrations lasted longer, for about 3 minutes.

It was truely wonderful to see a showcase of aikido from so many different perspectives and one can see how each has interpreted or developed aikido in its own practice.

The demonstration ended with the Naorai banquet before we boarded the bus back to Tanabe.

As there were many pictures that were taken at on that day a selection of the pictures have been uploaded on Facebbok. Please click here to have a look at the photo album.

Takeda Yoshinobu shihan's seminar 2008 at Jakarta

2008-12-06T21:44:00.000+08:00

With Takeda shihan

It was a wonderful experience being able to attend Takeda shihan's seminar. This seminar was a different sort of seminar as Takeda shihan asked us to put aside the waza that we have learnt and instead will teach us to harness what we all have, chi. He thought us how to gather concentrate and project our chi, extend our chi and gather chi. As it was an abstract practice we were asked to visualize what we want to do, to put an image that we are gathering chi.

This kind of practice is meant for training and we all should take it with an open heart. As aikidokas we are taught to "empty our glass" whenever we attend any glass so that we may receive what the sensei wants to teach us. Aikido is a constantly evolving martial arts and as students we ought not to question what has been taught but to receive the sensei's teaching. We all have to start off at the stage of "shu" which is a process of self negation. By practising self negation we operate as a sponge, to absorb what is being taught to us. There are many senseis with many preference and styles and it is good to receive their teachings for one may not have the chance to meet or learn form them again. Later on when we make a trasition to the next stage of "ha" we can then affirm what was being taught to us.

Still, this kind of teaching is hard to receive as we are trained to be empirical. So it is difficult to practice what you cannot see. Some may feel but some cannot feel it, this thing we call chi.

It was quite a sight, to see Takeda shihan throwing his uke without them touching him or vice versa. Another sight still to see him move and cause to fall a group of 20 solid men.

We have to put an image in our minds that as we train with our aite, he must have the sincere intention to attack you and project that energy towards you, as the nage you receive and gather his energy, connecting and locking it with your and blend with your uke. Tap unto his frequency was one of the examples he use to make us visualize and once you lock your energy with your uke, then both of you can move as one. One very important thing to remember is not to break musubi, even if there is no physical contact.

To achieve something like what Takeda shihan cannot be done overnight and it is normal that some students feel that it does not work or it is not practical. It is a form of training and Takeda shihan said that we can use this to throw attackers away in a real life situation. We are training within the safety of the dojo and must make a disntinction. Hopefully there will a chance to learn more from Takeda shihan in the future!

Location of the seminar, Indosat building

With Takeda Daiyu sensei, son and deshi of Takeda shihan

With Jean-Rene Leduc sensei, Takeda Shihan's deshi

With Berin MacKenzie sensei, Takeda shihan's deshi

With Kaoru Murase sensei, Takeda shihan's deshi

With Imanul Hakim sensei, dojo-cho of Aiki Kenkyukai dojo, Indonesia.

P/S: Congratulations to Hakim sensei, Shanti sensei and members for their tireless effort and a job well done in organizing the seminar. It was well organized and enjoyable!

Zainuddin Abd Khalic sensei's seminar 12th-14th December 2008

2008-11-26T22:00:00.000+08:00

Aikidamashii dojo is proud to host a seminar by Zainuddin Abd Khalic sensei, 3rd dan and President of Aikikai Malaysia Association. The seminar will be held from 12th-14th December 2008.

For more information please contact Hj Sabtu Hj Awg Besar at hjsabtu@yahoo.com.sg or +6738841155. Please take note that the deadline for registration will close on 7th December 2008.

Yoshinobu Takeda shihan's seminar, Jakarta, Indonesia

2008-11-09T03:01:00.001+08:00

Aiki Kenkyukai in Jakarta, Indonesia will be hosting a seminar by Yoshinobu Takeda shihan from 15-17th November 2008. It was orignially scheduled to be held in 2 venues but now all session will be held at Indosat building. The seminar fee is USD125 for those who register and pay before 30th September 2008 and USD for those who register and pay after the said date.

Apparently Yoshinobu shihan has a unique "No Touch" phenomenon in his practice of aikido as can be seen in this Youtube video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj6HRxcJmNo. Hopefully this aspect of training will be imparted during the seminar.

The dojo-cho of Aiki Kenkyukai is Imanul Hakim sensei, 4th dan. For more information on Aiki Kekyukai and the seminar please visit this website http://www.aiki-kenkyukai.com/

One of the members of Aikidamashii will be attending the seminar so please come back and visit us again after the seminar for more information on the seminar.

The page below was copied and pasted from the Aiki Kenkyukai website.

AIKI KENKYUKAI DOJO PRESENT

Yoshinobu Takeda Shihan's Seminar

15 ~ 16 November 2008

Welcome...

We would like to invite you to participate in our seminar with Yoshinobu Takeda Shihan (8th Dan) of Shonan Aikikai / Aikido Kenkyukai International.

Date	Venue
15 ~ 16 November 2008	Indosat Auditorium 4th floor Indosat Building Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat - Jakarta Pusat - Indonesia
17 November 2008 (Special Class)	Auditorium Graha Surveyor Indonesia 4th floor Graha Surveyor Indonesia Building Jl. Gatot Subroto - Jakarta - Indonesia

Seminar Fee :

For more information please contact: info [at] aiki-kenkyukai.com

The registration will be closed on 30th September 2008.

Book Now!! Seats are limited....

Download the Registration Form here.

Looking forward to meet you at the seminar in Jakarta Indonesia, this November.

Practice on 6th November 2008

2008-11-07T21:30:00.000+08:00

It has been a while since anyone of us got to work our knees so guess what techniques we had to practice on that night? Yes you guessed it, hanmi handachi waza.

We have to execute iriminage, kotegaeshi and shihonage techniques in hanmi handachi position from shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, katatedori and kosa dori attacks. It is basically the same as executing the waza in tachi position but we were reminded that only for hanmi handachi shomenuchi shihonage that we finish the technique in tachi position.

Somehow this session seemed to be less taxing than the last. lost Sensei showed us a few pointers on executing shihonage and being the uke for that technique. As kosa dori techniques were rarely tested on sensei thought that it would be prudent to let practice on the same. we were told not to rush in execution of techniques and reminded us of kuzushi of uke as well as making sure that flow is not lost during execution.

The jiyuwaza session was against katatedori attacks. Sensei noted that during jiyuwaza we tend to ignore awase and atemi and we need to pay attention to our tai sabaki. As usual the class ended with suwariwaza kokyuho.

After practice we treated ourselves to some home made cookies!

10th IAF Congress & Seminar - 6th October 2008 Founder's Day

2008-11-05T22:45:00.000+08:00

On the second day of arrival in Tanabe the 10th IAF Congress & Seminar programme officially started. In the morning the delegates and participants were to visit the gravesite of O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba and prayers were held for him on Founder's day. As they were many people that day we were told to follow the blue coloured banner. Some time were given to us to look around but the crowd quickly gathered around the temple area where paryer's were being held for O sensei. Among the attendees were Doshu and his family, Dr Peter Goldsbury who is the president of the IAF, Mayor of Tanabe, Governor of Wakayama prefecture, shihans and delegates.

After the prayers the we were invited to pay our respects by offering incense and thereafter we proceeded to line up to pay our respects to at O Sensei's gravesite. Due to time constraint after respects were paid we were quickly ushered back to the bus to have lunch and prepare for the first 2 seminars in the afternoon to be conducted by Shoji Seki shihan from Hombu Dojo, 7th dan and Tony Smibert shihan from Australia, 6th dan.

Sensei busy taking video

Lining up to offer incense to O sensei

We were given tea, oranges and plum wine

O sensei's gravesite

Sensei ready for the seminar in the afternoon!

Practice on 3rd November 2008

2008-11-05T14:03:00.001+08:00

It was another day in the schedule of the intensive training programme that sensei has come up for us and tonight we concentrated on ushiro waza. We practised ushiro ryote dori dai nikyyo to gokyo. It proved to be a problem for all of us in certain parts of the execution anf sensei placed emphasis on the flow and posture during execution.

The last part of training was practising jiyuwaza against morotedori attacks. It was a attacked not often used during kiyuwaza practice and sensei wanted to see how the students would cope with it. After the session sensei would point out the mistakes that were made and demonstrate certain techniques used in jiyuwaza. Sensei reminded that kuzushi should be done on the uke and that musubi must be maintain during the execution of the technique. That would involve both the nage and uke. It is not easy to understand the concept of musubi and all can be said is that it takes practice.

Sensei showed some drills and requested the students to do the same and to achieve kuzushi of uke.

Sensei became the uke so that he knows whether the student is moving correctly

Sensei carefully explaining to students

Making it work

10th IAF Congress & Seminar 2008 at Tanabe, Japan.

2008-10-23T09:23:00.000+08:00

From the left to right: Zainuddin sensei (President of Aikikai Malaysia), Hj Haneef sensei (Chairman, Technical Committee of Aikikai Malaysia), Ahmad Isa, Aikidamashii dojo (observer to IAF Congress), Hj Sabtu sensei, instrutor at Aikidamashii dojo and Sarah Wong, member of Aikidamashii dojo

Aikidamashii dojo had the pleasure and privilege of participating in the 10th IAF Congress & Seminar 2008 which was held recently in Tanabe, Japan. This event is held only once in every four years, something akin to aikido Olympics hahaha. But that being said there is no competition in aikido!

3 members of Aikidamashii dojo including Hj Sabtu sensei travelled to Tanabe, Japan with Hj Haneef sensei, Chairman of the Technical Committee of Aikikai Malaysia and Zainuddin sensei, President of Aikikai Malaysia. Malaysia, being a member of the IAF is the supervising country of aikido in Brunei, so it was good exposure for Aikidamashii making its first appearance at the congress and seminars.

It was indeed an eye opener for us as we got to take lessons from world class shihans who have learnt directly from O sensei, made new friends and have a really good time. As the trip was over a span of 10 days and there were many other events that took place apart from the seminars, blogging on the congress and seminar will take place in segments. Stay tuned!

Looking for the booth to register

Zainuddin sensei aka "Captain Din" checking our registration forms and bus fares

Even Waka sensei offered his assistance at the event

At the registration booth

Funny how our names were printed in caps...hehehehe.

Hj Sabtu sensei and his name tag. You need to bring this with you wherever you go.