Multi style aikido

[kevamania]

Just wondering what all you fellow Aikidoka thought about training with other styles?
im aikikai,we had 2 seminars before that our club organised,our instructor took a class,a tomiki instructor,and ki instructor.
All people of all styles participated in all classes and it was magnificent.
Has any1 been to an event like this or trained in another style of aikido other than their own?
Or have any thought/opinions on the subject?
Cheers. . . Kev

My 100th post! :D

[aikiscotsman]

Yes and most of the time these seminars are great but i always find certain students who come to our seminars from other styles dont want to try our Aikido for various reasons and instead just want to bring there own style in against what there meant to be trying to learn. Which always causes them problems. I guess its cause some styles are so different from most. particularly Iwama (especailly with our basics and weapons) and Tomiki probably the 2 most different styles out there. Some are very open minded and i always try to be.
I think its a lot easier for styles like aikikai schools and ki schools plus all the off shoots from these to train with each other without it changing there own style to much.

[bambeer]

We do "friendship" seminars at least once a year. Ki, yoshinkan, iwama, aikikai, whomever wants to come and all head instructors invited to teach. I found that it makes for a great learning experience as well as opens dojo doors. Because of these "cross-style" seminars, I can now visit and practice at several dojos in the city and beyond.

As long as you keep an open mind its a great experience.

-bambeer

[DexterTCN]

My opinion is that everyone should practice in every school of Aikido that they can.

I can think of only one club in the whole central belt of Scotland where I would not train. On the whole most clubs and aikidoka bend over backwards to be friendly.

On this note - Yamada sensei is coming over from New York this year for a seminar in Edinburgh, he is 8th dan Aikikai. I have made a specific effort to start attending Aikikai classes so as to be more aware of the requirements. Friendliness is a 2 way street, isn't it? :)

[timmeh!]

For Shodokan there's a yearly get together in Sken Frith, Wales for 4 days, where there was Shodokan and Tomiki styles of Aikido this year. The teachers/Senseis came from mainly Shodokan (UK and France), there was also an excellent Daito ryu/Karate/Aikido/Aiki Jujitsu guy from Switzerland (he teaches all 4 in his dojo).
All in all a great few days of meeting new people, drinking and learning new things!

And yep, it's opened doors all over Europe for us through frinds of friends etc. One of the best bits about it all was the entire lack of egos from Sensei to kyu grade, which in turn helped a great deal with the learning process.

Dexter's right about learning the other styles, just want to get to at least 1st kyu before trying.

[com160]

I train at a university club so we get lots of exchange students from different styles wanting to train, some will try to train in the style they are being thought (Iwama) others will just stick to what they know. Sensei is fine with this as long as they don't try to make the lower grades do what they are doing, as it just confuses them

[aikiscotsman]

Dexters very right about friendleness being a 2way motion, but so is visiting another style and trying to do what they are doing not your own invention of there style or refusing and just keeping to your own style. That is ignorant, and a waste of time. As for the info dex was saying about Yamada check out www.edinburgh-aikido.co.uk
The guy who is bringing him over is called Laurie Anderson from the Aikikai in Edinburgh.
There will be more info on the web site and more coming here next week.
Definatly the biggest seminar in Scotland since Saito was here, cant wait for this one. His Aikido is so solid, easily the stongest and most effective aikikai style ive ever seen. This is so good for the country

[kevamania]

Cool Yamada in Scotland,must check that out,maybe get a cheap flight!I know a guy who trained with us who is in Manhattan now,he was there last summer too and trained in yamadas dojo,said it was great.
What exatly is Iwama?
Ive trained with tomiki and ki(im aikikai) and heard of yoshinkan,seen Iwama alot around MAP but couldnt find much info as to what it is.
Cheers . . .
. . . Kev

[aikiscotsman]

If your coming to Edinburgh make sure and book as its going to be very popular. You will need to contact laurie to book.
What is Iwama Aikido well apart from the home town of Aikido where the fouder developed his art from the late 30s to 69. As well as demonstrating and teaching all over Japan his home and private dojo for the devlopment of Aikido was Iwama.
YOu should check the web for storys and info about Iwama
try- www.iwama-aikido.com
www.aikido-france.net
also type it into the web
Hope you can make it to Edinburgh let me know if you need any help.

[kevamania]

Thanks Aikiscotsman,Ill have a look at the links.Sounds interesting.
Just checked the dates for the Yamada course.There are2 courses(academic) I want to do this year,one is during the week,one at weekends,depends on offers etc but if I get the weekend course,ill be stuck in some room learning neuromuscular therapy that weekend.If its in demand itd probably be too late by the time I know anyway even if I could go.
If you know of any more courses etc in Uk or Ireland,id appreciate it if you send info on to me.Cheers.
If I hear of anything over here Ill keep you all posted.
Fujimoto Sensei comes to our club regularly.

Also regarding original post,at one of those multi style courses,one of the instructors took an ukemi session,doing loads of variations etc,it was a real enjoyable class.I cant remember his name but he was from France