Yukokan and Yudan Nashi Kan

Can some one please tell me what is the difference between the two? Believe me I have done my homework (googling) but was not able to find helpful information.

Thanks

Wonder

 

Hi mate,

Unfortunately, in 18 years worth of training I've never heard of either the two organisations/styles [whatever] you mention. Perhaps you might like to be a bit more specific, whilst people here will be more than willing to assist you, donkey work isn't included.

Regards

 

I said I'd done my homework so I was not really expecting a donkey work. Apparently I had to try harder, sorry.

I have very little knowledge about Aikido and thought these terminologies are known by you people. I am now beginning to realise that these seem to be name of Dojos rather than styles. Did a bit more work, so let me correct my question now:

What is the difference between the styles that are promoted by each of the Komyokan Aikido Association and British Aikikai?

(Yudan Nashi Kan is affiliated to the Komyokan Aikido Association http://www.yudan-nashikan.aikido.co.uk
while Yukokan seems to be a Dojo affiliated to the British Aikikai.

I appreciate any information about these different associations and the styles they are promoting.

Thanks

 

Ok now that your question makes a little more sense (no disrespect intended) I can answer.

Both the British Aikikai and the Komyokan Aikido Association teach Aikikai Aikido, both are affiliated through Hombu Dojo in Japan and are two of only four (out of 45+ independant organisations) Aikikai Hombu recognised in the UK.

The British Aikikai has as its Technical Director Kazuo Chiba Shihan and are part of the USAF (United States Aikido Federation) Chiba Sensei is based in San Diego but regularly visits the UK. The British Aikikai has been in existance for 10 years and formed as a result of a break from the United Kingdom Aikikai (The organisation I belong to)

The Komyokan Aikido Association has as its Technical Director Terry Ezra Shihan, the KAA are directly affiliated to Hombu Dojo. The KAA formed around 6 years ago when Ezra Sensei left the British Aikido Federation.

Both organisations are top notch, I've trained with students from each and have nothing but respect for their efforts. The British Aikikai also teach Batto-ho which is based upon Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido, Chiba Sensei developed a series of kata specifically used for the development of aiki taiso.

Hope that helps.

Regards

 

Dave,

Many thanks, indeed very helpful.

In terms of technical differences do you have anything to add?

For instance in Komyokan website it reads:
"Ezra Sensei feels that there is a need to make Aikido truly a Way of Harmony, in both the spiritual and physical sense. Consequently, KAA practice is conducted in a spirit of honesty and integrity, and attempts to make the deeper aspects of Aikido a day-to-day reality. Training follows a methodical system based on sound principles in which relaxation and sensitivity are key elements."

How does the above make Komyokan different from the style promoted by British Aikikai ?

Many thanks for your time.

 

The honest answer is that I don't really know.

Ezra Sensei has been involved in eastern healing arts for a long time, indeed during a seminar a few years ago he gave me advice regarding a stress related stomach ulcer I was suffering from and his advice worked. I suppose he wants to promote this through his aikido (which is first class BTW) With regards to "...honesty and integrity" I'm pretty sure the British Aikikai likewise conducts its aikido with the same intentions.

If I were to try and compare the aikido of both organisations I feel I'd do them an injustice because they are both superb however, if you were to look at Terry Ezra and look at Kazuo Chiba you'd see significant differences in their approaches. (Remembering that TK Chiba is a 1st generation teacher having been taught himself by the founder, and Terry Ezra is a 2nd generation teacher having been taught by Minarou Kanetsuka)

Technically, both organisations have very high standards and either would suit a beginner or experienced student.

[edit].. Just from a purely academic point of view, The British Aikikai dojo has the higher graded instructor at yondan (4th dan) where as, the KAA instructor appears to be a Shodan (1st dan) However; whilst grades may be an indicator of a person's ability and experience, my advice would be to try both and see which one suits you as an individual.

Regards

 

Dave,

Many thanks.
That was very informative.

 

Dear Wonder,
Sorry about any delay in responding tp your query.The British Aikikai /British Birankai follow the technical direction of Chiba Sensei. Mr Ezra in common with most senior first generation students of Aikido was instructed by Chiba sensei when he wa Technical director of the then Aikikai of Great Britain[now the B.A.F].
Mr Ezra subsequently went on to support the work done by Minoru Kanetsuka Sensei, the current Technical Director of the B.A. F
Mt Ezra then resigned from the B.A. F and is now Chief Instructor of his own group.I am not privy to his methods , however I know Terry personally and I would imagine his methodology is good.
I do not think Mr Ezras methods would be the same as Chiba Sensei, then again that is natural since they are different people with different backgrounds both in trems of Aikido and in terms of culture.
i would suggest thst if you are earnest about 'finding out the differences'why not step on the tatami and test the water?Rather than try and spot /concentrate on what is different , try finding out what is common to both.I am sure you will follow my drift here.
Cheers, Joe.
Thank you