Curriculum
Basic Practices
Basic forms in technique and safety in falling are emphasized in all schools of Aikido. They tend to be emphasized in most
schools up to technical proficiency in the art (usually about 10 years), and then give way to more subtle aspects of training as
discussed in the advanced section. The evasive circular movements, throwing and pinning techniques, etc. tend to be similar across
most systems in Aikido. More information on Aikido as a martial art can be found on the home page as well as visual (links above).
Advanced Practices
Emphasis on timing - the methods of Sugano Sensei. This subtle aspect goes to the core principles of the art and represents
about 70% of our daily training. One learns to develop perception, spotting the attack before it is launched. Then getting out of the
way of the attack, one leads the attacker into a position whereby they are controlled or thrown. By learning to see the opponent's
attack before it is launched, any martial technique will be effective. Conversely, if the opponent sees your plans before they are
launched, the defender cannot succeed. The core principle is learning to find the attachment to one's own body as the obstruction
to one's own perception, and thereby learn to recognize the obstructions in the attacker's perception.
Emphasis on posture - the Iwama style methods of Saito Sensei. From a static position, one must study proper posture to
understand from whence power can be generated in technique. Correct placement of the arms in proximity to the body, correct
placement of the weight during various movements and how to utilize the body itself to generate power instead of relying upon
individual limbs are all critical to the effectiveness of any technique. Specific exercises are taught emphasizing these principles and
they are clearly delineated in each class. The core principle here is to find the attachment to one's own body which obstructs the
natural generation of power as it emerges from the ground, and then also recognize the same weaknesses in the attacker.
Emphasis on strategy. The two basic strategies in martial arts training are (1) inviting the attack and countering or (2) breaking
into the opponent’s space. These two methods are the primary focus, but other strategies such as taking the center come into play
during practice.
Extensive use of weapons. Two weapons systems of pure Aikido are taught, specifically those of Sugano Sensei and the Iwama
style of Saito Sensei. The Aiki weapons taught are not mixed with other martial arts such as Iaido or Jodo, which may have a
different physical foundation. Weapons training is based upon the same principles of posture, strategy and timing as the empty
handed technique, as pointed out in the typical class. Further, they expand upon training in extension, awareness, and calm in the
face of danger and are critical to study of the art at more advanced levels. Weapons systems are very advanced, and so the chief
instructor does not claim any expertise, but merely prepares the student to study with genuine masters of such Aiki weapons through
familiarization with the basics and infrastructure of these systems.
Fundamental principles of the art. All martial arts can be boiled down to technique and understanding of principle.
Understanding principle enables one to close all openings to being defeated in the execution of technique, and so is critical to the
execution of successful self defense. However, understanding of principle alone is not adequate to self defense, as without a
technique to execute, one would certainly be injured even if one realizes in advance how the attack will be launched. Training is
designed to develop a practical understanding of technique with an intent to study the underlying principles and thereby close all
openings to being defeated.
Basic Practices
Basic forms in technique and safety in falling are emphasized in all schools of Aikido. They tend to be emphasized in most
schools up to technical proficiency in the art (usually about 10 years), and then give way to more subtle aspects of training as
discussed in the advanced section. The evasive circular movements, throwing and pinning techniques, etc. tend to be similar across
most systems in Aikido. More information on Aikido as a martial art can be found on the home page as well as visual (links above).
Advanced Practices
Emphasis on timing - the methods of Sugano Sensei. This subtle aspect goes to the core principles of the art and represents
about 70% of our daily training. One learns to develop perception, spotting the attack before it is launched. Then getting out of the
way of the attack, one leads the attacker into a position whereby they are controlled or thrown. By learning to see the opponent's
attack before it is launched, any martial technique will be effective. Conversely, if the opponent sees your plans before they are
launched, the defender cannot succeed. The core principle is learning to find the attachment to one's own body as the obstruction
to one's own perception, and thereby learn to recognize the obstructions in the attacker's perception.
Emphasis on posture - the Iwama style methods of Saito Sensei. From a static position, one must study proper posture to
understand from whence power can be generated in technique. Correct placement of the arms in proximity to the body, correct
placement of the weight during various movements and how to utilize the body itself to generate power instead of relying upon
individual limbs are all critical to the effectiveness of any technique. Specific exercises are taught emphasizing these principles and
they are clearly delineated in each class. The core principle here is to find the attachment to one's own body which obstructs the
natural generation of power as it emerges from the ground, and then also recognize the same weaknesses in the attacker.
Emphasis on strategy. The two basic strategies in martial arts training are (1) inviting the attack and countering or (2) breaking
into the opponent’s space. These two methods are the primary focus, but other strategies such as taking the center come into play
during practice.
Extensive use of weapons. Two weapons systems of pure Aikido are taught, specifically those of Sugano Sensei and the Iwama
style of Saito Sensei. The Aiki weapons taught are not mixed with other martial arts such as Iaido or Jodo, which may have a
different physical foundation. Weapons training is based upon the same principles of posture, strategy and timing as the empty
handed technique, as pointed out in the typical class. Further, they expand upon training in extension, awareness, and calm in the
face of danger and are critical to study of the art at more advanced levels. Weapons systems are very advanced, and so the chief
instructor does not claim any expertise, but merely prepares the student to study with genuine masters of such Aiki weapons through
familiarization with the basics and infrastructure of these systems.
Fundamental principles of the art. All martial arts can be boiled down to technique and understanding of principle.
Understanding principle enables one to close all openings to being defeated in the execution of technique, and so is critical to the
execution of successful self defense. However, understanding of principle alone is not adequate to self defense, as without a
technique to execute, one would certainly be injured even if one realizes in advance how the attack will be launched. Training is
designed to develop a practical understanding of technique with an intent to study the underlying principles and thereby close all
openings to being defeated.
| Steve Kanney (3rd from right stabbing himself in the foot with a sword), taking seminar with Morihiro Saito Sensei (Picture taken in early 1990's). Steve Kanney is the chief instructor of Scarsdale Aikido |
Question: What is the difference between the different Aikido organizations (between the Aikikai and various others, as well as
within the Aikikai itself)?
There are a fair number of Aikido organizations: Tomiki Aikido, the Ki society, and Yoshinkan to name a few. These were started by
students of the founder who wanted to go off on their own. Within the Aikikai, the organization run by the founder's family, we have
the USAF, AAA, ASU, Pacific Aikido Federation, etc, etc, etc. From time to time, each organization or system may maintain that it is
the best or most advanced system, or that they are the only ones that truly understand the founder's intent.
Technical differences aside, the development of each individual belongs not to a particular organization or system. Rather, the
development belongs to the individual themselves. This is true in all martial arts. Along those lines, obviously good teachers are an
essential element, but effort is also quite critical. The greater the effort, the greater the result; the lessor the effort, the lesser the
result. At Scarsdale Aikido, we attempt to correctly follow the founder of the art, and we welcome visitors to our school to observe
how we train.
within the Aikikai itself)?
There are a fair number of Aikido organizations: Tomiki Aikido, the Ki society, and Yoshinkan to name a few. These were started by
students of the founder who wanted to go off on their own. Within the Aikikai, the organization run by the founder's family, we have
the USAF, AAA, ASU, Pacific Aikido Federation, etc, etc, etc. From time to time, each organization or system may maintain that it is
the best or most advanced system, or that they are the only ones that truly understand the founder's intent.
Technical differences aside, the development of each individual belongs not to a particular organization or system. Rather, the
development belongs to the individual themselves. This is true in all martial arts. Along those lines, obviously good teachers are an
essential element, but effort is also quite critical. The greater the effort, the greater the result; the lessor the effort, the lesser the
result. At Scarsdale Aikido, we attempt to correctly follow the founder of the art, and we welcome visitors to our school to observe
how we train.
| Aikido Westchester: Martial Arts Training in Westchester County NY Aikido Westchester Curriculum |
| Pursue compassion and ethics over fame, glory and fortune. This is the true source of power in martial arts training. An attacker may not know of your popularity, but he will feel the weight of your character. |