Brisbane Karate and TaeKwondon
Seemingly at the opposite ends of the martial arts spectrum, the soft internal art of aikido and the hard hitting
external martial art of karate both share their origins in the feudal era of Japan. Karate an open handed art primarily
employs the fists and hands as weapons, though readily available (at the time) farming tools were also commonly employed
as weapons. Aikido on the otherhand was a Samurai battlefield art designed for and arguably based on the samurai sword
techniques. in this environment the blocks of karate were not well suited (ever tried to block a sword cut) and thus
blending, soft style movements had to employed.
Over the years many karate students have stepped into our (and I am sure many other) aikido dojos. Often this co-incides
with the
release or replay of a Steven Seagal movie. Karate students come sometimes looking to see how their art 'stacks up' or just
looking for an edge for their own practice. Sometimes they find what they are after and sometimes not.
Karate could be said to be developing the generation of power or 'hard ki' whilst aikido seeks instead to
flow with the power of the attacker rather than compete with it. While many karate stances are wide to facilitate
the development of power aikido footwork tends to be natirally close together so that mobility is enhanced.
Recently some of us attended a seminar by Japan Karate Association's Stan Schmidt Sensei (
JKA) chief instructor for South Africa and did some
training with him in Melbourne
Its was humbling to work with such an experienced karateka, especially his begineers mind as he shared his intrest in aikido.
The training was a fascinating experience as we shared different aspects of karate and aikido with each other,
confirming
the shared goals of the two arts and how at their highest levels this arts have much in common.
For the new
student Aikido offers something for those seeking to practice a martial art but perhaps uncomfortable with
the striking arts. Aikido is often called the art of peace because of its ability to subdue an attacker peacefully,
for this reson aikido is well regarded in the security and police industries. Recently Australian legend Bob Jones, founder of ZendoKai, and well known Karateka has been training in aikido as well read The Chiefs reccomendation
Aikido
A modern martial art developed from the traditional Samurai class of martial arts in Japan. Aikido has no blocks or punches but instead redirects the attackers energy to throw or immobilise them. Suitable for men, women and children. With a good mix of aerobic and weight bearing training its a good way to maintain inner and outer health and pick up some handy skills as well.
Griffith Aikido
A dynamic martial arts club that has been operating on Brisbanes Southside for over 25yrs offers regular beginners courses for newcomers, classes for kids and advanced training for the old hands. Men and women of all ages enjoy training in a co-operative atmosphere under the guidance of Japan recognised instructors and benefit from regular visits by senior instructors from Japan. Start Today
