Beginners sometimes ask about self-defence. ‘Is aikido effective?’ It’s a fair question, but, in my opinion, there is no straightforward answer. Here are just a few personal reflections.
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Reflections on training in the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Tokyo
Over two days in August 2013 I had the chance to do some training in the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. I visited the dojo after a week-long work trip, when I had just a few free days. It wasn’t my first time at Hombu. I had made another short visit during a brief stay in Tokyo in 2002. After such an interval I could only recall a few vague impressions (e.g. Doshu’s extremely busy 6.30am class, the explosive power of Yasuno shihan). And since my own level has progressed since then I hoped I could take something more from this experience.
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