Blog

Summer in the Dojo

Hello Aikido London members & families,

It is so nice to have the warmer weather with us.

It is also really nice to see more and more familiar faces in our space.

We are currently working on updating “this space” to provide a website that has information about what we are currently doing as well as information about Aikido and Kenjutsu.

Now that the school year has ended, students are invited to wear their Aikido London t-shirts to class (no need to wear your dogi jacket!).

We are looking forward to everything Summer 2022 has to offer! And that includes another Aikido on the Beach class and a family fun day.

Stay tuned!

Thank you for your continued support,
Ashley Hennessy Shihan

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Family BBQ at The Farm

When people come together something magical happens – energies align and the space between fills with the sounds of chatter and laughter.

It was so wonderful to have our Aikido London families and members gather for a BBQ at The Farm this past weekend. The weather must have known how much we all wanted (and needed) this get together because it co-operated brilliantly.

Nothing but blue skies.
Everyone was enjoying the beautiful day.
With all that space some Frisbee action was inevitable.
More Frisbee.
Then came the distance challenge…
Followed by an accuracy challenge.

It is safe to say that everyone enjoyed themselves, and ate their fill! There was so much delicious food.

The definition of community is a feeling of fellowship with others as the result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. That is what we have at Aikido London, a community. But it feels a lot like family too.

Thank you to everyone who came out for the day. It was really wonderful to see everyone and share in some fun on a beautiful sunny day.

Testing Procedure at Aikido London

Testing for Kyu or Dan is a time filled with excitement and anxiety. Emotions can well up and overwhelm us, consequently we may lose our place or end up confused. That is normal.

With our upcoming belt tests, we thought you might appreciate these guidelines so you know how to conduct yourself during the examination.

And remember, if you are ever in doubt when before Sensei, just do your best.

Before the test begins:

Please make sure all dojo and test fees are paid before the day of testing.

Looking our best gives us confidence and makes us feel good, so wear a clean dogi.

Come to the test prepared.
If you are a junior member, you can click here to see all of the kyu expectations.

Test procedure:

Remember, Sensei will call out students by rank. Lower ranked tests will be completed first.

The first person called (in a test group) should position themself at Sensei’s far left and face forward to the Shomen (dojo front wall). The next student called positions themself to the left of the first student – in the end, there will be a nice straight line, including the senior calling the test.

PAY ATTENTION to the senior student’s commands. They will be responsible for telling you what to do and when to do it. DO NOT watch Sensei. Focus to your front or your partner, whichever is appropriate at the time.

Test format:

Bow to Sensei.

Bow to your partner.

Commence the test – the first person called in a testing pair will be Shitei (performer of technique) first. The Uke (follower of technique, attacker) will always begin each new technique in right basic stance. Next, the Uke will begin the same technique in left basic stance. Following this, the Shitei and Uke change roles.

Always maintain the kamae (basic stance) position between techniques.

When the test is finished, reverse the above order of bowing, then run back to your place in line.


During the test, it is quite possible you may forget a technique. If this happens, remember to stay calm and take a deep breath. Try to relax your mind and your body, then ask for the technique name to be repeated.

Do the same in the event you perform the wrong technique.

O-Sensei often said, “Aikido is harmony and loving protection of all living things.

You must take care. You do not want to cause any undue pain to or injure your partner. You are a set, meant to work as a team.

What to do during the test:

The audience on the tatami (mat) must sit in seiza (kneel, sitting on your heels) at the start and finish of the test. During the test itself, you may sit in seiza or anza (informal, cross-legged sitting position).

REMEMBER it is considered extremely poor etiquette to sit sloppily or with your feet pointing at Sensei or the test participants.

Although testing is an important and natural part of Aikido training, attaining rank is not the main purpose. The test itself and practicing for it are the most important aspects.

Regardless of the outcome there is great potential to grow from the experience.

GOOD LUCK!

Yoshinkan Aikido

Aikido for Children

At Aikido London we believe in fostering learning and traditions both on and off the mat. To hone our skills we teach respect, discipline, and perserance.

Aikido cultivates a sense of purpose and instills self-control mechanisms to help students greet the challenges of daily life with confidence and mindfulness.

Children will learn the basic principles of Aikido, self-control, and discipline, as well as co-ordination and balance in a non-aggressive, fun environment. Attention is given to dojo etiquette and basic movements through step-by-step training. The repetitive nature of the training helps develop the student’s ability to concentrate on the task at hand and improves their co-ordination.

Below are the kyu expectations for our students. Please use the graphics below to help your child practice and prepare for their next belt test.

2019 Aikido Festival — April 26-28

On April 26-28th, 2019 Aikido London will be hosting our 21st annual series of seminars the 2019 Aikido Festival.

Interested in the in-depth study of Aikido techniques? Want the opportunity to learn the steps to perfecting your technique? Learn these skills while having fun.

We have orchestrated the following senior instructors to share their technique:
Jim Murray Sensei 5th Dan, Borden Ontario;
Fred Springer Sensei 5th Dan, Burlington Ontario;
Larry Castleberry Sensei 5th Dan, Detroit Michigan;
Shawn DeJong Sensei 4th Dan, Goderich Ontario
Glen Archambault Shihan 6th Dan, Goderich, Ontario.

We are limiting these sessions to 40 participants on a first paid first registered basis.

Class will be held:
Friday, April 26—— 7:00 – 9pm
Saturday, April 27 — 9:30 – 10:30am; 10:45 – 12:00pm; 1:30 – 2:30pm; 2:30 – 4pm
Sunday, April 28 —–9:30 – 10:30am: 10:45 – 12:00pm

Cost for the weekend is $85 until April 1/19; after April 1/19 the cost is $125.

No martial arts experience is necessary.

For additional information please call 519 636-9577 or email at aikidolondon@hotmail.com.

2018 Aikido Festival

On April 27th – 29th, 2018 Aikido London will be hosting our 20th annual series of seminars the 2018 Aikido Festival.

Interested in the in-depth study of Aikido techniques? Want the opportunity to learn the steps to perfecting your technique? Learn these skills while having fun.

We have orchestrated the following senior instructors to share their technique: Jim Murray Sensei 5th Dan, Borden Ontario; Fred Springer Sensei 5th Dan, Burlington Ontario; Larry Castleberry Sensei 5th Dan, Detroit Michigan; and Shawn DeJong Sensei 4th Dan, Goderich Ontario.

We are limiting these sessions to 40 participants on a first paid first registered basis.

Class will be held:
Friday, April 27—— 7:00 – 8:30pm
Saturday, April 28 — 10:00 – 11:00am; 11:00 – 12:00pm; 1:30 – 2:30pm; 2:30 – 3:30pm; 3:45 Black Belt Grading
Sunday, April 29 —–10:00 – 11:00am: 11:00 – 12:00pm

Cost for the weekend is $85 until April 1/18; after April 1/18 the cost is $125.

No martial arts experience is necessary.

For additional information please call 519 636-9577 or email at aikidolondon@hotmail.com.

Kind regards. Ashley Hennessy 7th Dan

Amos L. Parker Shihan Citizenship Award

Kiyoyuki Terada Hanshi (10th Dan) presented a banner to our dojo. In the banner Terada Hanshi asked us to “Share with the world both Martial Arts and education”.

From that moment on Aikido London created an scholastic award and bursary / scholarship for individuals in our community who will be continue their education at college or university.

Upon his passing we named this award The Amos L. Parker Shihan Citizenship Award. This award is presented to an individual who is well rounded in athletics, academia and is involved in our community.

The 2017 recipient of the Amos Parker Shihan Citizenship Award is Lukas Horton. Lukas will attend Trent University in Oshawa Ontario and is studying History.

Please join me in congratulating Lukas.

Aikido Yoshinkan Festival – April 21-23 2017

This is 19th annual Aikido Yoshinkan Festival.

You are invited to join Aikido London in a celebration of our shared passion for Yoshinkan Aikido.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from dynamic instructors who want to share their technique and teachings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the origins of Aikido and reinforce your understanding of the evolution of Yoshinkan Aikido techniques.

We are limiting these sessions to 40 participants on a first paid first registered basis.

Class will be held:
Friday, April 21—— 7:00 – 8:30pm
Saturday, April 22 — 10:00 – 11:00am; 11:00 – 12:00pm; 2:00 – 3:00pm; 3:00 – 4:00pm
Sunday, April 23 —–10:00 – 11:00am: 11:00 – 12:00pm

Cost for the weekend is $85 until April /17; after April 1/17 cost is $125.

No martial arts experience is necessary.

For additional information please call 519 636-9577 or email at aikidolondon@hotmail.com.