Reports

Haigerloch September 2008

Seminar with Yoshigasaki Sensei

"Young Hips" as a Goal

According to a report by Eberhard Wais
in the Hohenzollerische Zeitung from September 27, 2008.

International Aikido Seminar in the Witthauhalle Haigerloch
Haigerloch is increasingly developing into an Aikido-sports center. Recently, Grandmaster Sensei Yoshigasaki imparted his knowledge, and participants came from all over Europe to the rocky town.
(Haigerloch is called "Rocky Town" because it lies in a steep limestone valley of the Eyach River, which forms two loops at this point. The town is nestled in this rocky valley, giving it a unique appearance. The name "Rocky Town" is particularly popular among long-established residents and reflects the town's close connection with its rocky surroundings.)

The Ki Aikido schools of Haigerloch, Hechingen, and Balingen organized the seminar, which attracted 42 aikidoka from Germany, Italy, Switzerland, as well as Austria and England.
On a mat area of 250 square meters, they were able to intensively explore the various techniques and exercises.

Extensive Program

Sensei Yoshigasaki had put together an extensive program. In addition to many exercises for body awareness and meditation, it also included seven tsuzukiwaza. A tsuzukiwaza is a sequence of seven techniques. The goal is to perform the sequence as a harmonious whole.
It is not the most important thing that the techniques work and that uke lands as hard as possible on the mat. Rather, the uke must be guided in such a way that both partners create a common movement. Only then should the technique be further refined.
Numerous exercises were intended to help aikidoka perform "young movements." Hip movement is often neglected, and techniques are less dynamic. A relaxed, "young" hip is an important prerequisite for using the energy of the entire body.
At the end of the seminar, Yves Opizzo passed the Ki exam Okuden. The Ki exams test, among other things, a secure stance and a calm posture.

The event received high praise overall.

Group photo