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"Ten years living and studying Aikido and sword in Japan, under some incredible masters, does make a difference. Especially when your wife is Japanese, and can translate everything in "real time." Many doors that were normally "closed off" to outsiders, were opened for me, because of my then wife.
Thank you Naoko for your assistance in furthering my understanding, knowledge, ability, and skill.
We cannot fully learn/understand/comprehend an Eastern art, by using a Western mindset.
Non-Japanese have been typically raised with physical, "strength against strength", methodologies.
Reaching out (over-reaching), grabbing, pushing, shoving is ALL one dimensional, all physical.
The Japanese masters NEVER used that. They utilised the mind, body, spirit methodology.
Mind, body, spirit is the "key" to correct and true technique, according to the teachings of O-Sensei.
O-Sensei left behind a "blueprint" for us all to follow.
I personally choose to closely follow the teachings of O-Sensei.
For, isn't the water at its purest the closest to the source?
The Japanese, who were quite small in stature, especially during the "samurai" era, learnt to utilise natural organic power, generated by utilising the whole body (mind, body, spirit methodology).
To fully understand, comprehend, a Japanese martial art, you must think like a Japanese martial artist.
I am looking to enhance students Aikido technique, practice, knowledge, skill, ability, by adhering more closely to the teachings of O-Sensei.
The Japanese people were not very tall, muscular, or strong, so they devised a fighting art that utilised the mind, body, spirit, called Ju-Jutsu.
This, once mastered, naturally generates incredible power/energy/force, which allowed for a smaller individual, male or female, to easily handle, and totally neutralise a much bigger stronger larger opponent.
Aikido comes directly from Ju-Jutsu.
O-Sensei's teacher, Sokaku Takeda, taught him his family's (clan) style of Ju-Jutsu, that was unbeatable throughout all Japan.
O-Sensei then morphed it, changed it, adapted it into the modern day Aikido that we all know and love today.
In these modern times, and with the mindset of non-Japanese Aikidoka, worldwide, the concept of the mind, body, spirit had been sadly replaced with basic neanderthal-like muscular strength, and brute force. This does work, to a degree, and for a short period of time, then the lactose acid builds up in the muscles, tires you out, and quickly exhausts you.
Not a very good thing, especially if you are being attacked by more than one person.
Therefore I chose to let go of muscular strength, brute force, size, weight, and allow for the correct and true techniques described by O-Sensei, that only involve utilising and harnessing the mind, body, spirit, through correct technique and movement, to coordinate and work as one cohesive unit.
My 78-year-old Aikido teacher in Japan, Hari Sunao Shihan, showed me that old age, and having a small stature, was not a handicap whatsoever.
Sunao Sensei could toss me round the Dojo with such ease, as if I were a piece of paper being blown about by the breeze.
He could so easily and effortlessly neutralise me, no matter how hard I tried, and would have me quickly tap out of his incredible hold-downs.
Correct and true Aikido techniques have absolutely nothing to do with size, weight, gender, muscular strength, and/or brute force.
Once you realise this, let go of all that, you then give space/allow for the mind, body, spirit to take its place.
In doing this, and over time, your Aikido techniques will become more powerful, yet so easy, relaxed, calm and so effortless to perform.
My 10 years of living and studying in Japan, has enhanced my knowledge, ability, and skill immeasurably.
My study, whilst living in Japan, of a 600-year-old traditional Japanese sword style, the very same one that O-Sensei also studied, had increased and enhanced my knowledge and understanding of techniques/methods/ways 10-fold. I was given the official title of Shihan by my sword teachers in Japan, and they also presented me with the Kaiden Menkyo (traditional Japanese sword teaching license).
Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, the very same style that O-Sensei also studied, has completely changed my mindset, thinking, viewpoint, method and way of performing Aikido techniques.
……….
My personal guarantee:
To all my students, both Yudansha and/or Kyu grades:
Too many teachers have never fully revealed to their students the complete methods and ways of techniques, and have held some things back.
Too many students have spent decades learning, and studying, paying good money, and still do not know how to perform techniques correctly.
Too many teachers have enjoyed taking your money, having a wonderful life, a lavish lifestyle, without ever fully revealing the "secrets" of techniques, the finer points, to their students. They always, intentionally, on purpose, held some things back.
I find this totally unacceptable.
I give my word, my personal guarantee (written if so desired), that if you fully commit to studying under me, for up to 5 years (hopefully far less).
If you can let go of some perhaps incorrect, old, ingrained, habitual, methods and ways, and then replace/reprogram them with what I teach, you will become one of the top Aikido practitioners in the world.
Or, I will gladly give you your money back.
……….
My aim/goal/ambition is to speed up your evolution, offer you a shortcut, by sharing with you ALL of my acquired knowledge and skill acquired over 40 plus years, holding nothing back, therefore saving you many years of struggle and frustration trying to find/figure/seek out the right path/way.
……….
My wish/dream/desire is to assist in making females feel empowered on the mat, true equals, through the teaching, study, and practise of correct Aikido methods, techniques, and ways. The very same way/methods that O-Sensei originally taught, allowing everyone to then be equal, no matter size, strength gender, by utilising the natural organic effortless power generated by the coordination of the mind, body, and spirit.
Performing Correct Aikido techniques, through utilising the mind, body, spirit is the only way/path to equality.
Never meet strength wth strength, power with power, force with force. For in doing that, the biggest/strongest will always win.
Always meet strength with correct and true Aikido technique, and you will easily overcome/overpower/nuetralise any opponent.
……….
I stand behind what I have studied and learnt in over 40 plus years, in many countries, including living for10 years in Fukuoka, Japan. All this aquired knowledge has greatly enhanced my level of skill, ability, understanding, and awareness of the correct/true methods and ways of Aikido techniques.
……….
Listen to what I say: "Correct and true Aikido technique has absolutely nothing to do with size, weight, strength, brute force, and/or gender."
Mind, body, spirit is the key.
O-Sensei repeatedly speaks/writes of this method as the only true way.
Just view O-Sensei performing Aikido techniques, and tell me if he uses muscular strength, and/or brute force???
Then ask yourself why do so many teachers teach muscular strength and/or brute force??
If O-Sensei never used muscular strength, and/or brute force??
You must ask yourself why are you being taught that way??
Why are you doing it that way??
……….
"If you like what it is that I do? Then come, walk with me a while, and I will show you everything that I know."
Paul Araki-Metcalfe
Shihan
Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu
also
Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho (Godan)
……….
Aikido is good medicine for the mind, body, and spirit.
Aikido, the art of the peaceful warrior.
……….
In time, a new website address will be replacing this one:
www.aikidoevolution.com
Aikido Evolution
Learn, grow, evolve
……….
Over 40 plus years of experience, living and training around the world.
also
10 years living, working, and studying both Aikido and sword in Japan.
……….
Aikido Alliance Australia
Head Instructor, and Dojo cho
Paul Araki-Metcalfe Sensei
Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho.
Godan (5th Dan)
also
Shihan
Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu
a 600-year-old traditional Japanese sword style,
that was also studied by the founder of Aikido, O-Sensei.
……….
My Aikido style has been enriched, enhanced, honed, sharpened, and polished.
All due to studying, and becoming a Shihan, of the very same sword style that O-Sensei also studied (Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu).
……….
The founder of Aikido, O-Sensei, stated that “No real physical strength is required to perform Aikido effectively and efficiently”.
So, why do so many worldwide use brute force and muscular strength?
Because they know no better, sadly.
……….
"I follow O-Sensei's teachings, without question."
I believe, study, and follow everything he has left for us in print and on video.
O-Sensei was the founder/creator of this wonderful art, and who are we to think that we know better?
Sadly, some do thesedays.
……….
It is NEVER the art that is wrong, it is always the practitioner.
……….
Aikido is, therefore, the perfect martial art for people of smaller stature/build/body size/either gender, or persons lacking in any real muscular strength.
……….
I have personally found, over many decades, that if the attacker (uke) is bigger, more powerful, more muscular, then Aikido becomes far easier to do.
……….
Aikido is actually more fun, the larger, the stronger, the more muscular/powerful the opponent/attacker (use) believes that they are.
……….
I highly recommend Aikido to anyone who has the mis-guided belief that:
Might is right. Bigger is better. The more muscles, the more powerful you are.
That is all smoke and mirrors, and so far from the real truth that it is laughable.
……….
One of my greatest teachers in Japan, Hari Sunao Shihan, who could be easily tucked under my arm.
He was a very thin skinny person, in his mid to late 70's, weighing about the same as my young 9-year-old daughter.
But, his level of understanding, knowledge, and expertise in Aikido was astounding.
He could toss me across the dojo with such ease, with such a relaxed style, which in turn created incredible power and force.
THAT IS THE AIKIDO THAT SO I DESIRE TO EMULATE.
……….
Aikido is a unique form of self-defence, as it involves no kicking or punching whatsoever.
Aikido only occasionally uses atemi (open handed strikes), to upset the balance of the opponent, and to assist in techniques.
……….
Aikido is a totally self-defensive martial art.
That is what attracted Paul Sensei to Aikido, so many decades ago.
He was seeking a martial art that did not intentionally go out to main, injure, unecessarily damage, or bloody an unsuspecting assailant.
……….
Aikido gives you a multitude of choices and options.
From gently nuetralising an agressive assault, with options and choices escalating according to the type of assault being brought against you at the time.
……….
Aikido involves wrist locks, wrist twists, joint locks, nerve-holds, pressure points, throws, holds-downs, take-downs, and submissions.
……….
Aikido is the perfect martial art choice for females, and kids, since the male of the species is usually bigger than them. Sadly, the male of the species is usually the more agressive one.
……….
Aikido does not work strength against strength, brute force against brute force, like a mountain goat headbutting another mountain goat.
Aikido absorbs the energy directed towards them, then deflects it.
Aikido utilises all that energy/force directed towards them to assist in neutralising any opponent/s aggression.
……….
Proper and correct Aikido technique has absolutely nothing to do with battling or struggling against an opponents gendor, size, muscular strength, or plain brute force.
……….
Aikido, when done correctly, can overcome any opponent/s
……….
Paul Sensei’s Bio
……….
Paul Sensei started his Aikido journey way back in the mid 1970’s, in Auckland New Zealand, under the Shinryukan Aikido umbrella.
……….
As a young boy, Paul walked into a club for kids run by the police (Boystown), and saw a young Japanese man doing some amazing things on the mat (Paul Sensei was told, many years later, that it was a young Takase Sensei). Paul Immediatey joined in for a while, and through that introduction got a taste/passion/love for Aikido.
……….
It wasn’t until later that Paul began his studies in ernest in Auckland, under a large man of Dutch descent, Yohannis Buiter (rip), the founder of RIAI.
……….
Records of Paul Sensei’s Dan rankings, and their dates, all officially registered with Aikikai World headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
……….
Paul studied under his teacher Yohan through to his Shodan examination in front of Takase Sensei
(Head Instructor of Shinryukan Aikido Schools of New Zealand), in 1985.
……….
Paul Sensei them moved to Melbourne, Australia.
Paul Sensei joined with Aikikai Australia, to continue his Aikido journey.
Paul Sensei subsequently instructed students at their Hombu Dojo in Clifton Hill Melbourne, for many years.
Paul Sensei recieved his Nidan (2nd Dan) in 1990,
and also his Sandan ( 3rd Dan) in 1994,
from Sugano Sensei (rip), the then Head Instructor for AikiKai Australia.
……….
Paul then later moved with his Japanese wife, Naoko, to her home town in Fukuoka, Japan.
He continued his Aikido studies in Japan under Suganuma Sensei, but mainly under Hari Sunao Sensei based in Saga, Japan.
Paul Sensei received his Yondan (4th Dan) in 2007, from Hari Sunao Sensei.
This rank was a very special one for Paul Sensei, as it was a physical grading, and not just given without a physical grading.
It was also a rank achieved in Japan, making it all the more special.
……….
Paul Sensei received his Aikikai Aikido Godan (5th Dan) in 2015, from Nadeau Shihan.
Nadeau Shihan is one of the few removing aikidoka (Japanese or non-Japanese) who spent face to face time, in Japan, with O-Sensei.
……….
The study of a traditional Japanese sword style, in Japan, that changed my idea of Aikido forever.
It is in Fukuoka that Paul Sensei began his life-long study/love/passion of the Japanese sword.
He bagan studying a 600-year-old traditional Japanese sword style.
Kuroda Han, Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, Heiho, Aratsu-Kai
Translates as:
Of Lord Kuroda, the Yagyu clan New Shadow Sword style, techniques tried and tested in the battlefield, pure of heart/spirit/mind.
……….
Paul Sensei found out, many years later through the late Editor of Aikido Journal (Stanley Pranin), that
O-Sensei also studied Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu,
as he morphed the Takeda family Ju-Jutsu into the Aikido we all know today.
……….
Why other Aikidoka do not seek out the exact same sword style that O-Sensei studied, as he created Aikido, is beyond me.
You will never fully understand Aikido, the deeper workings of the art, if you do not study the exact same sword style that O-Sensei studied.
Iaido was NOT the one.
Kendo was NOT the one.
Any other traditional Japanese sword style, was NOT the one.
Aiki Ken is NOT a sword style.
Aiki Ken is used in Aikido Dojos, worldwide, to show the connection/link between aikido and sword.
……….
Paul Sensei, many years later, finally returned to Australia and continues his Aikido studies under the umbrella of the CAA (California Aikido Association).
……….
Yudansha book:
Yudansha book's (aikido passports) are given to all officially registered Dan rank holders, worldwide, by Aikikai World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
……….
All Aikido Dan rank holders, worldwide, have a Yudansha book (Aikido international passport), showing official ranks, and dates obtained.
If they have lost or misplaced their Yudansha book, then it can easily be replaced by Hombu within a few weeks.
……….
If your instructor cannot produce this Yudansha book, to verify their rankings and dates registered, then they may well be misleading/lying to/or just plain stealing/cheating/conning you out of money.
……….
Aikikai World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan will have a registry naming all official Dan rank holders worldwide, and their current rank.
Just email and ask them for verification, of any Aikido Dan rank holder, teacher or instructor.
……….
Thank you Naoko for your assistance in furthering my understanding, knowledge, ability, and skill.
We cannot fully learn/understand/comprehend an Eastern art, by using a Western mindset.
Non-Japanese have been typically raised with physical, "strength against strength", methodologies.
Reaching out (over-reaching), grabbing, pushing, shoving is ALL one dimensional, all physical.
The Japanese masters NEVER used that. They utilised the mind, body, spirit methodology.
Mind, body, spirit is the "key" to correct and true technique, according to the teachings of O-Sensei.
O-Sensei left behind a "blueprint" for us all to follow.
I personally choose to closely follow the teachings of O-Sensei.
For, isn't the water at its purest the closest to the source?
The Japanese, who were quite small in stature, especially during the "samurai" era, learnt to utilise natural organic power, generated by utilising the whole body (mind, body, spirit methodology).
To fully understand, comprehend, a Japanese martial art, you must think like a Japanese martial artist.
I am looking to enhance students Aikido technique, practice, knowledge, skill, ability, by adhering more closely to the teachings of O-Sensei.
The Japanese people were not very tall, muscular, or strong, so they devised a fighting art that utilised the mind, body, spirit, called Ju-Jutsu.
This, once mastered, naturally generates incredible power/energy/force, which allowed for a smaller individual, male or female, to easily handle, and totally neutralise a much bigger stronger larger opponent.
Aikido comes directly from Ju-Jutsu.
O-Sensei's teacher, Sokaku Takeda, taught him his family's (clan) style of Ju-Jutsu, that was unbeatable throughout all Japan.
O-Sensei then morphed it, changed it, adapted it into the modern day Aikido that we all know and love today.
In these modern times, and with the mindset of non-Japanese Aikidoka, worldwide, the concept of the mind, body, spirit had been sadly replaced with basic neanderthal-like muscular strength, and brute force. This does work, to a degree, and for a short period of time, then the lactose acid builds up in the muscles, tires you out, and quickly exhausts you.
Not a very good thing, especially if you are being attacked by more than one person.
Therefore I chose to let go of muscular strength, brute force, size, weight, and allow for the correct and true techniques described by O-Sensei, that only involve utilising and harnessing the mind, body, spirit, through correct technique and movement, to coordinate and work as one cohesive unit.
My 78-year-old Aikido teacher in Japan, Hari Sunao Shihan, showed me that old age, and having a small stature, was not a handicap whatsoever.
Sunao Sensei could toss me round the Dojo with such ease, as if I were a piece of paper being blown about by the breeze.
He could so easily and effortlessly neutralise me, no matter how hard I tried, and would have me quickly tap out of his incredible hold-downs.
Correct and true Aikido techniques have absolutely nothing to do with size, weight, gender, muscular strength, and/or brute force.
Once you realise this, let go of all that, you then give space/allow for the mind, body, spirit to take its place.
In doing this, and over time, your Aikido techniques will become more powerful, yet so easy, relaxed, calm and so effortless to perform.
My 10 years of living and studying in Japan, has enhanced my knowledge, ability, and skill immeasurably.
My study, whilst living in Japan, of a 600-year-old traditional Japanese sword style, the very same one that O-Sensei also studied, had increased and enhanced my knowledge and understanding of techniques/methods/ways 10-fold. I was given the official title of Shihan by my sword teachers in Japan, and they also presented me with the Kaiden Menkyo (traditional Japanese sword teaching license).
Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, the very same style that O-Sensei also studied, has completely changed my mindset, thinking, viewpoint, method and way of performing Aikido techniques.
……….
My personal guarantee:
To all my students, both Yudansha and/or Kyu grades:
Too many teachers have never fully revealed to their students the complete methods and ways of techniques, and have held some things back.
Too many students have spent decades learning, and studying, paying good money, and still do not know how to perform techniques correctly.
Too many teachers have enjoyed taking your money, having a wonderful life, a lavish lifestyle, without ever fully revealing the "secrets" of techniques, the finer points, to their students. They always, intentionally, on purpose, held some things back.
I find this totally unacceptable.
I give my word, my personal guarantee (written if so desired), that if you fully commit to studying under me, for up to 5 years (hopefully far less).
If you can let go of some perhaps incorrect, old, ingrained, habitual, methods and ways, and then replace/reprogram them with what I teach, you will become one of the top Aikido practitioners in the world.
Or, I will gladly give you your money back.
……….
My aim/goal/ambition is to speed up your evolution, offer you a shortcut, by sharing with you ALL of my acquired knowledge and skill acquired over 40 plus years, holding nothing back, therefore saving you many years of struggle and frustration trying to find/figure/seek out the right path/way.
……….
My wish/dream/desire is to assist in making females feel empowered on the mat, true equals, through the teaching, study, and practise of correct Aikido methods, techniques, and ways. The very same way/methods that O-Sensei originally taught, allowing everyone to then be equal, no matter size, strength gender, by utilising the natural organic effortless power generated by the coordination of the mind, body, and spirit.
Performing Correct Aikido techniques, through utilising the mind, body, spirit is the only way/path to equality.
Never meet strength wth strength, power with power, force with force. For in doing that, the biggest/strongest will always win.
Always meet strength with correct and true Aikido technique, and you will easily overcome/overpower/nuetralise any opponent.
……….
I stand behind what I have studied and learnt in over 40 plus years, in many countries, including living for10 years in Fukuoka, Japan. All this aquired knowledge has greatly enhanced my level of skill, ability, understanding, and awareness of the correct/true methods and ways of Aikido techniques.
……….
Listen to what I say: "Correct and true Aikido technique has absolutely nothing to do with size, weight, strength, brute force, and/or gender."
Mind, body, spirit is the key.
O-Sensei repeatedly speaks/writes of this method as the only true way.
Just view O-Sensei performing Aikido techniques, and tell me if he uses muscular strength, and/or brute force???
Then ask yourself why do so many teachers teach muscular strength and/or brute force??
If O-Sensei never used muscular strength, and/or brute force??
You must ask yourself why are you being taught that way??
Why are you doing it that way??
……….
"If you like what it is that I do? Then come, walk with me a while, and I will show you everything that I know."
Paul Araki-Metcalfe
Shihan
Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu
also
Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho (Godan)
……….
Aikido is good medicine for the mind, body, and spirit.
Aikido, the art of the peaceful warrior.
……….
In time, a new website address will be replacing this one:
www.aikidoevolution.com
Aikido Evolution
Learn, grow, evolve
……….
Over 40 plus years of experience, living and training around the world.
also
10 years living, working, and studying both Aikido and sword in Japan.
……….
Aikido Alliance Australia
Head Instructor, and Dojo cho
Paul Araki-Metcalfe Sensei
Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho.
Godan (5th Dan)
also
Shihan
Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu
a 600-year-old traditional Japanese sword style,
that was also studied by the founder of Aikido, O-Sensei.
……….
My Aikido style has been enriched, enhanced, honed, sharpened, and polished.
All due to studying, and becoming a Shihan, of the very same sword style that O-Sensei also studied (Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu).
……….
The founder of Aikido, O-Sensei, stated that “No real physical strength is required to perform Aikido effectively and efficiently”.
So, why do so many worldwide use brute force and muscular strength?
Because they know no better, sadly.
……….
"I follow O-Sensei's teachings, without question."
I believe, study, and follow everything he has left for us in print and on video.
O-Sensei was the founder/creator of this wonderful art, and who are we to think that we know better?
Sadly, some do thesedays.
……….
It is NEVER the art that is wrong, it is always the practitioner.
……….
Aikido is, therefore, the perfect martial art for people of smaller stature/build/body size/either gender, or persons lacking in any real muscular strength.
……….
I have personally found, over many decades, that if the attacker (uke) is bigger, more powerful, more muscular, then Aikido becomes far easier to do.
……….
Aikido is actually more fun, the larger, the stronger, the more muscular/powerful the opponent/attacker (use) believes that they are.
……….
I highly recommend Aikido to anyone who has the mis-guided belief that:
Might is right. Bigger is better. The more muscles, the more powerful you are.
That is all smoke and mirrors, and so far from the real truth that it is laughable.
……….
One of my greatest teachers in Japan, Hari Sunao Shihan, who could be easily tucked under my arm.
He was a very thin skinny person, in his mid to late 70's, weighing about the same as my young 9-year-old daughter.
But, his level of understanding, knowledge, and expertise in Aikido was astounding.
He could toss me across the dojo with such ease, with such a relaxed style, which in turn created incredible power and force.
THAT IS THE AIKIDO THAT SO I DESIRE TO EMULATE.
……….
Aikido is a unique form of self-defence, as it involves no kicking or punching whatsoever.
Aikido only occasionally uses atemi (open handed strikes), to upset the balance of the opponent, and to assist in techniques.
……….
Aikido is a totally self-defensive martial art.
That is what attracted Paul Sensei to Aikido, so many decades ago.
He was seeking a martial art that did not intentionally go out to main, injure, unecessarily damage, or bloody an unsuspecting assailant.
……….
Aikido gives you a multitude of choices and options.
From gently nuetralising an agressive assault, with options and choices escalating according to the type of assault being brought against you at the time.
……….
Aikido involves wrist locks, wrist twists, joint locks, nerve-holds, pressure points, throws, holds-downs, take-downs, and submissions.
……….
Aikido is the perfect martial art choice for females, and kids, since the male of the species is usually bigger than them. Sadly, the male of the species is usually the more agressive one.
……….
Aikido does not work strength against strength, brute force against brute force, like a mountain goat headbutting another mountain goat.
Aikido absorbs the energy directed towards them, then deflects it.
Aikido utilises all that energy/force directed towards them to assist in neutralising any opponent/s aggression.
……….
Proper and correct Aikido technique has absolutely nothing to do with battling or struggling against an opponents gendor, size, muscular strength, or plain brute force.
……….
Aikido, when done correctly, can overcome any opponent/s
……….
Paul Sensei’s Bio
……….
Paul Sensei started his Aikido journey way back in the mid 1970’s, in Auckland New Zealand, under the Shinryukan Aikido umbrella.
……….
As a young boy, Paul walked into a club for kids run by the police (Boystown), and saw a young Japanese man doing some amazing things on the mat (Paul Sensei was told, many years later, that it was a young Takase Sensei). Paul Immediatey joined in for a while, and through that introduction got a taste/passion/love for Aikido.
……….
It wasn’t until later that Paul began his studies in ernest in Auckland, under a large man of Dutch descent, Yohannis Buiter (rip), the founder of RIAI.
……….
Records of Paul Sensei’s Dan rankings, and their dates, all officially registered with Aikikai World headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
……….
Paul studied under his teacher Yohan through to his Shodan examination in front of Takase Sensei
(Head Instructor of Shinryukan Aikido Schools of New Zealand), in 1985.
……….
Paul Sensei them moved to Melbourne, Australia.
Paul Sensei joined with Aikikai Australia, to continue his Aikido journey.
Paul Sensei subsequently instructed students at their Hombu Dojo in Clifton Hill Melbourne, for many years.
Paul Sensei recieved his Nidan (2nd Dan) in 1990,
and also his Sandan ( 3rd Dan) in 1994,
from Sugano Sensei (rip), the then Head Instructor for AikiKai Australia.
……….
Paul then later moved with his Japanese wife, Naoko, to her home town in Fukuoka, Japan.
He continued his Aikido studies in Japan under Suganuma Sensei, but mainly under Hari Sunao Sensei based in Saga, Japan.
Paul Sensei received his Yondan (4th Dan) in 2007, from Hari Sunao Sensei.
This rank was a very special one for Paul Sensei, as it was a physical grading, and not just given without a physical grading.
It was also a rank achieved in Japan, making it all the more special.
……….
Paul Sensei received his Aikikai Aikido Godan (5th Dan) in 2015, from Nadeau Shihan.
Nadeau Shihan is one of the few removing aikidoka (Japanese or non-Japanese) who spent face to face time, in Japan, with O-Sensei.
……….
The study of a traditional Japanese sword style, in Japan, that changed my idea of Aikido forever.
It is in Fukuoka that Paul Sensei began his life-long study/love/passion of the Japanese sword.
He bagan studying a 600-year-old traditional Japanese sword style.
Kuroda Han, Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, Heiho, Aratsu-Kai
Translates as:
Of Lord Kuroda, the Yagyu clan New Shadow Sword style, techniques tried and tested in the battlefield, pure of heart/spirit/mind.
……….
Paul Sensei found out, many years later through the late Editor of Aikido Journal (Stanley Pranin), that
O-Sensei also studied Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu,
as he morphed the Takeda family Ju-Jutsu into the Aikido we all know today.
……….
Why other Aikidoka do not seek out the exact same sword style that O-Sensei studied, as he created Aikido, is beyond me.
You will never fully understand Aikido, the deeper workings of the art, if you do not study the exact same sword style that O-Sensei studied.
Iaido was NOT the one.
Kendo was NOT the one.
Any other traditional Japanese sword style, was NOT the one.
Aiki Ken is NOT a sword style.
Aiki Ken is used in Aikido Dojos, worldwide, to show the connection/link between aikido and sword.
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Paul Sensei, many years later, finally returned to Australia and continues his Aikido studies under the umbrella of the CAA (California Aikido Association).
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Yudansha book:
Yudansha book's (aikido passports) are given to all officially registered Dan rank holders, worldwide, by Aikikai World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
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All Aikido Dan rank holders, worldwide, have a Yudansha book (Aikido international passport), showing official ranks, and dates obtained.
If they have lost or misplaced their Yudansha book, then it can easily be replaced by Hombu within a few weeks.
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If your instructor cannot produce this Yudansha book, to verify their rankings and dates registered, then they may well be misleading/lying to/or just plain stealing/cheating/conning you out of money.
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Aikikai World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan will have a registry naming all official Dan rank holders worldwide, and their current rank.
Just email and ask them for verification, of any Aikido Dan rank holder, teacher or instructor.
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