Online Aikido practice kata descriptions?

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[Dangus]

I would like to find some online source of information explaining various practice kata, both in how they are done and what purpose they serve. A source with good images would be nice. Until I can find a dojo within 50 miles of here, or until I get more money, I'm going to have to start doing at least some practice on my own. It was suggested in another thread that I study the bokken, as it is the most easily converted to individual practice of all the Aikido practices. Is Kendo a good source on this, or do the practices there vary too much from that of Aikido?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[PeterR]

The problem is that you need a partner that can take the hit or at least a sensei that can ensure a safe practice environment.

I personally travel 150 km one way just to train in a particular dojo each week.

I'll give you a kata series but please don't try this on your little brother.

http://homepage2.nifty.com/shodokan/history/kyogi/kihon/kihon_e.html

[Dangus]

haha I have no little brother, so no worries :)

[Conrad Gus]

Hi Dangus,

I wasn't thinking about kata when I made the suggestion. Just suburi (repeated strikes). Saito Sensei always said that practicing suburi helps to stabalize the hips and helps you to learn to relax and use your center. You could use this forum to elicit basic tips for swinging the bokken and then try to refine your technique over time. Doing a few hundred (or even 1000) a day really makes a difference over a few weeks or months.

Conrad

[akiy]

Doing a few hundred (or even 1000) a day really makes a difference over a few weeks or months.
I believe that even in something done "solo" as suburi (or perhaps "especially" rather than "even"), you should have a qualified instructor, as I believe it's better to do 10 "corrent" suburi than 1000 "incorrect" ones...

-- Jun

[Conrad Gus]

Excellent point Jun.

Although I have to say that despite a number of years in Aikido and the input of an excellent Sensei (or three) I still cannot do 10 "correct" suburi.

I can't do ikkyo "correctly" either, but I keep practicing in the hopes that I will keep getting better.

You're right though that it is easy to fall into the mistake of forcing your way through 500 suburi while making fundamental mistakes. My feeling is that if one concentrates on relaxing and keeping one's center, improvements can be made over time.

Having said that, I agree that there is no substitute for a good teacher. I'm lucky to have one and I hope something works out for you Dangus.

Conrad

[Dangus]

Thanks for the input guys. I definitely want to get a teacher ASAP, but the closest teachers are either Des Moines or Iowa City, both of which are about 100 miles from here. There MAY be a dojo in Cedar Rapids from info I've just received here recently, but I'm still looking into that. Regardless, that's still 65-70 miles from here even if it's at the North end of CR. Basically I'm extremely poor, so it'll be a while. I don't suppose it would hurt to get at least some of the basic philosophy and physical practices started now though. Then later, when I find a teacher, I'll at least be a little better equipped for it.