Quote:
Mark Murray wrote:
Perhaps a more in depth study of Ueshiba Morihei would benefit your search. Ueshiba's aikido is more along the lines of 90-95% modified Daito ryu. Even in his old age, he is seen on video doing stock Daito ryu techniques. The aiki behind his phenomenal skills came from Takeda, who is the founder of Daito ryu.
I would suggest Ellis Amdur's book Hidden in Plain Sight, Stan Pranin's Aikido Journal Back Issue DVD, and Peter Goldsbury's TIE columns here on Aikiweb as a start.
I don't know about price in the NYC area, but if I were looking to train in a martial art, I would start with Howard Popkin and the Roppokai. It's a Daito ryu school.
http://www.popkinbrognaselfdefense.c...6/Default.aspx
Howard is a great guy, great teacher, and has skill. After that, I'd probably consider Marc Abrams, but it's a little bit outside NYC.
http://www.aasbk.com/
Course, I'm biased because Marc is training with Dan Harden.  The other consideration for you is that Marc also trains with Ushiro in karate. So, if you're looking for aikido, karate, and aiki, then Marc's dojo is a very good choice.
As Joshua Landin posted, the search function here will give you other choices. If there was a Jiyushinkai dojo in the area, I'd point you there. Great group of people in that organization.
Best of luck in your search. |
--------------
Mark,
You are correct about the Daito-ryu roots (but you already knew that - smile). I've watched some of O'Sensei's videos on that wondeful thing called "Youtube" LOL.
I also watched the National Geographic program on Aikido. I prefer Aikido, because the principle of resolution and blending is important to me. We know there are many ways to resolve and blend with something. My previous Martial Art training has helped me understand some distinctions between the earlier Martial arts and O'Sensei's art. For example, Goju-ryu is a hard-soft style; the circularity of Aikdio definitely clarifes the difference between hard and soft that is practiced in Goju-ryu (the Okinawan style, that is). Shotokan is very linear; That distinction is made clear in Shodokan Aikido. I watched a video of Ah Lee, demonstrating the basic techniques of aikido (shodokan style), more linear - but still circular; because it is the circularity and the rounded angular approach that creates the opening or position for an aikido movement. I think this is clear when one reads the "Dynamic Sphere".
I am open to critique here. I really appreciate your suggestions. I always like to get new things to read or watch.
Best,
The Yankee Chick (Yes, I'm a Yankee fan!)
