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Old 01-03-2009, 09:06 AM   #5
Tony Wagstaffe
Location: Winchester
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,211
United Kingdom
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Re: The Different Styles of Aikido?

Quote:
James Edwards wrote: View Post
It might be easier if you tell us the types of dojos available for you. Every teacher also have their own styles even if they are within the same organisation. It's a good idea to watch a class at each dojo before joining as well.

The main branch of aikido is the aikikai organisation. As everyone points out, it's not a style but sort of an umbrella. But they tend to follow the teachings of the Ueshiba family (e.g. Doshu). So they focus on the basics and universal movements in aikido.

In the UK (I'm assuming that's where you are), Chiba sensei (who was O-sensei's uchi deshi) also established his Birankai organisation. It is still under aikikai and recognised under the aikikai hombu dojo but with slightly different syllabus, more emphasis on weapons work and a more martial approach. It reflects on Chiba sensei's aikido.

There's a list of Birankai dojos here:
http://www.britishbirankai.com/index...d=17&Itemid=32

There are also other clubs in the UK with affiliations to Iwama style of aikido. This reflects on the teachings of Saito sensei who was also a very close student of O-sensei. This style also emphasises on weapons work and from my understanding also utilise kiai in their practice.

Another style of aikido is the Yoshinkan style established by Gozo Shioda. It reflects on O-sensei's early teachings. So it looks more direct and linear. The harder style of aikido and what the Tokyo riot police elites train in.

And of course there is the ki aikido created by Koichi Tohei. It is seen to be one of the softer styles and they focus on the advancement of ki development as well as aikido.

quick search on wiki gave me this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido_styles

Good luck on your search!
Oh! And don't forget Tomiki Shodokan aikido ......

titter!!
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