Michele Benzamin-Miki Aikido is a non violent martial art. On the mat we are constantly in situations of potential conflict within the safe container of training. We get check to our aggression from the minute we walk in the dojo; which means that you can’t just say, “You’re making me angry,” or “This situation is making me angry.” ….
How exactly do you guys train? how is it different from the traditional styles of aikido?
Greg – we train in a traditional style. Nishio Sensei was a direct student of O’ Sensei. However he was the only such teacher who incorporated Iaido (rather than Aiki Sword) into the training. Everything else – sparing with weapons, katas, empty-hand sparring, comes from our foundation in Iaido sword training. Caitriona writing on behalf of Michele Sensei