Bob Jones (8th Dan BAA) wrote the following articles for Martial Arts Illustrated (MAI) looking at principles of Aikido and Sport (Randori) Aikido. Bob outlines the principles and practice of competitive Tomiki Aikido for the MAI’s wide audience of martial arts practitioners and enthusiasts.

The series is entitled Spirit of the Samurai – The Aikido Way making the important connection between the development of mind and body. Bob opens his first article with this important reminder;

“In Aikido, individuals must also learn that is not just techniques that they have to master. The development of the ‘self’ is also an important factor in the development of a true martial artist. Without this holistic approach to development, maximum effect cannot be achieved.”

Bob Jones

The articles while primarily directed towards those not currently practising Aikido, they represent a succinct and well thought through account of Aikido practice relevant to both beginners and experienced Aikidoka.

Spirit of the Samurai

In Aikido individuals, must also learn that it is not just techniques that they have to master. The development of “self” is also an important factor in the development of a true martial artist.

Without this holistic approach to
development, maximum effect can not be achieved.

Published August 2015.

Staring with the basics : Part 1

Sport or Tomiki Aikido is taught through a system of Kata. Kenji Tomiki was a student of both Moriho Uyeshiba and Kano.

The focus of this article will be on the Atemi Waza section and will look at the application of the technical principles plus adaptations including counter and combination techniques.

Published September 2015.

Staring with the basics : Part 2

We must always remember that in any physical activity, “practice does not make perfect, “it makes” permanent”.

Poor instructors only produce weak Aikidoka and the only way of learning a Martial Art or Martial Sport is to seek out high quality coaches and learn from the best.

Published November 2015.

Starting with the basics: Part 3

This third and final article focuses on the basic techniques of Sports Aikido.

This covers two sections of basic techniques, the Tekubi or wrist techniques comprising four applications and the final section of three techniques making up the Uke or floating section.

Published February 2016.

Women in Aikido

Since the inception of the British Aikido Association in 1966 and the introduction of Sport Aikido into the UK, women have made a significant contribution to its development.

Their overall contribution is only overshadowed by their individual successes, achievements and impact.

Published April 2016.

Learning through kata

One of the distinguishing features of Sport Aikido is the presence of a range of kata, which provide a unique learning system for the understanding and development of Aikido.

In total there are 7 recognised learning sequences that comprise a total of 227 techniques.

Published June 2016.

The Family of Aikido

Aikido has evolved from a long history and tradition of Japanese combat. It is a collection of linked practise regimes based on the need for differing outcomes. This article will investigate the different forms of Aikido and look at the influences on present day practice.

Much has been written about the Aikido masters, their history and their achievements.

We will explore the motivations, experiences, ideas and practice, that have impacted on the end product, and how both internal and external factors moulded the outcomes.

Published July 2016.

Competitive Aikido for Young People – Explained

Competition, especially for young people is not universally accepted in the wider world of Aikido. But since 1977 the British Aikido Association has promoted and developed competitive Aikido for young people.

Newport Pagnell, a traditional Aikido Club, won the very first competition helping to demonstrate that competition is for all styles of Aikido.

Over the years the number of young people competing has grown, on average 150 competitors attend each event.

Published December 2016.

Serving Your Apprenticeship Pt 1

Juggling with Aikido Skills at Kyu Grade Martial Arts especially Aikido can fall into two distinct categories:

The traditional approach centred in Japanese philosophy and culture
The Modernist approach, based on western culture.

Whichever journey taken towards the development of skill, knowledge and understanding Aikidoka must serve their apprenticeship and have a full and well developed understanding of the art as a whole.

Published March 2017.

Serving Your Apprenticeship Pt 2

Juggling with Aikido Skills at Dan Grade.

This article will focus on the follow up to part one of Serving Your Apprenticeship that appeared in last month’s issue of MAI.

It will continue the theme of “Juggling Skills” as part of the Apprenticeship that all Aikidoka must journey through in order to gain a full insight into the practice and ultimate mastery of Aikido.

Published April 2017.

Learning to Break Balance in Aikido – using the Gohon Kuzushi

The Gohon Kuzushi was and is used as an effective method of training Aikidoka to break an opponent’s balance. It is based on five movements from the Japanese for five – Go and Hon for exercise.

The movements provide a basic introduction to balance breaking within a free play context.

Published October 2017.