Lenape AikikaiLenape AikikaiLenape AikikaiLenape AikikaiLenape Aikikai

A I K I D OA I K I D OA I K I D OA I K I D OA I K I D O

16 Mill StreetMays Landing, NJ 08330

Phone/fax: 609-645-7224email: lenape@mntainfo.com

Web site: www.mntainfo.com/Lenape

A true warrior is always armed with the three things: the radiant sword of pacification; the mirrorof bravery, wisdom, and friendship; and the precious jewel of enlightenment.

NIZAM TALEB, Shidoin, Aikido

Nizam Taleb, 5th degree black belt (Godan) in Aikido, is chief instructor at theLenape Aikikai, located at the Shore Fitness Center, 5401 Harding Highway, Mays

Landing, NJ. He moved to Sweden in 1968 where he lived 26 years and studied at theRoyal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, and finished his studies at Uppsala

University, Dept. of Physics, prior to returning to the US in October, 1994.

Taleb’s Aikido career began in September, 1972, under T. Ichimura, Sensei, 6th DanAikido, 6th Dan Iaido. After only two years of intense training Nizam was permittedby Sensei Ichimura to begin teaching the sword and staff techniques as a integral partof Aikido on a regular basis at the Uppsala Aikido Club.

From 1984 to the time he left Sweden in 1994, Nizam trained at one of the affiliateddojos for Y. Kobayashi, Sensei, 8th Dan Aikido. During this period at the IyasakaAikido Club, Stockholm, Sweden, Nizam instructed and trained under UrbanAldenklint, 5th Dan Aikido. Due to his passion for weapons training, Nizam hasdeveloped a style of Aikido that clearly emphasizes the samurai tradition in dealingwith present day society.

Not only has he taught in Sweden but Germany, Denmark and various US citiesincluding Milwaukee, New York, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Aikido is considered to be the youngest of the Oriental Martial Arts. The founder,Morihei Ueshiba passed only in 1969. It has its roots firmly planted in the Samuraiwarrior tradition. Discipline, harmony, control, fluidity in movement, love, innerpeace and beauty are some of the attributes associated with Aikido. Nizam believes ina total centering of oneself. To obtain this one must submit oneself to a serious re-evaluation of life in order to gain a respect for life and an acceptance of humility.

Aikido is made up of three (3) Japanese words. The first Ai, which means harmony or

blending; becoming one with your inner self and environment. Ki, which meansenergy, refers to the inner energy that is manifested in all properly executed Aikidomovements. Although one of the more elusive of the attributes it is certainlyobtainable. And finally Do, the Way or Path. Putting it all together:

The Harmonious Path of Inner Energy.

The picture on the left is from 1974, with an adolescent me as uketo Ichimura sensei, my teacher at that time. Today it is more than aquarter of a century that I have practiced aikido. How manyhobbies will last for that long, remaining fascinating? And howmany sports? Normally I am impatient, to say the least, andanything that I have to repeat over and over will very quickly loseits attraction.Not so with aikido, the gentle martial art from Japan. I keep ondoing those exercises, keep on struggling to refine the techniques,decade after decade - and my fascination seems to increaseinstead of fade. This is an anomaly, a koan if you will, that canonly be comprehended if aikido is interpreted neither as a sportnor a system of self defense, but as an art.Of course it’s an art - endlessly intriguing, infinitely variable,never perfected. What else could it be?

And art - long while life is short - might be the only dimensionbringing meaning to it all. Aikido - as well as the whole worldaround us, the ten thousand things, as the Chinese put it - wouldbe better understood as objects of art. Thus life, and all itcontains, is an empty canvas and man’s formidable abilities is thebrush, while his emotions, reflections and visions is the paint.

In the case of aikido it might be more proper to talk about the rice paper and the ink - also relatingmore accurately to the dress code: the white keikogi and the black hakama. So, let’s swing ourbrushes - all over - and rejoice in our mutual creativity!

Stefan Stenudd

Reflections of my friend and mentor Stefan Stenudd. The instructor seen in the picture below alongwith Stefan, Ichimura sensei, was my first Aikido teacher. Visit Stefan’s web site at

www.stenudd.com where you will find a wealth of information about Aikido and Iaido.

What is Aikido?

The Japanese word Aikido consists of three characters which can be translated as “the way of unitywith the fundamental force of the universe.”

Aikido is a true Budo or “Martial Way.” It has evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warriorarts. It must be understood that studies in earnest Budo is more than a science of tactics and self-defense; it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit.

Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, known to thousands of students of Aikido throughout theworld as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). Even as a young man, Morihei Ueshiba was an extraordinarymartial artist; a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, as well as the art of ju-jitsu. But O-Senseialso had a strong spiritual drive, and brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over others.

Leading a life of austerity and rigorous training, O- Sensei struggled with this dilemma. He delveddeeply into the study of religion, especially Shinto, (Japan’s native religion of nature worship). Thedilemma was resolved in a moment of profound awakening. Transformed by his spiritual insights,Ueshiba transmuted his technical mastery of traditional martial arts into a new martial art. The art ofAikido was one that was fundamentally different from those that preceded it. It was also one ofrefinement and astonishing power.

“The secret of Aikido,” he wrote, “is to harmonize with the movement of the universe and bringourselves into accord with the universe itself.”

O-Sensei maintained that Budo is a work of love, a path to overcome discord in ourselves and bringpeace to the world, “To make the heart of the universe one’s own heart.” O-Sensei taught that trueawareness is not grasped by intellect alone. “This is not mere theory,” he said. “You must practiceit.”

Dynamics Of Aikido

The essence of all Aikido technique is the use of total body movements to create spherical motionaround a stable, energized center. Even when a technique appears to be using only one part of thebody, close observation reveals the Aikidoist’s movements are, in fact, total body movements.Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular; sending an opponent flying thorough the air.Others are small, deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved throughprecise use of leverage, inertia, gravity, and the action of centrifugal and centripetal forces.Ultimately, it is the energy of the attack itself which brings down the attacker.

Aikido Training

The final aim of Budo is personal transformation. Its goal is the creation of integrated human beingswho are able to bring the totality of their wisdom and capabilities in order to resolve a problem. Yetphilosophical discussion is rare in the dojo, (training hall). The focus is highly practical. Constantrepetition to master the fundamentals of movement, timing and breathing is the fundamentalrequirement. Students train themselves to capture the opponent’s action and redirect it withtechniques of martial efficiency and power. At the same time, they become aware of the tendency tooverreact to opposition, and learn to remain centered under all conditions.

Most practice is done with a partner. Each works at his or her own level of ability, alternatingas uke (the attacker), and nage (the one who receives the attack). Both roles are stressed aseach contributes skills that enhance overall sensitivity and control.

Increased stamina, flexibility, and muscle development occur naturally as a result of training,but the techniques themselves do not depend on strength for effectiveness. Since Aikido’smovements and techniques arise from the most efficient utilization of the entire being, greatpower can be developed by the practitioner, regardless of physical strength. Aikido practiceencompasses a broad range of training styles, and allows people to train based on theirindividual stage of development. As a result, Aikido can be practiced by men, women andchildren of all ages.

Centering

The Aikidoist develops a relaxed posture in which the weight of the body is directed towards itsphysiologic center in the lower abdomen. Gravity is no longer a force to be overcome. Rather itserves to support and stabilize posture. As a result, ordinary movement assumes anappearance of grace and economy. The effects of centering are mental as well as physical. Inaddition vitality increases, the senses are sharpened, and one is less affected by the irritationsand annoyances of daily living. This state is referred to in Japan as having hara, or strong ki. Itis a manifestation of the inner quality which aids the student of Aikido to develop to his or herfullest potential in every area of life.

AIKIDO TERMINOLOGY

Uke - Person being thrown

Nage / Tori - Person throwing

Posture (shizentai gamae):

Migi gamae - right sideHidari gamae - left sideSankakutai - typical Aikido triangular stanceMa-ai - Distance between the nage and uke.

Stances (Hammi):

Ai hammi - Both persons take migi gamae or hidari gamae at the same time

Gyaku hammi - reverse stance

Gedan - hand position low

Chudan - hand position medium

Jodan - hand position high

Attacks:

Shomenuchi - Frontal attack to top of head

Shomenu-tsuki - Frontal attack to eyes

Munetsuki - Frontal punch

Yomenuchi - Frontal-angular attack to side of head/neck

Katate-tori - Wrist grab

Kata-tori - Shoulder grab

Katate-tori hantai / Kosa-tori - cross hand grab

Kubi-shime - Choke hold Katate-tori

Ryote-mochi - Two hands grab one hand

Ryote-tori - Grab both wrists

Ryokata-tori - Grab both shoulders

Randori - Multiple man attack

Hanmi Handachi-waza - Nage in sitting position and uke standing

Suwari-waza - Nage and uke perform techniques on knees

Jiyu-waza - Free Style

Jo-tori - Staff taking

Tanto-tori - Knife taking

Kumi-jo - Paired jo kata practice

Kumi-tachi - Paired bokken practice

Taijutsu - Empty hand practice

Irimi - Direct entry

Tenkan - Indirect or outside entry. Body makes complete turn around attack.

Atemi - Hand strikes

Jiyu-waza - Free style

Jo - Staff

Suburi - Sword/ bokken practice

Shikko - Knee walking

Defense

Pins:

ikkyo (omote/ura)

first technique (forward/backward)

nikyo (omote/ura)

second technique folding wrist (forward/backward)

sankyo (omote/ura)

third technique twisting wrist (forward/backward)

yonkyo (omote/ura)

fourth technique on arm nerve (forward/backward)

Throws:

irmini nage

twenty-year throw

juji nage

“+” or crossed-arms throw

(uchi/soto) kaiten nage

rotary throw (inside/outside)

kokyo ho

sokomen irimi nage / breath throw

kokyo nage

breath throw [there our many, many variations of this]

koshi nage

hip throw

kote gaeshi

wrist turn-out

shiho nage (omote/ura)

four-direction throw

tenchi nage (omote/ura)

heaven-and-earth throw

aiki otoshi

leg pull throw

ushiro udoroshi

pull down from behind

More Aikido Terminology

More Aikido Terminology

Morihei Ueshiba

Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) was history’s greatest martial artist. Even as an old man of eighty, hecould disarm any foe, down any number of attackers, and pin an opponent with a single finger.Although invincible as a warrior, he was above all a man of peace who detested fighting, war, andany kind of violence. His way was Aikido, which can be translated as “The Art of Peace.” MoriheiUeshiba is referred to by the practitioners of Aikido as O Sensei, “The Great Teacher”.

The Art of Peace is an ideal, but it developed in real life on many fronts. Morihei in his youth servedas an infantryman in the Russo-Japanese War, later battled pirates and bandits during an adventure inMongolia, and then, after mastering a number of martial arts, served as an instructor at japan’s elitemilitary acadamies. Throughout his life, however, Morihei was sorely troubled by the contention andstrife that plagued his world: his father’s battles with corrupt politicans and their hired goons, thedevastation of war, and the brutality of his country’s military leaders.

Morihei was on a spiritual quest and was transformed by three visions. The first occurred in 1925,when Morihei was forty-two years old. After defeating a high-ranking swordsman by avoiding all hiscuts and thrusts (Morihei was unarmed), Morihei went into his garden. “Suddenly the earth trembled.Golden vapor welled up from the ground and engulfed me. I felt transformed into a golden image,and my body seemed as light as a feather. All at once I understood the nature of creation: the Way ofa Warrior is to manifest Divine Love, a spirit that embraces and nurtures all things. Tears of gratitudeand joy streamed down my cheeks. I saw the entire earth as my home, and the sun, moon, and starsas my intimate friends. All attachment to material things vanished.”

The second vision took place in December of 1940. “Around two o’clock in the morning as I wasperforming ritual purification, I suddenly forgot every martial art technique I ever learned. All of thetechniques handed down from my teachers appeared completely anew. Now they were vehicles forthe cultivation of life, knowledge, virtue, and good sense, not devices to throw and pin people.”

The third vision was in 1942, during the worst of the fighting of World War II and in one of thedarkest periods of human history. Morihei had a vision of the Great Spirit of Peace, a path that couldlead to the elimination of all strife and the reconciliation of humankind. “The Way of the Warrior hasbeen misunderstood as a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek competition are making agrave mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst sin a human being can commit. The real Wayof a Warrior is to prevent slaughter - it is the Art of Peace, the power of love.” Morihei secludedhimself in the country and devoted every minute of his life thereafter to refining and spreadingAikido, the Art of Peace.

Unlike the authors of old-time warrior classics such as The Art of War and The Book of Five Rings,which accept the inevitability of war and emphasize cunning strategy as a means to victory, Moriheiunderstood that continued fighting - with others, with ourselves, and with the environment - will ruinthe earth. “The world will continue to change dramatically, but fighting and war can destroy usutterly. What we need now are techniques of harmony, not those of contention. The Art of Peace isrequired, not the Art of War.” Morihei taught the Art

Lenape AikikaiFee Schedule at Lenape Aikikai

For 2004

Children $45/month (when classes are offered twice a weekotherwise $35/month)

Adults $70/month

12 months $800.00

6 months $400.00

3 months $200.00

Lenape AikikaiLenape AikikaiLenape AikikaiLenape AikikaiLenape AikikaiFee Schedule Per Month

1 child 1x/week $35.00

1 child 2x/week $45.00

1 adult $70.00

Family Monthly Plans

Family Plan I

1 adult & 1 child $105.00

Family Plan II

2 adults $130.00

Family Plan III

1 adult & 2 children $140.00

Family Plan IV

2 adults & 2 children $185.00

Lenape AikikaiPackage Deals for New Adult Students

3 months training plus a Gi

$240.00

Package Deal for New Children Students

3 months training plus a Gi

$160.00

Morihei Ueshiba, 1883 - 1969

Kisshomaru Ueshiba, 1921 - 1999

Moriteru Ueshiba, 1951 -