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In a change from convention, the Rising Dawn seminar, normally a two day seminar has been divided into two single-day seminars this year, this the first in Dublin and a second planned for May in Antrim.
Running from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the event featured four experienced instructors, each bringing a unique perspective to the mats.
After a warm-up session and practice of Unsoku and Tandoku the seminar kicked off formally with a detailed study and instruction of the Koryu-dai-ni by Keith McClean sensei, 5th Dan. Keith sensei guiding participants through the full kata demonstrating it's classical form and principles.
BAA designated kata of the year, Dai-ni is the shortest of the Koryu-no-kata, with only 16 techniques - all tachi-waza (standing techniques) and no weapons. It is divided into two sets - one set of eleven techniques in response to grasping attacks and one set of five responses to yokomen-uchi attacks. Keith sensei demonstrated an emphasis on close footwork, exact lines of kasushi and tight throws.
After a break for a quick lunch, Brendan Gunn sensei, 4th Dan, took the lead. His session delved into integration of internal, softer principles often associated with Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Participants explored how these concepts could be applied to various Aikido techniques, potentially adding a different dimension of sensitivity and effectiveness to their practice.
After a short water break, the focus shifted towards cross-disciplinary application with Marty Knocker sensei. Holding a 3rd Dan in Aikido alongside a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and experience as a Judoka, Sensei Knocker led a dynamic session on standing choke application from the Koryu-Dai-ni. He further explored how principles from Judo and BJJ could serve as pathways to greater creativity within Aikido, finishing off with practical pinning techniques (osae waza).
The final instructional block was led by Pamela Dempsey sensei, 3rd Dan and former UK national randori champion. Her session concentrated on developing skills for Aikido randori (free-play). The core theme was avoidance and positioning. Sensei Dempsey guided attendees through graduated exercises, starting with simple avoidance through movement (tai-sabaki, 体捌き) and progressively building towards more advanced strategies for achieving effective positioning during dynamic encounters.
The day concluded with a short cool-down session, allowing participants to stretch and wind down after nearly seven hours of intense training. The "Rising Dawn" seminar part I offered attendees a rich tapestry of Aikido instruction, blending traditional kata, internal principles, cross-martial art insights, and practical randori application, providing valuable takeaways for practitioners and players of all levels.
We are now looking forward with great excitment to Part II in Antrim in May
Instructors line-up: K.McClean, M.Knocker, P.Dempsey, B.GunnElements of each section of the Koryu Dai Ni
Tachi Waza (Section A1 - standing techniques - front wrist grabs)
1. Katate-mochi-kata-gatame
2. Ryote-mochi-gyaku-gamae-ate
3. Ryote-mochi-irimi-nage
Tachi Waza (Section A 2- standing techniques - ushiro wrist grabs and chokes)
4. Ushiro-waza-ryote-mochi-kote-gaeshi
5. Jyuji-garami-nage
6. Ushiro-waza-gyaku-gamae-ate
7. Ushiro-waza-oshi-taoshi
8. Ushiro-waza-tenkai-kote-hineri
9. Ushiro-waza-kote-gaeshi
10. Ushiro-waza-oshi-taoshi-nage
11. Ushiro-waza-juji-garami
Tachi Waza (Section B - Standing Techniques)
1. Yokomen-uchi-uki-otoshi
2. Yokomen-uchi-kokyu-nage
3. Yokomen-uchi-shomen-ate
4. Yokomen-uchi-sukashi-nage
5. Yokomen-uchi-hiki-otoshi
