Brief Outline of Curriculum and Ranking System

 

All techniques are taught with self-defense applications in mind. The intension is to give students experience in tradition combined with practical and contemporary viewpoints on self-defense.

Aiki Jujutsu Curriculum and Ranking

Major development goals

 

· Proper Defense and Conflict Avoidance Skills

· Self confidence

· Mental and Physical Fitness

· Flexibility

· Courage

· Perseverance

· Self control

· Modesty and Self Possession

· Respect for yourself and others

· Awareness of legal aspects of confrontational situations

1. Introduction to Aiki Jujutsu

2. Understanding of aspects of modern day self-defense

3. Dojo Etiquette.

4. Development of basic skills

      a. Terminology

      b. Meditation

      c. Spirituality

      d. Focus and Concentration

      e. Awareness

      f. Using senses

      g. Kokyu (breathing)

      h. Balance

      i. Seiza (proper sitting positions)

      j. Concept of Aiki, Concept of Blending.

      k. Physics of Ukemi

      l. Ma-ai (proper distance, space)

      m. Ki (Energy) and Kiai

      n. Kamae (stances)

      o. Taisabaki (Body shifting movements)

      p. Centralization

      q. Atemi and understanding of vital points

      r. Feet and legs as weapons

      s. Hands and arms as weapons

      t. Blocks

      u. Deflections

      v. Pressure points

 

 

Techniques

 

1. Kihon waza (fundamental techniques)

      a. Te wasa (hand techniques)

      b. Atemi waza (striking techniques)

      c. Uke waza (receiving/blocking techniques/methods)

      d. Geri waza (kicking techniques)

     

2. Suwari waza (techniques in a sitting position)
   

3. Sutemi waza (sacrifice techniques)
   

4. Nage waza (Throwing techniques)
   

5. Katame waza (grappling techniques)

      a. Kansetsu waza (joint manipulation techniques)

      b. Shime waza (strangulation techniques)

      c. Osae waza (pinning techniques)

  

6. Sukashi waza (techniques executed without allowing attacker to complete initial attack: grab, strike, etc.)
 

7. Jiju waza (freestyle practice of techniques; sets of attacks and counters)
 

8. Randori (freestyle "all out" training against simultaneous multiple aggressors attack)

    

Goshin-ho waza (self-defense methods)

 

1.    The process of defense

      a. Perception

      b. Evaluation-decision

      c. Reaction

 

2.    Understanding and utilizing principles of:

      a. Evasion

      b. Escape

      c. Redirection

      d. Neutralization

      e. Immobilization

      f.  Holds

      g. Control

      h. Defense from the ground

 

3.    Defense

      a. Against strikes

      b. Against chokes

      c. Against grabs

      d. Against kicks

      e. Close quarters

      f. On the ground

 

4.    Weapons (Defense) - Divided into 4 groups

      a. Tanto waza (against the knife)

      b. Hanbo waza (against the club - baseball bat - stick)

      c. Kusari Fundo Waza - (against flexible weapons - chain, belt, or similar)

      d. Tanji waza (against the gun)

 

 

Ranking System

 

The Three Streams Aikido promotion system is unique among other systems. The categories of rank follow the hierarchy of the traditional martial arts systems, but in contrast to these systems, Three Streams Aikido's teaching structure in based on a progressive building-block model. The step-by-step progression of requirements is geared to the needs of modern times. This structure allows students to set goals, gain security in themselves, accelerate their learning, advance at their own pace, and finally, experience their full potential.

 

The structure is divided into two categories: Kyu and Dan. The kyu levels apply to students called Mudansha, who have not yet attained the first level of black belt. Like in many traditional systems, there is an approximate time requirement for testing between kyu levels. The student is encouraged to approach a black belt for guidance when preparing for testing or requesting a pre-test. After the pre-test, and upon the evaluation by the black belt, the student may be recommended to Sensei, for demonstration of the mental and physical requirements of that level. The Dan levels refer to students who hold black belt rank. They are known as Yudansha. All written requirements must be completed and turned in to Sensei before pre-testing is performed.

 

At Three Streams Aikido there are 10 kyu levels and 5 Dan levels. Each level has a theme woven through the information to be learned. After completing the Fifth Dan and final physical level, the student will have attained the depth and skill as well as all technical knowledge of principles in the system. This provides a solid base from which one can continue discovering more on a physical and spiritual path, experiencing transformations and a world of possibilities.