Center for Aikido Study - Joshinkan Dojo

09/11/2026

During his visit to the TAA Gasshuku at Incline Village a couple of years ago, Shigemi Inagaki Shihan, 8th Dan, head instructor of the Aikikai Ibaraki Branch in Iwama, would instruct: “study the angle of the body”.

It was good advice in relation to fully blending to harmonize with uke.

For example, when training with an uke who is bigger and stronger, the smaller must not ‘reach’ for uke. Uke must be drawn down, out and forward as Nage steps off the line of attack.
Nage maintains an upright perfect posture as the integrated arm assumes a higher position. The lower body connects to this, sinking to harness uke’s intent, weight on the underside. Heavy legs and center, heavy shoulders and heavy elbows and wrist.
With an activated posterior chain, all this drops down taking balance.
At the apex of the movement, just as uke struggles to regain his balance, we expand. The hips (not the arms) drive this movement.
We spiral up and out through uke’s body, displacing with the hip.

Orient the body precisely in accordance to Uke.

Study the angle of the body.

G.Breeland, 6th dan

08/26/2026

Coming soon!

All y'all come on down to Durham and we'll have a big time! Everyone's invited!

08/20/2026

SAVE THE DATE! We're planning a great day of Aikido on September 26, 2026. Please plan to join us! Details coming soon!

07/31/2026

07/24/2026

Previously unreleased footage.This video was filmed in Porto Reca...

07/10/2026

When practicing Kokyudosa, remember that, like standing technique, the energy comes from below. Visually, we observe the arms taking action, energy may be seen as coming from the shoulders, going forward through uke. We may imitate this for a time, bracing to move from the upper body.

As we become familiar, more relaxed, and breathe as we move, we can notice an allowing sensation coming from below, a down to up. The ‘kokyuing’ action, as expressed through the ‘sword hand’ or ‘tegatana ’, can be seen to demonstrate this upward movement.

Integrate the arms and body so they move as one unit. The energy in the arms drop, weight placed on the underside, connecting to the center while the center itself has its own ‘dropped’ sensation.
The lowered center rises, as our dropped elbows extend through the expressing kokyuing hand. We raise uke’s elbows and center, fully disrupting his structure.
Use the breath to assist, an inhale then an exhale, an in and then an out.
The conscious student can further refine using this breath, creating a yin/yang sensation.

Keep practicing.

G.Breeland, 6th dan