Join the TAKEMUSU AIKIDO ONLINE DOJO via Zoom for our NEW YEAR’S DAY Misogi Challenge 2023
The challenge is simple…
To complete a series of 1,000 Suburi on New Year’s Day.
Simple.
Not easy.
“We should think that we are cutting out the bad parts of ourselves, the bad parts of our character. Parts that we don’t like. With every cut we go deeper. The aikido sword cuts in the correct way for people to follow and develop good character and spirit,… to become strong,… to help others to do the same. But first, we must work on ourselves!”
– Shoji Nishio Sensei
The practice is FREE and at no cost, you are only asked to bring your full presence of mind, body, and spirit…
… and a bokken!
Are you up for the challenge?
Find out more below.
Schedule:
This practice is open to everyone, all arts, associations, styles, levels, and abilities are welcome. The training will begin at the following time:
Sunday 1 January 2023
10:00 CET / 9:00 UK (UTC)
(Class length estimated to be 40 minutes)
You can convert to your local time zone using this page:
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
Here’s what you need for the Challenge:
You will need a bokken (Japanese wooden sword). If you don’t have one then any stick about 100 cm long, like a broom handle, will be perfect.
Ideally, you will have a 2m x 2m space to train in – enough space to swing a stick!
It is recommended to take part outdoors in nature (a beach, a forest, a park, or your garden)
The practice will take place online via 𝗭𝗼𝗼𝗺. (The Meeting Room Number will be sent upon registration.)
The Misogi Challenge will be led by Michael Ormerod, Technical Director of the Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo and direct student of Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros.
Register now or continue reading below for more info about the Misogi Challenge.
What is Misogi?
Misogi is a traditional Japanese purification ritual, usually performed at special times of the year (alone or as small groups). Misogi translates as ‘water cleansing’ – and is a literal cleansing of the whole body, generally under an ice-cold waterfall in winter. It serves many functions and differs greatly from one group to group. The Founder of Aikido is known to have seen Aikido practice itself as an act of Misogi, the practice being one of cleansing, polishing, and forging the body and allowing the perceptive faculties to radiate freely unhindered…
The only cure for materialism is the cleansing of the six senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind). If the senses are clogged, one’s perception is stifled. The more it is stifled, the more contaminated the senses become. This creates disorder in the world, and that is the greatest evil of all. Polish the heart, free the six senses and let them function without obstruction, and your entire body and soul will glow.
– Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
What is the point of the Misogi Challenge?
Any activity which is taken outside of the normal routine has the potential to generate lasting and effective change, or not. The power of it lies not in the act itself, but in the carry-over to our regular activities and beyond that to our daily life. Paradoxically, that effect can only happen if it is done with absolute sincerity and commitment to the present activity (in this case, each and every cut). The challenge is not about repetition, or even accumulation, but of removal and letting go of that which is unnecessary. Each swing of the sword requires less (not more) and that we release and surrender to the activity itself, tension literally won’t cut it.
We stand to gain nothing, but with a lot to lose!
“Misogi is usually carried out at the New Year to purge the vestiges of the old year and prepare for the new. These ceremonies are largely symbolic, their effects emotionally based and short-lived. To be effective, the process of withdrawal and clarification must be incorporated into regular training.”
Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent, by John Maki Evans.
If you enjoy the Challenge and would like to continue your practice, consider joining our Daily Training Experience.
Your first week is FREE with no obligation to continue.
Click here for more info:
Register Now!
Complete the form below to save your place at the NEW YEAR’S DAY Misogi Challenge 2023. Soon after completing the form, you will recieve all the necessary information to join.
Welcome to the Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo!
Early 2020 saw the creation of the Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo, as a response to the Covid Pandemic – giving people the opportunity to continue their daily practice. All classes are online, live, and interactive – taken as part of a group via Zoom Meetings. Our community is made of members from many different countries, all training in the spirit of sharing and learning together.
About Michael Ormerod:
Michael began his training in Aikido at the age of 15 in the UK. He has trained extensively throughout Europe and under taken an intensive training period in Japan under the guidance of Hiroki Nemoto Sensei (7th Dan) and training in the Founder’s Dojo and Hombu Dojo. In 2016 he began a full time apprenticeship under his teacher Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros (6th Dan), training and teaching in the Takemusu Aikido Motril Dojo and attending international seminars as assistant. Michael has over 10 years of teaching experience, and in January 2018 he established Takemusu Aikido Orgiva, offering classes to children and adults. In 2019 Michael received the rank of Sandan (3rd Dan) from the Aikikai in Japan, Tokyo.
Michael also serves as technical support for Chet Valley Aikido (based in Norfolk, UK) which was established in September 2020.
“I was drawn to the ideal of cooperative learning rooted in training methods designed to ‘toughen the body, and polish the spirit’, and practicing in an environment where only total concentration was enough. I am searching for a way of moving and interacting that is functional and effortlessly efficient – with the quality and feel of ‘liquid steel’.
My motto for Aikido training is Samuel Beckett’s:
Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better.”
Check out this Interview with Michael conducted by two Online Dojo students, about the challenges of teaching and learning through an Online platform:
TAKEMUSU AIKIDO ONLINE DOJO 