TAKEMUSU AIKIDO ONLINE DOJO
BALANCE & BREATH WORKSHOP
27 January 2024
A one-day online workshop for all martial arts enthusiasts. Elevate your skills through focused breathwork and balance training.
All styles and levels are welcome.
Class 1:
Breathing
For Ease
Class 2:
‘True’
Balance
Learn more below and click below to register:
What You’ll Learn in this Workshop:
A one-day online workshop for all martial arts enthusiasts. Elevate your skills through focused breathwork and balance training.
All styles and levels are welcome.
Each class is dedicated to specific areas of breathwork and balance…
Class 1: Breathing For Ease
Breathing should be easy. Unfortunately, we either fall into unconscious patterns of poor use or we overcomplicate it. The desire to control, change and contort our breath to theories and concepts never quite touches the sides. Nobody taught us how to breath – which can be seen as the problem or potential solution. This class will delve into specific breathwork techniques in relation to martial arts – aimed at promoting ease and fluidity in your movement. Learn how conscious exploration of the breath can enhance your overall performance and contribute to a calm, focused mindset during training and daily life.
Class 2: ‘True’ Balance
For much of our lives, being in balance is simply the act of ‘not falling over’. Losing balance (physically or emotionally) is a failure and to be resisted, but what we continually resist continues to persist. True Balance is accepting that we are two legged creatures at the mercy of gravity – and rather than fight facts, we can simply accept and work with it. Balance is a constant readjusting and adaption of the body to its surroundings, that are also constantly in flux.
This is best described by a short story about Morihei Ueshiba…
“After observing O Sensei (the founder of Aikido) sparring with an accomplished fighter, a young student said to the master, “You never lose your balance. What is your secret?” “You are wrong,” O Sensei replied. “I am constantly losing my balance. My skill lies in my ability to regain it.”
Training Schedule:
10.00-10.30 Introduction & Warm up
10.30-11.15 Class 1
11.30-12.15 Class 2
12.15-12.30 Closing discussion + Q&A
IMPORTANT – All times are Central European Time (CET)
You can convert the class times to your local time zone using the following:
Requirements:
All the training will be designed especially for solo home training, no training partner necessary.
You will need a Bokken (wooden sword) and Jo (wooden staff) for this Workshop. If you need advice on these, please get in touch.
You will need a minimum of 2x2m with a high ceiling for the training.
A yoga mat or similar soft flooring is recommended as some of the exercises involve groundwork.
The Workshop will take place via Zoom Meetings.
If you haven’t used Zoom before, the best thing is to download to your PC or Laptop.
ZOOM DOWNLOAD: https://zoom.us/download
Please make sure to have the latest version installed.
The Zoom Meeting details will be sent within 48 hours of the workshop.
Workshop Fee:
The Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo operates on a ‘By Donation’ basis.
This means that the Workshop fee is self-determined.
Suggested donation: 30-40 Euros
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you are welcome to attend for less; likewise, if you have more financial means and the teachings have offered you something of value, you are welcome to offer more. Your support is sincerely appreciated, enabling the continued offering of these teachings within our Online Aikido community.
I believe money should not be a barrier to training. For me, the desire and willingness to train is the most important thing. This is the same policy I have in my physical dojos.
Donations can be made through PayPal using the following link, or contact for alternative options:
About the Online Dojo:
We are a dedicated group of Aikido enthusiasts training in the Takemusu Aikido line, a traditional form of Aikido that was passed on from Morihei Ueshiba to the late Morihiro Saito (1928 – 2002). The philosophy of the Online Dojo is to create a space where we can share our practice wherever, whatever the current circumstances.
It is an opportunity to go deeply into a modern embodiment practice, rooted in the Japanese Martial Tradition and Culture. Whilst the training is serious and demanding, it is always carried out in a playful and joyful manner, designed to engage and challenge the beginner and seasoned practitioner of all levels.
Classes are led by Michael Ormerod, 3rd Dan Aikikai. Michael is a student of Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros, 6th Dan Aikikai, Chairman of Traditional Aikido Europe and direct student of the late Morihiro Saito – 9th Dan Aikikai.
About Michael Ormerod:
The Workshop will be led by Michael Ormerod, 3rd Dan Aikikai.
Michael began his training in Aikido at the age of 15 in the UK. He has trained extensively throughout Europe and undertaken 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. In 2019, Michael received the rank of Sandan (3rd Dan) from the Aikikai in Japan, Tokyo. Early 2020 saw the creation of the Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo, as a response to the Covid Pandemic. The philosophy of the Online Dojo is to create a space where students can share their daily practice wherever, whatever the current circumstances.
Michael also serves as technical director for Chet Valley Aikido (based in Norfolk, UK) which was established in September 2021.
How to Register:
Join the Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo for a live and interactive experience. If you can’t attend live, a recording of the Workshop will be made – and to review in your own time afterwards.
Places are limited, get in touch for more info or click below to reserve your place on the ‘Balance & Breath’ Workshop:
TAKEMUSU AIKIDO ONLINE DOJO 