The last Online Workshop of 2026 will be exploring physical alignment, structural integrity, and the transformation through practice from reaction to responsiveness – through the theme of…
The Centre Line
Presented by the Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo – led by Michael Ormerod, 4th Dan Aikikai.
Centre Line & Centred Mind
In martial arts, when we come under stress or attack, it is our centre and sense of balance that is compromised. It is at these very moments, that centred responsiveness – rather than habitual reactivity – is critical.
As Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba observed:
“The key to good technique is to keep your hands, feet, and hips straight and centered. If you are centered, you can move freely. The physical center is your belly; if your mind is set there as well, you are assured of victory in any endeavor.”
To ground this principle in practice, the โwhatโ of technique must always be underscored by the โhow and whyโ of core principles. We will explore a central concept of Seichลซ-sen / ๆญฃไธญ็ท / directly translates to the “correct centre line” or “true midline”. As explained by Ginny Breeland Sensei…
“The central axis serves as an ‘unwavering steel’. It is a plumb line through the middle of the body, built upon the vertical axis to gravity. It solidifies centering and keeps posture intact. Poetically, it connects to the Earth’s center and extends towards the Heavens.”
In direct, practical relevance to Japanese sword-work – it is that which cuts directly to the centre of the self (and the universe), as spoken about by T.K. Chiba Sensei:
“When you cut, you must cut completely through the center. If your center wobbles even slightly, your blade loses its martial integrity. True power comes not from the arms, but from an unwavering axis driven directly by the hara.”
Sei Chu Kan (cutting to the center) by Chiba Sensei. Image: Yahe Solomon, 7th Dan
Date: Saturday 19th December 2026
Time: 10:00โ12:30 Central European Time (CET) / 09:00โ11:30 UK Time
(Please convert to your local time zone accordingly)
Online: Live and interactive via Zoom Meetings
(Full recording provided after the Workshop for all registered participants)
WHAT WE’LL EXPLORE IN THIS WORKSHOP:
Over this 2.5-hour online workshop, we will explore how we generate power and structural integrity by examining the physical, energetic, and internal layers of our engagement:
- The Core IssuesBalance and footwork are our starting points. Once our hands and feet are coordinated and our weight settles underneath, deeper principles open up. Through simple suburi cutting practice, we unify the body around our central axis to establish a solid foundationโexperiencing firsthand what it means to be grounded, integrated, balanced, calm, and ultimately centred.
- Physical Aspects: Exploring our weight distribution and centre management (whether high or low, diffuse or concentrated, contained or expressed). Together, we will cultivate a refined โbody-feelโ – tuning into internal feeling-sensations such as density, lightness, elasticity, and structural connection within our frame.
- Energetic Aspects: Shifting our quality of bodywork between katai (solid/grounded), yawarakai (flexible), and nagare (flowing). We will learn to transition fluidly between expanded and contracted, sharp and soft expressions of power without losing extension from our centre.
- Mental & Emotional Aspects: Moving from reactivity to clear responsiveness. We will transform our instinctive reaction of holding on or struggling to stay where we are -within our (un-)comfort zone – into the capacity to flow without resistance. Together, we will practice specific exercises to help us recognise and release states of agitation, fear, and restlessness, anchoring our attention into a calm, unshakeable presence.
Through solo body drills, weapon suburi, targeted breathwork, and dynamic visualisation practices, THE CENTRE LINE workshop will provide a dedicated space to examine issues of alignment, refine your axis under pressure, and translate essential Aikido principles into a practice relevant off the mat.
WORKSHOP FEE:
The Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo operates on a โBy Donationโ 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 or free; 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 to the wider Aikido community.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Connect online from anywhere in the world. Places are limited – complete the below form to reserve your place on THE CENTRE LINE Workshop.
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