Senshinkan Aikido Dojo
Senshinkan is a Jiyushinkai Aikido dojo located in Tempe Arizona, serving the East Valley (Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Phoenix). Senshinkan offers instruction in Aikido and Judo based on the Jiyushinkai teaching methodology. Our goal in training is to develop technique brought about not through strength or power, but rather through developing intuitive, creative decision making processes that derive from training and applying those principles in dynamic applications. Although our classes include randori (free form practice), we do not train for competitions.
Special studies are also offered in the Filipino martial art of Babao Arnis (Escrima/Kali).
Aikido
Aikido was founded in 1942 by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to as O Sensei). Kenji Tomiki, the founder of Tomiki-ryu Aikido, was one of Ueshiba sensei's early students in the art predating this known as Aikibudo. Tomiki was also a direct student of Jigoro Kano and a high ranking Judoka. Using this background, along with being a professional educator, Tomiki created his own way unique of categorizing and teaching Aikido with an emphasis on self defense.
Jiyushinkai Aikido is based on the Tomiki ryu tradition, which is defined from elements of Aikido and Judo together focusing on systematic explanation. The primary mechanisms for learning principles are through the practice of prearranged standardized forms (kata) and then the application of these techniques in randori (free form). Aikido curriculum also includes study with the jo (staff) and bokken (sword).
Judo
Established in 1882, Judo has transformed from a comprehensive martial art into a modern Olympic sport. As a martial art, Judo incorporated the effectiveness of Japanese Jujutsu systems while emphasizing scientific ways to practice. As a sport, Judo has reached thousands of people and has become an Olympic event. During that process of transformation, several techniques have been modified and or removed for the purpose of furthering safety. Judo is big enough to be both of these things. Our focus, however, revolves on preserving the martial and spiritual study of Judo.
The Jiyushinkai Aikido curriculum of study has retained many components from its Judo background. This includes studies of Kodokan based ukemi (falling), Judo throws (nage waza), locks (kansetsu waza), chokes (shime waza), ground work (newaza) and striking (atemi waza). The spiritual ideals of Judo, seiryoku zenyo (best use of energy) and jita kyoei (mutual benefit), are defining principles of our practice. The influence of Kano sensei can be felt in every aspect of our training.
Babao Arnis
Babao Arnis is a Filipino martial art founded by the late Grand Master Narrie Babao (10th dan) based on Batangas Baston Arnis taught to him by his father, Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrido via Cacoy Canette, and Villabrille Largusa Kali by Ben Largusa. Arnis (alt. known as Escrima or Kali) is a Filipino martial art (FMA) which emphasises practical skills for self defense. A full history of the system can be found here. Babao Arnis is weapons based, focusing on stick (baston), knife (daga), sword (bolo), and spear (bangkaw). The curriculum also includes empty hand training and weapons defense.
