March 2024: Inori Aikido Dojo at UKA Winter School

During the first weekend of March, members of Inori Aikido Dojo traveled to High Wycombe to train under Ryuji Shirakawa Shihan, 6th Dan Aikikai Aikido—a teacher renowned for his precision, power, and dynamic movement.

The seminar was intense from start to finish. Silence on the mat sharpened concentration, and students quickly realised that strength was irrelevant. Only relaxation, correct attitude, and mental focus allowed them to keep up with the demanding pace of training.

Shirakawa Sensei’s techniques were a pleasure to watch and a challenge to practise. He stressed the importance of making contact, maintaining connection, and applying technique with intention and clarity. Everyone—regardless of grade—learned through direct experience: receiving throws, absorbing movement, and refining technique through repetition. In a rare display, Sensei even allowed himself to be thrown and pinned so he could correct his partners from within the technique.

The weekend also offered the joy of reconnecting with old friends and meeting new aikidoists from across the UK. Our gratitude goes to the United Kingdom Aikikai (UKA) for organising such a significant national event. Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!