![[Kokikai Seal]](photos/seal.JPG)
| Victoria Kokikai Society![[TAB]](graphics/dot_clear.gif) Victoria
Kokikai Society offers classes in Kokikai Aikido, a non-competitive Japanese
self-defense art, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
(Victoria, is on
Vancouver Island, near
the Gulf Islands.)
We are a registered non-profit society and a member of the
Kokikai Aikido International
Federation. Victoria Kokikai Society was featured in an
article in the Times Colonist newspaper.
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Kokikai Aikido is a self-defense art that uses
throws and pins to defend against striking
and grabbing attacks. One moves out of the
way of an attack and simultaneously uses the
attack momentum to unbalance and redirect
the attacker into a throw or pin. In other
words, Kokikai Aikido uses timing, evasion,
and redirection, not great physical strength.
Kokikai Aikido has a minimalist aesthetic
expressed as "minimum effort for maximum effect": in Kokikai, the ideal technique
is the most natural and comfortable one,
requiring the least movement and the least
energy. Kokikai is also a modern school of
Aikido: our techniques continually evolve and
become more effective against realistic
attacks.
In Kokikai Aikido, we want to be so in control of ourselves
and the attacker that we can throw or pin without causing
injury. But when the mind is agitated or upset, it's
difficult to concentrate or think clearly; when
the body is tense or awkwardly positioned,
it's difficult to move easily and gracefully.
Therefore, Kokikai Aikido emphasizes mind-body
coordination (also known as ki) and
aims to develop each person's best state of
mind and body: calm with a positive mind and
relaxed with good posture. Since Kokikai
Aikido improves one's ability to remain calm
and relaxed under stress, it is as beneficial
for everyday life as for self-defense.
The Kokikai Basic Principles are the cornerstone of our training in
mind-body coordination:
The Kokikai School of Aikido was founded by Master
Shuji Maruyama, who began teaching Aikido in the United States over
35 years ago. His students have spread Kokikai Aikido across North America
and around the world.
Kokikai Aikido has no competitions, matches,
or weight classes. Men and women of different
ages, sizes, and levels of experience can
practice together comfortably. Practice is at
the student's pace, so that everyone can
enjoy Kokikai Aikido, not only the young and
physically fit.
In addition to self-defense techniques,
students learn to roll safely and comfortably.
Students also learn movement exercises that
improve balance, coordination, gracefulness,
and posture, as well as deep breathing and
meditation exercises that improve calmness,
relaxation, and concentration. Practice also
includes training with bokken (wooden sword)
and jo (wooden staff).
Classes are an enjoyable form of exercise in a relaxed atmosphere. A
typical class begins with warm-ups, followed by Ki Development Exercises;
the remainder of the class concentrates on self-defense techniques. Each
technique is demonstrated by the instructor and practiced by the class in
partners or groups.
New members may join at any time; no previous experience is necessary.
Members may attend as many classes as they wish, although we recommend
attending at least twice a week for good progress. See
class information for details about joining.
Visitors are welcome to watch class, whether or not considering joining.