N A M I -R Y U- A I K I -H E I H O

A School for Training in Ancient Samurai Military Arts

 
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To survive in an era of continuous conflict the Samurai of ancient Japan developed sophisticated techniques of personal combat and strategy. Today we practice these techniques and their modern applications at the Dojo of the Four Winds. By adapting and applying ancient lessons we learn to find harmony in our modern lives. The ability to remain calm under pressure, to face ones fears with strength, to have clarity in the midst of confusion, and to surmount obstacles with grace; these things all add to the quality of our lives.

Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho is a school for training in the ancient martial arts that were the exclusive secret of the Samurai nobility. The curriculum covers a wide range of bugei (martial arts), which encompass skills that were once necessary for the Samurai warrior in the performance of his martial duties.

Nami ryu means wave style and refers to the fact that energy travels in waves at every level of Universe reality. This wave effect is one of the underlying physical principles of our art. Practitioners of Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho seek to resolve physical and mental conflicts by recognizing and utilizing the relationships between the laws of physics and human physiology and psychology. The concepts of awareness, inner harmony, blending with an opponent, and integration with the laws of physical reality, are all used to facilitate an attackers defeat.

Aiki-Jujutsu is a legacy of Japan's feudal era. This art was developed through generations of intense personal conflict and warfare. The softness in application of technique evolved because it was the most efficient manner in which the Samurai warrior could defeat his enemy. This art has been distilled from the most absolute of human physical conflict, close hand to hand combat with edged weapons (specifically the samurai sword and knife). Within this process Aiki -Jujutsu has sought to transcend many of the supposed human limitations, into a realm where the mind is dominant and led by the spirit.

Aiki -Jujutsu is a hidden or inner art in that it is not possible to see what is really making the technique work. The basic tenet is never to oppose force with force, but to direct and utilize the power of the attack to overthrow the enemy with his own strength. Eventually, with knowledge and training, it becomes possible for the mind to freely lead the body into action with creative spontaneity. In this art there is no differentiation between attack and defense; they are treated as opposite sides of the same coin. There is attack in every defense and defense in every attack. This frequently leads to techniques where one movement takes the place of what would be two or more movements in other arts.

In this art there is no differentiation between attack and defense; they are treated as opposite sides of the same coin. There is attack in every defense and defense in every attack. This frequently leads to techniques where one movement takes the place of what would be two or more movements in other arts. After learning how to fall and roll properly (Ukemi Waza) students progress to throwing (Nage Waza), joint locking (Kansetsu Waza), and a variety of other unarmed techniques including ground grappling and striking with hand and foot. After demonstrating suitable proficiency, students may progress to the practice of sword arts (Ken-Jutsu) and other weapon-based disciplines.
The school is small and personal, similar to the schools in ancient Japan. The focus is on teaching students according to their own ability. There is no belt ranking system, as in the classical Samurai manner the techniques are ranked and not the person. It is the inner victory that has real value, not the acquisition of accouterments. Dedication, training, and consistency are necessary ingredients in learning this art, along with the desire to incorporate its principles into your daily life. Classes are held throughout the week. For more information, to observe a class, or to schedule your first lesson, contact James Williams (760) 736-4785 / [email protected]