Course One: 

Basic Principles Of Bokken

Join Aikido Sensei Miles Kessler as he teaches you the basic principles of the Aikido Bokken.

Here's what you'll learn in this course:

Module One: Introduction To Aiki-Ken

• Aikido as an art based on bokken

• The bokken as an integral part of Aikido

• The importance of "hanmi" in Aiki-Ken and in Aikido

• The benefits of bokken practice to your empty hand Aikido

Module Two: Bokken Etiquette

• The proper way to handle the bokken

• Proper bokken position before, and after training

• How to do a standing bow

• How to do a sitting bow

Module Three: Bokken Grip, Hanmi & Kamae

• Proper bokken grip

• Stepping into ken kamae

• How to stand in hanmi

• Basic ken kamae

• Walking in ken kamae

• 3 types of kamae

Module Four: Principles Of Striking

• Striking vs. cutting w/ the bokken

• Lifting and striking dynamics

• Keeping your elbows in

• Unifying the cutting line and the hanmi line

• Top of head & vertical line

Module Five: Bokken And Body Integration

• "Shisei" - posture

• Bokken and center integration

• From synchronization to integration

• Structural integrity of kamae

• Ground, center and extension

• Bokken extension: it's a 1 centimeter game