Volume 4 Number 2,
August/September 1998
Technical Tip: Suburi Training
reprint from Aikido World Vol 9, No 3"Suburi" literally translates as "empty swing" and refers to the individual striking practice performed with bokken or jo. When practicing sword strikes, we often use a suburito, a thick, heavy bokken designed specifically for this practice. However, Any bokken is acceptable.
When training in suburi, it is crucial that close attention be paid to technical details such as body and foot alignment, proper usage of the hips, grip and stance, and so on. These details must be imparted to you by your instructor, but it is up to you to remain aware and mindful. Remember when you practice, speed is not the goal, speed and timing will naturally develop. Rather, concentration should remain on proper form. A thousand fast, sloppy cuts are actually injurious to your training. A hundred proper cuts performed with good form and full extension will benefit you more. You should do large numbers of cuts, simply do them well.
It is especially imperative during suburi training that we remember our target and intention. If you are practicing cuts to the head, extend forward and hit at that level and location. If you are thrusting, thrust fully through your imaginary target. Put full energy and feeling into each cut and thrust, as if an enemy stood before you. Then you will receive the proper benefit of this training.
1998 Southeast Spring Seminar
by Gwen Boyd
Retsushinkan Dojo hosted it’s first Aikido seminar in March. The event drew a number of participants from area dojos including Raleigh and Atlanta and as far away as New York. The seminar featured the outstanding instruction of Toyoda Shihan from Chicago. The classes were informative and entertaining, as is Toyoda Shihan’s trademark. A new tradition was started by the Retsushinkan dojo — the seminar was highlighted with a potluck dinner held at the dojo. Great food and fun was had by all in the wonderful atmosphere of our dojo. I’m sure we will enjoy this new event at other dojo’s in the future.
The seminar was a rousing success, particularly given that it was our first. Thank you to all of the dojo members that helped with the dinner and to make our out of town guests feel welcome. We learned much through the experience both on and off the mat. We set the standard high and look forward to the challenge of raising that bar at our next seminar.
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