Black Sword Aikido is not just another fighting art. The world has more than enough methods of destruction and does not need another. Black Sword Aikido is a martial discipline for strengthening the body, mind and spirit and for discovering one’s true will and purpose in the scheme of things. As such, it requires not only the practice of fighting techniques, but also meditation, breath control and the study of oriental medicine and philosophy. With the skills and knowledge gained from training in Black Sword Aikido, one is expected to go out into society, fulfill one’s true will, and protect humanity.
Black Sword Aikido combines the focused awareness of weapons training with the dynamic movements of Ueshiba Aikido and the subtle angles and pressure point manipulation of Shaolin Chin Na. Attacks are not blocked, but redirected, permitting the defender to evade and move to a position from which the attacker can easily be controlled. From this position, similar to the eye of the storm, the defender can choose a technique morally justified by the situation. Techniques which render the attacker helpless, but uninjured, are favored.
Black Sword Aikido techniques consist of joint locks, throws, pins, and strikes to the body’s vulnerable points. Techniques also include the use of, and defense against, various weapons, including the sword, staff, and knife. In that Black Sword Aikido teaches many pain/compliance techniques, the student must be willing to accept some pain to learn the art. Because the emphasis is on the use of strategy, position, and leverage not strength, Black Sword Aikido techniques can be effectively practiced by men and woman of all ages.
Caulfield Sensei is an experienced expert in self defense, whose credentials include:
* 5th Degree Black Belt in Ueshiba Aikido
* 1st Degree Black Belt in Classical Japanese Weapons
* 1st Degree Black Belt in Naginata
* Assistant Teaching Certificate in Shaolin Chin Na