Aikido Daiwa

[Onewithnothing]

Hi,
I was looking at Aikido schools around me. I was wondering if anyone has any info regarding Aikido Daiwa, specifically what style of Aikido they teach. I have sent an email to them, but have not received a response from them. I'm also wondering if anyone has any experience with them.
Thanks

[Ron Tisdale]

From a quick perusal of the site, you've got a good place to train there. The Birinkai is under Chiba Sensei, one of the premier instructors in North America. From what I saw in some of the pictures, some of the instructors may have some Iwama influence as well (also good stuff).

Of course, pictures on a website and lineage are not the best way to make a decision. You should go by and ask to train for at least one class, preferably two or three, before making any decisions.

Best,
Ron

[Brian Dugger]

I've spent a little time on the mat with a Birinkai student here in Little Rock. A certain Bridgette Shuffield/Sheffield is an extention of the Birinkai down on University Ave. Real good, talented--if she is any indication of what is happening at the Birinkai, you should be getting some good training.

[Onewithnothing]

Thank you for the answers. Another Aikido class I was also looking at is the West Wind Dojo. I admit that I'm a bit intrigued by this particular style, Nishio Shoji, mostly through the postings a member here. I don't mean to be a bother, I tried to look this up on google. Could someone explain the difference between the 2 styles or provide a link explaining them?
Again, Thanks

[Ron Tisdale]

Look up William Hazen, here or on Aikido Journal for real experience with Nishio Sensei's aikido. Unfortunately, Nishio S. has passed away now. He did a lot to bring martial integrity to his style of aikido, while staying in the Aikikai. He combined his knowledge of (I believe) karate, judo, and the sword to form his style. I think you might find some similiarities between what his students do and the Birinkai...they also use Iai to reinforce their aikido.

Go to aikidojournal.com and search in the article section to learn more about the founders of these styles of aikido. Visit both schools, and choose the one that best suits you overall.

Best,
Ron

[citom]

I have heard only good things about Aikido Daiwa and it's Chief Instructor, Jack Arnold Sensei, who is a Shihan in the Birankai.

[aikibu]

Thank you for the answers. Another Aikido class I was also looking at is the West Wind Dojo. I admit that I'm a bit intrigued by this particular style, Nishio Shoji, mostly through the postings a member here. I don't mean to be a bother, I tried to look this up on google. Could someone explain the difference between the 2 styles or provide a link explaining them?
Again, Thanks

You are welcome to PM me for more info. West Wind Dojo is our Dojo. We're listed on a couple of websites like Aikido Journal's and Aikiweb. There is a pic of me with Shoji Nishio Shihan on the Aikido Journal site taken in the mid 90's when he awarded me Shodan. I am kneeling in front... my Sempai Ken Corre is to the left... my Sensei Michael Fowler to my right... and Shoji Nishio Shihan is standing behind me me grasping my shoulders with that beautiful smile and chuckle of his.

God I miss him.

We moving to a new Dojo next week and starting a little later in the evenings.

As for the Differance in the two styles I have allot of respect for the Aikido Daiwa folks. However, our focus is more Martial than thiers, and we both practice allot more with weapons than most do. Our style is based on Budo and Aiki Toho Iai "Aikido as the way of the Sword".

IF I were you I would try us both out to see which one "fits" what you're looking for.

Good Luck.

William Hazen