Aikido is a dynamic, living art as practised by its founder O sensei (Morihei Ueshiba). O sensei was not stifled by insular and sometimes pseudo traditional constraints of his time and consequently his Aikido changed and developed throughout his lifetime. The Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society (under the guidance of Soke Gwynne Jones 9th Dan) in the same way, nurtures an ever evolving Aikido which warmly welcomes into its fold many practitioners of differing styles, encouraging reciprocal development so that our Aikido can continue to be enriched as the living, dynamic art practised by its growing membership.
SOKE GYWNNE JONES
Sensei Jones started his Aikido during the Summer of 1961. As Aikido developed in the UK the West Wales Aikido Society was formed in 1982 and recognition from the Martial Arts Council soon followed. The Society quickly developed and three years later the name was changed to ‘The Aikido Society of Wales,’ which was then joined by the Plymouth School of Aikido.
During the A.G.M on December 1990 Sensei Jones formerly called the Society “Shin (spirit), Gi (technique), Tai (body) Aikido”.
Sensei Jones studied under various Japanese Sensei’s although the main influence on his Aikido style are Tohei Sensei, Chiba Sensei and Tamura Sensei. Incorporating the traditional Aikido with the modern concept of Ki training making the style relaxed, flowing and dynamic.
The Society prides itself on its non political, non commercial approach to teaching friendliness and harmony on and off the tatami. The aim of the Society is to make Aikido Available for the public to help them in their daily life.
Investigating the meaning of Shin Gi Tai reveals it’s great importance to Morihei Ueshiba as well as to the Sumo fraternity. O’Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba) used to believe in Kotodama, literally word-spirit or the power of sound and words. He used to repeat the words Maru, Sankaku, Hikaku, meaning circle, triangle and square during practice, three words expressing an image and producing an energy. The three signs are symbolic of the breathing exercise in Koto Kotodama study and represent Shin Gi Tai. The layout of the Aiki Shrine is based on Koto Kotodama principles.
IN THE WORDS OF O’SENSEI
“When the triangle, the circle and the square become one, it moves in spherical rotation together with the flow of Ki and the Aikido of Sumi Kiri appears”. ‘Sumi Kiri means clarity or unity of the mind and body. Aikido comes in many different disguises; hard, soft, spiritual, physical, fitness (mentally and physically)….. Aikido is for everyone.
The Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society is now one of the largest organisation within the BAB. Sensei Jones conducts many courses throughout the year, either for the Shin Gi Tai, or with other Aikido bodies.
