How to find a job in Japan? :D with the mass exodus of foreigners after the disaster last year, there are now plenty of teaching jobs around. Great time to land a new position. I see quite a few jobs on www.alttokyo.com and reco...More... By tokyojoe
Interview with Sébastien Heurt... I totally agree. It is a standard of practice upon which we should all measure ourselves before even claiming to be able to teach others.More... By GuillaumeErard
Interview with Sébastien Heurt... An enlightening interview. It broadens the discussion of what it means to train in aikido, and what it takes to gain insight into the art. Thank you very much.More... By Mel Lindsey
The travelling Aikidoka's guid... Hi :) Just to say thanks for your guide which help me a lot in my trip to Hombu dojo in october. I had great times, will come back for sure :)More... By Miraille Jérémie
Documentary on Daito-ryu Aiki-... Great video! I loved the interview. Getting Sensei to talk instead of eating his ramen means he must really be passionate about his art! :lol:More... By Oisin Bourke
For its final seminar for 2007, the Dublin Aikikai Aikido welcomed Marc Bachraty, 5th dan FFAAA. Marc is a part of the rising generation of French Aikido teachers and his technical and human qualities make him a very thought after instructor in France, Europe and beyond. The last time we saw Marc in Dublin was last June when his own Sensei, Christian Tissier Shihan, came to the Irish capital for his first ever course on the island. The Irish Aikdioka had been since eagerly waiting for Marc Bachraty's return as a teacher this time.
Obviously, one of the first things that come to mind when talking about Marc Bachraty uke is his role in the demonstrations of Christian Tissier at the annual martial arts festival in Bercy. On the tatami, the technical influence of Christian Tissier is obvious; Marc is recognized for his precision, velocity and virtuosity. Thanks to his extremely strong technical background, Marc manages to open lines of research for all practitioners whatever their level. His warm and relaxed approach makes him very accessible and his explanations are spot on every time despite the difference in terminology to which he must adapt when it is in Ireland.
The course starts on Saturday at top speed because of the fact that Marc's energy and good humor are very communicative. Students, even the very beginners are encouraged to give their best and most importantly, to have fun in practice. The course is solidly built and the themes are systematically broken down and explained through various techniques, and even fairly regularly with the help of weapons. Bachraty Sensei places great emphasis on the basics, positions and axes and builds his technique, regardless how advanced it is, with an eye always kept on the fundamentals. According to him, these as specifications must always be met in order to operate a technical and sharp Aikido. The example that comes to mind is one of kote gaeshi on katatate dori where one must not only rotate 180 degrees on one leg while keeping a completely vertical axis and a perfect balance, but also keep in mind all notions of fixing Uke's elbow and wrist in space during the final twist. One wonders how anyone else than him could accomplish such a feat but at the same time, we cannot wait to try it ourselves and take on the challenge head-on.
Marc Bachraty and Guillaume Erard
Speed of execution is considered only when these principles are respected and is certainly not used to "mask" a coarse movement. Just like a musician, he repeats his techniques over and over increasing velocity slowly but steadily each time. Besides being an exceptional Aikidoka, Marc Bachraty is also an advanced practitioner of Goju Ryu Karate and Okinawan Kobudo. The qualities that he developed during the practice of these disciplines add a great deal to his great Aikido, mainly stability and a martial attitude combined to a lot of finesse and intelligence. In this course, everyone finds something to focus on at their own level; it is perfect for beginners and advanced to work on bases while facing a big challenge due to the multiple variations available. The Saturday ends too quickly and everyone thanks Marc with a row of applause.
Video of Marc Bachraty's course in Dublin (Music composed and performed by Guillaume Erard)
In the evening we all head to "Fafies" a French crêperie in the heart of Dublin and then enjoy a few pints at the Market Bar. Sunday morning, everyone is there in good shape and the course resumes where it ended the previous day, still in the relaxation and movement. It seems that sleep played a role as an advisor because everyone looks like the are on familiar ground developing gradually over the directions provided by Marc Bachraty. The strength of Marc is to provide a technical challenge while at the same time ensuring that beginners are able to move easily perform a full technique. After two hours, everyone is exhausted but the smiles say a lot about the feelings of the trainees at the end of the weekend. All are eager to improve the techniques and forms discussed this weekend in their respective dojo and everyone looks forward to the next course where Marc will surely take us even further with him on the path of his personal research.
