Traditional Aikido of Colorado Springs

09/04/2026

Registration is open for a great seminar featuring Pat Hendricks Shihan (7th Dan), uchi-dechi to O-sensei's longest serving student, the great Morihiro Saito sensei.
She is highly experienced in both Iwama and Aikikai Aikido.
Don't miss out on the early registration until September 30th!

08/31/2026

Pat Hendricks Shihan and Mark Larson Shihan work out details before the Bernice Tom Memorial Seminar

06/29/2026

Regarding creating movement in basic kihon static technique.

In the beginning, connection with our uke is purely physical.
In static technique, Uke physically grasps or grabs Nage. In this circumstance, we practice the skill of creating movement off the line of attack as we take uke’s balance. This essential component is the opening move before the core technique.
This alone, can be difficult to do. Saito Sensei referred to this as “practicing to the hilt” since it represents the worst case scenario.
If uke is bigger and stronger than ourselves, we must be precise and reinforced. We train the body to resist the normal physiologic reflex of pulling away or pushing into (if we are smaller, this will not work anyway).

We learn to employ the whole body as one coordinated unit. This ‘unit’ is lower body oriented, center driven. The upper body maintains an integrity weighted on the underside to help facilitate technique.

Stepping off the line of attack and taking balance this way helps us understand the importance of precise coordinated body structure.
We teach the body to not react reflexively, we employ the concepts/principles so they become clearly apparent, and we learn the dynamic layered fundamentals of having a solid grounded foundation.
As we progress, we continually release an initial physical rigidity into a more relaxed integrity.

But note only that this describes only the beginning, just the opening move.

G. Breeland, 6th dan

05/29/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Ecdxm7dmS/

05/29/2026

Ikkyo has been described as the ‘First Form’ or ‘First Teaching’.
We may have heard, “Ikkyo issho" – which means ikkyo takes a lifetime to master since there are many underlying principles regarding posture, connection, centerline, and balance involved in practice as we constantly refine.
Ikkyo is the key and the cornerstone to much of aikido. It is the gateway and root into the other ‘forms and teachings’.
It is foundational.

Ikkyo has been described technically as an elbow control movement. Since all parts are connected we can map a kinetic chain through the joints. If we control the elbow, we control the shoulder. The shoulder accesses the scapula which allows control into the back muscles and spine.
We make our way into the center.

These movements occur as we manage our own body as Nage (which is no easy thing), refraining from pushing, pulling, or forcing. We orient, maintaining our posture as we blend and harness without insisting, not allowing - at any point in time - uke to regain his posture.

The study of Ikkyo involves diligently managing the tai sabaki of uke’s body and our own body.
It also can involve the study the Riai.
We can reference the sword as well as the jo in these movements.
Additionally we can study the reference to the ground source, to access a ‘buoyant’ ease and the influence of the breath.
We can also endlessly study how the form stays the same while the shape of the form can change in reference to differing body types and levels of understanding.

So yes, the study of ikkyo seems infinite and lifelong. Refrain from dismissing the simplicity of its appearance. Allow the practice of Ikkyo to stimulate the mind and bring forward a curiousity.
The more we refine, the more inspiring it can be to continue.

G. Breeland, 6th dan

05/29/2026

Traditional Aikido of Colorado Springs is hosting Patricia Hendricks Shihan (7th Dan) here in Colorado Springs 6-7 June 2026. Everyone... All ranks... All styles of Aikido... We welcome you to join us for a weekend of community and keiko!

00Days 00Hours 00Minutes 00Seconds Patricia Hendricks Shihan – Colorado Springs, Colorado – June 6-7 2026 Page Updated: April 28, 2026 Traditional Aikido of Colorado Springs is excited to host Patricia […]

05/24/2026

We're counting down to hosting Patricia Hendricks Shihan (7th Dan/Aikikai) here in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We're holding the seminar fees at pre-registration prices. The seminar is 5-6 June 2026. Come join us for a weekend of training and community!

05/24/2026

Join us May 29th-31st for our annual seminar hosting Mark Larson Shihan.
Register Online:
https://www.aikidobismarck.com/seminars/

05/17/2026

The passing of Bernice Tom Sensei represents a deep loss to the Aikido community. Deepest condolences to Tom Sensei's friends and family and to everyone at Sunset Cliffs Aikido.

It is with profound regret that we inform you that Bernice Tom Shihan passed away Saturday morning, May 16, 2026.

Sensei has been an inspiration to us all. We will miss her deeply.

05/15/2026

Good morning! Due to our current economic "headwinds", including the cost of travel increasing fairly rapidly, we're holding the cost of attending the Hendricks Shihan seminar (Colorado Springs, Colorado / 6-7 June 2026) to the early registration pricing. $150 for Sat/Sun... $90 for one day... $45 (additional) for Sunday morning Special Keiko class. This is a fantastic training opportunity. We have an amazing venue and we welcome everyone to join us for a weekend of training and community!