AYANA
The Aikido Yoshokai Association of North America - AYANA was founded in 1991 by Takashi Kushida. Yoshokai Aikido is based at the Genyokan Dojo in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Yoshokai Aikido is a "hard" style of Aikido by common parlance, and very similar still to Yoshinkan. Those interested in seeing examples of Yoshokai Aikido can visit the Yoshokai website. Full tenkan movements are present, but partial pivots and more conservative blending motions are perhaps more usual. Atemi is common. Yoshokai ukemi is also distinct (similar to Yoshinkan ukemi), with more slapping of the spare hand/foot, and a more forward-feeling 'high fall' (called 'jumping breakfall' or 'hiyaku ukemi') than the other sideways motions employed in different Aikido styles. A special emphasis is placed on Aikido as a form of conflict resolution and a cooperative study of making harmony between two people. Like Yoshinkan Aikido, Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu names for basic techniques are retained, e.g. "ikkajo" compared to the Aikikai nomenclature "ikkyo."
Yoshokai Aikido is organized in a rather centralized fashion relative to other styles, with technique lists and explanations distributed annually. This goes hand in hand with its emphasis on meticulous attention to detail.
Yoshokai Aikido closely links techniques, basic movements, and weapons techniques. Weapons techniques (buki-waza) are prominent in the curriculum, mostly with bokken, jo, and tanto.
Locations in Ann Arbor area:
Genyokan Dojo Headquarters of: Aikido Yoshokai Association of North America 749 Airport Boulevard Suite 4 Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (734) 662-4686
Ann Arbor Recreation Department Scarlett School, Upper Gym 3300 Lorraine St. Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Ann Arbor YMCA Club Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 663-0536
Eastern Michigan University Aikido Club Combatives Room, Lloyd W. Olds Rec. Center Eastern Michigan University Campus Ypsilanti, MI 48197
The University of Michigan Aikido Club Intramural Sports Building 606 East Hoover (near State Street) Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Contact: [email protected]
