<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Aiki Shuren Dojo Adelaide]]></title><description><![CDATA[Iwama Aikido with clear forms and alive partner practice, including weapons basics from day one.]]></description><link>https://www.aikishurendojoadelaide.com.au/keiko-notes</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:58:53 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.aikishurendojoadelaide.com.au/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Strong, Not Stiff: Developing Better Ukemi]]></title><description><![CDATA[The following notes refer to training partners when using open hand, being shite (仕手 pronounced shee-teh), the person doing the technique, and uke (受け pronounced ooh-keh), the person attacking or receiving the technique. Ukemi (受身) is often associated with learning how to fall or roll safely. But ukemi is more than the moment we reach the mat. It is part of the entire interaction between uke and shite — attacking sincerely, maintaining posture, staying responsive and receiving the technique...]]></description><link>https://www.aikishurendojoadelaide.com.au/post/strong-not-stiff-developing-better-ukemi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8cf2fc16311e23431c228c</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:05:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22302b_50ef1bd2f7cf481294fd6a86de9fbf86~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_599,h_642,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Costello</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shūren 修練 – Continual Refinement Through Practice]]></title><description><![CDATA[Our dojo name, Aiki Shuren Dojo, contains an important idea about how we approach our training.   修練 shūren can be understood as training, discipline, or mastery through practice. It refers to rigorous, repeating effort used to build both technical skill and inner character. It is not simply about learning more techniques or progressing through grades. It is about returning to what we already practise and working to make it better.   Kanji breakdown: 修 (shū): to discipline, study, or master....]]></description><link>https://www.aikishurendojoadelaide.com.au/post/sh%C5%ABren-%E4%BF%AE%E7%B7%B4-continual-refinement-through-practice</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8d171016311e23431c7c8e</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22302b_273badff14fc492ba7c5f5d4a1e7070c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Costello</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Physicality, kihon practice and spirituality]]></title><description><![CDATA[O'Sensei Morhei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, was a deeply spiritual person. Due to his beliefs, other disciplines such as zen buddism and taoism find synergies with Aikido. Some Aikido schools focus solely on this aspect, where physicality and the concept of 'kihon training' (how we train in our Dojo) is not followed at all.   What is kihon training?   In Iwama Aikido, kihon (foundational training) is the primary method of learning techniques using static, rigid holds (often called 固体...]]></description><link>https://www.aikishurendojoadelaide.com.au/post/physicality-kihon-practice-and-spirituality</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8d185f91ea1d0846e389a1</guid><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:23:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22302b_00fa2c3d5faf4ae3be8767df3cc67072~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_640,h_480,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Costello</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Goals (hint - it's best to have some!)]]></title><description><![CDATA[When undertaking any endeavour, goal setting is useful. I encourage all deshi to set themselves some personal goals for Aikido development.   Goal setting personalises and helps us take ownership of the effort and behaviours that are most beneficial to put achievement of our goals on track. Mindset and sincerity (intent) are the key things here from my perspective. Try the following when reviewing and setting goals:   Realistic - Achievable - Timely Make your goal/s realistic to personal...]]></description><link>https://www.aikishurendojoadelaide.com.au/post/goals-hint-it-s-best-to-have-some</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8d303ea269c40c65c69639</guid><pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_be74cfce0d87477fa99cd27a3e7c9e3b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Costello</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>