Fredericton Aikido
Wellness Clinic Fitness Studio @ 186 Lincoln Road E3B 2A3 Fredericton, NB, Canada

One of the pillars of traditional aikido..

Whoww. And I thought I was tough at 21 years old rolling on canvas/straw covered mats. These ladies put me to shame.

Do not forget. It is all about the principle.....

Yamada Sensei of New York Aikikai, student of the founder of Aikido.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=626834704519048&id=551353802067139

Great demo by the Grandson of the founder of Aikido, DOSHU MORITERU UESHIBA.

This video shows the use of sound (YYYAAAHHH) to intensify the power of projections in Aikido. It also offers an interesting glimpse of the versatility of Swari Waza or kneeling techniques.

Good form. Precise technique, Represents aikido very well.

Seagal Sensei at his best. Inspirational. Quick, smart and smooth.

Great video of Aikido masters and the founder at age 69.

Please enjoy and re-post this IAF promotional video to disseminate the beauty of Aikido. This is the official promo video for 2015-16. We are re-posting it since Facebook wants us to repost it directly to Facebook. We shall see how many people get to see the video. (K. Izawa)

I am pleased to announce that my second book on Qi Gong entitled Qi Gong's 5 Golden Keys is now available in paperback and Kindle format on amazon.ca. The book features the five keys to opening the Qi door, how to feel, see and cultivate Qi, and a number of new Qi Gong styles including Yoga Qi Gong, Spiraling Spine Qi Gong, and Anti-Cancer Qi Gong. Take a look by clicking on the link. https://www.amazon.com/author/mauricelavigne... I will be teaching a Yoga Qi Gong class on Monday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Yoga On York studio in downtown Fredericton starting Monday September 12th, and Open the Gates and Spiraling Spine Qi Gong in French at the Ste Anne Cultural Center of Fredericton starting on Wednesday Sept. 14th at 7:30 p.m. I will presently teaching a variety of styles of Qi Gong on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Wellness Clinic Fitness Studio on the Lincoln Road. Upcoming Sunday workshops being offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: - Open the Gates Qi Gong Sunday September 25th - Heaven and Earth Qi Gong Sunday October 23rd - Dragon Qi Gong Sunday November 20th - Yoga Qi Gong Sunday December 11th Please contact me for more information at [email protected] or visit our web site at http://www.wellnessclinic.biz/qi/power-of-qi-mini-workshops

I had the pleasure today of instructing an Aikido seminar to about 20 participants of a Martial Arts gathering of Karate, Ju Jitsu, Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Tae Kuan Do enthusiasts. On my right in the photo you can see see Alain Faucher Sensei, Karate 9th Dan Instructor with the International Todokai Karate Federation, and Klause Hielscher, 3rd Dan Judo Instructor of Fredericton.

I will be taking part in a Martial Arts Seminar this Sunday June 19th hosted by the Fredericton Karate Dojo at the gym of the Centre Culturel Ste Anne of Fredericton, NB. I will be exploring the Ki or Qi of Aikido and how it is used to resolve conflict in an efficient but non confrontational manner. Should be fun..

Book Signing at Chapters at the Regent Mall Saturday April 9th from 1 to 3 p.m. The Power of Qi for Health and Longevity by Maurice Lavigne Discover the immense healing powers of Qi Gong, pronounced Chi Kung. Qi is the life energy that animates all things. The book Power of Qi features an extensive explanation of the body's energy anatomy, reveals the secrets of longevity, as well as the nine steps to mastering Qi Gong. ... The book offers a complete description of the Dragon Qi Gong Style of Qi Gong in addition to four Medical Qi Gong styles for Respiratory Disease, Anxiety, Digestive Issues, and High Blood Pressure. The author Maurice Lavigne is an Acupuncturist and Herbalist at the Fredericton Wellness Clinic. He has been practicing and teaching Qi Gong since 1996. He is also the author of a book on Acupuncture and taught Aikido, a Japanese martial art for 30 years. Maurice has posted a number of Qi Gong videos on YouTube. For more information on Qi Gong classes and workshops or on the others services offered at the Wellness Clinic visit our website at WClinic.ca, call 452-9795 or e-mail us at [email protected].

Medical Qi Gong (pronounced Chi Kung) Classes & Workshops The Medical Qi Gong styles offered at the Fredericton Wellness Clinic help improve focus, relaxation and balance. In addition, students learn the basics of the energy anatomy, and how to feel and grow their Qi.... Starting on January 4th, 2016, regular Qi Gong classes will be held from Monday to Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. The drop in fee is $15. Save on the purchase of a monthly registration or 10-class punch card. Monthly Workshops - 2016 Level 1 - Open the Gates Qi Gong Sunday January 17th Level 2 - Dragon Qi Gong Sunday February 21st Level 3 - Heaven and Earth Qi Gong Sunday March 20th Level 4 - Yoga Qi Gong Sunday April 17th Level 5 - Energy Balancing Qi Gong Sunday May 15th All workshops take place on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are taught by Maurice Lavigne, Registered Acupuncturist, Certified Qi Healer and Qi Gong Instructor, and author of the Power of Qi and The Basics of TCM Diagnosis & Formula Building, both of which are now available on Amazon.ca in Kindle and Book format. Cost of Workshops: New Students - $80 plus tax. Students retaking the same workshop and students registered in weekly classes receive a 50% discount on the workshop registration fee. Located at 186 Lincoln Road, Fredericton, NB For information on workshops or to register: 506-452-9795 E-mail: [email protected] Web: WClinic.ca

I had a wonderful time in Levi, Quebec, on Nov. 15th at the Martial Arts Convention. I really enjoyed meeting the participants and teachers from different styles. And I thoroughly enjoyed the teaching the Ki of Aikido workshop. So much interest and fun on the mats. Invigorating. I thank the organizers for putting this together and inviting me to the event.

30 Years of Aikido at 3 dojos in Fredericton, NB, thanks to my teachers, students and the support of my family. It is fun to do and to watch. A very social game, physically demanding that forges a strong center and compassionate heart. I first got interested in the Martial Arts to learn more about Ki or Universal Energy. In my experience Ai-ki-do is the martial arts that has the strongest focus on Ki. To really experience the Ki in Aikido, you need to relax, let go, blend with aggression, and extend your positive Ki into the Universe. It is both fun and exhilarating. I will be joining a large number of martial arts instructors in Quebec city on Sunday November 15th to give a workshop on Ki in the Martial Arts. I will soon post the info on this event for anyone interested in attending.

Good to see a few former Aikido students during the official opening of my second Aikido dojo in Lincoln, NB, Canada. Time flies when you are having fun. The video is a bit fuzzy but the warm-up routine is great. It is indicated on the intro that the video was taken in 2006. My time machine was broken. It is more like 1996 or thereabouts. Old tech but the Aikido group was fantastic.

A training video I did many years ago at my first martial arts dojo in Fredericton.

Great expression of the body blending with the mat used when falling in the art of Aikido. The focus and fluidity are admirable.

One of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba's most brilliant students, Michio Hikitsuchi Sensei, 10th dan, describes the essential principles of Aikido that should be part of your current training. 1. Sincerity of attack. In your role as uke, do you attack with full intention and sincerity? Aikido relies on both parties bringing a pure energy to practice. 2. Inryoku. Attractive power is what checks uke's will to attack. It is what instantaneously stops the ki of uke when he thinks ...to attack. 3. Seizing the initiative. One must control uke from the very outset of the encounter. To wait for a person to attack is to become conscious of him as an adversary. We lead to transcend being the attacker or the defender. 4. Katsuhayabi. Speed independent of space and time. In Aikido, the issue is decided at the instant of the encounter. It is decided at the instant uke and nage come together. Uke thinks to attack, but he himself is struck. 5. Shinken shobu. Action in dead ernest. You must put everything you have into your aikido as if it your life were at stake. Otherwise your true heart will never manifest itself. 6. Masakatsu - Agatsu. True Victory, Victory over Self. The true aim of aikido is not victory over an opponent, but purifying and attaining victory over oneself. 7. Shugyo. Ascetic discipline. The practice of aikido is a discipline for polishing one's character and living life in harmony with divine nature. 8. Takemusu Aiki. Aiki giving birth to martial techniques. An expression of his ideal of the highest level of aikido where techniques perfectly suited to the immediate circumstances surge forth spontaneously...

Advanced Aikido classes are now offered on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m. Tae Kuon Do classes for kids and adults are now offered at the Wellness Clinic Fitness Studio. Please check out our class schedule and prices at wellnessclinic.biz/fitness-schedule

In the video we see Osawa Shihan teach a class at New York Aikikai in 2010. Osawa Shihan teaches regularly at World Headquarters of the Aikikai style of Aikido in Japan as well as being the Technical Director of the Canadian Aikido Federation.

The true martial way of Japan is a spirit of peace which strives to pacify conflict before it arises. This is the way of Aikido. In ages past, the way of the martial arts was a tool used to kill and conquer. Yet when it was all said and done, such a way was misguided and led to self destruction. Aikido, however, is the way of harmony. It is a manifestation of the fundamental vast spirit of the universe. Without understanding this spirit it is impossible to progress in Aikido and practicing it has no meaning. By fostering this spirit, Aikido also becomes a method for self-defense, as well as a regimen to maintain health and beauty." Words of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba from Aikido Journal

Saying good bye to an Aikido student, third from the left, Joerg, who is returning to Germany for a few weeks to visit family and friends and then to Argentina for a few months before returning to Canada. Left to right Panos, Martin, Joerg and Maurice Sensei at a local cafe. Have a great trip Joerg! Looking forward to seeing you in November on your return to Canada.

One of the best Summer Aikido sessions in many years is now moving into the Fall Season with new hours starting in September. Aiki Fitness classes will be held on Mondays and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. followed at 6:45 p.m. by Aikido. New members welcomed. Try out a class for only $15 drop in fee. For more info visit our web site at wellnessclinic.biz/aikido

Osawa Shihan or Master Teacher is the technical director of the Canadian Aikido Federation and regularly teaches at the Aikido world headquarters dojo in Japan. Osawa Shihan promoted me to 4th Dan last Summer in Halifax. He is a very motivating teacher and shows his enjoyment of Aikido with a big smile and dynamic techniques.

Eric Jaworski of Sudbury Aikikai took part this last Thursday in an Aikido classs at the Fredericton Aikido Dojo. It was great to see Eric once again. In the photo on the right we see Eric in front of his motorcycle and Maurice Lavigne Sensei..

Key concepts of Aikido practice explained by former Hikitsuchi Sensei, 10th Dan 1. Sincerity of attack: In your role as uke, do you attack with full intention and sincerity? Aikido relies on both parties bringing a pure energy to practice. 2. Inryoku: Attractive power is what checks uke's will to attack. It is what instantaneously stops the ki of uke when he thinks to attack.... 3. Seizing the initiative: One must control uke from the very outset of the encounter. To wait for a person to attack is to become conscious of him as an adversary. We lead to transcend being the attacker or the defender. 4. Katsuhayabi: Speed is independent of space and time. In Aikido, the issue is decided at the instant of the encounter. It is decided at the instant uke and nage come together. Uke thinks to attack, but he himself is struck. 5. Shinken shobu: Action in dead ernest. You must put everything you have into your aikido as if it your life were at stake. Otherwise your true heart will never manifest itself. 6. Masakatsu - Agatsu: True Victory, Victory over Self. The true aim of aikido is not victory over an opponent, but purifying and attaining victory over oneself. 7. Shugyo: Ascetic discipline. The practice of aikido is a discipline for polishing one's character and living life in harmony with divine nature. 8. Takemusu Aiki: Aiki giving birth to martial techniques. An expression of the highest level of aikido where techniques perfectly suited to the immediate circumstances surge forth spontaneously.

Interested in Tai Chi as a support for Aikido practice or just to stay fit and healthy? Dop by my Tai Chi Qi Gong class this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on the green in downtown Fredericton just before the Aiki Boken Class at 10:30 a.m. Wear comfortable, warm clothing. There is no charge for this intro class so come on down and experience Tai Chi Qi Gong in the fresh air along the beautiful Saint John River. We meet at the lighthouse at 9:30 a.m.

In the photo we can see a few Fredericton Aikido Dojo students cleaning the training mats after today's Sunday class. Safety and infection control are an important part of practice. Thanks everyone for helping maintain a healthy dojo.

Congratulations Laura on graduating today from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. We are very proud of you. Laura, at the center of the photo, also received her 4th kyu Certificate in the Martial Art of Aikido. Laura can be seen in the photo with, to her right, her Aikido teacher, Maurice, and to her left, with fellow Aikido student, Klaus.

Four students attended the outdoor Boken training session held in downtown Fredericton on Sunday May 25th. The instructor, Maurice Lavigne, reviewed the basic Shomen, Yokomen and Tsuki strikes, two pairs forms and a unarmed technique to defend against a Boken attack. In attendance were, from left to right Konstantin, Marcel, Chad and Eric. The next Aikido class is at the Fredericton Aikido dojo on Thursday May 29th exceptionally at 8 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m. due to the graduation that afternoon of the instructors son from the University of New Brunswick.

This Sunday May 25th all are invited to a beginners Boken Class (Wooden Sword) to take place next to the lighthouse on the Green in downtown Fredericton. Experience not necessary. Class starts at 10 a.m. and will run for 60 min to 90 min depending on the inspiration of the moment.

Whoh! In this picture the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, holds a boken with one hand while four of his students try to push it away. Strong demonstration of Ki or internal energy. Aikido requires that the practitioner stay relaxed and centered so that he or she can connect to the Ki of the Universe. Ueshiba once said that when you fight him you are fighting the Ki of the Universe. Meditation on the one point in the center of the abdomen or hara is essential to understanding this concept, which is central to the successful practice of Ueshiba's Aikido

The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, taught that techniques are the vehicles used to express the spiritual principles of Aikido. They are not set forms as change and adaptability are the essence of Aikido. Aikido techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstances we should be hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space. The body should be triangular, the mind circular. The tria...ngle represents the generation of energy and is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolizes serenity and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands for solidity, the basis of applied control. A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind. Keep your hands, feet, and hips straight and centered. You can then move freely. The lower abdomen is the physical center. Set your mind there and you are assured of victory in any endeavor. Do not stare into the eyes of the opponent as he may mesmerize you. Do not fix your gaze on his sword as he may intimidate you. Do not focus on the opponent at all as he may absorb your energy. The essence of technique is to bring your opponent completely into your sphere. Then you can stand just where you like, in a safe and unassailable position. When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him. If he wants to pull back, send him on his way. From The Essence of Aikido, Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba

Aikido Instructor at the Fredericton Aikido Dojo, Maurice Lavigne, just received his 4th Dan Certificat from Japan. He is seen in his dojo at 186 Lincoln Road in Fredericton, NB, with three of his students. Maurice has been practicing various martial arts for 40 years. He has been teaching the Aikikai Style of Aikido for over 25 years. He welcomes new students to the dojo or visitors from other Aikido dojos or styles of Martial arts. Drop in fee is $10. Visit our web page at http://wellnessclinic.biz/aikido

One Mind -- According to Koichi Tohei, Founder of the Qi Society Style of Aikido, your mind must be immovable, focused on the one point, located in the center of the lower abdomen. Fear or anger can cause the mind to wander, instantly decreasing your Ki or life force. The immovable mind is not disturbed by what others say or do. If your mind is immovable, you can maintain a strong posture at all times. "Immovable Mind" does not mean that the mind cannot move. Attaching yours...elf to one point so you can not think of anything else is a big mistake. You must be able to direct your mind to any object or individual, instantaneously. A mirror reflects an image instantly, but when the object is removed, no image remains. Focus the mind on a problem or situation but do not cling to it. To concentrate the mind on one object and cling to it may look like concentration. It is not -- it is attachment. Aikido: The Art of Self Defense 1961. Edited by Morihei Uyeshiba

Omar, right in picture, has been a student at the Fredericton Aikido Dojo for the last few months. He is soon moving to Toronto due to work. Omar will be continuing his Aikido training at JCCC Aikikai in Toronto. We are sure to meet him once again on the mat at future seminars. Good luck Omar. You were a great addition to our dojo and will surely be an excellent Aikidoka. Maurice Lavigne Sensei

On December 14th, 2013, the Head Instructor of Saint John Aikikai, Gustavo Chiang Rojas, celebrated the anniversary of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, at the Fredericton Aikido Dojo with two of his students, Gretcher Lescord and Bryae Pippy, by performing 1,300 Bokken Cuts. The Founder of Aikido was born on December 14th, 1883, and died on April 26th, 1969.

At the recent Sunday Morning Aikido class, Gordon and Laura tested for 5th and 4th Qyu ranks respectively. I am pleased to announce they did very well and have been granted their new grades. As a teacher I am blessed to have Gordon and Laura as students. Their dedication and generous spirits make the practice of Aikido very enjoyable.

Heaven is right where you are standing No need to look around for someplace special to train. No need for ornate buildings or facilities. Your training is continuous and is taking place every moment. The quest for Buddhist enlightenment has been likened to searching everywhere for your nose. Once you find it you can't believe that it was in front of your face the whole time. So it is with Aikido training. Look under your feet and you will not only find a great place to train, but heaven itself. From the School of Easter Martial Arts @ easternmartialarts.com/aikido_philosophy.htm

The meaning of Sensei Sensei means teacher or mentor and applies to any black belt teaching a class as well as to the senior instructors in a dojo. In Japanese, it is not a title, like doctor. A Japanese speaker would not identify himself or herself as sensei, since it is relative. To some people, I am sensei to many others, I am kohai, or junior.... The term conveys the idea that someone has been around longer than you have and knows more about a particular subject. By calling someone sensei, you are showing respect and asking them to help you. The instructor of a class should always be referred to as sensei on the mat if you do not respect him or her enough to do that, you should not be in the class. If you are speaking to a high-ranking teacher from another dojo, please call him or her sensei as well, to show respect. If you see your instructor wearing a gi, on or off the mat, call that person sensei. If the instructor is wearing street clothes and you are having an informal conversation, call the person by their name. As well, do not think of san as the equivalent to sensei. For a Japanese person, san means only that they are speaking politely, perhaps to an equal or subordinate. Maurice-san is merely a slightly more polished way of saying Maurice.

Group photo of Kicks for Cancer Martial Arts Show that took place in Fredericton on Saturday Oct. 5th, 2013.

View the video of the Aikido Demo featuring the Fredericton Aikido Dojo filmed at the Kicks For Cancer fundraising event that took place at the Ecole Ste Anne Auditorium on Saturday Oct. 5th.

Very informative Aikido workshop this last weekend with Osamu Obata Shihan from Toronto. Unfortunately few students were able to attend the workshop but the teaching will influence the direction of techniques practiced at the Fredericton Aikido Dojo for years to come.

Two Haiku poems I wrote many years ago: Blades of Life A skater on ice... Following Moon Lite Shadows Far into the Nite Seagull in Flight On a Cloud of Blue A Seagull is Soaring True One Windy Spring Hue

Earlier on in my Aikido training I thought there were no offensive moves in Aikido. During a Summer Camp in New England Yamada Shihan of New York Aikikai overheard me say this to another student. He staunchly corrected me insisting there were offensive moves in Aikido. These are the words of the Founder of Aikido on the subject: "If you want to disarm your foe, seize the initiative, step in and cut decisively." This understanding has changed the way I interact with my partners on the training floor. Seizing the initiative, moving in strongly establishes the proper conditions for effective self-defense. Thank you Yamada Shihan for your insightful words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxNmmvDpcAk