Have you ever checked out an Aikido class at Raincoast Martial Arts in Port Hardy?
Raincoast Martial Arts’ Aikido instructor Andrew Hory was ready to grapple with a few of his students in his evening class. Hory, who has a black belt in the martial arts, has practised Aikido since 1994, but has also practised other martial arts for 35 years.
“Aikido comes from personal defence - it’s by no means passive in terms of its response to an attack,” Hory said. He also added that it’s “not aggressive in its own rights. It’s a highly refined response to aggression. It allows the option of not hurting the attacker.”
Much like Karate, Aikido training is based on two partners practising what is known as “katas” or pre-arranged forms. These forms and techniques are typically an initial defence against an attack, though students may study strikes. There are over 13 techniques that a student can practice in Aikido, with many of the forms including throws.
Some striking techniques use weapons, some resembling sword cuts, or any other armed combat like short staffs. Hory noted that “when you have a sword strike, I’m not going to walk around with a katana, but it’s about the form. It’s directly transferable. It’s about the position of the body.”
During the training session on Thursday, Oct. 4, students practised the wielding of a katana inside the dojo.
Hory was able to achieve his Aikido black belt within six years. He mentioned that he practices Aikido not just for fitness but, “very much for non-physical reasons. It’s actually a very powerful expression.”
He also added that his training has given him the ability to “not get into a fight.”
Hory wears a “hakama” or black, pleated trousers to indicate his status as an instructor, while most of the students typically wear a white belt. Those who have earned the rank of “dan” usually wear a black belt to distinguish themselves from a white belt rank.
Aikido is relatively modern and developed out of a different branch of martial arts, departing from them in the late 1920s. Aikido has combined a variety of martial arts into its practice, but its central focus is around defending oneself while also protecting the attacker from injury by redirecting the attacker’s movements using throws and joint locks.
Raincoast Martial Arts is currently accepting new students in their dojo. Hory emphasized that they take in students at any time of the year. “We want people to try it out for a month,” Hory said, adding he encourages locals to come out and visit, so that they can get an idea of what the martial art is like. The adult class times run Tuesday and Thursday night at 6:45 p.m.
