Rakushinkan Aikidō — A Different Path in Aiki
What is Rakushinkan Aikidō?
Rakushinkan Aikidō is a classical, principle-based approach to aikidō that blends the flowing, non-competitive philosophy of postwar aikidō with the precise structure and martial depth of traditional Japanese bujutsu. Founded by Ishikawa Tomohiro, Rakushinkan draws on decades of training in Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, Ono-ha Ittō-ryū kenjutsu, Mugenshintō-ryū iaijutsu, and Asayama Ichiden-ryū bujutsu. At its core, Rakushinkan Aikidō preserves aikidō’s non-competitive spirit, but insists that technique must be effective, verifiable, and rooted in the body’s natural movement — not in staged performance.
Five Key Features That Set Rakushinkan Apart
1. Realistic, Verifiable Technique
Many aikidō schools allow or encourage uke (the receiving partner) to “go with” a technique, sometimes leading to theatrical falls. At Rakushinkan:
· Training starts from a firmly controlled grab or hold — no “cooperative” compliance.
· If a technique works, the body moves naturally; if it doesn’t, it simply won’t.
· Students quickly learn that skill, not choreography, produces movement.
2. Clear, Physical Explanations
Calgary Rakushinkan avoids mysticism and vague slogans when teaching. Techniques are explained using basic, understandable physical principles:
· Pendulum motion
· Fixed pulley action
· Second-class lever mechanics
These concepts make aikidō accessible to all — even complete beginners — and help students connect what they feel in practice to principles they can understand.
3. Classical Budō Training Structure
Training follows the traditional Japanese learning model Shu–Ha–Ri:
· Shu (守) — Strict, mold-based basics to develop correct form.
· Ha (破) — Breaking the mold through integrated sword–body movement.
· Ri (離) — Transcending the mold, uniting ki, sword, and body into natural action.
4. No Competition, No Theatrics
Rakushinkan aikidō:
· Has no tournaments, point-scoring, or sport sparring.
· Uses weapons and jūjutsu kata to refine distance, timing, and control.
· Preserves a traditional martial ethos — serious, respectful, and free from performance pressure.
5. Integrated practice: Taijutsu × Kenjutsu × Iaijutsu
Calgary Rakushinkan combines the principles of several koryu (classical martial traditions):
· Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu
· Asayama Ichiden-ryū
· Ono-ha Ittō-ryū kenjutsu
· Mugenshintō-ryū iaijutsu
Through these arts, we practice what we call “kenjū ittai”—the unity of sword and empty-hand techniques. We believe that one cannot fully understand body arts without learning the sword. All students, regardless of background, are encouraged to study both kenjutsu and taijutsu, as they are inseparable in our approach.
Who is Rakushinkan Aikidō For?
Rakushinkan welcomes:
Complete beginners, even those unsure if martial arts are “for them.”
Experienced martial artists seeking deeper connection to classical principles.
Parents looking for structured training that builds focus, respect, and calmness in children.
Skeptics who want to test aikidō’s effectiveness for themselves.
You don’t need to be athletic or flexible. Progress comes through correct practice and steady development, not brute strength.
Why Choose Rakushinkan Over Other Aikidō Schools?
If you’ve ever watched aikidō and wondered:
“Are they really being thrown, or just jumping?”
“Can this work against someone who resists?”
“Isn’t aikidō just about looking graceful?”
…then Calgary Rakushinkan offers a refreshing answer. Here, every technique is pressure-tested in a safe, structured environment. There’s no need to “help” your partner fall — the movement speaks for itself.
Try a Class — See the Difference
Whether you’re new to martial arts or a long-time practitioner, the best way to understand Rakushinkan Aikidō is to experience it. Come watch, ask questions, and feel the training for yourself. You may discover that aikidō can be both graceful and undeniably effective.