The
origins of Ryurei Aikido go back to March 1965 when the founder, Peter
Bussell, started his study of Aikido at the Yoshinkai School of Aikido
in New Zealand.
(See Meet Our Instructors for more about Sensei's early days)
Bussell Sensei later was able to undertake further Aikido study in
Japan. After some ten years of study within the Yoshinkai he was
introduced to Koichi Tohei Sensei of the Ki No Kenkyukai (Ki Society)
and Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido. This saw the total re-evaluation of his
interpretation of Aikido and what it meant to him. No, he did not
discard what he had learned up until that point, but simply added to
it. Some time prior to meeting Tohei Sensei he had started his own
Aikido School after his original sensei left New Zealand to live in
Japan.
After studying with Tohei Sensei, the foundations of Ryurei Aikido began to form. However, it was not until his move to Canada in 1977 and his break from the Ki No Kenkyukai in the early 1980's that the name and fundamental principles for Ryurei Aikido were chosen and shaped. The name "Ryurei" translates as - elegant fluid movement. This combined with the minimal use of muscular strength in the execution of technique epitomises the founder's desired chacteristics of Ryurei Aikido's interpretation of aikido. With Bussell Sensei's diverse exposure to many teachers and styles of this magnificent art it should be no surprise that Ryurei Aikido is a totally independent aikido school without formal affiliation to any particular school in Japan.
However,
the techniques are founded on Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido's Ki Principles
and also the teachings of the Yoshinkai and Aikikai schools. Bussell
Sensei enjoys good relations with all the above Japanese schools
without formal association with any. Ryurei Aikido is well established
in the City of Ottawa, and offers regular classes to anyone with a
sincere interest in truly learning the physical and philosophical
intrigues of this form of Budo.
All students have a choice of how often they wish to practice each week.
They must choose a day when we offer both Aikido and Shinkido. We do
not teach any student just Aikido, you must study Shinkido as well.
However, for those who wish to only study Shinkido, you may do so without the study of Aikido.
Our classes are mostly structured for all comers, from the beginner to the most experienced of practioners. However, we do have some classes exclusively for experienced aikidoka. Here we delve into more advanced concepts of Ki study and advanced aikido and weapons techniques. Ryurei Aikido also offers Shinkido Seminars to the general public as well as to aikidoka from any school with an interest, and to specialized groups such as Holistic Health Therapists, students of yoga and chi gong, etc. We also offer courses of training in the art of Shinki-Ryoho a form of therapeutic Ki Massage which is of interest to many people who follow different energy therapies such as Shiatsu, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Chi Nei Tsang, and many others
