Aïkido
Aikido is a relatively young discipline in the history of Japanese martial arts since its expansion began after the Second World War. But its roots are deeply grounded in the ancient schools of jujutsu (bare hand fighting), kenjutsu (sword techniques) and jukenjutsu (bayonet technique).
The word Aikido consists of three ideograms:
Aï, which is often translated as harmonization, recalls the heritage of these old schools whose principles were melted to create the discipline. This also reflects a founding principle of this art: non-opposition to the original intention of the partner. The task of the practitioner of Aikido will have to completely dissipate and flow with the attack by taking adequate angles and tangents to create and maintain the imbalance of the partner.
Ki is usually translated by vital Energy. Concretely, in practice, this term reflects the fact that the Aikido technics, based on avoidances and use of tangent, use energy of the partner’s moves. The practice of Aikido ideally requires very little physical strength, and encourages a flexibility and the protection of the integrity of the partner (paradox of this martial art). It can be practiced by all, and at all ages.
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Do, means “way” / "path". The same ideogram we find in modern martial arts, the Budos, such as Ju-do; Karate-do, Ken-do, etc. This is an obvious sign that the journey is more important than the destination: Aikido is a search, a long process and there are no opponents but partners. That’s why the competition is excluded.
The Dojo
« Tsunawatari », the art of rope walking
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The picture on the left (which inspired the name of the dojo), is pined on the wall of Franck Noel Shihan's office at Dojo de la Roserai, Toulouse, France.
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One paradox of Aikido is that it`s essence carries both martial heritage and peaceful ideals that can often appear as opposites.
The purpose of the practice is to reconcile these opposites.
Aikido practice is like walking forward on this tight rope between the martial origins and the ultimate ambition of mercy towards the attacker.
The teacher
Philippe Boué, 4th Dan Aikikai, began Aikido at the Faculty of Grenoble (France) under the direction of Eric Matton (4th Dan). For 4 years, this teacher taught him the basics of this art that he has not stopped practicing since.
During a seminar in Grenoble, he first met Noel Franck Shihan (7th Dan Aikikai) and made the choice, once completed his studies, to join Toulouse and train with him. He would stay almost 7 years at the “Dojo de la Roseraie”, studying Aikido with Franck Noel, during the week and during his seminars, during the weekends or his summer camps.
During his stay in Toulouse, some seminars in Europe and even some short stays in Japan, he met teachers who would be as much inspiration for him: Endo Seishiro Shihan (8th Dan Aikikai), Philippe Grangé Sensei (6th dan Aikikai), Dirk Mueller Sensei (6th Dan Aikikai) ...
After some back and forth between Germany and Toulouse, he flew to Quebec, where he settled in Montreal. He shortly joined the Shoshin Dojo under the direction of Karl Grignon (4th Dan Aikikai) and practiced under his direction for 6 years.
During these 6 years, Philippe resumed teaching Aikido, from time to time in Montreal but also at Aikido Sanso St. Jerome where Marc-André Lalande Sensei invites him to teach regularly.
After 20 years of practice in early 2016 Philippe Boué decided to open his dojo to teach his practice of Aikido.
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