I just met Thong at the “Three Paths One Journey” seminar hosted by Aikido of Roseville. To prepare for the workshop I took a tour of you tube to view as many videos as I could find.Although Thong’s approach is not “traditional Aikido” I did find a video of his ASU black belt test. This helped me put his movements into an Aikido context. I first started Aikido in 1967 with Kanai Sensei in Cambridge, MA. I have trained with USAF, ASU, Iwama, Shingu and other styles. What I found with Thong’s approach was one more arrow in the quiver. What I am finding is that once we go deeper than the form differences of the various styles, they are all the same. We are movement and there are many, many expressions.

Thong addressed relaxation as a precursor to effortless movement, and as a way to identify and to let go of fear. Then we moved on to visualizations and how a change of focus added to the effortless movement. Then using situations, not exactly techniques he showed how working on structure really made for effective movement. With the alignment gained from your structure you are able to create a very centered relationship with your partner. I really enjoyed the knife take a ways, very, quick, very effective. My only regret is that I am not able to train with him daily. He is based on the East Coast, if you get a chance to train, don’t miss out!

~ Jeff Black
Aikido since 1967, Kanai Sensei, USAF, ASU, Shingu, Iwama, Aikido & Healing Arts Center of Roseville

 

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