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25.01.2022 11/2020. Found some old photos of when I started studying Aikido full-on, under Johannes Buiter (RIP), and his 2IC, Paul Sinkinson, back in Auckland New Zealand in the 80's. Yohan passed on a solid, strong, foundation to build upon, throughout the years. I was there, and one of the first member's, when he founded RIAI NZ. I was one of his first student's, at his Dojo near the downtown bus station, in Auckland city, to reach Shodan under his teaching. Rest in peace my frien...d. Many thanks for the lessons. You will always be remembered. Constantly seek more. Strive to be the best possible you, that you can be. Shine bright. Never be afraid to stand up, speak out, say what you think, for this is your life-journey. Follow your own path, and believe in yourself, trust in your judgement, back yourself. Paul Araki-Metcalfe. shadowsword.com.au AikidoEvolution.com See more

24.01.2022 This man is a genius. He is quite small in stature, and obviously has no real physical strength to draw from. Yet, his technique is amazingly powerful. This is the Aikido style/method/way that we all should follow. It closely follows the teachings of O-Sensei. Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more.

24.01.2022 1/2021. Happy New Year all. May this year be a much better one than the last. How to instantly, so effortlessly, and so easily reverse the power, strength, dominance and control, when someone grabs your wrist?... The correct and true method of doing this, following closely the teachings of O-Sensei, allows for someone weaker, smaller to effortlessly control and neutralise someone bigger, larger, stronger, and more powerful than yourself. This is the way/methodology/teachings of O-Sensei, which allows smaller weaker people to neutralise larger stronger people. When someone grabs your wrist, they are using their whole body, strength, muscles, weight, power, to grab and control your wrist, to ultimately contain, restrain, and control you. Unless you can lift their whole body weight with one hand, you must use correct and true technique/methodology by utilising the power of the mind, body, and spirit to overcome that imbalance, to neutralise that control. Do not get into conflict with them, by trying to wrestle, shove, push, pull away, or try to foolishly muscle through them. In doing that, you are actually making it much easier for them to control you. Keep your centre, breath out, lower your centre, relax, align the base of your thumb with your belly button by turning/pivoting your whole body to bring your belly-button to the base of your thumb joint. From there, pivot, turn your whole body as one unit, to perform correct and true technique, without conflict. NEVER try to move/pull your wrist to your centre, for that is solely relying on physical muscular strength, which can easily be felt, then immediately countered, and controlled, by the person grabbing your wrist. Learning correct and true methods of technique, according to O-Sensei's teachings, is of the utmost importance, if you sincerely wish your Aikido to work every single time, effortlessly and with such ease, without having to revert to muscular force or brute strength to push and shove your way through techniques. That incorrect method/way is solely for practitioners who have not yet tried or mastered the mind, body, spirit methodology that O-Sensei speaks of. Those types of practitioners, who rely on trickery, deception, atemi, the push shove muscle-through method, can sadly only perform a very poor imitation of the real thing. They usually hurt, harm, damage, injure, and maim others in the process. So opposite to the teachings of O-Sensei. So self-serving. So egotistical. So arrogant. So wrong. Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more, for there is always more to seek. Seek out someone who can "add-value", fine-tune, and enhance what it is that you already know. Enjoy this life-joirney Paul Araki-Metcalfe Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho (Godan) www.AikidoEvolution.com

22.01.2022 10/2020. In Aikido, correct technique is everything. There are so many highly ranked Aikidoka out there who push, shove, muscle through, and use brute force to "make" techniques work. To replace correct technique methodology with just plain old physical force is so stupid, so basic, so neanderthal, so backward, so very wrong. Fools and buffoons all, who have strayed so far from the teachings of O-Sensei, that they have gone in the completely opposite direction, and have sad...ly changed it all for the worse. If you just follow the teachings of O-Sensei, you cannot go too far wrong. Have you EVER seen, read, or heard of O-Sensei using muscular strength, and/or brute force? Then why do you? O-Sensei's interviews, books, theories, and techniques are so easily available to use as a constant reference, a guide, a benchmark. So there is really no excuse, whatsoever, to stray from the path. If you just blindly follow the interpretation of someone else, then you can so very easily end up going in the completely wrong direction. Correct Aikido technique should be relaxed, calm, flowing, effortless, and unstoppable. If not? Then it totally contravenes, challenges, and goes against the teachings of O-Sensei. In my opinion, there are just far too many individuals who have achieved their high ranking through ass-kissing and politics, rather than through achieving a higher level of knowledge, understanding, skill, and ability in technique. I chose to not focus on ranking, ass-kissing, or politics. I totally focus on strictly following the teachings of O-Sensei. If O-Sensei never did a technique that way? Then neither do I. Correct technique is everything. Anything else just will not do. Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more. Strive to be the very best you, that you can possibly be. Shine bright. Enjoy your life-journey Paul Araki-Metcalfe See more

22.01.2022 12/2020. Just open up your mind, to the possibility, that there is more. Open up your mind, to seeking more. Open up our mind, to the possibility, that your instructor, teacher, mentor, guide is just another human-being, with faults and human failings, and is just like you. Open up your mind, to the possibility, that they can only teach you what they know, and nothing more. Open up your mind, to the possibility, that if what they teach you is incorrect, slightly flawed..., or utterly and completely flawed? Then, that is all they can teach you. That is all you can learn from them. Constantly seek out this that can enhance, fine-tune, and can "add-value", to what it is that you already know. Seek out those non-Japanese who have spent many years in Japan, studying under some great masters. For they know far more than those who have not done so. Enjoy this life-journey Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu aikikai Aikido Dojo cho (Godan) www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

21.01.2022 11/2020. I put down here what I believe to be a better, easier, less physical way/method/theory, based on my 10 years living and studying in Japan, and also my many decades of Aikido study, which I freely offer, to anyone interested, to try to emulate/copy, in the hope that it will improve their understanding, skills, ability, techniques. It can only offend those that refuse to evolve, grow, or even try to improve and/or become better at technique. Those that feel intimida...ted and/or threatened by my accumulated skill, ability, knowledge, understanding. Those who are "stuck in the mud", have done it that way for many years, and have absolutely no intention to change, grow, evolve. Those individuals who are only interested in their position, power, politics, influence, dominance, and control over others. To those sorts? All the very best to you. To those others who are seeking a better, easier method, way? Why not give what I say/advise/suggest here a go. What have you got to lose? Absolutely nothing. What could you gain? Absolutely everything. Enjoy your journey Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu (A 600-year-old traditional Japanese sword style). also Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho (5th dan). www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

21.01.2022 11/2020. If your hands are not inline with your horizontal centre, as you are performing techniques? Then, what you are currently doing needs correcting. Many instructors have never lived, studied, trained, or taught, in Japan, and can therefore have a slightly distorted viewpoint, understanding, or misunderstanding, of the art. An occasional 2 week trip, one month stay, will just not do. It has to be several years of focus, dedication, and study under a great teacher, t...o install correct and true methods/ways. I so strongly believe, that if you closely follow the teachings of O-Sensei, study his video, read his books, then you cannot go to far wrong. If O-Sensei never did it that way? Then, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for you to do anything different. Follow someone else's version, understanding, viewpoint, theory,, or idea? Then you can so easily stray off the path, and go in a completely different/wrong/incorrect direction. If a fool teaches others, what is there to learn but foolish things? Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more. Enjoy this life-journey. Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu also Dojo cho Aikikai Aikido www.AikidoEvolution.com www.shadowsword.com.au See more

20.01.2022 11/2020. If you believe that "might is right", muscle is power, and you approach Aikido techniques that way? Then, your theory is totally flawed, completely and utterly wrong, and you have mis-understood the teachings of the founder of Aikido, O-Sensei. If muscles, size, strength, weight were the answer? Then the biggest, strongest person would win every single time.... Now, let's just try to look at that theory logically, rationally. O-Sensei was 5 feet tall, and rather sickly his whole life. O-Sensei's teacher, Sokaku Takeda, was smaller than that. Yet, Sokaku Takeda was unbeatable, throughout all Japan. I met a high grade at an international seminar, who believed that muscles, strength, size, and brute force, was the "way." He attacked me full-on, full-force, full-power, with absolutely no holding back. I just slightly deflected the force/power/strength and, instantaneously, he smashed heavily into the mat. He just kept coming full on, repeatedly, and repeatedly he smashed instantaneously into the mat. Did he learn the lesson? I think not. I am sure that he has convinced himself, that his way works, on most people. He just will stay away from me in future hahaha. All I did was pivot slightly, and rotate my hands, as I received, absorbed, blended, and re-directed his power/force/energy. No meeting force with force, no clashing, blocking, stopping, grabbing, pushing, shoving. Just correct and proper technique. Aikido is all about correct and proper technique, nothing else. That is why/how a smaller person, such as O-Sensei and his teacher Sokaku Takeda, can easily neutralise a larger opponent. Constantly think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly strive to do better, become better, be better. Enjoy your life-journey Paul Araki-Metcalfe www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com

20.01.2022 What I say and write here, on my Aikido Alliance Australia page, is only what O-Sensei said in his day. This video also has captions in English, which state what I state. I am not a Guru, I do not have any far fetched, or radical, ideas and theories about Aikido techniques. I closely follow the teachings of O-Sensei. Do you? This video also mentions O-Sensei studied Yagyu Ryu, The same sword as I studied whilst living in Japan. Studying that made the link/connection to m...e regarding what O-Sensei tried to pass on about mind, body, spirit working as one. Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu opened my eyes to yet another level, another dimension. Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more. Enjoy this life-journey Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu also Dojo cho Aikikai Aikido www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

20.01.2022 11/2020. Never meet force with force, for that goes so totally against the teachings of O-Sensei. Performing Aikido techniques that way, is not too dissimilar to two mountain goats head-butting each other on a mountainside. Where is the skill/finesse in that? Aikido techniques should always be done on angles, and should naturally, organically, flow with the energy generated. Proper and correct technique should never ever clash, push, shove, block, stop, or be used to meet ...force head on. Engage, absorb, deflect, redirect, neutralise. Proper and correct technique, is learning/practising/repeating the right distances and angles to keep "connected"/"engaged" but constantly safe. Not unlike two opposite magnates, keeping a certain distance from each other, but when they get too close, they repel each other with force. Proper and correct technique has absolutely nothing to do with muscular strength, brute force, weight, size, gender, deception, atemi (hitting), slyness, trickery or deceit. Those methods are the ways of people who misunderstand, or do not fully understand, or who do not fully comprehend the teachings of O-Sensei. Think on what it is that you do,and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more. Find a teacher who can "add value" to what it is that you currently know. For, what is the point of studying, if you do not evolve, grow? "Aikido is a pathway a better you." O-Sensei. Be the best possible you, that you can possibly be. Shine bright. Enjoy your life-journey. Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu also Dojo cho Godan (5th Dan) Aikikai Aikido www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

18.01.2022 I found this man when I had given up on any decent Aikido instructors in Australia, back in 1986, when I came over from New Zealand. David Brown is a genius. He has such understanding, knowledge, ability, skill, expertise. I followed him for many years, and was in awe of his way. Enjoy.

18.01.2022 11/2020. The internet age has opened up the possibility to share your knowledge, experience, viewpoint (right or wrong), skill, expertise, ability, with so many others around the world. You no longer have to travel and live in Japan, for many years, to study under great masters of the art, to gain the finer intricate points, and acquire an in-depth understanding of the art. Just seek out someone who has, and study under them. It used to be that you would have to seek ou...t a Japanese instructor, to get the best training. But, nowadays, there are so many non-Japanese who have lived and studied in Japan for many years, studying under the great masters of the art. Seek them out, and learn, study, grow, evolve. I put my thoughts and ideas down here, methods and ways, in the hope it may well make others rethink, try out, explore, and perhaps even look at things from yet another angle. So many of us so easily fall into line, and just follow along blindly, without question, debate, challenge. After all, as long as you do what they say, you will automatically get yet another grade/rank. So many of us enjoy, live for, focus on the "politics" of the Dojo, group, organisations worldwide. I chose to focus on becoming better at the art itself. I love to push the boundaries, explore, try what others say cannot be done. I do not just blindly follow along, I must try and test things out for myself, to ensure they work properly and correctly. Sharing my over 40 years of love, passion, study, travel, knowledge, experience, acquired in Aikido. I will gladly, happily, freely share ALL that I know, all that I have learnt, acquired, with anyone who is interested in seeking more, becoming more. If what I write here entices others to step outside their comfort zones, to not just follow along blindly, to look at things with a different understanding and viewpoint, and try to explore and expand their own knowledge, skill, ability, and understanding? Then I have done good. If you do the same thing for many years, you just get good at doing the same thing. Same in, same out, nothing can possibly change. To change, first, you must change. Change the input, and therefore change the outcome. Different in, different out. All quite logical really. Seek out someone who will "add-value" to what you already know. Someone who will assist you in your personal journey. Constantly seek more. Strive to be the very best you, that you can possibly be. Seek out those that "add-value" to what you currently know and understand. "If you like what it is that I do? Then come, was with me a while, and I will happily show you everything that I know." Paul Araki-Metcalfe www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

14.01.2022 11/2020. I encourage ALL aikido practitioners to get out there, get about, travel around, move around, and to attend Dojos, and seminars, everywhere around the world. In doing that, it will greatly help your understanding, knowledge, skill, ability, to grow and evolve more naturally, more organically, more truthfully. For, if it doesn't quite work outside your little bubble, Dojo, group, organisation, then that is where/when you will find out. If you stay in your safe litt...le bubble, Dojo, group, organisation, then everyone does what is considered "the way", basically "their way", their "accepted way." Your learning has been halted, held back, and your journey has already ended. You really cannot open your mind, grow, experience, evolve if you stay in your safe little group. I even know of organisations who even threaten their members, that if they go elsewhere to train, they will be thrown out. Heaven forbid they find out it is all false, all BS, where they currently are. I have travelled round, many Dojos, many countries, even living 10 years in Japan, and have seen firsthand how Dojo, groups, organisations become "closed off"/"secluded"/"excluded" from the rest of the world, and they then create their own little world. Everyone knows how to behave, what to do, what is accepted and what is not, and that just keeps the fantasy going. That behaviour shows the same traits as a cult following. Don't fall into that trap. You will end up paying a fortune over the years, for something that just doesn't work outside of your safe controlled little bubble. When I enter their little safe controlled world, it becomes very confronting for them, as I don't know what is the "acceptable" response to what they do. I am not mean, hard, confrontational, challenging, and definitely have no intention to harm or hurt anyone. But, I do become a mirror, and they do not like what they see. Many of their techniques are flawed, not quite right, do not work well, and really need refinement/fine-tuning. Rather than acknowledge there is self-work to be done, many find it far more easier to just get angry and verbally aggressive towards you. Just like a 3 year old having a tantrum, because they didn't get their own way hahahahaha. Just normal human reaction, when your bubble is burst. Your instructor, teacher, mentor, guide, Guru can ONLY pass on what they know, and nothing more. Sadly, many are political high rankers and quite lacking in knowledge, understanding, skill, or ability in techniques. Seek out someone who can "add value" to what you have already acquired, then you will be boosted to yet another higher level/dimension. I guarantee that you will NEVER run out of "more." Constantly seek more. Strive to be the very best possible you, that you can possibly be. Shine bright, you beautiful you. Enjoy this amazing life-journey. Paul Araki-Metcalfe www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

12.01.2022 11/2020. All the photos and video you see today of Aikido practitioners performing techniques, you see so many with locked knees, stiff, so rigid, and so very upright. Have people forgotten to unlock the knees, lower their centre of gravity, stay loose and fluid, and to breath, as they perform techniques? Mind, body, spirit is so much more than a mantra folks. It is what O-Sensei told us to do. Have all three working together, in unison, to create/mix/generate a natural or...ganic force/energy that is far more powerful than mere muscles can produce. Tap into mind, body, spirit for effortless, and powerful techniques. Seek out a teacher who knows how, study and learn. For me personally, it was my study of Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu, a 600-year-old traditional Japanese sword style, that unlocked and opened my eyes to performing Aikido techniques more correctly. O-Sensei also studied Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu. For me, personally? If you do not study Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu? Then you are missing out on a huge part of the puzzle, that makes up Aikido technique. Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more. Strive to be the very best you, that you can possibly be. Enjoy this life-journey Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu Dojo cho (5th Dan) aikikai Aikido www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

11.01.2022 11/2020. I am so very lucky to NOT be restricted, controlled, ruled over, and confined in my personal Aikido Evolution, my personal Aikido journey. No incompetent fool, with a "political" rank, and no real skill, understanding, knowledge, or ability, trying to stop me progressing, and forcing me to just comply do what they do, even if it doesn't work, even if its so very wrong. I am not a sheep, just blindly following others. I am NOT a cult member, blindly believing that o...Continue reading

10.01.2022 10/2020. If the base of your thumb is not constantly inline with the vertical centre of you whilst you perform techniques? (draw a line from between your eyebrows down between your legs, or just use your bely button as the guide), and you do not instantly correct by pivoting your torso to re-align that? Then, you have no other option than to bench-press, arm-curl, use muscular strength and/or brute force to try and drag/pull/shove/push your training partner around. That is... NOT Aikido folks. Have you EVER watched O-Sensei perform techniques like that? Have you EVER seen, read, or heard of O-Sensei doing that? Then why do you? Basically, because you have given up trying to harness the power generated from the utilisation of the mind, body, spirit. Physical force alone just will not do. Especially against someone equal to, or stronger than, you. Aikido is relaxed, done calmly, is effortless, and unstoppable. Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more. Strive to be the very best you, that you can possibly be. Shine bright. Enjoy your life-journey. Paul Araki-Metcalfe www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

09.01.2022 10/2020. Kanshu Sunadomari Sensei left the Aikikai organisation when O-Sensei passed away. He opened his own Dojo, and continued to teach, study, and evolve further what O-Sensei had taught him. He also studied the sword, which O-Sensei also did. Years later, Stanley Pranin (the late editor of Aikid Journal) arranged a demonstration of the "older" students of O-Sensei. It was called the 1st Aikido Friendship Demonstration (April 7, 1985). When Sunadomari Sensei came fo...Continue reading

09.01.2022 12/2020. At demonstrations, local, national, international, on YouTube, you do not show your expertise by bashing up your uke, or by looking scary, strong, powerful, dangerous. You show your expertise in your method / way / style / understanding / knowledge / expertise in techniques, by your correct and true body movement, posture, timing, blending, control, neutralisation, and composure. Flowing, not forcing. All the while, following O-Sensei's decree to "take great care ...of your uke." There is a vast difference between someone who uses correct and true posture, body movement, technique, and someone who uses the purely one-dimensional physical method of grab, push, shove, and muscle-through. Mind, body, spirit, all working together as one cohesive unit. Understanding that clearly shows in the difference of extremes between a tree-feller with an axe, and a surgeon with a scalpel. Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho (Godan) www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidEvolution.com See more

08.01.2022 11/2020. I have been infatuated, in love, passionate about Aikido since the very first time I saw it, and started doing it. That was way back in the 1970's, as a young boy, in Boystown in Auckland, New Zealand. I was walking past a glassed in area, and saw a young Japanese guy throwing all of the students around the room. I was in awe of what it was, was drawn to it, yet I had no clue what it was. I went in, joined in, and had a ball. I knew I wanted to do this, become g...ood at it, and so my life-journey in Aikido began. I began earnest study in Auckland city, at a Dojo, down near the bus station and wharf. My instructor, teacher, mentor guide was a large man of Dutch descent, Yohannis Buiter, and I stayed with him all the way to my Shodan exam, which was held in front of Takase Sensei, in 1985. I then left for Australia. Then I met and fell in love with a Japanese women, got engaged, married, and went to live in Japan for 10 years. I studied under some amazing Aikido masters, and my chosen one was a Hari Sunao Shihan, at his Dojo near my home in Momochihama, who also physically graded me for Yondan (4th Dan). Being graded in Japan for a 4th Dan (Yondan) will forever be a great achievement for me. I also studied a 600-year-old traditional Japanese sword style whilst there (Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu). It melded seamlessly with my Aikido techniques, to create a far better version of me, my ideas, my knowledge, skill, ability, style became far more polished and refined. It wasn't till years later, that I found out O-Sensei also studied the very same sword style (Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu). When I finally left Japan, to return to Australia, my sword teachers had a formal ceremony at Terumo Jinja (the shrine of Lord Kuroda, which our sword style served back in the days of the Samurai warrior), and they formally granted me the Kaiden Menkyo (traditional Japanese sword teaching license), and the title of Shihan. Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu changed the way that I perform Aikido techniques, for the better, as it is solidly based upon real traditional sword techniques, methods, ways, theology. All that O-Sensei wrote about Aikido, and its link to the sword, finally connected/joined/linked and made total sense. Wagyu Shinkage-Ryu sword refined, sharpened, polished and honed my movement, breathing, thinking, understanding, knowledge and ability in correct and true Aikido techniques. To me, if you do not study the same sword style that O-Sensei also studied? Then you are missing out on a huge part of the puzzle that Aikido presents to us all. Seek out a teacher, guide, mentor, Gur who can "add-value" to what it is that you currently know. Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more, be more. Enjoy this life-journey Paul Araki-Metcalfe www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

08.01.2022 12/2020. O-Sensei, the founder of Aikido, was only 5 feet tall. He was also quite sickly, for most of his life. Yet, in spite of all that, he became one of the most highly respected and revered martial art exponents, throughout all Japan. O-Sensei's Aikido utilised the natural, organic power generated through the correct use of the mind, body, spirit working in unison, as one cohesive unit. This skill is extremely hard to master, and takes many years of frustration, and...Continue reading

07.01.2022 If you misunderstood the lessons, or perhaps were taught wrong, or you perform techniques wrong/incorrectly? Then, no matter how long you repeat that, it will never ever become correct. Wrong in, wrong out. Same in, same out. To make change? Firstly, you must change. Aikido techniques should be done relaxed, calmly, and without having to resort to muscular strength, brute force, deceit, atemi (striking), or trickery. You are only fooling yourself, and most sadly, anyone th...at you teach. No matter how angry you get, how defensive you get. If you are performing techniques incorrectly, you are wasting your time. Seek out an instructor who knows what they are doing. Rank does not necessarily correlate with skill, ability, knowledge. Some practitioners gain a higher rank through doing other things (like accounting, legal advise etc), kissing ass, buttering up their instructor, and being "yes" people. Sadly, with those kind of practitioners, that is all they can pass onto you. Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? constantly seek more. Be the very best you, that you can possibly be. Enjoy this amazing life-journey. Paul Araki-metcalfe www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

07.01.2022 These photos take me back to the start of an over 40 plus year journey of love, and obsession with Aikido. Yohannis Buiter was my first real teacher, with his second-in-charge Paul Sinkinson, from the beginning of my studies through to Shodan test. I have since travelled all over the world, attending seminars, studying, teaching, learning, growing, evolving, and getting better (hopefully hahaha). I even spent 10 years living and studying in Fukuoka, Japan. Hari Sunao Shih...an was a great Aikido master that I studied under, for quite some time. Suganuma Shihan also. I sat a physical Yondan under Hari Sunao Shihan, and am proud to have that in my Yusansha book as a great memory. Rohan Sensei, and Hari Sunao Shihan, were the two most influential teachers, so far. They both gave me such great insight into the strong solid understanding in the basics, and the deeper dimensions, layers, and levels of technique. May 2021 be a far better year than the past. Be well, be safe all. Constantly seek more, for there is so much more to seek. Strive to become the very best possible you, that you can possibly be. Enjoy this incredible, and so amazing, life-journey. Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu also Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho (Godan) www.AikidEvolution.com See more

06.01.2022 11/2020. Aikido is simple, according to O-Sensei. It's all biomechanics, it's leverage, it's fulcrum. Nothing to do with muscular physical strength, in any way.... It appears that many others make Aikido technique quite complex, mysterious, intricate. Basically, self-serving, all done to suit their purpose, intention, goal, greed, ego, arrogance. If your instructor, teacher, guide, mentor, has not passed on ALL their knowledge, skill, ability to you, within 5-10 years? Then go out and find someone else, for they are deliberately, and intentionally, holding things back from you. Probably, to ensure they receive constant payment from you, and other students, for many years, if not life, to sustain their lavish lifestyle. To those Aikidoka who teach for free, feeling it is their duty to do so, and then pass on all the funds to their instructor, teacher, guide, mentor. Why do that? Your instructor, teacher, guide, mentor is definitely not doing it for free, so why should you? They are racking it in, and also enjoying the fruits of your labour. Greed. Self-serving. Honour, integrity is a two-way street folks. All parties must follow that protocol, for it to have any value. No sense if it is just you behaving that way, is there? There is no honour, if it is not a two-way street. Think on what it is that you do, and why you do it that way? Constantly seek more. Constantly seek to improve, and to evolve. Enjoy this amazing life-journey Paul Araki-Metcalfe www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com

06.01.2022 30/12/2020. If you stop being curious, stop seeking more, stop fine-tuning, stop refining, stop evolving, then your Aikido journey also stops. Keep seeking more, and I guarantee you that you will always find more. In my decades of Aikido study, around the world, I have had many higher ranks tell me I cannot do this or that, as their group doesn't do this or that, and absolutely refuse to deviate from what little they know. Yet, what I did worked, worked effortlessly, ...worked without having to force things. They just did not want to seek, learn, change, grow, or evolve. They were quite happy with what little they knew, and were quite adamant that they didn't want to learn, grow, or expand on that. A little frog is content in their own little pond thing. Good for you I say. We all have freedom to chose, or follow whoever we want. But, I am still seeking, and finding, more. I am not satisfied, or prepared to put all my faith in one person, and just follow them like they are some sort of Messiah, Some sort of God. They are only human. They can only show you what they know, and nothing more. Use the teachings of O-Sensei to guide you. His articles, books, video, and YouTube video, are there to gauge what you know against what he has shown/stated. If it deviates from his teachings? Then you are following someone else thoughts and ideas aren't you? I choose to follow the instructions of the founder of Aikido, O-Sensei. Cannot go too wrong, or stray too far off the path, in doing that can you?. Constantly seek more, and you will always find more. Trust in yourself. Back yourself. Be true to yourself. If that little voice inside tells you something is not right? or, this should be explored, refined more? Then nothing to lose by trying to follow that is there? Perhaps it might open up so much more, as it has for me? Seek out someone who will "add-value", refine, fine-tune, what you already know. Enjoy your life-journey Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

05.01.2022 10/2020. Of course, on the mat, at seminars, and in the Dojo, you must show good manner, good etiquette, and respect. There is a code, a certain way that you must follow, and I fully respect that. But, I have studied Aikido for over 50 years now, I lived and studied in Japan for many years, and I am a Shihan of the sword. I am too old to blindly follow, worship, idolise, and freely give up on me, on my personal journey, my personal evolution, just to blindly follow along,... worship, and/or idolise someone else, as if they are a God/Messiah/the only one. Or, blindly follow, just get along, kiss ass, be a "yes" man, to hopefully be granted yet another higher ranking. Sorry, but this is my personal journey, my life, my evolution, and my choice. I am not into becoming a cult follower, just another sheep in the paddock. My only goal, is exactly the same as when i first started Aikido in the late 1970's. That is to be really good at Aikido technique. Politics and BS do not interest me, they repulse me. politics and BS will do you no good, if someone choses to attack you. Being good at technique, at least gives you a chance to defend yourself. So, chose which path you follow wisely folks. Be the very best you, that you can possibly be. Back yourself. Trust in yourself. Be yourself. Shine bright. Enjoy your life-journey. Paul Araki-Metcalfe www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidopEvolution.com See more

03.01.2022 11/2020. Anyone can become proficient, amazing, powerful, incredible, at performing correct and true Aikido technique. No matter what gender, or physical strength they possess, for O-Sensei said that technique has absolutely nothing to do with physical strength, or brute force. Grabbing, griping, locking, blocking, pushing, shoving, are the ways of those practitioners who really do not have a clue. Mind, body, spirit, all working in unison is what creates the natural organi...c force / power within correct / true techniques. All you have to do is find an instructor who actually knows the true path/way/methodolgy. Sadly, there are so many instructors out there, of high rank and position, who have utilised the political path to rise through the ranks, and are quite lacking in knowledge, skill, ability. Constantly seek more, and so much more will be revealed to you. Stop seeking more, and your whole evolution also stops. Strive to become the very best you, that you can possibly be. Enjoy this life-journey. Paul Araki-Metcalfe www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

02.01.2022 12/2020. How to avoid getting injured/damaged on the mat: People are people, some are good, some are bad, and you really don't know what they are thinking. There are a certain few, Japanese and non-Japanese alike, who somehow feel better about themselves, somehow think they are more powerful, stronger, better than you, by intentionally and deliberately hurting or injuring others on the mat while training. You must learn to protect yourselves against those sort of mat-bullies..., mat-thugs, mat-cowards. If you tap, the international signal to stop, and they just keep going? You either get injured, or you react instantly to protect yourself. Best way is to immediately slide in towards them and body-slam them away. Then stop training with them, and just walk away. Or, if it is imminent that something is going to break? You must immediately body-slam them, or atemi them in the face. Stop training with them, and just walk away. The ONLY other option, is to allow them to damage you. For your self preservation, your survival, this is necessary. I personally have had some very serious injuries, over the decades, by not reacting quick enough to someone with dishonourable, and evil intentions. Mostly through petty, childish jealousy. Many of those that injured, or tried to injure me, were of a higher rank than myself, but still felt so totally threatened by my level of skill, knowledge, and ability that they lashed out. Just goes to show rank does not necessarily equate to knowledge, skill, ability, or expertise. I trusted that they would do the right thing, and stop. They didn't. All bets are off, when someone doesn't abide by the rules. If they ignore your tap, or your verbal tap, and they intend to damage you? Your reaction must be immediate survival, or immediate damage. They chose to do that, so why should you suffer the consequences of their intentional actions? Treat others with respect, etiquette, and proper manner on the mat, till they treat you otherwise. Then all bets are off. Paul Araki-Metcalfe Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho (Godan) www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more

01.01.2022 12/2020. Sitting here, on Christmas Day, reminiscing about my early days in Aikido, back in Auckland, New Zealand. My very first real instructor, from 6th Kyu, all the way up to and including my Shodan (1985), was Yohannis Buiter (rip), the founder of RIAI Aikido NZ. I was one of his first RIAI founding members, way back then (late 70's early 80's). Yohan was a rather large, imposing man, of Dutch descent. He had a Dojo, down near the main bus station, in Auckland city. I... remember when I sat for my brown belt (1st Kyu, one belt before Shodan). Yohannis had me participate in, and go through, every single grading from 6th Kyu, all the way up to and including my brown belt test. So, I did every single test, for every single kyu rank. It was tough, tiring, exhausting, but it was a wonderful memory, and a great sense of achievement. Thank you for the strong, solid grounding in basics Yohan, they hold me in good stead, to this very day. I greatly appreciate all your hard work and effort. Rest in peace my friend. It was so nice to also hear from Yohan many decades later, when he found out that I had received my Godan (5th Dan) certification from Aikikai World Headquarters. He was so very proud. We had a really nice chat, and re-connected, before he passed away. Always remembered, with a smile. I have added a few photos of that era, with our group, and also with Yohan throwing me about. I am the green belt, sitting next to Yohan in the group photo. Paul Araki-Metcalfe (also known as: Paul Metcalfe). Shihan Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu Aikikai Aikido Dojo cho (Godan) www.shadowsword.com.au www.AikidoEvolution.com See more