Introductory booklet for the use of the new practitioner
1. Ren Shin Kan's own identity :
Ren Shin Kan aims to teach aikido with "heart" as the main ingredient. The training is of course physically demanding, while respecting the possibilities of each individual, but without neglecting the spiritual part of the progression.
The dojo’s name has been granted by Sugano Seiichi Shihan, 8th dan of the Tokyo Aikikai and direct student of the founder of akido. “Ren" means "drill", a higher-level concept than "training". "Shin" means the spirit and "Kan" means the place, the house.
The dojo tries to live up to its name by providing a rigorous training through the development of the mind.
The location of the dojo in a modest little school accentuates the atmosphere of study and meditation. The teacher hopes to compensate for the place’s relative lack of comfort by offering a more intimate teaching and by uniting the team of practitioners around common ideals. In the same spirit the Ren Shin Kan is, among others, at the origin of a social project aiming to promote aikido among the children of the elementary school "La Farandole", the school where the dojo is located (see socio-educational project below).
The teaching has the ambition to be built around a hard core of students, a core that will grow slowly by being made up of motivated people. Nothing is indeed more difficult to manage than the coexistence within the same class, of "truly motivated" practitioners and "dilettante" practitioners. Ren Shin Kan classes are undoubtedly aimed at the first category of practitioners. Let's remember that high standards are not synonymous with austerity, far from it! Joy and enthusiasm make the heart of the school vibrate...
2. Socio-educational project associated with REN SHIN KAN :
The school "La Farandole" indeed proposes an aikido activity to the children of the first and second grades of primary school. This activity is included in the normal class schedule and aims to develop the child’s psycho-motor growth, but also her/his learning about difference, respect and discipline. This initiative requires resources to extend it to other primary school classes. To this end, Ren Shin Kan proposes to support this initiative, as far as it can, by paying part of the fees collected to the circle of former students so that it can organise additional courses for children in other classes.
The will of Master Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei, the founder of aikido, was clearly to leave to humanity a tool not only for self-development and the realisation of harmony with others, but even more, an art that awakens unconditional love between peoples and generations. This modest project, to which Ren Shin Kan adheres, is a reminder of this ideal.
3. Pedagogical trends of teaching at REN SHIN KAN :
Instructor Christophe DEPAUS is a student of Sugano Seiichi Shihan 8th dan (deceased in 2010) and of Christian Tissier Shihan 8th dan. They are the ones who awarded him his aikikai grades, from 1st to 6th dan. It is the fruit of their teachings which is therefore privileged at REN SHIN KAN.
However, the instruction is intended to be pluralist and eclectic. So Christophe particularly appreciates other masters whose teaching he will try to pass on. Let's mention among others Miyamoto Tsuruzo Shihan 8th dan, Kuribayashi Takanori Shihan 7th dan and Kobayashi Yukimitsu Shihan 7th dan (non-exhaustive list - see teacher's CV).
4. Organisation of courses :
4.1.
Classes are usually held on Mondays and Thursdays from 20:00 to 21:30, and on Wednesdays from 19:30 to 21:00. Some additional, thematic courses are planned. Dates and details will be communicated in due time.
As the dojo is locked, students are requested to be in front of the main door at 19.30 pm (19:00 on Wednesdays). The group enters the school together. The door is locked afterwards and there is no way to enter. For latecomers, a second entrance will be provided at 19:45 (19:15 on Wednesdays), a few minutes before the start of the course. It goes without saying that this possibility should not be used intentionally but only in case of unforeseen circumstances. Students entering at 19:30 (19:00 on Wednesdays) must participate in setting up and cleaning the tatami, which is an integral part of the practice. For this reason, we cannot tolerate a systematic arrival at 19:45 (19:.15 on Wednesdays), in order to escape the maintenance activities of the dojo. The actual class starts at 20:00 (19:30 on Wednesdays).
4.2.
The possibility for the teacher to participate in seminars is a priority. It is essential for a practitioner and a fortiori a practitioner-teacher to take part in the seminars run by the masters. Thus, Christophe does nearly 200 hours of training per year, both in Belgium and abroad. Although most of these seminars are organised during weekends or school holidays, some of them could take place during the week, in the course of the year. As a general rule, in this case, the lessons will still be given by a senior student of the dojo. However, the replacement option is not an obligation. Students are asked to accept this situation, bearing in mind that any personal investment by the teacher in his or her own progress can only have a positive effect on the quality of the lessons. These "absences" are the price to pay for quality teaching. They cannot be invoked against any reimbursement, even partial, of membership fees. This principle will not be contested.
Furthermore, Christophe himself also gives courses in Belgium and abroad (e.g. Switzerland, Austria, Tunisia, Greece, Italy). Accompanying him on his travels is a way of prolonging the learning process.
4.3.
Some courses will be taught by visiting teachers, either in sharing with Christophe or totally. This practice is part of the necessary open-mindedness that must be maintained throughout the learning process. It is also part of the rules of courtesy between teachers.
The Dojo-Cho, namely Christophe, can thus thank the presence and show his confidence by delegating one of his classes to a high ranking practitioner who would honour him with a visit to the dojo. Practitioners are asked to abide by this rule and to make the most of the diversity of approaches thus offered to them.
5. Etiquette and behaviour :
You may invite anyone to come and watch a lesson at any time, provided that you have asked the teacher for permission beforehand and that the following rules are observed :
Although there are many rules of etiquette to learn, they will come naturally with regular practice. Do not be offended if you are corrected on a detail, as each of these details is important for the safety of all and has a specific educational purpose.
Aikido is not a religion, but an education and improvement of the mind.
Particular prerogatives of the teacher :
Every new student in the dojo is assigned a mentor. This person's mission is to supervise the beginner and to answer all his questions. The mentor is, in a way, the guarantor of the newcomer. The mentorship as such lasts until the 6th kyu exam.
Ren Shin Kan aims to teach aikido with "heart" as the main ingredient. The training is of course physically demanding, while respecting the possibilities of each individual, but without neglecting the spiritual part of the progression.
The dojo’s name has been granted by Sugano Seiichi Shihan, 8th dan of the Tokyo Aikikai and direct student of the founder of akido. “Ren" means "drill", a higher-level concept than "training". "Shin" means the spirit and "Kan" means the place, the house.
The dojo tries to live up to its name by providing a rigorous training through the development of the mind.
The location of the dojo in a modest little school accentuates the atmosphere of study and meditation. The teacher hopes to compensate for the place’s relative lack of comfort by offering a more intimate teaching and by uniting the team of practitioners around common ideals. In the same spirit the Ren Shin Kan is, among others, at the origin of a social project aiming to promote aikido among the children of the elementary school "La Farandole", the school where the dojo is located (see socio-educational project below).
The teaching has the ambition to be built around a hard core of students, a core that will grow slowly by being made up of motivated people. Nothing is indeed more difficult to manage than the coexistence within the same class, of "truly motivated" practitioners and "dilettante" practitioners. Ren Shin Kan classes are undoubtedly aimed at the first category of practitioners. Let's remember that high standards are not synonymous with austerity, far from it! Joy and enthusiasm make the heart of the school vibrate...
2. Socio-educational project associated with REN SHIN KAN :
The school "La Farandole" indeed proposes an aikido activity to the children of the first and second grades of primary school. This activity is included in the normal class schedule and aims to develop the child’s psycho-motor growth, but also her/his learning about difference, respect and discipline. This initiative requires resources to extend it to other primary school classes. To this end, Ren Shin Kan proposes to support this initiative, as far as it can, by paying part of the fees collected to the circle of former students so that it can organise additional courses for children in other classes.
The will of Master Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei, the founder of aikido, was clearly to leave to humanity a tool not only for self-development and the realisation of harmony with others, but even more, an art that awakens unconditional love between peoples and generations. This modest project, to which Ren Shin Kan adheres, is a reminder of this ideal.
3. Pedagogical trends of teaching at REN SHIN KAN :
Instructor Christophe DEPAUS is a student of Sugano Seiichi Shihan 8th dan (deceased in 2010) and of Christian Tissier Shihan 8th dan. They are the ones who awarded him his aikikai grades, from 1st to 6th dan. It is the fruit of their teachings which is therefore privileged at REN SHIN KAN.
However, the instruction is intended to be pluralist and eclectic. So Christophe particularly appreciates other masters whose teaching he will try to pass on. Let's mention among others Miyamoto Tsuruzo Shihan 8th dan, Kuribayashi Takanori Shihan 7th dan and Kobayashi Yukimitsu Shihan 7th dan (non-exhaustive list - see teacher's CV).
4. Organisation of courses :
4.1.
Classes are usually held on Mondays and Thursdays from 20:00 to 21:30, and on Wednesdays from 19:30 to 21:00. Some additional, thematic courses are planned. Dates and details will be communicated in due time.
As the dojo is locked, students are requested to be in front of the main door at 19.30 pm (19:00 on Wednesdays). The group enters the school together. The door is locked afterwards and there is no way to enter. For latecomers, a second entrance will be provided at 19:45 (19:15 on Wednesdays), a few minutes before the start of the course. It goes without saying that this possibility should not be used intentionally but only in case of unforeseen circumstances. Students entering at 19:30 (19:00 on Wednesdays) must participate in setting up and cleaning the tatami, which is an integral part of the practice. For this reason, we cannot tolerate a systematic arrival at 19:45 (19:.15 on Wednesdays), in order to escape the maintenance activities of the dojo. The actual class starts at 20:00 (19:30 on Wednesdays).
4.2.
The possibility for the teacher to participate in seminars is a priority. It is essential for a practitioner and a fortiori a practitioner-teacher to take part in the seminars run by the masters. Thus, Christophe does nearly 200 hours of training per year, both in Belgium and abroad. Although most of these seminars are organised during weekends or school holidays, some of them could take place during the week, in the course of the year. As a general rule, in this case, the lessons will still be given by a senior student of the dojo. However, the replacement option is not an obligation. Students are asked to accept this situation, bearing in mind that any personal investment by the teacher in his or her own progress can only have a positive effect on the quality of the lessons. These "absences" are the price to pay for quality teaching. They cannot be invoked against any reimbursement, even partial, of membership fees. This principle will not be contested.
Furthermore, Christophe himself also gives courses in Belgium and abroad (e.g. Switzerland, Austria, Tunisia, Greece, Italy). Accompanying him on his travels is a way of prolonging the learning process.
4.3.
Some courses will be taught by visiting teachers, either in sharing with Christophe or totally. This practice is part of the necessary open-mindedness that must be maintained throughout the learning process. It is also part of the rules of courtesy between teachers.
The Dojo-Cho, namely Christophe, can thus thank the presence and show his confidence by delegating one of his classes to a high ranking practitioner who would honour him with a visit to the dojo. Practitioners are asked to abide by this rule and to make the most of the diversity of approaches thus offered to them.
5. Etiquette and behaviour :
- When stepping onto and off the mat, you must bow.
- Always bow towards the SHOMEN and the founder's portrait.
- Respect your working instruments. The GI (practice outfit) must be clean and in good condition, weapons put away when not in use.
- Never use a GI or weapons that do not belong to you.
- A few minutes before practice, you should be warmed up, sitting in seiza and aligned with the other practitioners already seated. These few minutes allow your mind to clear, to get rid of the problems of the day and prepare for the study.
- The class begins and ends with a formal ceremony. It is essential that you are on time to participate, but if you arrive late, you should wait by the mat until the teacher signals you to join the class. Take a bow as you step onto the mat. Also be careful not to disrupt the class.
- The correct way to sit on the mat is the seiza position. But if you have knee injuries, you can sit cross-legged. Never stretch out your legs or lean against the wall or a pole. You must be available at all times.
- Do not leave the mat during practice except in case of injury or discomfort.
- When the teacher demonstrates a technique, you should remain seiza (or cross-legged) and watch carefully. After the demonstration, bow to a partner and start working.
- As soon as the end of a technique is announced, stop your movement immediately, bow to your partner and join the other practitioners sitting in line.
- Never stand on the mat without working. If necessary, stay in seiza while waiting for your turn.
- Do not cross your arms (a sign of defiance !)
- If for some reason you absolutely have to ask the teacher a question, go towards him/her, never call him/her : greet him/her with respect and wait until he/she is available. A standing bow is sufficient in this case.
- When the teacher shows you a particular movement during the class, kneel down and watch carefully. Bow to him when he has finished. When he corrects another practitioner in your vicinity, you should stop and stand aside in seiza to enjoy the teaching and give him enough space to explain without embarrassment.
- Respect the higher-ranked practitioners. Never argue about technique.
- You are there to work, not to impose your ideas on others. In this context, the use of force for the sole purpose of "blocking" the partner's movement is strictly forbidden.
- If you know the movement and you are working with someone who does not, you can guide him/her. But do not try to correct if you do not have the YUDANSHA (black belt) level.
- Talk as little as possible on the mat.
- Do not lounge on the mat before or after class. The mat is reserved for those who wish to practice.
- The mat should be swept/cleaned every day before class. Everyone is responsible for keeping the dojo clean. This cleaning work is also an activity of misogi (inner purification).
- It is forbidden to eat, drink, smoke, chew gum on and off the mat during practice.
- Wearing jewelry is prohibited during practice.
- We usually say "Onegai shimasu" (literally : I am making a request to you, please) at the time of the greeting at the beginning of the class and "Arigatoo gozaimashita" (thank you) at the end of the class.
- You should do your best to respect the harmony of the dojo and give fullness to the practice.
You may invite anyone to come and watch a lesson at any time, provided that you have asked the teacher for permission beforehand and that the following rules are observed :
- The visitor-spectator must sit discreetly, not rest his or her legs on a piece of furniture and may not adopt a semi-recumbent position.
- The visitor may not eat or drink during class.
- The visitor may not talk to anyone on the carpet.
- The visitor may not walk around while the teacher is showing or correcting a movement.
Although there are many rules of etiquette to learn, they will come naturally with regular practice. Do not be offended if you are corrected on a detail, as each of these details is important for the safety of all and has a specific educational purpose.
Aikido is not a religion, but an education and improvement of the mind.
Particular prerogatives of the teacher :
- The teacher can refuse the registration of a student.
- The teacher can forbid the access to a visitor, if he has not previously given his agreement.
- The teacher can ask a student or a visitor to leave at any time.
- Finally, in exceptional circumstances, the teacher can dismiss a student who is regularly enrolled in classes. If this dismissal takes place before the first 6 months, and if the student has paid an annual fee, half of the fee will be refunded.
Every new student in the dojo is assigned a mentor. This person's mission is to supervise the beginner and to answer all his questions. The mentor is, in a way, the guarantor of the newcomer. The mentorship as such lasts until the 6th kyu exam.
