Who we are and what we do...
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Who we are and what we do...
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Shin Sen Dojo was founded by Ken McLean Sensei in 1980. He studied the various major styles of aikido, along with other various arts of ki energy development, yoga, shiatsu (a Japanese form of massage) and macrobiotics (dietary and lifestyle principles for harmony). He has combined his wholistic experience to create a very high quality and deep system.
Morihei Ueshiba's most prominent students started their own schools of aikido. Eventually they split into different organisations, and each style seemed to over-emphasise their differences. Ken McLean Sensei combined these different approaches to teach something more wholistic and in line with O Sensei's aikido in general, rather than any particular style. One meaning of Shin Sen is "where all streams meet". Shin Sen also means "free person", "awakened being" or "mountain person". It originated from the mountain ascetics in ancient Japan. People who lived in deep nature and practised to develop very high levels of spiritual development. Many traditions originated from this, such as the Ninja, with their seemingly super-human abilities. Instructor - Byron PriorWith over twenty years martial arts experience and more than ten years primary school teaching experience, I am able to provide a high quality learning experience.
Martial Arts Experience
I began Karate training in 2002. I had a natural ability and a strong interest in the art leading to intense effort. This allowed me to quickly develop a high level of skill in Karate. In 2005 I began training in aikido at Shin Sen Dojo. At first it was very difficult for me and my ego - suddenly this karate expert could do nothing right! However, I could see there was so much to learn. Meanwhile, at my karate classes I now felt I was not learning anything new and these classes could not take me any further in my martial arts journey. I soon stopped karate classes and dedicated myself to aikido, and enjoyed excellent overall personal development from the art. I also spent a short time training in Ninjutsu and conducted my own study of various martial arts. However, I continuously found the study of aikido at Shin Sen Dojo to be much deeper and more holistic than anything else. Though I've not been particularly enthusiastic about doing gradings, I eventually completed my black belt grading in January 2016, and my second level black belt in January 2021. After some years of leaving karate classes, I decided to resume my own individual practice of this art. Surprisingly, I found my skills remained just as strong as years before. Although I had loved karate, its practice now felt empty and pointless to me. That is, until I decided to experiment with applying aikido principles to karate. Many hours of hard work have led me to creating a unique and powerful system of karate. Teaching Experience I graduated from university with a primary school teaching qualification in 2010. During 2011 I worked as a casual teacher at many schools, including a lot of experience working with very difficult students. I have been teaching full time at my current school since 2012. A school, by the way, with wonderful students, parents and community! I have taught Year 1, 3, 5 and 6 full time, giving me experience across a wide variety of ages. I love my job. I have taught aikido and aiki karate at my school for six years. This was very challenging in the beginning, as aikido is a very complicated art. I had to simplify my teaching so kids could understand. At the same time, slowing down the teaching like this can make it boring for the kids! A very difficult situation. However, I have developed a way of teaching that makes aikido easier to understand but also fun and exciting with plenty of games and other fun activities. In the aikido classes I attend, I have had years of experience helping other adults with less experience than me. I enjoy teaching aikido to both adults and children, who always appreciate my patient nature and clear, detailed instruction. Macrobiotics Macrobiotics is a wholistic system for understanding how everything in the world works, using universal principles such as balance, and integrating the common wisdom of all cultures. It aims to achieve a healthy happy life. Macrobiotics is heavily focused on diet, but extends far beyond this to cover all aspects of lifestyle. Aiki Macrobiotics includes the principle of “aiki” or joining energy, from aikido, to enable us to find the right approach for every unique situation. A macrobiotic counsellor helps you achieve a healthy happy life. Aiki macrobiotic counsellor have studied deep listening and communication skills, enabling them to gain a deep understanding of your needs. I have always been interested in healthy diet and lifestyle, and have studied it on my own for over twenty years. In 2022, I achieved my diploma in Aiki Macrobiotic counselling, and was given permission to practice professionally. |
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