The Buzz About Aikido HATENKAI: The Secret to the 'Strength' Hidden Behind its Elegance Exploring a Formidable Aikido Dojo in Yokohama and the 'Samurai Spirit' Learned in Kamakura.

"Aikido HATENKAI."  It’s a name that resonates with power, isn't it? "Haten" (覇天) is said to signify the high goal of reaching for the heavens and the strength to discipline oneself. As its name is gradually whispered among martial arts enthusiasts in its home base of Yokohama, you might be wondering, "What is the actual reputation of HATENKAI?"

HATENKAI has the tagline, "An Art Woven from Elegant Techniques." These words bring to mind fluid, beautiful movements. Aikido is a martial art that seems to embody the laws of physics, using an opponent's strength against them to gain control with minimal force. Many people begin training in it for self-defense or as a form of physical and mental conditioning.

 

But have you ever heard of "Atemi Nanawari"?

This is where things get a little more specialized. In the world of Aikido, there is an old saying, "Atemi Nanawari," which means "seventy percent strikes." In other words, striking techniques are just as important as deflecting an opponent's attack. However, in many modern dojos, training in these strikes tends to be somewhat reserved due to safety concerns.

 

What makes HATENKAI unique may be its direct approach to these "atemi." You can feel their spirit, as if they're saying, "If the old masters said it was important, then let's train it properly."

Of course, this doesn't mean they advocate for brawling right from the start. Let's be clear on that. HATENKAI's "Full Contact Aikido" doesn't mean trading blows like in boxing. Instead, it means "training to be able to handle full-contact (direct) strikes and to integrate that ability into Aikido techniques." It’s not an overstatement to compare it to adding a zesty spice to a traditional Japanese dish.

For Practical Combat? Self-Defense? Or for Health?

Hearing that they also train in striking, some might worry, "Is it too intense?" Rest assured. At HATENKAI, they take maximum safety precautions, with students wearing headgear and protectors. They have a system that carefully teaches beginners the fundamentals, such as how to fall (ukemi) and body movement (tai sabaki), allowing them to progress step-by-step. This means even those with no martial arts experience or who are not confident in their physical fitness can start at their own pace.

When you think about it, in a real self-defense situation, you never know what kind of attack is coming. An opponent might grab you, or they might suddenly throw a punch. Having a wide range of "tools" to respond to such unpredictable situations is certainly reassuring.

 

Of course, they also diligently practice kata (forms). Beautiful posture and fluid body movements are the pinnacle of Aikido. They polish the basics through kata practice and cultivate applied skills through kumite (sparring) practice. It is through these two wheels that techniques deepen. Working up a sweat hitting mitts also seems like a great way to blow off daily stress, making it an appealing form of "physical education" for adults.

 

The "Advancing Aikido" and the "State of Mastery"

HATENKAI was founded by Master Tenkei Fujisaki. A true seeker of the martial way, he has a brilliant record, including three championships in practical Aikido tournaments that incorporate strikes. He also holds high ranks in many other martial arts and combat sports. Sensei Fukuyama, a Goju-kai Karate Kata World Champion and professional MMA fighter, is said to have described Master Fujisaki's aggressive yet rational movements as "Shingeki no Aiki," or "Advancing Aikido." Doesn't that sound exciting?

The technical system advocated by Master Fujisaki is extremely deep and systematic. It is based on the fundamental Aikido philosophy of "Takemusu Aiki," which is likened to the creation of the universe. From this foundation, they explore concrete techniques called "Ruten-suru Tachi-kansetsu" (Flowing Standing Joint Locks), where techniques change and link together like water in response to an opponent's movements. It's like a skilled jazz musician improvising a melody.

The technical pinnacle they aim for is the "Shouaku no Kyouchi" (State of Mastery). This is not simply about defeating an opponent, but reaching a zenith of skill and composure. It is about placing the situation definitively under control with minimal movement and without causing unnecessary pain. It involves integrating Aikido techniques, throws, and effective strikes like an orchestra conductor to peacefully quell the opponent's will to fight. This requires not just power, but also deep insight and consideration for the opponent—in other words, a high sense of ethics. The ultimate goal, they say, is the spirit of "Wago" (harmony)—avoiding conflict and reaching a state of accord. It's truly profound.

 

The "Samurai Spirit" Learned in Kamakura Adds Depth to HATENKAI

Behind HATENKAI's unique philosophy lies the master's insatiable spirit of inquiry. At one point, he embarked on a journey to seek the roots of Aikido. His destination was the ancient capital, Kamakura. There, he trained for six months in the same jujutsu that Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, had studied. He is said to have experienced firsthand the "beauty in utility" honed by the samurai and their spirit of valuing practical application.

This experience brought a new depth to HATENKAI's martial philosophy. He says that the samurai spirit he encountered in Kamakura, and the atmosphere woven by the beautiful Japanese landscape, trained not only his technique but also his mind. So profound was this connection that he later established a training hall, the "Kamakura-Do," in this historic city where he learned its spirit. Onko-chishin—learning from the past to understand the new. This journey to explore the old has become the solid foundation for HATENKAI's principle of balancing "strength" and "elegance."

 

What Lies Beyond the Dojo

HATENKAI also seems to actively engage in exchanges with other martial arts. Their attitude of exchanging techniques and learning from experts in various fields, such as karate world champions and masters of Chinese martial arts, is very open and modern.

While you might feel that HATENKAI seems a bit intimidating, seeing them appear in the media, such as teaching self-defense to comedians and idols on TV shows, suggests they have a surprisingly approachable side.

In Conclusion

How was this journey exploring the reputation of Aikido HATENKAI? We found a group that, while respecting tradition, earnestly pursues "practicality" in the modern age. Behind their elegant techniques lies a quest for true strength, supported by a systematic theory and a lofty spirituality aiming for "Wago" (harmony).

Whether you want to learn self-defense, train your mind and body, or simply try something new, everyone's motivation is different. Whether HATENKAI is the answer for you is perhaps best discovered by seeing it with your own eyes. Beyond the dojo doors, a new you that you never knew might be waiting.

 

If you're interested, why not visit for a tour? You will surely be met with refreshing sweat, vibrant voices, and focused gazes.