Passionate about Aikido

AIKIDO master A. Francis Ramasamy has accumulated an impressive martial arts knowledge including jujitsu, judo, kendo and even Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) since he was 18. 

But it is the self-defence art of Aikido, which remains his main passion. 

Despite being 67 years old, there seems to be no slowing down for this Shihan (Senior Teacher), who holds the rank of 6th Dan in Yoshinkan Aikido. 

Born and bred in Penang, Francis studied Aikido for over 30 years and was trained under many high-ranking instructors including Soke Shioda Sensei, Yagi Junchiro Sensei, Kushida Sensei and Takufumi Takeno Sensei. 

“One of the main reasons I pursued and mastered Aikido is because it is one of the self- defence arts which is non-competitive and can be practised until late in life.  

“Aikido also encompasses five therapeutic values involving cardio-vascular, respiratory, blood circulation, bone and musculature and tendons,'' he said in an interview at his house, which also serves as a dojo (training centre), in Kim Bian Aik Road, Penang. 

Akido master A.Francis Ramasamy demonstrating a throw on son Franky at a practice session in Penang.The emphasis of this art of self-defence is holds and locks.

Francis said Aikido was a form of mathematical art as it invol- ved calculation of time and distance. 

“It also involves a lot of geometrical art as it deals with angles and important aspects of straight lines, circles, triangles and squares in its posture movements,” he said. 

Aikido literally means “The Way of Harmony'' and is a form of self-defence that emphasises on holds and locks. It also uses the principles of non-resistance in order to debilitate the strength of the opponent. 

These principles are coupled with the sword, staff and knife techni-ques. 

Founded in the early 20th century, it has grown to be one of the world's most powerful arts. 

“The essence of Aikido is basically the harmony of Aikido and the mind and the axiom of Aikido is that the gentle can control the strong through mind techniques. 

“This means an Aikido exponent must first understand his opponent and share his feelings. The final objective is not to inflict injury but to cultivate a sense of harmony,'' explained Francis. 

Ever since attending training in Japan in 1965, Francis has returned there on five occasions for further training. 

In Japan, Francis was supervised by founder and celebrated Aikido master Kancho Gozo Shioda, who had since passed away at the age of 79 in 1994. 

Francis had also trained with the Metropolitan Police in Tokyo which utilises Aikido to encourage its staff to be well disciplined. 

In between his hectic schedule attending training and conducting classes, Francis managed to form a new form of self-defence – Mushindo – in 1984.  

Mushindo incorporates the aggressive style of Aikido with the soft therapeutic ways of Wado (another school of Aikido), which puts emphasis on breathing techniques, acupuncture points and meditation. 

He initially started with five students and the group has since grown to 12.  

“Mushindo is now being taught in England, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt. 

“I also make it a point to go to England for two weeks annually to train my Mushindo masters there,'' he said. 

Closely following in his foot-steps is his son Franciscus Nithya Nantham, 23, popularly known as Franky among his friends and students. 

Franky, who is ranked 4th Dan, helps his father conduct training, especially for the younger group. 

The dojo is at 30 Kim Bian Aik Road, Penang. 

Those interested in pursuing Mushindo can call Francis at 016-4781339 or Franky at 012-4676037.