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rael razor's blog: "Aikido"

created on 10/05/2010  |  http://fubar.com/aikido/b336764

The Founder of Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art. Aikido translates from the Japanese as “The Way of Spiritual Harmony." Aikido was pioneered and foundered by Morihei Ueshiba, who was referred to by his students as O Sensei (Great Teacher). O Sensei was a Ju-Jitsu master and a master of the sword, spear and staff.

 Aikido is a spiritual martial art that promotes peaceful resolution and harmonious interaction among all members of society. Today, Aikido is practised by more than 300.000 people all over the world.

 O Sensei was born in the Wakayama Prefecture known as Tanabe, a port town in Japan, on the 14th of December 1883. O Sensei was a sickly child, but with his Fathers encouragement, he engaged in exercise, eventually achieving robust health.

At the age of 17, O Sensei moved to Tokyo, where he began studying Ten Shin Ju -Jitsu. O Sensei later fell ill and moved back to Tanabe.

 In 1903 O Sensei joined the Japanese Imperial Army just before the out break of the Russo/Japanese war. It was during this time that he began studying Yagyu-Shingan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu. Later in 1910, O Sensei trained briefly in Judo.

 In 1912, O Sensei settled in Shirataki village Okido. It was here in 1912 that O Sensei began studying Daito-Yu Ju-Jitsu under Sokaku Takeda (1859-1943). After a short while, O Sensei was awarded a scroll attesting to his proficiency in Daito-Yu Ju-Jitsu.

 In 1919, O Sensei began to take an interest in the Omoto religion. It was in that same year that he received a telegram stating that his father was ill. O Sensei made his way home to Tanabe. On his way home 

O Sensei detoured to Kioto to visit a temple at centre of the Omoto religion, to pray for his father’s recovery. It was here that he met Onishaburo Deguchi (1871-1948), a devotee of the Omoto religion.

Onishaburo Deguchi became O Sensei's spiritual mentor. The Omoto religion became the Philosophical basis of Aikido.

 O Sensei arrived too late to comfort his dying Father. After his Fathers death, stricken with grief, O Sensei moved his family to Ayabe in 1920, to seek solace in the Omoto religion. It was at this time O Sensei began teaching Ju-Jitsu to his fellow Omoto Devotees.

 O Sensei’s fame as a martial artist began to spread and he travelled to Tokyo to give demonstrations and seminars on behalf of Japans military and political elite. One of his supporters was Admiral Takeshita, a retired officer and also a martial artist. Takeshita helped O Sensei re-locate to Tokyo in 1927.

 In 1930, O Sensei was visited by Jigoro Kano (1860-1938), the founder of Judo. Jigoro was said to be highly impressed by O Sensei’s graceful and unusual technique. Jigoro sent several of his students to study under O Sensei.

 O Sensei settled in the Kobukan Dojo, (later to be known as the Hombu dojo), which was opened in 1931 in Tokyo. O Sensei's martial arts eventually moved away from Ju-Jitsu and gradually evolved into what became known as Aiki Budo.

 O Sensei went on to found the Aikikai foundation, which was officially recognised by the Japanese government in 1940. O Sensei decided on the name Aikido in 1942.

 O Sensei continued to develop and practise Aikido well into his 80's until his passing away on the 26th of April 1969 at the age of 86. After the founders passing, his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba was inaugurated as Aikido Doshu. Afterwards O Sensei’s grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba became the third Doshu.

 Aikido is now practised in many Dojos all over the world.

 

Aikido in Practise

Aikido was developed and pioneered by Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei (great teacher), and is a subtle, unique, sophisticated and effective martial art. It is an ideal method for efficiently defending yourself against any form of attack whilst also protecting the attacker from injury.

 Aikido techniques are taken from sword, spear, staff and Ju-Jitsu styles. Aikido helps to develop stamina, speed, and flexibility and promotes good health. Aikido emphasises the centralization of thought and action and the extension of mental energy known as Ki. Aikido practise helps to develop a clear thinking, confident person.

 Aikido techniques neutralise an opponents attack and redirect the power and energy in order to take control of the situation.

 Many Aikido Instructors have different approaches to individual techniques and Aikido is found in a number of styles in different Dojos (schools), all over the world.

 Most Aikido classes will start with basic Junbi-Taiso (warming up exercises), falling exercises known as Ukemi, which involve rolling forwards and backwards (Mai Ukemi and Ushiro Ukemi) and side ways break falling, (Yoko Ukemi).

 Also direct attacking techniques are practised, for instance-

 Shomenuchi and Yokomenuchi.

 Other basic techniques are learnt, including-

 Tenkan, a turning movement of the body. Irimi, an entering movement which involves stepping forward in a correct stance.

 There is also a combination of these two movements known as Irimi-Tenkan, (enter and turn).

 Tsugi ashi, a blocking movement using both hands in a motion similar to catching a ball.

 Shikko (walking in a kneeling position).

 There are many other basic exercises to be learnt.

 An Aikido practitioner learns techniques with a partner from the beginning. The person performing the technique is known as the Tori (defender) and the person receiving the technique is known as the Uke (attacker). The receiver of the technique, the Uke who is initiating an attack, receives the technique and is said to be making Ukemi by break falling or rolling to safely reach the ground. Some Uke attacks involve Shomenuchi and yokomenuchi and other attacks involve the Tori being held at the wrists. There are terms for this last attacking technique including-

 Katatedori, holding one wrist. Either Ai-Hanmi, which is Uke right hand to Tori right hand, or left hand to left hand or-

 Gyaku hanmi, which is right hand to left hand or visa versa.

 Ryotedori, which is Uke holding both Tori wrists.

 Tori is expected to blend with and control the attacking energy, taking Uke of balance and throwing or pining them. Uke is expected to stay calm and flexible when taking a technique.

 There are also three levels involved in practising techniques. Jodan (High level). Chudan (mid level), and Gedan (low level).

 Another aspect of technique is Tori and Uke positions-

 Tachiwaza is both Tori and Uke standing.

 Suwariwaza, both Tori and Uke kneeling or seated position.

 Hanmi Handachiwaza, Tori kneeling and Uke standing.

 There are many basic and advanced techniques in Aikido and there are many variations to each technique.  For a beginner it is mainly the basic techniques that are taught. There are terms given to each technique, for instance here are a few techniques-

 Ikkyo (first technique).     Nikyo (second technique).    Sankyo (third technique).

 Yonkyo (fourth technique).    Gokyo (fifth technique).   

 Shihonage (four directions throw).

 Kokyunage (breath throw).     Tenchinage (Heaven and earth throw).

 Iriminage (Entering throw).

 It is not possible to learn techniques by yourself. It is always a good idea to learn from a qualified instructor. Learning techniques from a manual, DVD or a book can be helpful, but using these alone and practising on friends or family members could result in serious injury. If you wish to learn Aikido for yourself, you should find your local or nearest Dojo. There is a link to a UK Aikido web site in the left hand column of this page, or alternatively you can Google search Aikido.

 

Aikido Etiquette

Aikido Dojos (Schools), like to promote a safe and harmonious environment. There is always an amount of respect between instructor and students alike. The philosophy, honesty and integrity of Aikido are integrated into daily practise.

 Dojos operate and follow rules which come directly from the founder of Aikido, (Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei), and all students are required to follow and honour his teachings. Each student should cooperate in creating a positive atmosphere of harmony and respect in the Dojo.

 It is always good etiquette to arrive early and in good time for all classes.

 It is traditional to perform a standing bow when entering and leaving the Dojo. All students should wear Zori, (sandals), too and from the Tatami, (the mats). When the Sensei enters the Dojo, All students should line up according to rank, in Seiza (a kneeling position), on the Tatami. All students should bow with Sensei towards the Kamiza, (a small shrine housing a picture of the founder O Sensei, usually on the far wall), and then returning Sensei’s bow stating "Onegaishamas", which translates as "please teach me".Similary at the end of each class, students will bow to the Kamiza and again return Sensei’s bow stating "Domo arigato gozaimashita", which translates as "thank you very much for teaching me".

 During a class, students should perform a bow to old and new partners. If the instructor teaches you and your partner individually, you should kneel whilst watching your partner and both bow afterwards. During practise all students should make sure their Keikogi, (Kit worn by the student), is correctly tied and is clean and in good condition. A student should not wear jewellery, keep long hair tied back and keep finger and toe nails short and clean.

  If arriving late for a class, a student should wait for permition from the instructor before stepping on to the Tatami, performing the correct standing and kneeling bows. If leaving a class early the student should ask permition from the instructor and again performing a kneeling bow before stepping of the Tatami and a standing bow before leaving the Dojo.

 

The verses and quotes that are to follow in this first post have been taken from the publication-

  The Philosophy of Aikido by Professor John Stevens.

 Published by Kodansha International Ltd. and Kodansha America.

 The writing of Professor John Stevens is based on his own study of Aikido and Buddhism, the teachings of the founder of Aikido and also from Professor Stevens instruction from his teacher, Rinjiro Shirata, who was one of the founder’s finest students.

 Morihei Ueshiba was the founder of the Japanese martial art known as Aikido (formally known as Aiki Budo) and was affectionately known to his students as O Sensei, which translates as great teacher. Aikido, or The Way of Universal Harmony, is based in spiritualism and is possibly thought by some as being one of the most philosophical martial arts. O Sensei who was considered to be profoundly enlightened, often told his students, “No philosophy, no Aikido.”

 Based on sword, spear, staff and Ju-Jitsu techniques, Aikido practise could be seen by some as akin to that of the Samurai warrior, who were expected to be scholars and philosophers.

 Aikido is defined by a set of principles. One of the first of these is “the four gratitudes-

 1 Gratitude towards the Universe-

 This is gratitude towards the gift of life, a very precious and difficult state of being to attain. According to Buddhist belief, the transmigrating soul is only as likely to find human life as a blind turtle in the great ocean who surfaces once every hundred years, is liable to poke his head through a hole in a floating log. 

 As O Sensei says-

 “Saints and sages have always revered the sacredness of Heaven and Earth, of mountains and rivers, trees and grasses. They were always mindful of the great blessings of nature. They realised that it is the purpose of all life to make the world continually afresh, to create each day anew. If you understand the principles of Aikido you to will be glad to be alive and you will greet each day with great joy. When you bow deeply to the Universe it bows back. When you call out the name of God it echoes inside you."

 2 Gratitude towards our ancestors and predecessors-

 Being grateful towards our parents and grand parents, the matriarchs of our societys and towards the many leaders, innovators, teachers, artists and trailblazers who have come before us and created human culture.

 3 Gratitude towards our fellow human beings-

 We cannot live without the support of other people. People who construct buildings, towns and roads. People who make things function. People who grow and prepare our food, people who pay our salaries, people who love, nourish and support us. People with whom we play, exercise and train.

 O sensei once said-

 “I really have no students, you are my friends and I learn from you. Because of your hard training I have made it this far. I’m always grateful for your efforts and co-operation. By definition, Aikido means co-operating with everyone, co-operating with the Gods and Goddesses of every religion.”

The fourteenth Dalai Lama has often pointed out, "we should be grateful even for our enemies, since dealing with them helps make our spirit stronger."

 4 Gratitude toward the plants and animals that sacrifice their lives for us-

 We exist at the expense of other beings in the plant and animal kingdoms, and must be grateful for each bite of food we take.

 Every philosophical system has a set of morals or virtues. In Aikido four primary virtues are held dear.

 1 The virtue of courage-

 This is brave action, courageous commitment and valorous living.

 O sensei once said-

  “The victory we seek is to overcome all challenges and fight to the finish, accomplishing our goals. In Aikido we never attack. If you strike first, to gain advantage over someone, that is proof that you’re training is insufficient and it is really you who has been defeated.”

 2 The virtue of wisdom-

 Philosophical students should develop a rich knowledge of heaven and earth. As has been said “never stop learning.”

 O Sensei has said-

  “The Universe is our great teacher. Look at the way a stream wends its way through a mountain valley, smoothly transforming its self as it flows over and around the rocks. The worlds wisdom is contained in books and by studying them, countless new techniques can be created. Study and practise and then reflect on your progress. Aikido is the art of learning deeply, the art of knowing ones self.”

 3 The virtue of love-

 The term philosophy means love of wisdom. When Pythagoras was asked “are you wise?” he would reply, “no, but I’m a lover of wisdom.”

 Love should be directed towards both objects and ideas.

 O Sensei has said of love-

  “In real budo there are no enemies. Real budo is the function of love. The way of a warrior is not to kill but to foster life, to continually create. Love is divinity that can really protect us. Without love nothing can flourish. If there is no love between human beings, that will be the end of our world. Love generates the heat and light that sustains our world.”

 4 The virtue of empathy-

 This is the social dimensions of Aikido. We must ask our self’s, “how do our actions affect the world in general and others in particular."

 If the insights of Aikido are not applied to the realms of human relations, ecology, economy and politics, they are of little value.

 

O Sensei has said-

  “First of all you must put your own life in order. Then you must learn how to maintain ideal relations within your own family. After that, you must strive to improve conditions in your own country and finally to live harmoniously with the world at large.”

 If you wish to read more on the philosophy of Aikido , you could purchase professor Stevens book The Philosophy of Aikido.

Quotes From O Sensei

Foundered by Morihei Ueshiba (O Sensei) and originally named Aikibudo, Aikido is a Japanese martial art based on Ju-jitsu and sword, staff and spear techniques and also the philosophy of a branch of the Shinto religion called Omoto. O Sensei developed Aikido in order to promote a peaceful society, turn foe into friend and eliminate conflict. O Sensei’s aim was to create a harmonious world based on mutual understanding.

 Here are some quotes from O sensei which may illustrate his ideas behind the techniques, principles and philosophy of Aikido.

 “Do not look at your opponents eyes, your spirit will be drawn in. Do not look at your opponent’s sword; your spirit will be captured by his sword.”

 “If you have life in you, you have access to the secrets of the ages. For the truth of the Universe resides in each and every human being.”

 “Though surrounded by many enemies, view them as a single foe and so fight on.”

 “Master the techniques of Aiki, the way of the Gods and no foe will ever attack.”

 “In true Budo there is neither opponent nor foe. True Budo is uniting with the centre of the Universe. It is the work of love. It is neither fighting nor killing. Rather, true Budo gives life and nurtures all things.”

 “The secret of Aikido lies in uniting ourselves with the Universe. By purifying ourselves and harmonising with the movement of the universe. For those who master the secrets of Aikido, the Universe lies within. Thus may I say, I who am the Universe.”

 “First we must cultivate the self. Then we must put our own homes in order. Next we must build our nation and finally enter into harmony with the Universe.”

 “True Budo is the cultivation of a power of attraction. Capable of absorbing the opponent’s entire being. Therefore it is enough for me to merely stand in this way.”

 "There are times when you may be overwhelmed by the teachings of the Way. At such moments, it is important to continue with the original spirit of a beginner."

 

 

 

 

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