Tonights class was taught my Watahiki Sensei, I believe that Watahiki Sensei is now in his 80's or at least late 70's. His high falls give us all hope, that A, we still have time to learn, and B: that it is possible to keep going with vigor and enthusiasm.
He has quite a unique way of getting his point across and will grab peoples arms, hands, whatever to get them to do the technique more correctly. I have to say sometimes with absolute beginners you can say, "put your left foot there" and point one inch from the spot, and yet somehow this translates as 'put my right foot somewhere over here'. So the tactic of physically moving their body for them sometimes saves time and frustration. I remember when I trained as a very small child, I think I must have been 5-6, that the instructor had little feet shapes that he used to place on the ground to show us where our feet should go. This was only used once or twice, but as I remember it worked quite well, for small children. You could lay out a pattern, numbering and colouring them, for a technique say katatedori shihonge and get the kids to follow along. I am sure there are better ways to teach kids, and the emphasis is totally different, but its a thought.
Tomorrow I leave for Tokyo, where I will have a couple of days to do a bit of touristy stuff. A few days to relax and ponder over everything that I have learned, I am not talking about techniques as such, more what the overall experience has taught me. Before I leave I will do a big clean up of the house top to bottom, as I have said before Nemoto Sensei doesn't get on the case of his uchideshi but trusts that they will do what is expected of them, what is fair and reasonable.
I have had a great time in Iwama, practiced Saito's Bukiwaza with arguably one of the worlds best exponents, trained in O'Sensei's old dojo, with great supervision. Prayed and chanted at the Aiki-Jinja. Met some great new people, trained quite hard (my feet are pretty sore), I have some new techniques and Bukiwaza practices to take home with me. Overall despite it was a short trip only three weeks, I have learned a lot, a lot about my own motivations, and goals for my Aikido path. I am very lucky to have a supportive partner who positively encourages me to chase my dreams, and make them a reality.
Final Keiko with Nemoto Sensei
It was a the final Keiko with Nemoto Sensei. Nemoto sensei had me go through the 1st kyu grading, ikkyo-gokkyo suwariwaza, and three ways from each group: koshinage, iriminage, kokyunage, kotegaishi, ushiro, hanmi handachi, jo dori, tachi-dori, of tnken-dori. We didn't cover kaiten nage, men-nage, juji garami. Not sure if these are not on the test or whether we were running out of time.
Sensei said if it were a real test I would have needed better kiai, and to have performed the techniques more crisply and with more vigor. It was an unexpected "mock test" and I knew it wasn't a real test so challenged myself a little bit and didn't go for necessarily the easiest choices or put much ki into it. I wouldn't have passed me on the basis of my own performance.
Sensei said if it were a real test I would have needed better kiai, and to have performed the techniques more crisply and with more vigor. It was an unexpected "mock test" and I knew it wasn't a real test so challenged myself a little bit and didn't go for necessarily the easiest choices or put much ki into it. I wouldn't have passed me on the basis of my own performance.
7 Ken Suburi
7 Ken Suburi
This is me doing a little Suburi practice. I can see a few things to work on !!
This is me doing a little Suburi practice. I can see a few things to work on !!
Final Keiko with Inagaki Sensei
This evening was the last Keiko with Inagaki Sensei for the trip. Every single class that of his that I have been present at he was spent at least 5-10 mins talking about reigi and specifically proper bowing etiquette. Stressing the importance of making eye contact before, and after, not dipping the head so that peripheral vision is lost and making sure the bow is done awase, also bowing, stopping for a couple of seconds at the bottom then coming back up, he also talking about keeping the back straight, and the head in line with the back. Then he discussed from an old Aikido text book, the proper way to stand up and sit down out of seiza. Up, left foot then right foot, down, left foot then right foot.
We then continued with the theme Katate-dori Kokyu-nage. Completing the series 21-23.
21 Using kokyu to take the balance up stepping forward and use kokyu on inside elbow step forward and throw. This is the version if the nage blocks the atemi to their face
22 Step forward to atemi face, then grab lapel and pull back going down onto back knees, front knee up at right angles, hips remain forwards
23 ki no nagare, as uke steps in to grab, nage step back a draws up like a wave then projects towards nage's centre with the wrist bent forwards and the arm and hand relaxed.
After class I requested a photo and everybody was kind enough to placate me !!
We then continued with the theme Katate-dori Kokyu-nage. Completing the series 21-23.
21 Using kokyu to take the balance up stepping forward and use kokyu on inside elbow step forward and throw. This is the version if the nage blocks the atemi to their face
22 Step forward to atemi face, then grab lapel and pull back going down onto back knees, front knee up at right angles, hips remain forwards
23 ki no nagare, as uke steps in to grab, nage step back a draws up like a wave then projects towards nage's centre with the wrist bent forwards and the arm and hand relaxed.
After class I requested a photo and everybody was kind enough to placate me !!
Morning Keiko
This morning we went over the entire Jo syllabus, as well as the Ken-Tai-Jo, Sensei permitted me to bring a note book and make notes. Which will prove to be very useful. I was also able to clarify the the couple of 'missing' kumitachi-henka.
I am now quite confident that I understand the differences between Peter Sensei teaching and Nemoto Sensei's. I dont think one is right and one is wrong, I doubt it is a simple as that, especially knowing that at different times things were taught in slightly different ways. But is useful that I can now at least be clear about where the distinctions are. I am going to record myself doing the solo bukiwaza practices more out for nostalgia so that in future I can look back and see how my weapons have improved. It's hard to do because if I can see even the slightest mistake, even one foot get dragged along the floor, I will be tempted to do it again. I will have to make a good effort to do it right and be happy that, thats it, at least for now.
I am now quite confident that I understand the differences between Peter Sensei teaching and Nemoto Sensei's. I dont think one is right and one is wrong, I doubt it is a simple as that, especially knowing that at different times things were taught in slightly different ways. But is useful that I can now at least be clear about where the distinctions are. I am going to record myself doing the solo bukiwaza practices more out for nostalgia so that in future I can look back and see how my weapons have improved. It's hard to do because if I can see even the slightest mistake, even one foot get dragged along the floor, I will be tempted to do it again. I will have to make a good effort to do it right and be happy that, thats it, at least for now.
6 more Kokyu-nage
Last night at the Shibu Dojo we continued with the theme katate-dori kokyu-nage, and completed a further six variations taking the count up to 20. This series is shihonage based.
15 (shihonage based) same as basic
16 (shihonage based) arm break
17 (shihonage based) head lock
18 (shihonage based) tenkan right angle arm
19 (shihonage based) half tenkan arm break over shoulder
20 (shihonage based) reverse ikkyo nasty lock
I guess technically you could argue that some of these are actually pins and not throws so should they really be called kokyunage, perhaps not but that's semantics.
This morning Nemoto and I went over the Ken-Tai-Jo, so in effect that completes the entire weapons syllabus, which has taken about 20 days, at 1.5 hours per day, or 30 hours. It is easy to see why if you only train bukiwaza once a week it takes so long to get through the syllabus, and by the time you get back round to the beginning you have forgotten at least some of it.. Which is why I am so lucky to get the chance to come out and train intensively like this, especially one on one with one of Saito's top deshi. Which means I am one step closer to having the kumi-jo and kumi-tachi well cemented in my brain and body so that I can make the most of the training when we do cover it.
I have found that videoing myself has been a really useful way of seeing what is happening, its just as easy to criticize yourself on camera as it is to criticize somebody else. Which I definitely want to do more of, well at least until I cant see anything which I don't like, and that could take a while, which is good, because a while is all I have got. It is really useful way of seeing where you are going wrong, and picking up your own mistakes. I think that the ability to self correct is paramount to successful development. It's mostly little things, like slight hip mis-position, bad foot alignment, stuff like that, but these all add up.
It think it would be good for some of the other people back home to give it a try too, once you see yourself from a third person perspective that critical eye can be put to good use, rather than wasting it on other peoples form.
Not sure what bukiwaza we will do from now on, if I get the chance I'd like to go over the kumitachi-henka again, but will be happy to do anything. Only 6-7 more sessions to go !!! Then back to reality, the old grindstone.
15 (shihonage based) same as basic
16 (shihonage based) arm break
17 (shihonage based) head lock
18 (shihonage based) tenkan right angle arm
19 (shihonage based) half tenkan arm break over shoulder
20 (shihonage based) reverse ikkyo nasty lock
I guess technically you could argue that some of these are actually pins and not throws so should they really be called kokyunage, perhaps not but that's semantics.
This morning Nemoto and I went over the Ken-Tai-Jo, so in effect that completes the entire weapons syllabus, which has taken about 20 days, at 1.5 hours per day, or 30 hours. It is easy to see why if you only train bukiwaza once a week it takes so long to get through the syllabus, and by the time you get back round to the beginning you have forgotten at least some of it.. Which is why I am so lucky to get the chance to come out and train intensively like this, especially one on one with one of Saito's top deshi. Which means I am one step closer to having the kumi-jo and kumi-tachi well cemented in my brain and body so that I can make the most of the training when we do cover it.
I have found that videoing myself has been a really useful way of seeing what is happening, its just as easy to criticize yourself on camera as it is to criticize somebody else. Which I definitely want to do more of, well at least until I cant see anything which I don't like, and that could take a while, which is good, because a while is all I have got. It is really useful way of seeing where you are going wrong, and picking up your own mistakes. I think that the ability to self correct is paramount to successful development. It's mostly little things, like slight hip mis-position, bad foot alignment, stuff like that, but these all add up.
It think it would be good for some of the other people back home to give it a try too, once you see yourself from a third person perspective that critical eye can be put to good use, rather than wasting it on other peoples form.
Not sure what bukiwaza we will do from now on, if I get the chance I'd like to go over the kumitachi-henka again, but will be happy to do anything. Only 6-7 more sessions to go !!! Then back to reality, the old grindstone.
Fairwell Party
Last night, being my last wednesday was my fairwell party. Just Nemoto Sensei and myself were in attendance. Nemoto Sensei presented me with the certificate of attendance, which is a nice keepsake.
We chatted about some specific Aikido techniques, as well as Aikido in general. We also talked a fair bit about the political situation in Iwama, and what the future might hold for the Shibu Dojo once this generation of teachers has passed. I suggested that they could move it piece by piece to Europe, which made Sensei laugh quite a lot. Although I think that I remember hearing a story a while back when the future of the dojo looked grim, that there was actually a serious suggestion of this, made my the French I think. Sensei suggests it is likely to become a museum. Sure that the Aikikai wouldn't let that happen, although as for the Iwama techniques and Bukiwaza.
Speaking of Iwama techniques this morning we covered kumitachi henka. In total there were 20, Four for each Kumitachi, two ken-henka and two nage-henka. I attempted to write down a description of all 20 and perhaps got 15. I am crossing my fingers that we will go over it again tomorrow, or else I may ask Sensei to help me clarify them. Most of them are covered in the Saito Aiki-ken DVD but quite a few aren't. I am sure that Peter-sensei knows them all anyway, as we have covered them, and sure that we will get to that.
The only thing left on the Bukiwaza syllabus is the Ken-tai-jo then we will have covered the lot. I would say that I am getting on with all the weapons quite well really, especially for a 2nd kyu. I am under no delusion about my own standing, but compared to some of the dodgy looking attempts you seen on You-tube and the likes, even by yundsha, I'd say I am doing okay. Guess the key is keeping good company, and I am lucky here and in Aus, which is always going to help !!
The weather has really warmed up, I could almost pour the olive oil out of the jar this afternoon!!
We chatted about some specific Aikido techniques, as well as Aikido in general. We also talked a fair bit about the political situation in Iwama, and what the future might hold for the Shibu Dojo once this generation of teachers has passed. I suggested that they could move it piece by piece to Europe, which made Sensei laugh quite a lot. Although I think that I remember hearing a story a while back when the future of the dojo looked grim, that there was actually a serious suggestion of this, made my the French I think. Sensei suggests it is likely to become a museum. Sure that the Aikikai wouldn't let that happen, although as for the Iwama techniques and Bukiwaza.
Speaking of Iwama techniques this morning we covered kumitachi henka. In total there were 20, Four for each Kumitachi, two ken-henka and two nage-henka. I attempted to write down a description of all 20 and perhaps got 15. I am crossing my fingers that we will go over it again tomorrow, or else I may ask Sensei to help me clarify them. Most of them are covered in the Saito Aiki-ken DVD but quite a few aren't. I am sure that Peter-sensei knows them all anyway, as we have covered them, and sure that we will get to that.
The only thing left on the Bukiwaza syllabus is the Ken-tai-jo then we will have covered the lot. I would say that I am getting on with all the weapons quite well really, especially for a 2nd kyu. I am under no delusion about my own standing, but compared to some of the dodgy looking attempts you seen on You-tube and the likes, even by yundsha, I'd say I am doing okay. Guess the key is keeping good company, and I am lucky here and in Aus, which is always going to help !!
The weather has really warmed up, I could almost pour the olive oil out of the jar this afternoon!!
Iwama hombu style
So I had another run in with my favorite uke. This time we were practicing one of the forms of Yokomen-uchi irimi-nage. It was going well, happy smiling faces. At some point, he decided that the way I was doing the yokomen attack was incorrect, and got those angry eyes as he tried to explain how to do it correctly. "Side of the head" he said, to which I replied in my mind, "that is the side of your head", "right along that line in your skull". I know that I do yokomenuchi attack pretty well in an Iwama way, from the top of head, letting the hips do the turning, the same as yokomen-uchi with a bokken.
He continued to explain, getting more frustrated as I got confused as to what exactly how he wanted me to do it, Sensei was watching carefully. Eventually he gave up trying to explain and thought that maybe I would understand better if he had the mat tell me. I am not saying he was trying to hurt me, I doubt that, but his frustration did turn into what I would call over zealous behavior. I grabbed his back as he threw me. Later I thought it was lucky didn't grab the back of his head as it would have pulled he face right into the back of my head. I landed without a sound.
After class, I asked a couple of the deshi and they basically said he gets angry mostly with the foreigners, never the nationals. One deshi told me on their very first day he got really angry and went off at them. This placated me a little as at least it confirms that it is not just me, being a bad uke. I realize now all he wanted was a very sidewards yokomen and have me move off the line and around to the side and keep nice and loose and follow through smoothly so he could do the technique more ki-no-nagare Aiki-hombu style.
After class he came and spoke to me in the change room, asked me where I was from, how long I was staying, (I can hold down this sort of conversation in Japanese okay). Seemed to be a genuine attempt at being friendly. I think he just has a short fuse and cannot control his frustration when his training partner doesn't do it how he wants them them to. Although it is a little concerning that he only gets angry with the foreigners and couldn't really tell if he was being genuine or not, which is a shame. I always copy my senpai even if they do it in a way which is alien or seems illogical. Although as I said before, I came to Iwama for Iwama Aikido and I didn't choose to go to Hombu-dojo.
He continued to explain, getting more frustrated as I got confused as to what exactly how he wanted me to do it, Sensei was watching carefully. Eventually he gave up trying to explain and thought that maybe I would understand better if he had the mat tell me. I am not saying he was trying to hurt me, I doubt that, but his frustration did turn into what I would call over zealous behavior. I grabbed his back as he threw me. Later I thought it was lucky didn't grab the back of his head as it would have pulled he face right into the back of my head. I landed without a sound.
After class, I asked a couple of the deshi and they basically said he gets angry mostly with the foreigners, never the nationals. One deshi told me on their very first day he got really angry and went off at them. This placated me a little as at least it confirms that it is not just me, being a bad uke. I realize now all he wanted was a very sidewards yokomen and have me move off the line and around to the side and keep nice and loose and follow through smoothly so he could do the technique more ki-no-nagare Aiki-hombu style.
After class he came and spoke to me in the change room, asked me where I was from, how long I was staying, (I can hold down this sort of conversation in Japanese okay). Seemed to be a genuine attempt at being friendly. I think he just has a short fuse and cannot control his frustration when his training partner doesn't do it how he wants them them to. Although it is a little concerning that he only gets angry with the foreigners and couldn't really tell if he was being genuine or not, which is a shame. I always copy my senpai even if they do it in a way which is alien or seems illogical. Although as I said before, I came to Iwama for Iwama Aikido and I didn't choose to go to Hombu-dojo.
Kotegaishi Series
This morning Robin-Jinks came to the morning training as he normally does every tuesday, this provides a great opportunity to do some Taijitsu. So as always, got up around 4.45am, into the dark and the cold and had a cup of tea.
We practiced Kote-gaishi, in all we practiced 13 variations as follows:
1 Muna-dori (Static)
2 Muna-dori (Kihon)
3 Kosa-dori (1 - lead with the thumb)
4 Kosa-dori (2 - rotate hand out)
5 Katate-dori (Stepping across with the rear foot)
6 Kata-dori (push hand in face and punch then step back as uke steps forward)
7 Yokomen-uchi (stepping around with uke)
8 Shomen-uchi
9 Ushiro-ryokata (1 - stepping to the side, arms in the air 'banzai' then rotate)
10 Ushiro-ryokata (2 - hand on top of the head rooster style)
11 Ushiro-ryokatate (1 - normal grip)
12 Ushiro-ryokatate (2 - pulling arms together, twisting wrist out)
13 Ushiro-ryokata Ki no Nagare (move one way then then other - airplane feel)
Pretty sure that Nemoto Sensei follows a set pattern for each technique although I am sure that he knows a lot more variations. His kotegaishi is obviously very strong, he uses the hips and a fast movement at the end to throw, moving kinda diagonally backwards, to be clear of a punch in the face from uke. I also got shown a slightly different way to turn uke over which was interesting. Although I always feel this is a bit of a mute point from a martial perspective as they are already lying flat on their back with you standing over the top of them !!
We then, as usual, did 30 mins of sit ups, squats, press ups etc.. Robin made much easier work of it than he had last week. I also feel that I have also improved a great deal in such a short space of time, I even got a 'subarashi' from Nemoto Sensei when I was doing the body raises, because they were consistently so much higher than before when I could hardly even finish the reps.
We practiced Kote-gaishi, in all we practiced 13 variations as follows:
1 Muna-dori (Static)
2 Muna-dori (Kihon)
3 Kosa-dori (1 - lead with the thumb)
4 Kosa-dori (2 - rotate hand out)
5 Katate-dori (Stepping across with the rear foot)
6 Kata-dori (push hand in face and punch then step back as uke steps forward)
7 Yokomen-uchi (stepping around with uke)
8 Shomen-uchi
9 Ushiro-ryokata (1 - stepping to the side, arms in the air 'banzai' then rotate)
10 Ushiro-ryokata (2 - hand on top of the head rooster style)
11 Ushiro-ryokatate (1 - normal grip)
12 Ushiro-ryokatate (2 - pulling arms together, twisting wrist out)
13 Ushiro-ryokata Ki no Nagare (move one way then then other - airplane feel)
Pretty sure that Nemoto Sensei follows a set pattern for each technique although I am sure that he knows a lot more variations. His kotegaishi is obviously very strong, he uses the hips and a fast movement at the end to throw, moving kinda diagonally backwards, to be clear of a punch in the face from uke. I also got shown a slightly different way to turn uke over which was interesting. Although I always feel this is a bit of a mute point from a martial perspective as they are already lying flat on their back with you standing over the top of them !!
We then, as usual, did 30 mins of sit ups, squats, press ups etc.. Robin made much easier work of it than he had last week. I also feel that I have also improved a great deal in such a short space of time, I even got a 'subarashi' from Nemoto Sensei when I was doing the body raises, because they were consistently so much higher than before when I could hardly even finish the reps.
More katate dori kokyu nage
At the shibu dojo with Inagaki Sensei we continued the theme of Kokyu-nage, from katate dori, after a quick review of the previous 9 variations we then practiced a further 5.
10 Iriminage (style) pulling the shoulder back on itself grabbing their hand
11 Iriminage (style) tenkan as in the morote-dori kokyu-ho ura version
12 (Tenchi-nage style) Sweeping the leg away one handed (tenchi-nage style)
13 (Tenchi-nage style) Kokyu under chin
14 Enter turning elbow over as you tenkan, with hand at elbow no lower use kokyu to drive their head down and throw them.
I believe there are a few more to come from katate-dori, with a bit of luck we will finish the series (katate-dori) before I leave in just over a week from now.
10 Iriminage (style) pulling the shoulder back on itself grabbing their hand
11 Iriminage (style) tenkan as in the morote-dori kokyu-ho ura version
12 (Tenchi-nage style) Sweeping the leg away one handed (tenchi-nage style)
13 (Tenchi-nage style) Kokyu under chin
14 Enter turning elbow over as you tenkan, with hand at elbow no lower use kokyu to drive their head down and throw them.
I believe there are a few more to come from katate-dori, with a bit of luck we will finish the series (katate-dori) before I leave in just over a week from now.
White Rabbit
You see white rabbits quite a lot on Japanese advertising bill boards and TV adverts. Yesterday I saw a wonderful little white rabbit that somebody had made out of snow sitting outside O'Sensei's old room at the Shibu Dojo. This is also the room that the Doshu uses when he comes to visit.
This got me to wondering about the significance of the white rabbit, if there was one. I am not entirely sure that the white-rabbit and the moon rabbit are one and the same but you would have to assume that it is quite likely. The moon rabbit, or jade rabbit is a feature of many East Asian (and Meso-American) cultures. Rather than seeing the image of a man in the moon they see a Rabbit. It can be seen pounding away at a giant pestle and mortar, perhaps making the elixir of life, or making even making Moshi.
How did the Rabbit get his image on the moon?
"In the Buddhist Śaśajâtaka (Jataka Tale 316),[3] a monkey, an otter, a jackal, and a rabbit resolved to practice charity on the day of the full moon (Uposatha), believing a demonstration of great virtue would earn a great reward.
When an old man begged for food, the monkey gathered fruits from the trees and the otter collected fish, while the jackal wrongfully pilfered a lizard and a pot of milk-curd. The rabbit, who knew only how to gather grass, instead offered its own body, throwing itself into a fire the man had built. The rabbit, however, was not burnt. The old man revealed himself to be Śakra and, touched by the rabbit's virtue, drew the likeness of the rabbit on the moon for all to see. It is said the lunar image is still draped in the smoke that rose when the rabbit cast itself into the fire." (Wikipeadia)
This got me to wondering about the significance of the white rabbit, if there was one. I am not entirely sure that the white-rabbit and the moon rabbit are one and the same but you would have to assume that it is quite likely. The moon rabbit, or jade rabbit is a feature of many East Asian (and Meso-American) cultures. Rather than seeing the image of a man in the moon they see a Rabbit. It can be seen pounding away at a giant pestle and mortar, perhaps making the elixir of life, or making even making Moshi.
How did the Rabbit get his image on the moon?
"In the Buddhist Śaśajâtaka (Jataka Tale 316),[3] a monkey, an otter, a jackal, and a rabbit resolved to practice charity on the day of the full moon (Uposatha), believing a demonstration of great virtue would earn a great reward.
When an old man begged for food, the monkey gathered fruits from the trees and the otter collected fish, while the jackal wrongfully pilfered a lizard and a pot of milk-curd. The rabbit, who knew only how to gather grass, instead offered its own body, throwing itself into a fire the man had built. The rabbit, however, was not burnt. The old man revealed himself to be Śakra and, touched by the rabbit's virtue, drew the likeness of the rabbit on the moon for all to see. It is said the lunar image is still draped in the smoke that rose when the rabbit cast itself into the fire." (Wikipeadia)
Drinking Etiquette
At formal occasions the drinking etiquette in Japan seems on the surface to be incredibly polite. It is rude to fill you own glass instead you wait until somebody else offers to fill it for you, at which point you take a sip to make some room in the glass. Offer the glass out with one hand placed flat underneath. Should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation that you need your glass to be filled and nobody seems to have noticed (not all that likely), the easiest way to get attention is to offer to fill up somebody else's glass. This will inevitably lead to them offering in return to fill yours up. Feeling like you have had one too many, perhaps its time to go around the room and politely offer drinks out to people.
It seems a little rude to refuse when somebody offers. It may easily transpire that there are people offering to fill your glass up almost constantly. You could soon find yourself chugging back the drinks much quicker than you would drink if you were drinking at your own pace.
This gentleman from yesterdays event highlights the dangers lurking behind this outwardly incredibly polite drinking etiquette (note the perfectly full glass beside him, he probably never even finished off even one glass).
It seems a little rude to refuse when somebody offers. It may easily transpire that there are people offering to fill your glass up almost constantly. You could soon find yourself chugging back the drinks much quicker than you would drink if you were drinking at your own pace.
This gentleman from yesterdays event highlights the dangers lurking behind this outwardly incredibly polite drinking etiquette (note the perfectly full glass beside him, he probably never even finished off even one glass).
Party with Doshu
So today the Doshu and his entourage came to Iwama. There is always a lot of cleaning, fussing, organizing, confusion and normally descends into a little bit of chaos. It all came to together in the end. The Doshu normally comes to Iwama about once a month, not sure what if any the exact occasion of this particular visit was.
It began with some prayer recitals at the Jinja, followed by a lunch/party in the Dojo itself. Many of the guests gave short speeches prior to lunch, including the Doshu. Then lunch followed with more octopus than you could possibly eat in one sitting, although we tried. We also had sticky rice pudding, made the traditional way, of beating the crap out of it with large wooden hammers in a very large mortar.
Once the eating was essentially over, the Doshu left and then more speeches ensued, in age descending order. There is a particular formula to these occasions as I understand it. It is either a round of anecdotal/funny speeches, taking in turns to do a little dance, or taking it in turns to sing a song. Or a combination of all three.
The event finished at about 4.00pm, the after party then commenced. I decided to pass on this occasion. No training tomorrow morning, as Monday is the official day off for the Aiki-House deshi, but training at Shibu-Dojo tomorrow evening. I am about half way through my stay in Iwama. Hopefully will get through lots more Bukiwaza before I leave. Robin Jinks will come to train on tuesday morning, which will be nice as will have the chance to go through some Tai-jitsu with Nemoto Sensei. It seems to have warmed up a bit now it has snowed. Adds a bit of insulation to the roof too !!
It began with some prayer recitals at the Jinja, followed by a lunch/party in the Dojo itself. Many of the guests gave short speeches prior to lunch, including the Doshu. Then lunch followed with more octopus than you could possibly eat in one sitting, although we tried. We also had sticky rice pudding, made the traditional way, of beating the crap out of it with large wooden hammers in a very large mortar.
Once the eating was essentially over, the Doshu left and then more speeches ensued, in age descending order. There is a particular formula to these occasions as I understand it. It is either a round of anecdotal/funny speeches, taking in turns to do a little dance, or taking it in turns to sing a song. Or a combination of all three.
The event finished at about 4.00pm, the after party then commenced. I decided to pass on this occasion. No training tomorrow morning, as Monday is the official day off for the Aiki-House deshi, but training at Shibu-Dojo tomorrow evening. I am about half way through my stay in Iwama. Hopefully will get through lots more Bukiwaza before I leave. Robin Jinks will come to train on tuesday morning, which will be nice as will have the chance to go through some Tai-jitsu with Nemoto Sensei. It seems to have warmed up a bit now it has snowed. Adds a bit of insulation to the roof too !!
Staying Warm
Staying warm has become my top priority. Nemoto Sensei said that it is going to snow tonight, haven't been in the snow since the Arctic Circle in Finland a couple of years back. So will be nice, and sure will make for some good pictures.
Last night was training with Kobuta Sensei, all Kihon (basic) techniques; I always like a good basics session. This morning with Nemoto Sensei we went over the 13 paired Jo. Got through it all in a hour, it is relatively easy compared to the paired 31 Kumi-Jo.
Tonight we trained in Tsukuba, we went over the 13 paired Jo, which reinforced this mornings lesson. Tomorrow there is ceremony with the Doshu followed by a party at Shibu Dojo, I will try to take some pics if I can.
Last night was training with Kobuta Sensei, all Kihon (basic) techniques; I always like a good basics session. This morning with Nemoto Sensei we went over the 13 paired Jo. Got through it all in a hour, it is relatively easy compared to the paired 31 Kumi-Jo.
Tonight we trained in Tsukuba, we went over the 13 paired Jo, which reinforced this mornings lesson. Tomorrow there is ceremony with the Doshu followed by a party at Shibu Dojo, I will try to take some pics if I can.
Thoughts of an essay revisited
A while ago I had a thought that the Japanese sword makes a good analogy to Aikido, on multiple levels.
The evolution of Aikido seems to mirror the development of the Japanese sword. Early swords were straight bladed, double edged, steel, and essentially copies of Chinese blades. They were quite brittle and often would undergo brittle failure in battle. By the 10th century they had evolved to become single edged blades with a curve to aid in the use on horseback. Forging methods had also undergone a radical evolution, giving rise to what could truly be called a Nihonto. The result was a blade that was not only razer sharp but also flexible, such that brittle failure was no longer a problem. The inner core forged separately, with each piece of material used selected carefully and tempered and refined countless times. the blade itself folded and refolded to form thousands of layers. This gave the Nihonto a unique strength and importantly flexibility among bladed weapons, making the Katana the most formidable short range weapon in history (until the advent of the gun).
In respects to martial arts, this is equivalent of early fighting styles becoming more refined and sophisticated, with more complicated and effective martial techniques, locks, pins and throws. Classical Bujutsu development gives rise to jujutsu itself, Ju can be translated as soft/flexible, Jujutsu uses the opponents strength against them, rather than directly conflicting against it, the forerunner to modern Aikido.
In time and particularly during peace time the meaning and significance of the swords changed in nature and the spiritual nature of the weapons rose. Towards the end of the Muromachi Period (1337-1573) the famous smith Masamune produced his works regarded as pieces of divine art. Each piece still in existence is a priceless national treasure. There is a story that another smith challenged him to see who could make a higher quality sword.
"To test the swords, each sword was held into the current of a stream. Muramasa's sword was said to have cut a leaf in half that simply touched the blade from the current alone. But the master Masamune's sword did not cut a thing, with the leaves miraculously avoiding it at the last second, as if to show it possessed a benevolent power that would not harm anything that was innocent or undeserving - even a simple leaf.."
I am sure that it was in part due to the awareness of both the sword smiths and the Samurai that used them of the great power and therefore responsibly that lead rise to the term "Katsu-jin-ken", "The sword that saves life". Katsu-jin-ken is both a philosophical ideological concept and also a style which uses non lethal parts of the weapon to down the enemy.
One of my favorite moments from "The Samurai Trilogy", the story of Samurai legend Miyamoto Musashi quite elegantly epitomizes this. Musashi's blade has been well used and is chipped from a previous fight. He takes it to a polisher (still with blood on it I think). The polisher looks at the weapon then looks disdainfully at Musashi and scornfully says, "I don't polish weapons of death. I only polish the souls of the Samurai".
Musashi, immediately offended snatches back his sword, wrestling within himself whether to cut the fellow down on the spot. In a fit of rage, Musashi gets up from the floor and leaves the polisher's workshop.
Later after he has come to his senses, he returns back into the polisher's store. He kneels down, and bows his head to the floor, respectfully and remorsefully, even perhaps with shame, he says, "I request that you polish my soul". The whole Musashi story is about his spiritual journey from that of an animal to a refined enlightened being.
The analogy continues that just as a Katana could be used as either "Satsu-jin-ken", "the sword that kills" or "Katsu-jin-ken", "the sword that gives life". Martial arts can be thought of in exactly the same way. From a philosophical perspective the Satsu-jin-ken ideology could be seen as increasing the subject-object duality. Increasing separation through aggressive acts of violence and competitions, which reaffirm a deluded perspective. Such things as winner and loser are naturally inherent, destruction is at the heart of such a way, the competitions themselves often serve to bolster the egos of the participants.
On the other hand the Katsu-jin-ken viewpoint decreases the dichotomies of self and other, winner-loser etc, mind-body. In Aikido we are attempting to blend with our opponents, not only physically but also spiritually using the Katsu-jin-ken.
(Mind-body connection is particularly inherent to good Aikido training, as well as other arts such as Kyudo (Japanese Archery). Other disciplines such the Alexander technique have excellent ways to increase the mind-body connection and reduce the interference of inhibiting habitual thought patterns. The fact that teaching dance to senior citizens can rapidly reduce the symptoms of dementia is testament to the importance of mind-body connectedness)
"Kiri-ri-kaku" is a term meaning to cut and open. In Aikido this means to cut away delusional attachment and open a path for spiritual development, much like that of the spiritual journey of Musashi.
The application of Aikido can in this way go far beyond a mere physical altercation. Mr Akazawa a former deshi of O'Sensei is quoted as saying "I learned to apply 'aiki' when dealing with others, to penetrate their feelings, I am especially grateful for that". A sense of profound connectedness and awareness is what O'Sensei 'had' over other normal people. There are many stories of O'Sensei's seemingly divine sense of awareness, from dodging bullets in Mongolia to sensing waterways under houses whilst asleep, O'Sensei didn't like to ride on the high voltage trains as it gave him headaches.
Just as the Katana evolved from a killing tool into a symbol and practices with means and methods to purify and enlighten, so too did martial arts. Aikido has to be the summit of that evolution. Aikido evolved out of arts which were far more brutal and came to become (although still highly lethal), far more refined and spiritual in nature.
The analogy between Nihonto and Aikido also exists on other levels. Nage and uke should be soft on the inside hard on the outside, just like a katana, not brittle, sharp as a razer but also flexible and pliable. When something is brittle, it shatters very easily. If uke is overly stiff and rigid I always get the sense that they would easily shatter into pieces. It is often said that Aikido should soften the tendons of the body and increase the flexibility of the joints, supple mind - supple body.
Japanese swords are not only revered as 'the soul of the samurai', but also objects of great aesthetic beauty. Some forms of Aikido seem to follow this path and are outwardly aesthetically very beautiful to watch, but somehow they seem to lack a sense of true purpose. There is nothing wrong with this style of practice, however part of the beauty and the spiritual intensity of the art comes from its martial effectiveness and sincerity. To choose not to strike, first you need to know how to strike. If I knew the blade was blunt it wouldn't quite have the same appeal.
There seems no reason that Aikido can not encompass all three aspects, just as a 'Sai-jo-saku' Nihonto does; beautiful and elegant, soulful and spiritual, effective to the point of being lethal.
The evolution of Aikido seems to mirror the development of the Japanese sword. Early swords were straight bladed, double edged, steel, and essentially copies of Chinese blades. They were quite brittle and often would undergo brittle failure in battle. By the 10th century they had evolved to become single edged blades with a curve to aid in the use on horseback. Forging methods had also undergone a radical evolution, giving rise to what could truly be called a Nihonto. The result was a blade that was not only razer sharp but also flexible, such that brittle failure was no longer a problem. The inner core forged separately, with each piece of material used selected carefully and tempered and refined countless times. the blade itself folded and refolded to form thousands of layers. This gave the Nihonto a unique strength and importantly flexibility among bladed weapons, making the Katana the most formidable short range weapon in history (until the advent of the gun).
In respects to martial arts, this is equivalent of early fighting styles becoming more refined and sophisticated, with more complicated and effective martial techniques, locks, pins and throws. Classical Bujutsu development gives rise to jujutsu itself, Ju can be translated as soft/flexible, Jujutsu uses the opponents strength against them, rather than directly conflicting against it, the forerunner to modern Aikido.
In time and particularly during peace time the meaning and significance of the swords changed in nature and the spiritual nature of the weapons rose. Towards the end of the Muromachi Period (1337-1573) the famous smith Masamune produced his works regarded as pieces of divine art. Each piece still in existence is a priceless national treasure. There is a story that another smith challenged him to see who could make a higher quality sword.
"To test the swords, each sword was held into the current of a stream. Muramasa's sword was said to have cut a leaf in half that simply touched the blade from the current alone. But the master Masamune's sword did not cut a thing, with the leaves miraculously avoiding it at the last second, as if to show it possessed a benevolent power that would not harm anything that was innocent or undeserving - even a simple leaf.."
I am sure that it was in part due to the awareness of both the sword smiths and the Samurai that used them of the great power and therefore responsibly that lead rise to the term "Katsu-jin-ken", "The sword that saves life". Katsu-jin-ken is both a philosophical ideological concept and also a style which uses non lethal parts of the weapon to down the enemy.
One of my favorite moments from "The Samurai Trilogy", the story of Samurai legend Miyamoto Musashi quite elegantly epitomizes this. Musashi's blade has been well used and is chipped from a previous fight. He takes it to a polisher (still with blood on it I think). The polisher looks at the weapon then looks disdainfully at Musashi and scornfully says, "I don't polish weapons of death. I only polish the souls of the Samurai".
Musashi, immediately offended snatches back his sword, wrestling within himself whether to cut the fellow down on the spot. In a fit of rage, Musashi gets up from the floor and leaves the polisher's workshop.
Later after he has come to his senses, he returns back into the polisher's store. He kneels down, and bows his head to the floor, respectfully and remorsefully, even perhaps with shame, he says, "I request that you polish my soul". The whole Musashi story is about his spiritual journey from that of an animal to a refined enlightened being.
The analogy continues that just as a Katana could be used as either "Satsu-jin-ken", "the sword that kills" or "Katsu-jin-ken", "the sword that gives life". Martial arts can be thought of in exactly the same way. From a philosophical perspective the Satsu-jin-ken ideology could be seen as increasing the subject-object duality. Increasing separation through aggressive acts of violence and competitions, which reaffirm a deluded perspective. Such things as winner and loser are naturally inherent, destruction is at the heart of such a way, the competitions themselves often serve to bolster the egos of the participants.
On the other hand the Katsu-jin-ken viewpoint decreases the dichotomies of self and other, winner-loser etc, mind-body. In Aikido we are attempting to blend with our opponents, not only physically but also spiritually using the Katsu-jin-ken.
(Mind-body connection is particularly inherent to good Aikido training, as well as other arts such as Kyudo (Japanese Archery). Other disciplines such the Alexander technique have excellent ways to increase the mind-body connection and reduce the interference of inhibiting habitual thought patterns. The fact that teaching dance to senior citizens can rapidly reduce the symptoms of dementia is testament to the importance of mind-body connectedness)
"Kiri-ri-kaku" is a term meaning to cut and open. In Aikido this means to cut away delusional attachment and open a path for spiritual development, much like that of the spiritual journey of Musashi.
The application of Aikido can in this way go far beyond a mere physical altercation. Mr Akazawa a former deshi of O'Sensei is quoted as saying "I learned to apply 'aiki' when dealing with others, to penetrate their feelings, I am especially grateful for that". A sense of profound connectedness and awareness is what O'Sensei 'had' over other normal people. There are many stories of O'Sensei's seemingly divine sense of awareness, from dodging bullets in Mongolia to sensing waterways under houses whilst asleep, O'Sensei didn't like to ride on the high voltage trains as it gave him headaches.
Just as the Katana evolved from a killing tool into a symbol and practices with means and methods to purify and enlighten, so too did martial arts. Aikido has to be the summit of that evolution. Aikido evolved out of arts which were far more brutal and came to become (although still highly lethal), far more refined and spiritual in nature.
The analogy between Nihonto and Aikido also exists on other levels. Nage and uke should be soft on the inside hard on the outside, just like a katana, not brittle, sharp as a razer but also flexible and pliable. When something is brittle, it shatters very easily. If uke is overly stiff and rigid I always get the sense that they would easily shatter into pieces. It is often said that Aikido should soften the tendons of the body and increase the flexibility of the joints, supple mind - supple body.
Japanese swords are not only revered as 'the soul of the samurai', but also objects of great aesthetic beauty. Some forms of Aikido seem to follow this path and are outwardly aesthetically very beautiful to watch, but somehow they seem to lack a sense of true purpose. There is nothing wrong with this style of practice, however part of the beauty and the spiritual intensity of the art comes from its martial effectiveness and sincerity. To choose not to strike, first you need to know how to strike. If I knew the blade was blunt it wouldn't quite have the same appeal.
There seems no reason that Aikido can not encompass all three aspects, just as a 'Sai-jo-saku' Nihonto does; beautiful and elegant, soulful and spiritual, effective to the point of being lethal.
31 Kumi Jo, 9 katate-dori kokyu-nage
This morning we completed the 31 Kumi Jo. I am finally beginning to reach the stage where I can start to work on the 31 Kumi Jo as an awase-maai practice rather than a practice in remembering movements and correct forms for movements. I wouldn't say that every move is perfect, far from it, but the fact that Nemoto Sensei was happy to go through it with me, start to finish and there were no, (or very little) moments of hesitation or incorrect movements shows that I must be heading in the right direction.
We covered some the henka (variations) in the early movements, but not the ones I am aware exist for the final movements. There are some movements which Nemoto Sensei performs quite differently to how I have had them explained at my home dojo. Obviously in essence they perform the same basic function and there is naturally more than one way to crack an egg.
This evening was Keiko with Inagaki Sensei. There were quite a number of kyu grades there so we did some kokyu practices, with an interesting paired form. The attacker performs shomen-yokomen-tsuki and the partner retreats back up the mat blocking each attack with kokyu. Will have to try to remember it exactly.
We then covered nine katate dori kyoku-nage
1. Static - Kihon
2. Static - Pushing the elbow
3. Static - Pulling the Gi under the elbow sharply
4. Static - Grabbing the obi
5. Static - Pushing down on the throat (back break over knee)
6. Static - Grabbing around the neck in a head lock
7. Ki no Nagare - Kihon
8. Ki no Nagare - Spiraling into
9. Ki no Nagare - Double atemi
All in all quite a productive day.
We covered some the henka (variations) in the early movements, but not the ones I am aware exist for the final movements. There are some movements which Nemoto Sensei performs quite differently to how I have had them explained at my home dojo. Obviously in essence they perform the same basic function and there is naturally more than one way to crack an egg.
This evening was Keiko with Inagaki Sensei. There were quite a number of kyu grades there so we did some kokyu practices, with an interesting paired form. The attacker performs shomen-yokomen-tsuki and the partner retreats back up the mat blocking each attack with kokyu. Will have to try to remember it exactly.
We then covered nine katate dori kyoku-nage
1. Static - Kihon
2. Static - Pushing the elbow
3. Static - Pulling the Gi under the elbow sharply
4. Static - Grabbing the obi
5. Static - Pushing down on the throat (back break over knee)
6. Static - Grabbing around the neck in a head lock
7. Ki no Nagare - Kihon
8. Ki no Nagare - Spiraling into
9. Ki no Nagare - Double atemi
All in all quite a productive day.
Second Earthquake
Just felt my second earthquake, I one the other night went on for 20-30s this one was only short a few seconds.
Uchi deshi Party
Just a quick one before bed.
Tonight was the weekly uchideshi party. Nemoto Sensei and I, we had some good chats. The language barrier wasn't really an issue at all. I had my laptop with google translator open and Nemoto Sensei had his little translator, but for the most part we understood each other quite easily. Oku-sama (Nemoto's Sensei wife) joined us a bit later on. When watched some You-tube videos together of various things, mostly martial arts and chatted about Aikido and other martial arts.
I showed Nemoto Sensei some pics from back home, at work, Lara, family. We chatted about Perth and I used Google Earth (what a wonder) to show him my home and around Perth.
I also gave Nemoto and Oku-sama the gifts I brought for them,, as nice tie and scarf. Aboriginal dot painting designs.
I am also starting to wonder if Aikido shouldn't broaden its attack syllabus to include the likes of MMA style take downs, kicks, and various other grappling holds? Well executed straight punches also seem to be poorly represented in most styles/dojos.
I realize that with good training, sound principles are sound principles, but never the less there is nothing like hands on training to know how something feels and works, or doesn't?
Tonight was the weekly uchideshi party. Nemoto Sensei and I, we had some good chats. The language barrier wasn't really an issue at all. I had my laptop with google translator open and Nemoto Sensei had his little translator, but for the most part we understood each other quite easily. Oku-sama (Nemoto's Sensei wife) joined us a bit later on. When watched some You-tube videos together of various things, mostly martial arts and chatted about Aikido and other martial arts.
I showed Nemoto Sensei some pics from back home, at work, Lara, family. We chatted about Perth and I used Google Earth (what a wonder) to show him my home and around Perth.
I also gave Nemoto and Oku-sama the gifts I brought for them,, as nice tie and scarf. Aboriginal dot painting designs.
I am also starting to wonder if Aikido shouldn't broaden its attack syllabus to include the likes of MMA style take downs, kicks, and various other grappling holds? Well executed straight punches also seem to be poorly represented in most styles/dojos.
I realize that with good training, sound principles are sound principles, but never the less there is nothing like hands on training to know how something feels and works, or doesn't?
Good wack on the Knuckles
This morning I got a pretty good wack on the knuckles, when doing the 5th Kumitachi with Nemoto Sensei. Fortunately, as it was quite cold I couldn't really feel them anyway, so it didn't really matter.
The 5th kumitachi is the one I know least well, and dare I say the most difficult to get right. So it was good to go over it. We also covered all the Suburi, both Ken and Jo and then did 1-3, 4-6, 6-12 of the kumi-Jo. Hopefully this will be something that we continue working on.
Sensei must have felt like going easy on me this morning as he only had me do 30 sit ups, still did 90 squats, 90 press ups, leg raises and various other techniques. He also mentioned that Chris-san, has/is arranging Sensei to go over and conduct a seminar in Washington-DC, Sensei has never been to the States before. Good one Chris-San !!
This is me posing in front of the Aiki-Jinja !
The 5th kumitachi is the one I know least well, and dare I say the most difficult to get right. So it was good to go over it. We also covered all the Suburi, both Ken and Jo and then did 1-3, 4-6, 6-12 of the kumi-Jo. Hopefully this will be something that we continue working on.
Sensei must have felt like going easy on me this morning as he only had me do 30 sit ups, still did 90 squats, 90 press ups, leg raises and various other techniques. He also mentioned that Chris-san, has/is arranging Sensei to go over and conduct a seminar in Washington-DC, Sensei has never been to the States before. Good one Chris-San !!
This is me posing in front of the Aiki-Jinja !
Another day another 90 press ups
This morning's keiko was 2 hours of Taijutsu starting 5.10am. It was very cold, there was frost on Nemoto-Sensei's car so I am guessing it was sub zero. Robin-san came and stayed over last night. His Aikido has really improved a lot since I was his uke in his Shodan test 18 months ago.
We covered Morote-Dori Ikkyo through to Yonkyo, Kotegaishi, Shihonage (two ways, opposite and same hand), Iriminage (two ways, high to low and low to high), and Shihonage based Koshi-nage.
We then did the usual 30x3 press ups, sit ups, squats etc. Much easier today than the previous days. It is amazing how quickly the body can adapt.
This is a rather lovely little translation of the Heart Sutra which is in the preface of a book I am reading:
'Aum'so chanted, in parable, the ancient Indian Seers-
Is the three-fold basic vibration, the musical SOUND
'To Be', being, and ceasing-from-being
Unfolding as a lovely flower, eight-petalled,
An octive of consequential notes :
Seven the grades, the interlocking ratios,
The fellowship linking the Many in the One
With the bond of brotherhood, of a common Father as sons.
'A', they said, as they chanted solemnly,
Is the sound of building up,
'M' they said, is the sound of breaking down,
And 'U' is the bridging sound of serialization
Sustaining, extending, holding in balance
The ebb and the flow of Being's course
- The 'Yang' and the 'Yin' the Chinese poets called it -
The relation between that we know as Time,
as Space, or as Consciousness,
Enabling the 'I' to conceive a 'Thou'.
Gayatri, the Indian Sages called this measure,
The 'bird' Gayatri, swift hawk, flight of the Eagle to the Sun,
Bearer of the Plant of continued life
From generation to generation, spanning Time.
Said they, who hummed this Mantra Sound,
Seeking thus to demonstrate
The Wheel of the law progression :
Within the Cause lies the Effect,
Within the 'I' the seed of 'Thou',
Within that inconceivable, the limitless Eternal,
Lies Time, Space, what is, and what is not,
The germ of generation.
The 'Heart' that 'speaks', the Egyptian Seers called it -
That utters the 'Word' we know as 'Creation'.
'Thoth', they named it, Tongue and Messenger,
Executive of the Power To Be.
Eight-petalled Lotus, City of the Eight,
Octave of potentiality, all things containing,
Maintaining, and at the end resuming :
Lovely Harmonia's musical manifestation,
Source and Sum of Number,
Father and Mother of Doing, Being, and Knowing -
Within thy cup, O Flower, those Seers saw enshrined
The Golden Seed of Being's Cycle :
Verily, they sang, the Heart of the Lotus is One.
The title and the heart of the Lotus Sutra is 'Nam Myoho Renge Kyo'. Said to be 10,000 sutras distilled in a single song (Nichiren Shōshū Buddhism). I like to chant in my head when I can't get to sleep, rather than counting sheep, I find it to be quite effective.
We covered Morote-Dori Ikkyo through to Yonkyo, Kotegaishi, Shihonage (two ways, opposite and same hand), Iriminage (two ways, high to low and low to high), and Shihonage based Koshi-nage.
We then did the usual 30x3 press ups, sit ups, squats etc. Much easier today than the previous days. It is amazing how quickly the body can adapt.
This is a rather lovely little translation of the Heart Sutra which is in the preface of a book I am reading:
'Aum'so chanted, in parable, the ancient Indian Seers-
Is the three-fold basic vibration, the musical SOUND
'To Be', being, and ceasing-from-being
Unfolding as a lovely flower, eight-petalled,
An octive of consequential notes :
Seven the grades, the interlocking ratios,
The fellowship linking the Many in the One
With the bond of brotherhood, of a common Father as sons.
'A', they said, as they chanted solemnly,
Is the sound of building up,
'M' they said, is the sound of breaking down,
And 'U' is the bridging sound of serialization
Sustaining, extending, holding in balance
The ebb and the flow of Being's course
- The 'Yang' and the 'Yin' the Chinese poets called it -
The relation between that we know as Time,
as Space, or as Consciousness,
Enabling the 'I' to conceive a 'Thou'.
Gayatri, the Indian Sages called this measure,
The 'bird' Gayatri, swift hawk, flight of the Eagle to the Sun,
Bearer of the Plant of continued life
From generation to generation, spanning Time.
Said they, who hummed this Mantra Sound,
Seeking thus to demonstrate
The Wheel of the law progression :
Within the Cause lies the Effect,
Within the 'I' the seed of 'Thou',
Within that inconceivable, the limitless Eternal,
Lies Time, Space, what is, and what is not,
The germ of generation.
The 'Heart' that 'speaks', the Egyptian Seers called it -
That utters the 'Word' we know as 'Creation'.
'Thoth', they named it, Tongue and Messenger,
Executive of the Power To Be.
Eight-petalled Lotus, City of the Eight,
Octave of potentiality, all things containing,
Maintaining, and at the end resuming :
Lovely Harmonia's musical manifestation,
Source and Sum of Number,
Father and Mother of Doing, Being, and Knowing -
Within thy cup, O Flower, those Seers saw enshrined
The Golden Seed of Being's Cycle :
Verily, they sang, the Heart of the Lotus is One.
The title and the heart of the Lotus Sutra is 'Nam Myoho Renge Kyo'. Said to be 10,000 sutras distilled in a single song (Nichiren Shōshū Buddhism). I like to chant in my head when I can't get to sleep, rather than counting sheep, I find it to be quite effective.
3 large plungers
Today I found 3 large toilet plungers in the Aiki House. I was eating my breakfast and drinking a cup of tea whilst watching an old lecture about Zen by Alan Watts. One of my favorite authors and philosophers.
At the moment he said "you will be made a kind of janitor around the house". I paused the tape jumped up and started cleaning, seriously cleaning. I started with the daily chores, sweep the floor, do the dishes etc.. Soon I had moved onto the serious stuff. I started with the little washing room out the back.
To be honest, and not meaning any disrespect to any previous deshi, it seemed like a part of the house nobody wanted or felt needed to be cleaned (I know I didn't clean it when I was last here). It was quite a state, empty bottles, used rags, plastic bags disintegrating in my hands when I went to pick them up, dust and filth, cobwebs, rotting things.
Nemoto Sensei generally leaves deshi to their own devices, as long as you don't keep him waiting, keep the communal areas orderly and clean, it's all good. I always have in the back of my mind that Sensei may turn up at any moment, and I am in a constant state of semi-anxiety.
Oh yeah the plungers. Whilst cleaning out the laundry room I found, not 1, not 2 but three large plungers !! There is only one toilet !
"All the creatures of the world - insects, fish, birds, animals - have means of dealing with impurities. In this manner, each and every human is entrusted with the divine mission to purge the environment of filth and impurities. This is the aim of Aikido. This is what we all pray for. However empty prayers are of no avail. Make that prayer a reality" O'Sensei.
It follows then that the Aiki-house should be clean and not filthy, I have therefore made a clear intent to clean Aiki-house to the best of my ability, this is my Misogi. This house, or any house for that matter, to me, symbolizes not only the physical life of the inhabitants but also the metaphysical.
Whilst at Uni in Liverpool, my good friend and house mate Liam was the owner of the house we stayed in. He had severe constipation for a number of weeks, the doctor had told him he must eat something as he was starting to digest his own stomach lining (and pissing blood if I remember correctly).
I can't remember if he asked for my advice, but he got it anyway. "Your drains are blocked, they are putrid". I was referring to the house drains, the drains in the yard had blocked and were overflowing with effluence. "This house and you are karmicly linked, unblock those drains and yours will follow"
I think the man was booked to come around the next day anyway, but sure enough, as soon as the house drains were unblocked within a day or two his were flowing freely.
I don't know why, but I was absolutely convinced with unshakable certainty from the vast void in bottom of my spirit to the tips of my toes, that as soon as the house drains were unblocked his would too. Perhaps Liam picked up on the intensity of my belief and faith, and it had a psychosomatic effect. Or perhaps the two sets of drains were karmicly linked, or maybe a coincidence? A coincidence I was absolutely certain would happen.
I have included a little clip of the Video I was watching, it's quite funny and quite relevant to the training. Haven't had Nemoto Sensei jump out at me, or wack me with his shinai though.
Skip to 2 mins to watch the bit I am talking about.
At the moment he said "you will be made a kind of janitor around the house". I paused the tape jumped up and started cleaning, seriously cleaning. I started with the daily chores, sweep the floor, do the dishes etc.. Soon I had moved onto the serious stuff. I started with the little washing room out the back.
To be honest, and not meaning any disrespect to any previous deshi, it seemed like a part of the house nobody wanted or felt needed to be cleaned (I know I didn't clean it when I was last here). It was quite a state, empty bottles, used rags, plastic bags disintegrating in my hands when I went to pick them up, dust and filth, cobwebs, rotting things.
Nemoto Sensei generally leaves deshi to their own devices, as long as you don't keep him waiting, keep the communal areas orderly and clean, it's all good. I always have in the back of my mind that Sensei may turn up at any moment, and I am in a constant state of semi-anxiety.
Oh yeah the plungers. Whilst cleaning out the laundry room I found, not 1, not 2 but three large plungers !! There is only one toilet !
"All the creatures of the world - insects, fish, birds, animals - have means of dealing with impurities. In this manner, each and every human is entrusted with the divine mission to purge the environment of filth and impurities. This is the aim of Aikido. This is what we all pray for. However empty prayers are of no avail. Make that prayer a reality" O'Sensei.
It follows then that the Aiki-house should be clean and not filthy, I have therefore made a clear intent to clean Aiki-house to the best of my ability, this is my Misogi. This house, or any house for that matter, to me, symbolizes not only the physical life of the inhabitants but also the metaphysical.
Whilst at Uni in Liverpool, my good friend and house mate Liam was the owner of the house we stayed in. He had severe constipation for a number of weeks, the doctor had told him he must eat something as he was starting to digest his own stomach lining (and pissing blood if I remember correctly).
I can't remember if he asked for my advice, but he got it anyway. "Your drains are blocked, they are putrid". I was referring to the house drains, the drains in the yard had blocked and were overflowing with effluence. "This house and you are karmicly linked, unblock those drains and yours will follow"
I think the man was booked to come around the next day anyway, but sure enough, as soon as the house drains were unblocked within a day or two his were flowing freely.
I don't know why, but I was absolutely convinced with unshakable certainty from the vast void in bottom of my spirit to the tips of my toes, that as soon as the house drains were unblocked his would too. Perhaps Liam picked up on the intensity of my belief and faith, and it had a psychosomatic effect. Or perhaps the two sets of drains were karmicly linked, or maybe a coincidence? A coincidence I was absolutely certain would happen.
I have included a little clip of the Video I was watching, it's quite funny and quite relevant to the training. Haven't had Nemoto Sensei jump out at me, or wack me with his shinai though.
Skip to 2 mins to watch the bit I am talking about.
Evening Keiko
Practiced at Tsukuba tonight.
Was nice to see Robin-Jinks and the other soto-deshi again.
We trained Kokyu-nage, mostly kokyo-ho based and a few varied forms. Tried to bear in mind the great gift that my uke is giving me when I hold out my arm, somebody - a body to train with.
As for my body well it feels a little sore, luckily tomorrow is a public holiday. So I may go back to the All You Can Eat at Aeon-mall in Uchihara (1,496 yen), and then maybe go to Mito to see if I can find a massage place for a treat.
O'sensei used to get his students to massage his shoulders apparently they were hard as marble, "Sabu, massaging my body is the secret to becoming the strongest one in the Dojo" O'sensei told Mr Zenzaburo Akazawa when he was 14-15.
Was nice to see Robin-Jinks and the other soto-deshi again.
We trained Kokyu-nage, mostly kokyo-ho based and a few varied forms. Tried to bear in mind the great gift that my uke is giving me when I hold out my arm, somebody - a body to train with.
As for my body well it feels a little sore, luckily tomorrow is a public holiday. So I may go back to the All You Can Eat at Aeon-mall in Uchihara (1,496 yen), and then maybe go to Mito to see if I can find a massage place for a treat.
O'sensei used to get his students to massage his shoulders apparently they were hard as marble, "Sabu, massaging my body is the secret to becoming the strongest one in the Dojo" O'sensei told Mr Zenzaburo Akazawa when he was 14-15.
Morning Keiko
This morning's training begun at the rather civilized time of 9 o'clock. We went over the 20 Jo Suburi, I was able to do them as Sensei has previously demonstrated the other morning, Sensei made only minor corrections.
We then covered two variations Happo-Jo-Tsuki. I recorded them for prosperity, I will need to practice them some more.
We then covered the 31 Jo Kata. Sensei picked me up on quite a few thing which was great, mostly being sure to move off the line at the right points as well as being at the starting point at the right movements, as well as 'Ju' being a block in the Kata rather than a strike like in the paired partner practice, and being sure to step forward for Ju-ichi and Ni-Ju. All good stuff.
The last 30 mins consisted of 90 squats, 90 sit ups, 90 press ups, 90 chest raises lying on belly, 150 one legged calf raises, 150 toe raises (working that little used muscle on the front of the shin), and finally to finish off 50x 1st Suburi with the heavy bokken. I think this is going to be a regular daily routine - which as Sensei knows is what I need.
We then covered two variations Happo-Jo-Tsuki. I recorded them for prosperity, I will need to practice them some more.
We then covered the 31 Jo Kata. Sensei picked me up on quite a few thing which was great, mostly being sure to move off the line at the right points as well as being at the starting point at the right movements, as well as 'Ju' being a block in the Kata rather than a strike like in the paired partner practice, and being sure to step forward for Ju-ichi and Ni-Ju. All good stuff.
The last 30 mins consisted of 90 squats, 90 sit ups, 90 press ups, 90 chest raises lying on belly, 150 one legged calf raises, 150 toe raises (working that little used muscle on the front of the shin), and finally to finish off 50x 1st Suburi with the heavy bokken. I think this is going to be a regular daily routine - which as Sensei knows is what I need.
Evening Keiko
Today all the instructors were in Japan at an annual Hombu-dojo. So tonights training was conducted by Mark-san a long term soto-deshi (outside student) from Malta who resides in Japan. We covered only Kihon-waza (basics). It was, as far as I can remember the first time at shibu-dojo that we have practiced sankyo, including the last stay (third locking technique). I am waiting on yonkyo-gokyo-rokyo.
I also had my first negative experience, I was practicing Nikkyo with a yudansha (black belt), I offered genuine resistance, that is to say I wasn't being a hard-arse just waiting for the technique to come on a bit stronger before I went down. Mistake.
My partner failed to read my kind intent of not collapsing in a whipering heap at the slightest pain and instead interpreted as bad-obstanent-uke. I then politely tried to explain that, "Watashi wa nihongo hita desu". ("My japanese is bad"), and that I wasn't trying to be difficult. Not sure what he thought I said, but whatever it was he then didn't want to know. He got really quite angry, even when I was trying to pay attention and copy the way he was doing it, he wound him self up attempting kaishi-waza (reversals) when it wasy my turn and putting on the nikkyo hard and fast when it was his.
Fortunately all the training with genuine resistance meant that I could play slap the mat like it hurts. I have to say that I remained absolutely calm, but I was remorseful I couldn't have explained myself more clearly and resolved the situation. It was however quite clear from my body language that I wasn't trying to play ego-bullshit. Funny when deshi come to Iwama and then play Hombu - no disrespect intended, there is a time and a place for all kinds of training.
For me staying calm in the face of aggression is what Aikido is all about. Doesn't mean that you should take shit, if I felt he had intent (and ability) to hurt me I would have played a different game. I wont be afraid to practice with him again even though I'm sure he wont want to practice with me. I will just chose a more simple technique that hopefully we can agree to disagree about.
On a lighter note I went by the Aiki-Jinja prior to training and practiced a little kototama (soul-word, chanting). I also prayed for forgiveness and asked the kami for guidance. Being there again, at the Jinja was incredibly emotional. To be honest so much so that it actually made me cry with tears of joy-sorrow-hope-fear. A mixed bag of emotions, I'd like to think the Kami were also pleased to see me again and glad I was there to pray. Those who know me well will understand that, although not devoid of emotions, I am not exactly a bucket of elation nor despair. Needless to say that the Jinja, and what it represents, means an awful lot to me.
Tomorrow I may go and offer some buki-waza and,.. err.. more guidance please.
I also had my first negative experience, I was practicing Nikkyo with a yudansha (black belt), I offered genuine resistance, that is to say I wasn't being a hard-arse just waiting for the technique to come on a bit stronger before I went down. Mistake.
My partner failed to read my kind intent of not collapsing in a whipering heap at the slightest pain and instead interpreted as bad-obstanent-uke. I then politely tried to explain that, "Watashi wa nihongo hita desu". ("My japanese is bad"), and that I wasn't trying to be difficult. Not sure what he thought I said, but whatever it was he then didn't want to know. He got really quite angry, even when I was trying to pay attention and copy the way he was doing it, he wound him self up attempting kaishi-waza (reversals) when it wasy my turn and putting on the nikkyo hard and fast when it was his.
Fortunately all the training with genuine resistance meant that I could play slap the mat like it hurts. I have to say that I remained absolutely calm, but I was remorseful I couldn't have explained myself more clearly and resolved the situation. It was however quite clear from my body language that I wasn't trying to play ego-bullshit. Funny when deshi come to Iwama and then play Hombu - no disrespect intended, there is a time and a place for all kinds of training.
For me staying calm in the face of aggression is what Aikido is all about. Doesn't mean that you should take shit, if I felt he had intent (and ability) to hurt me I would have played a different game. I wont be afraid to practice with him again even though I'm sure he wont want to practice with me. I will just chose a more simple technique that hopefully we can agree to disagree about.
On a lighter note I went by the Aiki-Jinja prior to training and practiced a little kototama (soul-word, chanting). I also prayed for forgiveness and asked the kami for guidance. Being there again, at the Jinja was incredibly emotional. To be honest so much so that it actually made me cry with tears of joy-sorrow-hope-fear. A mixed bag of emotions, I'd like to think the Kami were also pleased to see me again and glad I was there to pray. Those who know me well will understand that, although not devoid of emotions, I am not exactly a bucket of elation nor despair. Needless to say that the Jinja, and what it represents, means an awful lot to me.
Tomorrow I may go and offer some buki-waza and,.. err.. more guidance please.
5am Training
The training began at 5.10am, so I set my alarm for 4.30am. I bought it in Ueno, it's one of those ones with the little hammer and two bells. At the time I thought "great this is nice and loud - no chance of sleeping through this". Subsequently I stuck little bits of tape onto the bells because I am afraid of it giving me a heart attack - especially at 4.30am.
So as usual about five minutes before Sensei arrived I stood outside and waited. Have to say that it was pretty cold. Yesterday Christopher-san told me that it had been -6C the morning before. Didn't feel that cold but still pretty nippy.
Training consisted of the first three kumitachi. The main difference between Nemoto Sensei and what I am used to is that some of the parries are not done along the center line but off to the side - (eg 2nd kumitachi ni and go). Not too difficult to adjust.
For the last 30mins Nemoto sensei had me doing sit-ups, press ups, squats, and various other exercises. Clearly quite out of shape and will need to work a lot harder on my cardio and core strength when I get back to Perth. Think this will be my new-years resolution. To be able to do 250 press ups, rather than the measly 50 I was able to this morning.
Food - yum yum
I made a large batch of leek and potato soup as I thought it would be a nice warmer for the cold weather. Took some to the Shibu uchideshi too as I thought they would appreciate it. The leeks here are quite long and quite thin, also the cucumbers are small and somewhat knobbly. The local supermarket does 50% off, almost every evening so a large 10 piece sushi pack costs only 250yen or $2.80 AUD, this is clearly a bargain.
Motanai is the saying used to say don't waste. It it quite rude to leave excessive amounts of food on your plate. You should eat down to last grain of rice, this will naturally require some skillful use of your hashi (chopsticks). As non waste-fullness is such an integral aspect to Japanese society I wonder about all that fish going to waste on the supermarket shelves, especially given the ever depleting stocks of fish in the worlds oceans.
So as usual about five minutes before Sensei arrived I stood outside and waited. Have to say that it was pretty cold. Yesterday Christopher-san told me that it had been -6C the morning before. Didn't feel that cold but still pretty nippy.
Training consisted of the first three kumitachi. The main difference between Nemoto Sensei and what I am used to is that some of the parries are not done along the center line but off to the side - (eg 2nd kumitachi ni and go). Not too difficult to adjust.
For the last 30mins Nemoto sensei had me doing sit-ups, press ups, squats, and various other exercises. Clearly quite out of shape and will need to work a lot harder on my cardio and core strength when I get back to Perth. Think this will be my new-years resolution. To be able to do 250 press ups, rather than the measly 50 I was able to this morning.
Food - yum yum
I made a large batch of leek and potato soup as I thought it would be a nice warmer for the cold weather. Took some to the Shibu uchideshi too as I thought they would appreciate it. The leeks here are quite long and quite thin, also the cucumbers are small and somewhat knobbly. The local supermarket does 50% off, almost every evening so a large 10 piece sushi pack costs only 250yen or $2.80 AUD, this is clearly a bargain.
Motanai is the saying used to say don't waste. It it quite rude to leave excessive amounts of food on your plate. You should eat down to last grain of rice, this will naturally require some skillful use of your hashi (chopsticks). As non waste-fullness is such an integral aspect to Japanese society I wonder about all that fish going to waste on the supermarket shelves, especially given the ever depleting stocks of fish in the worlds oceans.
1st Keiko with Nemoto Sensei
This morning was the first keiko with Nemoto Sensei.
It was really enjoyable, focusing on ken and jo suburi as well as awase practices, learnt a new one too which was nice.
Nemoto Sensei teaches a few things a little different to how Peter Sensei teaches which adds the possibility of a different perspective.
I am making more detailed notes as I am going along but wont bother to post it here-now.
So it is now 10pm, and have finished training at Shibu, come back eaten and ready for bed as I will be up at 4.30am ready for training at 5am. Can't wait.
Yasumi Nasai
It was really enjoyable, focusing on ken and jo suburi as well as awase practices, learnt a new one too which was nice.
Nemoto Sensei teaches a few things a little different to how Peter Sensei teaches which adds the possibility of a different perspective.
I am making more detailed notes as I am going along but wont bother to post it here-now.
So it is now 10pm, and have finished training at Shibu, come back eaten and ready for bed as I will be up at 4.30am ready for training at 5am. Can't wait.
Yasumi Nasai
Tonight was the first keiko. Inagaki Sensei taught the lesson. It was the first lesson of the year at the Shibu dojo. Rather cold, but breaking with tradition they had the doors closed and a heater, it wasn't too cold. There were about 12 people in all, mostly Japanese. The current Shibu uchideshi are Christopher-san and Byron-san, two nice young gents from sweden and america.
We did 3 variations of katate dori kyoku-nage.
1: Kihon
2: Grabbing uke's GI under the elbow and breaking out.
3: Pushing uke's elbow toward them
4: Grabbing uke's belt
I am expecting that we will be continuing with kyoku-nage, probably for the entire three weeks that I am here (and beyond).
First training with Nemoto Sensei tomorrow morning. Yay !!
We did 3 variations of katate dori kyoku-nage.
1: Kihon
2: Grabbing uke's GI under the elbow and breaking out.
3: Pushing uke's elbow toward them
4: Grabbing uke's belt
I am expecting that we will be continuing with kyoku-nage, probably for the entire three weeks that I am here (and beyond).
First training with Nemoto Sensei tomorrow morning. Yay !!
Arrival in Iwama
I arrived in Iwama around 4 o'clock. Gave Nemoto Sensei a call and he came down to the station and picked me up. We then went back to the Aiki house and he reminded me about a few things, such as the o'furo hot bath, which shoe the keys are kept in, how to operate the various small heaters (naturally I will use these as sparingly as possible)
I also got to check out Nemoto Sensei's dojo "Nisshinkan Dojo". It is not completely finished, as the toilets, shower, still need to be put in, it is however functional as a dojo.
There is no training today as Nemoto Sensei has a prior arrangement. So training will start tomorrow.
I also got to check out Nemoto Sensei's dojo "Nisshinkan Dojo". It is not completely finished, as the toilets, shower, still need to be put in, it is however functional as a dojo.
There is no training today as Nemoto Sensei has a prior arrangement. So training will start tomorrow.
2 Stops to Iwama
Two stops from Iwama !!
I am super excited to be back in Iwama and to train with Nemoto Sensei again.
Even though it will be a short visit, sure that I will hear "Dame" (Japanese for Wrong-Bad-Incorrect) lots and lots !!!
I am super excited to be back in Iwama and to train with Nemoto Sensei again.
Even though it will be a short visit, sure that I will hear "Dame" (Japanese for Wrong-Bad-Incorrect) lots and lots !!!
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