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CONTENTS TheTran relatismionshipssion between th e- Sensei Part and II thIe Student 1 Transmission - Part III Christophe Peytier now addresses the topic of the Sensei-Student 2 Editorial Relationship 4 Sacred trust n the trans- that united them, developing some 5 Armoury of the teacher mission of very closed circles, with initiation rites, traditional and very strict and rigid rules. These 6 Finding your own way artIs in Japan, Master-Disciple relationships were the Teacher- progressively substituted by a 7 An iron dIscipline Student relation- Professor-Student relationship, with ship is a corner- Christophe Peytier the development of universities, at the 8 Longtime training stone of the end of the Middle Age (or even before construction. Let us remember that the with some early universities such as 9 Understanding cultural training usually lasts around twenty Louvain, Salamanca or Coimbra). background years. During that time, a relationship The two fundamental reasons will develop, with very particular roles supporting the creation of universities 10 A healthy dojo assigned to each party. The Sensei were: must help the student to express all a) The willingness to enlarge the 11 Training with injuries his potential. In fact, the ideal of a curriculum and the variety of Sensei would be to develop students disciplines taught. 12 Aikido and Omotokyo better than himself. This is the mark of a true great Master: the ‘little masters’ continued on page 2 16 Ethical behaviour want to keep some things for 16 Japan Tsunami Fund themselves. On the other hand, 17 Jenny Curran the student will display an 18 Promotions immense respect for his master, Please note closing date for going so far as to July 2012 issue: 1 June 2012 handle the small- est details in the life of the latter. It may lead to a situation of quasi- slavery. This rela- tionship used to r e exist also in our i t y e a P b Western world. a e r h a For example, the p T
o t a i s i v builders of cathe- r l y h S C
drals in the XIIIth : o m t o o century were well r f h
P o t
known for the o h Chiba Sensei with Jürgen Schwendinger extremely com- P (uke), Austria Summer Camp, July 2008 plex relationship Chiba Sensei with Christophe Peytier (uke) BIRANKAI EUROPE Technical Director Shihan TK Chiba 8th Dan o c n a r F
European Birankai Shihankai : o t
Norberto Chiesa 6th Dan, Birankai o h France Editorial P Gabriel Valibouze 6th Dan, Birankai France n 2011 we continued to work towards developing a stronger and more MIke Flynn 6th Dan, British unified and efficient European body. Birankai IThe First Birankai Europe Summer School 2011 with Shihan TK Chiba Chris Mooney 6th Dan, British 8th Dan and Shihan Etsuji Horii 7th Dan, Aikido Kobe Sanda Dojo, Birankai Kobe, Japan, was hosted by British Birankai and held in August in Dee Chen 6th Dan, British Birankai Worcester, UK. Chiba Sensei has directed that the annual Birankai Daniel Brunner 6th Dan, Birankai Europe Summer School be held in the UK for two more years. Switzerland Since July 2010, we have amalgamated the two newsletters Shiun and Patrick Barthélémy 6th Dan, Musubi to produce a united Birankai Europe Musubi. Our present project Birankai France to update the Continental Europe website to reflect this new cohesive European body is in progress. Member Countries Our thanks to Jenny Curran as she completes her stint of recording for Birankai Austria posterity all BB summer schools since 1997. She has mentioned that Birankai France she enjoyed being a part of the summer schools and she will sorely miss Birankai Germany the camaraderie and all the friendships she has nurtured over the years. Hellenic Birankai On behalf of Birankai Europe Shihankai I would like to thank all mem- Birankai Israel bers for their support and loyalty over the years and we look forward to Birankai Poland working together in 2012. Birankai Portugal Have a Happy New Year. ☯ Birankai Switzerland British Birankai Dee Chen
BE Musubi is published twice a year in January and July. English edition available on www.britishbirankai.com and the French edition on Transmission - Part III www.birankai.eu/shiun_fr.html continued from page 1
b) The necessity to scale to an example, the very famous violin maker Individual article reflects the increasingly large number of Stradivarius, in the late XVIIth century, author’s own views. All submis- students. was signing his early pieces ‘Antonio sions may be edited due to space Indeed, one of the main limiting fac- Stradivari - alumnus Amati’ (Student of constraints and should be sent to tor of the Master-Disciple relationship Amati), when in turn, fifty years later the Editor or Assistant Editor or is its inherent lack of scalability, since his student Carlo Bergonsi would sign Sub Editor. the depth of the established relation- his pieces with the mention ‘sotto la ship demands a strong inter-addiction: disciplina de Antonio Stradivari’ (under Editor: Dee Chen the master must be sensitive to each the discipline of). Niccolo Amati, [email protected] step in the development of his disciple, Stradivari’s master, was a first class Assistant Editor: Suzanne the disciple will be submitted to the violin maker (in fact the direct descen- Brunner [email protected] orders of the Master and give every- dant of the inventor of violin!) and Sub Editor: Chris Howlin thing he has in this relationship, often indeed during the first twenty years of [email protected] to the detriment of the individual his creation, Stradivari’s violins clearly Design Consultant: Franco Chen liberty, for each of them. resembled those of his master. But This type of relationship used to be progressively he developed his own very present in our Western world, but style. That is the exact process: a has almost disappeared nowadays, master needs to foster the develop- however it continues to exist in Japan. ment of his disciple, up to the point © Copyright 2012 All rights reserved. In Europe there has been some where his student will be able to Reproduction is prohibited without express famous cases of such relationship breakthrough and fly with his own written permission. amongst artists and craftsmen. For continued on page 3
BE MUSUBIMUSUBI JaJannuuararyy 22001122 Transmission - Part III continued from page 2 wings, potentially becoming even that it is enough to show the move- and behind: it was possible, from this better than his master. Or not. The ments and correct the techniques until spot, to pull the scabbard, leaving the disciple must submit himself to a rigor- the proper level is reached. That the samurai in the impossibility to draw his ous discipline of imitating and learning, deeper aspects of the art will be dis- sword without cutting his own belt. I until the moment where he will be covered by the students after many felt that, to walk, this position was the ready to develop his own style, to years of practice, independently of the proper one. My teacher never taught recover his freedom. One needs to teacher. The other way of thinking me that. But one day he made me support a lack of liberty for many years insists on the necessity to preserve the understand that this was the proper before being able to express its own Teacher-Student relationship, other- way, thus I was on the right track. talent, and therefore attain true wise a part of the art will be lost from One could argue that this is an freedom. This appears paradoxical, one generation to the other. obsolete attitude, and that no one for sure. Considering what was said in the walks in the street with a sword any- When one deals with the spread of first part of this article on the ‘collec- way. Sure, but the process of remain- oriental martial arts, one cannot lose tion of conditions’, it seems to me very ing vigilant, to discover a martial posi- sight of this Master-Disciple relation- clear that the Master-Disciple relation- tion, to feel that one’s master remains ship. In particular, we must ask our- ship will be a key element in the sensitive to one’s progresses, even selves: how can this type of relation capacity of a Sensei to put his stu- without exchange of words, corre- continue to exist, considering that dents in the desired conditions, as well sponds well to the idea here nowadays martial arts are spreading as the capacity for the students to expressed regarding this Teacher- worldwide? leverage these conditions. For exam- Student relationship. How can a European or South ple, as I was once walking next to my In conclusion, it appears clearly that American teacher transmit oriental Sensei in the street, I remember this relation (whether we call it Master- martial arts? It seems to me that there becoming conscious that I needed to Disciple, or Teacher-Student) is a key are two trains of thoughts: the first way walk slightly behind him on the left relationship to foster the ‘collection of of thinking is to say that this Master- side. I became aware that in the old conditions’ that will allow the disciple to Disciple relationship is not a mandato- times, the young disciple need to do reveal his maximum potential through ry factor in the transmission. That tech- the same with his master, since the serious practice, until going beyond niques can be learned by students and weak side of a Samurai was on the left the mere techniques. This relationship develops with, on the one hand, the decision from the Sensei to do every- thing to help the practitioner, and, on the other hand, the decision for the practitioner to choose a particular Sensei. Each one of them is a link in the chain of transmission, and therefore must be conscious of his responsibility, vis-à-vis the masters of the past, and the students of the future, that eventu- ally will turn the next masters. ☯
Christophe Peytier 4th Dan Sanjukan - Lisbon Birankai Portugal r e i
t The first two chapters of this triptych is y e
P dedicated to the theme of e h (see Shiun July 2009 and
p Transmission o t s i Jan 2010), and cover the aspects of r h C
the Transmission from the Sensei’s m o r
f perspective, then from the Student’s o t
o perspective. In this final chapter h P Christophe Peytier addresses the topic Christophe Peytier and his student Joao Moita (uke) 2002 of the Sensei-Student relationship. ☯
Januanuary 2200112 BE MUMUSSUUBBII 3 als may feel they are not a part of the Stuart Lovering explores the sacred dojo or can even drift down the wrong trust between teacher and student path and not realise it. We, as instruc- tors, can only show the students our understanding of Aikido, which is a he Teacher- becoming more popular over these last very small part. With being close to the Student few years. All these factors have to be student we can guide them through relationship considered as well as each of them these difficult times. It is entirely up to tTo me is an having to be treated differently. The the student to experience the myster- aspect that has strongest one of all is friendship, which ies Aikido brings to them. However, been so important is built up over the years and not just with the relationship teachers and in my Aikido path, Stuart Lovering weeks. students have, the barriers that can be one which I am This journey often fully begins when produced by issues arising can be now in the pursuit of helping others to the teacher is involved in visiting brought down. This sort of friendship follow. Some people will look at this as another dojo, to teach on a course, only comes about after a long duration, how the teacher should act ethically, and has asked a student to assist as trust from both sides must have but it is something that both teacher them through the duration. Without the been experienced and developed by and student need to consider, some- interference of other students the both. thing that can be easily forgotten from teacher is able to give time to that Students and teachers alike should the student’s view. student, guiding them through what be grateful, even for hardship, set- The one question I try to get other they should be doing in terms of acting backs, and bad people causing you to students to understand is, why should like a Kenshusei. Through this, the have such ill feelings. Dealing with we as teachers give to them what we student gets an understanding of how such obstacles is an essential part of have taken years to learn? What does the teacher wishes to be treated whilst your training in Aikido and makes you a teacher gain from it? It certainly is they are under their instruction, which, into a stronger person in life. not money; otherwise there would be in my mind, prepares them for being To me the one thing that an instruc- a dozen limos outside the dojo. That is more martial in the dojo. In time, with tor requires from a long standing stu- why it becomes such an intimate rela- the student developing this way, the dent is loyalty, as all the hard work that tionship. Because it is something very student and teacher become closer. has been achieved becomes a major close to the teacher, that they are giv- At this time the teacher is able to part of the progression of a dojo. ing to the student with nothing, but the encourage the student to assist As O-Sensei once said, “Loyalty and feeling of pride, in return, like a father him/her in bringing other students in devotion lead to bravery. Bravery or mother watching their child achieve closer to him/her. This builds not only leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The something for the first time. on student-teacher relationships, but spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in As a teacher we, like parents, have student-student relationships too. the power of love.” ☯ to find a happy medium in the way we Why do we need such a close rela- treat different students, as each have tionship during the learning phase? Stuart Lovering 4th Dan different needs. To start with we Students, who have been practising Tudor Grange, Central Aikikai wouldn’t put too much on them until Aikido for a while, would already have British Birankai we have found what they are looking felt the ups and downs of some situa- for from their training. For example tions in their practice, both inside and friendship, security, knowledge or even out of the dojo. This is where a strong (Essay submitted for 4th Dan testing at family intervention, which I have found friendship is so important, as individu- BE Summer School, Aug 2011) k e p o J z a m o h T
: o t o h P Stuart Lovering with Eddie Macaller (uke), Cocks Moors Woods Aikido Joint Course, Nov 2011
4 BE MUSUBI JJaannuauarryy 20201212 Essay for testing: Theodoros Tempos Modesty and self-examination feature in the armoury of the teacher
he ☯ A Teacher should be truthful to ☯ A Teacher should be strict and path himself and his students and never don’t accept any compromises to pretend to be someone he is not. about his teaching methods, but at enlighTtenment is Aikido can be a spiritual path, but the same time he must be gentle en“dless and this this doesn’t mean that one that and sensitive so he can forsee and applies to all practises the art is by definition a spiri- judge the condition of each and people, teachers Theodoros Tempos tual person. A good teacher doesn’t every one of his students and included.” need to pretend to be spiritual. He only the difficulties they might be Let’s face it. Being a teacher is a big needs to be honest and modest about experiencing. responsibility. After all, a teacher is just his spirituality, whichever that is. After ☯ A Teacher could and propably human, with all the inabilities of one, all, practising Aikido three hours a day, should be social with his students, who has to somehow overcome them, year after year, is a spiritual act on its but never mistaken himself that he at least up to a level. own. can be friends with them or vice- So which is the combination of the ☯ A Teacher must be aware of the versa. Unfortunately a student- characteristics, that make a Good amplified goodness or badness teacher relationship although it is Teacher? that he can transmit and act with a very intimate one and can affect ☯ A Teacher must have students, compassion. both sides deeply, in most cases otherwise a teacher he is not. For his students, a teacher is a big it cannot become a friendship ☯ A Teacher must never forget that mirror. Whatever he does or not, has because it may jeopardize the he is a Student. a direct impact on them. If through balance and lead to painful ☯ A Teacher should NEVER take his teaching he is arrogant and self- misunderstandings. ☯ advantage of his students in any centered, his students will most way. definitely reveal their own egocentricity Theodoros Tempos 2nd Dan ☯ A Teacher should be truthful to and arrogance. His openings will, in Athens Aikido himself and acknowledge the most cases, become their openings Hellenic Birankai (Greece) imperfection of his being. too! He should be very strict about ☯ A Teacher should never demand himself and always perform self- from his students things that he is (Essay submitted for 2nd Dan testing examination. not willing to do either. in Oct 2010)
2012 BIRANKAI INTERNATIONAL COURSES
3-5 Feb Birankai Europe Zen Sesshin under the direction of Genjo Marinello Osho, Abbot of Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Temple, Seattle, USA at I Shin Juku Dojo, Tatenhill Village Hall, Burton-Upon-Trent, DE13 9SD, Staffordshire, UK Website: www.britishbirankai.com Contact: [email protected] Mobile +44(0) 7932 666 801
2-4 March Birankai Europe Teachers’ Seminar with Birankai Europe Shihankai Venue: Sportschule Edenkoben, Villastraße 63, D - 67480 Edenkoben www.swfv.de Tel: 06323/9403-0 Website: www.aikido-landau.de/neu/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/birankai-teacherseminar-2012.pdf Contact: Alexander Broll: [email protected] Phone: +49 6341 55 900 98
8-13 June Birankai North America Summer Camp 2012, at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY Website: www.birankai.org/EventSchedule.php
21-27 July Birankai Europe Summer School 2012 with Shihan TK Chiba 8th Dan, Shihan TS Miyamoto 7th Dan Hombu, Japan and British Birankai Shihan and instructors organized by British Birankai at University of Worcester, Worcester, UK Website: www.britishbirankai.com
Januanuary 2200112 BE MUMUSSUUBBII 5 Finding your own way through the martial arts Shihan Daniel Brunner examines three important books
hen a the loss of life of another practitioner, These men lived during times beginner we realize then how much we differ in frequently upset by recurring wars. We enters our present notion of a martial art. wouldn’t know about their experience if intWo a dojo for the The martial arts schools were devel- they had not integrated the mysteries first time, he oped during the 17th century, the era of battle techniques during their never- doesn’t know of Miyamoto Musashi, Yagyu Munenori ending training sessions, and trying anything about Shihan Daniel Brunner and Takuan Soho. Each of these three out their knowledge in combat. what will happen. essential figures of Japanese feudal The training sessions haven’t In the best case he comes with the history wrote about his own martial changed a lot. Only we respect our preconceived idea that Aikido is a experience. These books are the most partners a little more and try to avoid Japanese martial art dealing with important in the translated literature, the injuries that could handicap us in a soft approach to that past era, the and are relatively graspable for the dojo as well as in our daily lives. feudal time of Japan. attentive readers. This training is essential for a good Apart from how to behave in a dojo, Each of them wrote from personal understanding of the techniques and the first thing he will be taught is experience, in fact rather different from for good control of uke as well as of ukemi, then the way to attack and how one another. ourselves. to move. From the moment one says: Takuan Soho, Zen Master, probably The martial arts of ancient times “you have to attack like this or like never used a sword; his mind was his would require us to be confronted by that” a system has been established. weapon, and he devoted a number of people who haven’t the same outlook From that moment, it will be neces- his reflections to analyze the swords- as us, who don’t obey the same rules sary to repeat endlessly the move- men’s behaviour, giving them advice in and who wouldn’t be afraid to be ments, defined attacks and conven- order to improve their approach to life injured or to hurt us. tional defences until an illusion of har- and death. He wrote The Unfettered I must confess that this is not my mony is felt. When the movements are Mind. area of study. I have been pursuing for done well, quickly and without any Miyamoto Musashi, the most popu- years an unattainable perfection. To apparent clash, when uke is ejected lar, lived a solitary lifestyle, without tak- be inside a system doesn’t prevent us three metres further and gets up ing any students nor teaching his from thinking about what we are doing: unharmed, then the technique has method. Only towards the end of his is it correct to stop an effective been well executed. life, he devoted himself to painting and shomen-uchi because of a wrongly This corresponds to the definition of poetry, and he wrote Go Rin No Sho, evaluated distance? Is it ok to correct a system. the book of the five rings. a gyaku hanmi attack if we don’t However, if one of the partners, or Yagyu Munenori was in charge of correct ai hanmi? Why is a yokomen- opponents, or enemies, changes even the Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, an important uchi ok on one side and wrong on the a touch of this agreed behaviour, then school still active nowadays. In addi- other? the whole system breaks down. tion to this he was an important advi- I think that it is important to read the If we think that the practice of a mar- sor to the Shogun and lived amongst three books I mentioned above: tial art at the time when it was not for- his entourage. His book is in two parts, The Life-Giving Sword, Yagyu bidden, meant under some conditions the first of which is The Sword of Life. Munenori The Book of Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi The Unfettered Mind, Takuan Soho Through these texts one can better understand the martial art spirit, and conceive that only intensive practice can free us from the system. In the same way as artists studying at an art school finally gather enough tools and experience to forget what they have learned and, at last, create their own way. ☯ a k s w o r Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan a D
a Ryu Seki Kai, Lausanne t a e Birankai CH (Switzerland) B
: o t November 2011 o h
P Translation: Suzanne and Christophe Shihan Daniel Brunner wirh Maciej Tomaszewski (uke), Polish Summer Camp, Wroclaw, Brunner Aug 2010
6 BE MUSUBI JJaannuauarryy 20201212 An iron discipline forged by the three precepts of Aikido Florent Liardet explains
Shiken –The examination hard part is not changing objective, but The smith starts rather leaning towards ease, and quit- to melt the iron in he exam is the occasion for the ting again and again, walking without order to cleanse student that I am to sum up his progressing. all impurities. He knowledge under the eyes of his then needs to fold Nyû-Nan-Shin – The supple mind maTster. in successive lay- The technique is put under test but Rediscover the spirit of the beginner ers until reaching Florent Liardet the student must also come back to is probably the lesson I have heard the the proper hard- the theoretical knowledge that has most during Chiba Sensei’s seminars. ness. These two first steps, preceding marked his progresses. As such, here The more time goes by and experi- the tempering and the polishing, illus- is a personal reflection on some of the ence grows, the more this question trate on their own the situation: I am principles shown by Pascal Krieger in becomes relevant. The beginner does the steel; my master is the smith hold- his book Ten-Jin-Chi, that have deeply not know, his mind is thus not stuck on ing the pliers and the hammer. In order permeated me along the years, echo- problems of technical nature: ‘which for the techniques to penetrate our ing the discoveries, the emotions and foot forward, now? Ah, no, not like bodies, we need to put them to fire, the difficulties encountered in my that... Geez I thought I knew that ...’. ukemi after ukemi. This is done practice. His mind is unspoiled and just tries to through effort and repetition: ‘in blood, absorb at best the techniques shown sweat and tears’, such is my favourite Even a thousand miles trip starts before your feet by the master, he doesn’t compare motto to handle the heavy blows, over with the other and doesn’t judge. We the last years. Just as in walking, Aikido is a suc- always need to find again this candor We are here in that metal state that cession of steps, one after the other. that frees the mind, and let us appreci- is described by Chiba Sensei. Then The various levels must be respected, ate things as they are and not as they comes the water (for tempering) and because the first step is useful to the should be. Chiba Sensei compares the the wind (polish) that I do not wish to second in order not to stumble. curiosity and the motivation brought by address here, as I feel that I am still on It belongs to the practitioner to disci- this state, to the one felt when one the anvil and, as we have seen it, one pline himself in what he does ‘here falls in love for the first time. This must do only one step at a time. and now’, without being overtly con- perspective should convince the most These three precepts seem to me cerned with where he goes. However, satisfied practitioners to return to the a good basis to build and maintain, for one must not stray away from the stage of a small child, never fed up many years, an iron discipline of chosen path. For even though in the with questions, nor answers. Aikido. ☯ beginning we are happy to move along Tanren - Forging the Spirit that beautiful path, with time we may Florent Liardet 1st Dan resent fatigue because the slope turns To practise an art such as Aikido is Ryu Seki Kai, Lausanne steeper and sometimes courage is not an obvious matter. Indeed, it deals Birankai CH (Switzerland) lacking. So, we see many trails aside with transforming one’s body and of the path. They seem flat and easy mind, always linked, like we transform Translation: Christophe Peytier to reach. But following them is to devi- a piece of raw steel into a sword, (Essay submitted for 1st Dan testing in ate from the chosen objective. The sharp and polished. May 2011) o t e z z a R
o r d n a s s e l A
o i r a M
: o t o h P Chiba Sensei and Robert Savoca, BB Summer School, Bangor, Aug 2007
Januanuary 2200112 BE MUMUSSUUBBII 7 Mateusz Szafrański tells why Polish Summer Camp Aikido demands longtime training Wroclaw, Aug 2010 for the maximum effect
he year is madness of our times, are seeking 1973 and faster effects. Military systems and the movie self-defense schools, that guarantee T‘Enter the Dragon’ effectiveness after several months of is being shown in training, are the answer for their cinemas. There expectations. is a boom for Mateusz Szafrański I think that for the survival of Aikido, Wu-shu, as well some kind of elitism is needed, since as other eastern martial arts. They commerce kills every art. The fact is, were known before in Europe and that the more people that are interest- America, but now everyone wants to ed in training, the better the chance is practise them. for finding those keen on staying for The origins of Aikido in Poland were a longer time. Those who stay are the difficult. People practising sports like ones who like precision and effort. If Karate or Judo heard about a delicate the training does not meet their expec- Ghislaine Soulet, Gen Nei Kan, France form of self-defense. They have tried tation, they will be discouraged. And to learn it from… books. During the 35 those who do not like to overwork, will years since those events, many Aikido only train for some time and also federations emerged, connected with resign. Even if they stay, they will not Hombu Dojo to varying degrees. Ease be able to achieve precision changing of contact with highly qualified teach- their movement into art. ers, gaining knowledge from the That is why I believe that it is neces- source, has given greater possibilities. sary to encourage practitioners to take Despite this, in today’s world we do consecutive exams. It has long been not have too much time for practising known, that demanding teachers martial art, however for many of us it achieve better results at teaching. ☯ becomes a way of life. Here comes the question: Are we able to master the Mateusz Szafrański 1st Dan knowledge, gained by others during Wroclaw Aikikai years of training, in 4-5 hours a week? Birankai Polska (Poland) Today, when the trend has passed, June 2011 less people are interested in the martial art. Those fascinated by hand (Essay submitted for 1st Dan testing to hand combat, according to the in June 2011) Piotr Masztalerz, Wroclaw Aikikai, Poland a k s w o r a D
a t a e B
: s o t z o r h e l p a t p z m s a a c
M r
e a i m s a m K u
: s o t h o s i l h o P P Mateusz Szafrański mobilising Marcin Chiłą (uke), January 2011 Kasia Masztalerz, Wroclaw Aikikai, Poland
8 BE MUSUBI JJaannuauarryy 20201212 The importance of understanding the cultural background in martial arts Łukasz Łabȩdski delves into the origins of Aikido
here are a leads to the biggest question. That is effective, but once again only when lot of differ- why so many people are exchanging subjected to certain rules. ent martial Aikido for other martial arts and stop Some of the senior students after Tart systems, perceiving Aikido as a martial art. realizing this basic fact often dispute differing from one When we come to our first Aikido Aikido as an efficient system, and another in terms training, our Sensei teaches us what whether it should even be treated as of cultural Łukasz Łab dski the Dojo is and what the Kamiza is. He a martial art at all? In my opinion the aspects. I strongly ȩ explains that we are doing martial arts reason, for that, is that they do not believe that almost each nationality or here, and that is the reason for all the realize Aikido is being used in different culture has its own unique martial art discipline, which is interpreted in many cultural backgrounds, but as we all system and they all believe that their different ways or unfortunately defied know, it is a traditional Japanese system is the best one. This is true, by those who can be called ignorant. martial art and is strictly connected but we have to discuss why each of After a few years of practising to a feudal Japan. these systems is best in the founders’ Aikido, we start to believe that we are Most Aikido attacks are based on opinion. able to defend ourselves easily. reaction to a man with sword or other First of all, I believe that each martial Seeing shihonage for the first time and similar weapon, for example ai hanmi art system has been founded by the listening to Sensei’s explanation, make or gyaku hanmi were develop to pre- ‘nation’ for the ‘nation’. What I mean is us believe we can defend against any- vent the withdrawing of the sword – that every single martial art is country/ one as it seems to us to be very effec- exactly the same as with ushiro culture specific (except maybe MMA - tive. This may be correct, but only if assaults which may be the reason why mixed martial arts – but this is a differ- we consider certain rules. Aikido may not be effective in other ent story). There is no doubt that all When we acquire knowledge about cultures where other martial arts, such martial arts are based on hard body ikkyo and rokkyo, it may appear to us as boxing in ever kind a form which training and they have been all devel- that if we only master those skills and have deeper roots. oped to protect oneself against offend- movements – only God will be able to I believe that some senior appren- ers. The difference lies in the type of defeat us. This might be treated as tices forgot about this fundamental offender because each attack will be a joke, but every joke has a little truth aspect which is Aikido’s cultural back- specific so the defence needs to be in it. ground, and this is causing their frus- specific as well. We learn how to defend from every tration. No one has ever said that it is When you read this essay you prob- single type of attack. We train in tech- forbidden for Aikido followers to try ably feel that all I am saying is so sim- niques useful for front, side and even other systems and learn for them- ple and obvious. It might be, but it all back attack. All of this is extremely selves about connections between them or find out their efficiency. Most martial arts consider a circle as perfect motion, used with a different meaning, but the basic meaning stays the same. We need to remember that it is not the fighting system that makes a warrior a proper winner. It is his experience, heart, etc. Although knowledge about his opponent is essential... ☯
Łukasz Łabȩdski 2nd Dan a k
s Wroclaw Aikikai w o r Birankai Polska (Poland) a D a t a e B
: o t o h
P (Essay submitted for 2nd Dan testing Shihan Daniel Brunner wirh Łukasz Łab dski (uke), Polish Summer Camp, Wroclaw, in June 2011) Aug 2010 ȩ
Januanuary 2200112 BE MUMUSSUUBBII 9 Definition of a healthy dojo Davinder Bath lists the essential qualities
dojo is a IQ and a good EQ. In other words tion, attention to detail, etiquette, place of intelligence and emotion must be well respect and humility and although not awaken- developed. The dojo has a great possi- very obvious, love and compassion Aing. It is, sort of, bility of being successful if the teach- and reward and celebration. These are a university, a ers, and through them the senior all essential aspects of a healthy dojo. temple, a (self) students, have full awareness of Once all of the above are ingrained we therapy centre, a Davinder Bath intelligence and emotion in learning. can welcome newcomers into our playground, even The science of Positive Psychology community and they will understand a testing ground. In a way an Aikido dojo has gone a long way to understanding the dojo to be the special thing it is. cannot be defined, as Aikido cannot be many practical aspects of eastern Regular grading structure focuses us defined. It is all things to all people. philosophy. This is a good source of on the path and keeps us from drifting. The atmosphere holds everything knowledge for a would-be successful Promoting responsibly, yet individually, together; atmosphere is paramount. ‘western’ teacher. and yet with a common standard is This is the first requirement. A healthy The best source of knowledge is the required. The senior students reinforce dojo equates to a successful dojo. traditional path, through a teacher- the philosophy of the dojo as their Success also has a multitude of defini- student relationship. Chiba Sensei is a awareness increases. The dojo begins tions. At the deepest level success is master second to none when it comes to develop the right reputation and a about personal awakening and about to transmission psychology. If I wish place in the community develops once successful transmission from one gen- anything I would wish for in-depth we have a community in the dojo. eration to the next. To be successful in awareness of all of Sensei’s methods, A dojo is for all, not just the elite. awakening we would do well to have not only the ones I have experienced. Everyone is essentially the same, yet the right path and to be successful in Aikido is a living art of course and each is quite unique. It is so difficult to transmission we must have something each practitioner and teacher will not change yet all can change. Everyone to transmit and know how to transmit. know Aikido until they know it from is a product of nature and nurture Knowledge then is the second require- inside themselves; until they feel it. therefore there is no free will, and yet, ment and transmission skill is the third. Once this internal relationship we somehow can all awaken. If we This knowledge has to be embodied in develops potentially there is no limit. can understand these dynamics we the teachers and they must find the Everyone can be O-Sensei, or Chiba will have a healthy dojo. right way of transmission. Knowledge Sensei as they can be Buddha. When Awakening is by no means an easy is about the myriad dimensions of successful transmission has taken task. An easy life is in fact unlikely to Aikido: what, where, when, breath, place we take only slightly varying lead to awakening. A dojo usually has centredness, connectedness, liveli- paths to the top of the same mountain. a dearth of money but a wealth of life. ness, openness, wholeness, mindful- Without successful transmission we A healthy dojo is not money centred ness, cause and effect and so on. take our own paths to very different and is yet somehow full of life. Easy Successful transmission is about mountains, thinking perhaps that they training is unlikely to lead to good being a good if not great teacher and are paths to the same mountain. progress. We have to push limits and requires immense skill. It is widely Whether it is Aikido, Kyudo, Tea go beyond, training on the edge. recognised these days that to be suc- Ceremony or calligraphy, the Marketing cannot be avoided and is cessful in society, whether that is Japanese arts all have the same easier these days. A good and fre- industry, politics or even Aikido, there things in common: tradition, sincerity, quently updated website, facebook, are two primary requirements, a good cleaning, cleanliness, tidiness, repeti- presence on Aikido websites, demon- strations, and paid search engine list- ings as well as articles and videos are all helpful. Time in the dojo and on the mat is limited. Every encounter has to be as if it were the last; every encounter has to count. A dojo takes time to become established, offering a vital opportunity to hone all of one’s skills. In the end
n we have a healthy dojo. ☯ e h C e e
D Davinder Bath 5th Dan
: o t London Aikikai o h
P British Birankai Davinder Bath and London Aikikai students at demonstration at Japan Matsuri, London, July 2011 Sept 2010
10 BE MUSUBI JJaannuauarryy 20201212 Aikidokas training with injuries Jon Pearson presents his case
read with inter- stoic, to suffer for his art, to persist in level with perhaps some training for est the latest the face of adversity, to push through senseis. The status quo of ‘ask your edition of BE the pain. Thus, there is a certain GP if it is safe to practise’ is far from IMusubi (July humiliation present if one feels the adequate. (I know from experience 2011) and the var- need to hold back or request a partner that most GPs are not competent to ious contributions to ‘go gently’ (because of my ‘bad’ make such judgements and may just on the subject of Jon Pearson back’, etc). err on the side of caution.) injuries. I practise The long term effect of this may be We know that Aikido is a practical as an orthopaedic physiotherapist to reduce motivation and even to give martial art with real application. At the (specialising therefore in musculo- up the practice, rather than modify same time, embedded in the practice skeletal (msk) conditions) with 20 practice in the face of a decline in is a deep sense of care for uke. years experience. I have practised function. Therefore it is but a short step from Aikido for longer than this. I have also Aikido has changed over the last there to making the commitment to developed a special interest in the century, with the evolution of protect uke as he/she is. To this end psycho-social aspects of chronic pain. O-Sensei’s own practice and of the an awareness of uke’s limitations is Similar to medical conditions, in first Doshu’s programme of worldwide important. general, msk conditions are classified dissemination and inclusivity. In brief and in conclusion, a clear as acute, sub-acute or chronic. This There is a lag between this progres- policy statement, that it is not only ok classification simply refers to the sion and the issue of inclusivity of but it is actively supported and encour- longevity of the complaint (acute 0-6 those students with impairments (if aged, by senseis and students, for less weeks, sub-acute 6 weeks to 6 disabilities is too strong a word). able aikidoka to continue in their prac- months, chronic thereafter (numbers Clearly there is a continuum from mild tice; and that the latter being the best may vary somewhat)). impairment to severe disability as a judges of their own abilities be explicit Injuries are a subset of msk condi- result of msk pain and stiffness, due on the mat to their fellows, of their tions as they imply some discrete to degeneration. personal limits and limitations. physical act of causality. Msk condi- I can only offer a personal perspec- (Either that or they are off to practise tions include amongst other things tive and opinion on this. We pay lip Tai Chi.) ☯ ‘diseases’ such as arthritis, spondylo- service to the ‘let your sensei know if sis (spinal disc degeneration) and you have any physical problems which ‘wear and tear’ conditions through may affect your practice’. Perhaps we overuse. should be making far more explicit, our Generally, the acute injuries are the attitude to less able students and even Jon Pearson least serious, as long as they do not, be offering positive encouragement to Physiotherapist: specialist orthopoedic or are not allowed to develop into them, by acknowledging and actively musculo-skeletal. chronic complaints. In Aikido many supporting them in their practice. Previously trained with Chiba Sensei in students suffer acute injuries, which Practically, this may mean having a San Diego and now runs his own resolve completely, sometimes with policy statement at the organisational independent dojo. help, otherwise spontaneously. More an issue are those injuries which are left un- or poorly treated, Polish Summer Camp, Wroclaw, Aug 2009 risking becoming chronic and second- ly, the progressive degenerative conditions. The latter are, by definition age related and therefore it is usually the older aikidoka, who is the sufferer. I am not writing today to offer advice on the treatment and care of msk problems, that is my day job. Rather I aim to offer a personal reflection on the effects of long term progressive a k conditions on a student’s ability both s w o r physically and psychologically, to a D
a continue practice. t a e
Aikido has evolved from a fighting art B
: o t
to a path of self realization, through o h the medium of Budo. Psychologically P the aikidoka is, a priori, primed to be Piotr Masztalerz, Wroclaw Aikikai, Poland
Januanuary 2200112 BE MUMUSSUUBBII 11 How Aikido was forged in the crucible of the Omoto religion Andrew Stones examines the symbiotic relationship
Introduction early life he would often engage in to utterly focus O-Sensei, and give him n the last year days of prayer and fasting, particularly a clear sense and vision of his life- I have felt when he was feeling stressed. Another direction, perhaps for the first time. drawn to read big interest of O-Sensei’s was social Omotokyo was not like a traditional Iup on the spiritual reform. At this time in Japan’s history, religion. Although it included some ele- origins of Aikido as Japanese society struggled to inte- ments of traditional religious practice, and the Omoto Andrew Stones grate western industrialization, there particularly Shinto, in other ways it was religion of were massive social inequalities and more like what might nowadays be Onisaburo Deguchi which so deeply unfairnesses, particularly in the coun- termed a new-age cult(1). One of the influenced O-Sensei. Reading tryside. The young Ueshiba was pas- central tenets of the system was the Kisshomaru Ueshiba’s excellent A Life sionate in his support of social causes, idea that we are indeed on the brink of in Aikido – biography of the Founder, it and he got involved with various a new age – a glorious unfolding and certainly seems clear that O-Sensei strikes and protests. In 1920 he had manifestation of Heaven on Earth. The always had a spiritual orientation in his just spent the last few years helping to original founder of Omotokyo, life. It is also clear how-ever, that it build a whole new village from scratch Onisaburo’s mother-in-law, Nao was through the influence of Deguchi in the wild northern island of Hokkaido. Deguchi, had been a channeller, that Sensei, that he was able to unify and is to say, she spontaneously went into harmonize his spiritual, martial and trance and the voice of a strange and societal interests into a clear and ferocious spirit spoke through her. The coherent whole for the first time, and spirit that came through, spoke of the from this unification blossomed his cre- inevitability and immanence of the ation of Aikido. From my readings, this ensuing new age and insisted that the is my impression of the story of how it only way it was going to happen was happened. by mass destruction of the old age – there would be fire, explosions, utter The Origins of Aikido in destruction; the end of the world as we Omotokyo know it. Only the Omoto faithful would In the spring of 1920, Morihei survive, to build the new world. Nao’s Ueshiba relocated with his family to repeated predictions of the specific Ayabe, to the spiritual centre of the date of this cataclysmic event how- Omotokyo religion, of which he had ever, repeatedly failed to materialize, become a devotee, and where lived and she gradually became sidelined in the great spiritual master and Onisaburo Deguchi the Omoto movement, as her charis- Ueshiba’s new guru, Onisaburo matic son-in-law took command of the Deguchi. His third passion was of course martial cult. Onisaburo’s teachings were differ- O-Sensei was at this point 37 years arts. Having previously studied various ent – he took Omoto in a somewhat old, and although already a martial arts systems including Judo and various different direction. Whilst the new age master, he had not as yet, thought of styles of Jujitsu and weaponry, during was undoubtedly coming – he agreed founding his own martial art. In fact, his time in Hokkaido he had mastered upon that – he said that, firstly, it could according to his son Kisshomaru’s his favorite jujitsu system thus far: come gently and gradually – through biography, O-Sensei had not even fully Daito-ryu jujitsu, as taught by the fero- a gradual transformation rather than decided what he wanted to do with his cious Sokaku Takeda. O-Sensei had a terrifying cataclysm. Secondly he life. All he knew now was that he invited Takeda Sensei to come to live asserted that humanity would not be wanted to follow his Omotokyo master, and teach in the village, Shirataki, that the passive recipients of the ‘wrath of Deguchi Sensei, in spiritual practice O-Sensei was helping to build. An God’, so to speak. Rather, humanity and service. Up until this time we can energetic and deeply frustrated young would be pivotal in helping to create distinguish three fascinations or obses- man with a hot temper, O-Sensei, the transition into the new age – it sions that the young Ueshiba had throughout his life up until this point, would come through such things as seemed to bounce between throughout had moved from occupation to occupa- spiritual purification, healing, interna- an uneasy and unsettled early life. The tion, social cause to social cause, and tional co-operation, inter-faith tolerance first was spiritual mystical practice. At from one martial arts style to another, and respect, social reform, better an early age he had studied Shingon never completely settling. His meeting international communication and in Mikkyo, that is to say the Buddhism of with Onisaburo Deguchi however, and particular an emphasis on the impor- the Vajrayana, the ‘Diamond Vehicle’, his subsequent conversion to tant role of aesthetics and beauty in the way of spells, incantations, and Omotokyo, changed all that. society: the arts and artistic sciences. magical practices. Throughout his Deguchi Sensei’s presence seemed All these things could help lift humanity
12 BE MUSUBI JJaannuauarryy 20201212 and the whole planet into a new con- Emperor(3) he still insisted on making superficially, but fundamentally. The sciousness and a glorious new age. vulgar jokes, rude noises, and general- Omoto faith sees us all existing at this He was very much into channeling, or ly making a mockery of the whole current time in a very special time in mediumship, whatever one likes to call proceedings(4). And in amongst all this history, unlike any other. This is the it. In the 1920s the term ‘Chinkon paradox, this character was an amaz- time of the birth of the new age, and kishin’ in Omotokyo, did not just mean ing spiritual teacher: vastly psychic, a we are all its midwives. The Omoto ‘spiritual purification’ (as the word is great healer, medium, miracle worker path is to gently yet firmly, through used currently in Aikido circles), but and a master of mediated-spirit- kindness and communication, spiritual referred specifically to mediated spirit- possession, a ‘saniwa’ as they were transformation, combined with artistry, possession. This entailed inviting a known, par excellence(5). It is said he aesthetics, and social transformation, wise spirit to come and speak through could see into people’s souls and help create a very literal, very tangible a person, or alternatively inviting a observe their life paths. He was also a Heaven-on-Earth. I imagine this mischievous spirit which was already phenomenal organizer and galvanizer prospect must have been vastly attrac- inhabiting a person to make itself of devotees, being totally devoted to tive to the young Ueshiba. After all, it known, so that it could be dialogued his vision of creating Heaven-on-Earth, combined two of his fundamental pas- with and persuaded to leave. Anyone as he saw it. This was the man who sions: mysticism and social reform, living at the centre in Ayabe at that touched and galvanized Ueshiba’s into one ethos! Further, in Onisaburo’s time would have probably been spirit as none had done before. beautiful world of aesthetics and involved in this activity, as it was a Beyond the character and charisma artistry, martial arts could also have a central practice of the Omotokyo faith of Deguchi, I imagine O-Sensei was place. Onisaburo said that we can in the 1920s, although it later became deeply touched and galvanized by the touch the divine through art, and that de-emphasized(2). philosophy of Omotokyo itself. More each person has their own particular Why was O-Sensei so attracted to traditional systems of oriental mysti- art through which they can best do this strange cult? My impression is that cism tend to have a basis of accepting this. Whilst I am sure that Ueshiba first and foremost the amazing charis- things as they are, in the outside would have given up the fighting arts matic persona of Deguchi was key. world. The outer world is seen as in an instant, if Onisaburo had told him A fascinating character, Deguchi was being full of suffering, struggle, and to (he was utterly devoted to his guru), not, at first glance, the sort of spiritual eternal instability and change. Our job this was not to be. When O-Sensei teacher one might immediately think as traditional mystics is to transform first went to inform Deguchi of his deci- a martial artist would be attracted to. our consciousness – to reach enlight- sion to move to Ayabe, the great guru Elements of the charisma, gravitas and enment through inner practices, and to uttered these seminal words, which world-peace-orientation of the Dalai help others do so. In this way, whilst can perhaps be regarded as the first Lama were in evidence, as was a we will never alter the fundamentally notion of what Aikido was to become. Leonardo da Vinci-like talent in a vast unsatisfactory nature of the outside He said to O-Sensei: array of artistic endeavors. And at the world, we change our relationship to it. “For you, the best way to same time this man was an No longer caught in mental patterns of approach your personal method of unabashed dandy, a joker, a lady’s desire and aversion we transcend communicating with the Divine will man, a wildly flamboyant dresser and attachment and abide in equanimity, be to practise Jujutsu or Kenjutsu occasional transvestite – so to the enlightened. Whilst Omoto would cer- as your inspiration directs you. Dalai Lama and da Vinci, we have to tainly agree with the necessity of spiri- Take the martial way as your divine add elements of Russell Brand, Eddie tual purification and the transformation vocation; by mastering it, you will Izzard and Elton John. Even in the of consciousness, it takes a very differ- achieve the ability to live freely in 1940s, towards the end of his life, ent approach to the outside world. the three worlds of gods, spirits and when Deguchi was standing in the According to Omoto, we can change elementals. Daito-ryu is not a bad dock charged with crimes-against-the- the outside world! We must! Not just thing, but I do not believe it com- bines the Divine and Human as a true martial way should do. Try creating your own Ueshiba-ryu. The true martial way halts violence with virtue and love. Go forward with this Ueshiba-ryu. The gods of Omoto are on your side, so I feel sure that you will forge a new path.”(6) In the first few months living in Ayabe, O-Sensei served primarily as Deguchi Sensei’s personal assistant, whilst continuing with his own martial arts practice privately in his spare time. Soon, however, Deguchi spoke to him again and told him it was time to start a dojo and teach ‘Ueshiba-ryu’ to the Travellers in Mongolia: Onisaburo Deguchi (second from left) and O-Sensei (right) continued on page 14
Januanuary 2200112 BE MUMUSSUUBBII 13 Aikido and Omotokyo techniques in Aikido; what’s the differ- An Analogy continued from page 13 ence between these and strangulation One analogy that occurs to me for Omotokyo faithful. It was this dojo, techniques? My own understanding, Aikido, is architecture. It is not an ‘Ueshiba-juku’, founded in 1920, that my own interpretation of O-Sensei’s exact analogy, but it may have some can perhaps be said to have been the words, is that there is a key difference merit. Architecture can be seen to very first Aikido dojo. between Aikido joint techniques and have two purposes: practical and aes- techniques of strangulation. When thetic. Aikido similarly has practical The Loving Nature of Aikido practised in the Aikido dojo, joint tech- and aesthetic purposes as a martial There is a quote of O-Sensei’s that niques do not have to be unpleasant art. What if an architect’s only orienta- I would like to recount. Unfortunately or injurious; they can actually be thera- tion is to get roofs over people’s heads I no longer have the reference for peutic. As tori relaxes, uses his/her as quickly as possible and as cheaply where it came from (where I read it), tanden, breathes out and rotates uke’s as possible using the cheapest build- but I remember it none the less. One arm, wrist and elbow, and does so with ing materials and minimal design pat- day, many years later, years after kindness, this can serve as a thera- terns, just creating drab boxes for peo- Deguchi Sensei had passed away, and peutic shiatsu-type stretch, gently stim- ple to live in? Well, that might be the Aikido had become popular, a student ulating and invigorating all the meridi- quickest, cheapest way to erect build- asked O-Sensei why there were no ans. Contrastingly, a strangle is pretty ings and get people off the streets in strangulation techniques in the Aikido much a strangle, whatever way you the short term, perhaps saving the syllabus(7). O-Sensei’s first comment look at it. Whatever way you perform lives of those otherwise dying of expo- in reply was to say that the questioner a stranglehold, it’s pretty unpleasant. sure. But if those people have to con- did not understand the nature of For me, joint techniques can be part tinue living in those drab minimalist Aikido; Aikido is not for fighting; Aikido of Aikido’s therapeutic and loving boxes with no design features year is love. He then went on to explain that nature, whereas strangleholds less so, after year, they will surely become we are currently in the process of hence they are not included in the depressed, and their spirits will sink. entering a new time in history in which syllabus. The words of O-Sensei also Contrast this with Architecture that fighting in any case will have no use re-affirm that he, like Deguchi, saw us takes a little more care and time, and and no place in society. Hence no all as living in a time of transition into makes beautiful structures that actually strangle techniques in the syllabus. a new age, in which fighting will lift people’s spirits when they live in This may seem a little strange at first become less and less relevant to the them. Similarly someone wanting to glance; I mean, we have joint pinning human condition. learn how to survive in a war zone as
Onisaburo Deguchi creating a work of art
14 BE MUSUBI JJaannuauarryy 20201212 they continue training in these meth- people in the street may feel less ods obsessively, even in peace time, inclined to attack us. They may even they will surely eventually become take a leaf out of our book and start depressed. Aikido methods on the becoming happy! And Heaven may yet other hand, though taking more time to be created on Earth… master, are more aesthetically pleas- ing, and lift the spirits. Just as the “Thinking of this world, fountain designed to go in the central I sigh with lament, courtyard of a building may seem to but then I fight on, have no practical use, it may in fact lift guided by billowing clouds of light, the spirits of all those living in the and accomplish my Day of Swift Victory!” building, and therefore in fact be enor- mously useful. In a similar way, many Morihei Ueshiba(9) ☯ kokyunage(8) variations in Aikido may Onisaburo Deguchi and O-Sensei seem impractical or nonsensical for use ‘in the street’, but still, such tech- quickly as possible may learn a jujitsu niques lift our spirit, change our con- system full of strangles, eye-gouges, sciousness, and transform our move- head-butts, bites, dirty tricks and killing ment. And as our movement is trans- Andrew Stones methods of all sorts, which may help formed, our consciousness changed Former student of them survive in the short term. But if and spirit lifted, curiously the bad Shihan Mick Holloway
Bibliography A Life in Aikido – The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Kodansha International, 2008 Chinkon kishin – Mediated Spirit Possession in the Japanese New Religions by Birget Staemmler, Transaction Publishers, 2009 Women and Millenarian Protest in Meiji Japan – Deguchi Nao and Omotokyo by Emily Groszos Ooms, Cornell University East Asia Program, 1993 Prophet Motive – Deguchi Onisaburo, Oomoto, and the Rise of New Religions in Imperial Japan by Nancy K Stalker, University of Hawai’i press, 2008 The Essence of Aikido – Spiritual Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba compiled by John Stevens, Kodansha International, 1993
Notes (1) I doubt that current practitioners of Omotokyo would appreciate their religion being described as a new age cult, but it is important to remember that Omotokyo of today is very different from the Omotokyo of a hundred years ago. Nowadays Omotokyo is a respected religion which steers clear of politics, has a strong tradition that includes elements of Shinto, and is a major advocate of international peace initiatives, interfaith communication, and the conservation of traditional Japanese arts and crafts. In 1900 however, Omoto was “a radical millenarian cult [which developed] in accordance with… [the foundress’s] eschatological and utopian revelations” (Ooms: Women and Millenarian protest… page 2). Ooms gives a fascinating and vivid description in her book. (2) See Staemmler’s excellent Chinkon kishin – Mediated Spirit Possession in the Japanese New Religions for a full description of Chinkon kishin as practised in Omotokyo in the 1910s and 1920s. (3) ie refusing to support Japan’s war effort. Onisaburo was stalwartly anti-war, and had accurately predicted that outcome of WW2 many years prior to its onset. He advised members of his congregation that were being drafted into the army, that once they found themselves on the field of battle they should not shoot directly at the enemy but should aim above their heads and fire into the air. Japan was going to loose the war anyway, so why engage in needless killing? Needless to say, the Japanese government was none too impressed with this advice. (4) See in particular Prophet Motive… by Nancy Stalker. (5) Saniwa were the ‘judges of spirits’, that is to say they were trained to assess spirit mediums – to judge the calibre of the spirits speaking through them, identify the names of the spirits, and also to help interpret the messages. They would act as a kind of master-of-ceremonies during a trance channeling session or exorcism. See Ooms 1993, and Staemmler 2009. (6) Quoted in A Life in Aikido page 118. I have rendered the term Yusai as your personal method of communicating with the Divine. Kisshomaru Ueshiba gives the fuller explanation: “Yusai is a mode of communicating with the divine through one’s own spirit, in contrast with Kensai, where this communication is achieved using formal prayers and rituals”. (7) Unlike Judo and Jujitsu. (8) ‘Kokyunage’, literally ‘Breath Throw’ are techniques in Aikido which to a street fighter would seem nonsensical. Most times, all the person being thrown would need to do is let go of his grip and he can walk away and avoid being thrown. Yet within Kokyunage can perhaps be found the very essence of Aikido. The culmination of Kokyunage is perhaps Aiki Nage – throwing without even touching. (9) Quoted in The Essence of Aikido page 65. ☯
Januanuary 2200112 BE MUMUSSUUBBII 15 Essay for testing: Laura Anderson Ethical behaviour of a teacher includes protecting the vulnerable and learning from each other
thics, also and your fellow students. This eti- known as quette is what I think ethics in Aikido moral philos- should be and what O-Sensei generat- oEphy, is a branch ed Aikido for. of philosophy that O-Sensei states: “I want my students addresses ques- to observe all of life’s phenomena. tions about Laura Anderson This includes listening to people, tak- morality. This ing what is valuable from what they do concept is closely linked to good and and say and making it your own.” As a evil, right and wrong. Ethical behaviour is teacher you are the person that people a v diverse in the way individuals perceive it listen to the most, why people stay in o k a
or levels they wish to abide by. As a Aikido and want to gain a better future. m e r K group (society/culture) we have to “It can begin to open your soul. Paying a n adhere by these invisible rules so as to e attention to the realities of this world. l i M
have order and happiness within the Leading you and your students into : o t o
group. That the powerful do not take fresh insights.” As a teacher you have h advantage of the vulnerable. to be sensitive to these needs of stu- P The British Birankai etiquette hand- dents, as some may need more guid- Laura Anderson, BB Summer School, Bangor, Aug 2008 book states: ‘Etiquette is an intrinsic ance than others. People come in all part of the discipline of Aikido. The different shapes and sizes. So do their Laura Anderson 2nd Dan essence of Aikido is sincerity with vulnerabilities and strength of mind. Genpu Kan, Central Aikikai which you practise. No matter what the Making an instructor’s way of teaching British Birankai level of your training, your etiquette is of primary importance, both ethically a reflection of your spirit and your and morally. Expressing themselves in (Essay submitted for 2nd Dan test at attitude towards Aikido, O-Sensei, the ultimate discipline of ethics. ☯ BE Summer School, Aug 2011)
Response to tsunami tragedy
Anne Ducouret, Ann Jyou Kan, Birankai France writes
Our association ‘Le Cercle d’Aïkido Parisien’ organized on Saturday 28 Joint Aikikai Council May 2011, an action ‘Solidarity Japan’ in our area of the XXth in Paris. With The Joint Aikikai Council which comprises the five UK Aikikai organizations the help of Japanese friends, we affiliated to Hombu Dojo - British Aikido Federation, British Birankai, Komyokan collected 450€ for the victims of the Aikido Association, Scottish Aikido Federation and United Kingdom Aikikai - Japan earthquake and tsunami in organized a course for the Japan Tsunami Fund on 12 June 2011 hosted by the 2011. ☯ United Kingdom Aikikai. It was a successful course and they sent the sum of 128,000 JPY (£1,010) to Hombu for the Japanese Red Cross.
From Matt Teale, Aikido Dojo at Kolonos, Hellenic Birankai (Greece) Mr Tani, Aikido Hombu Dojo, gratefully acknowledged this donation. “… We are much impressed by the humane action of JAC. By now, the total Saiso Shimada, a Japanese calligra- of the donation received at Aikikai reached more than 13,000,000 JPY (approx phy teacher, who came over from US$163,000) including the JAC’s donation. This total sum will be consigned to Japan soon after the Tsunami to our Japanese Red Cross. It is reported that the total sum of the donation sent to dojo, conducted a seminar and togeth- Japanese Red Cross amounted to more than 170 Billion JPY (US$ 2.1 Billion) er with the proceeds from the sale of including donation from overseas. Certainly this money will help the people who her works raised 2,000€ to help the have suffered from the earthquake and tsunami. tsunami victims. ☯ Thank you again for your help.” ☯
16 BE MUSUBI JJaannuauarryy 20201212 After 14 years of videoing Aikido classes Jenny Curran makes way for new blood Suzanne Brunner who has seen her in action pays tribute
t the formal her swivel on the mat amongst the Although she has given up videoing dinner, practitioners in full action, capturing Jenny Curran will continue to keep during the the crucial moment, the precision of busy as she will now focus her energy laAst BE summer an attack or the subtlety of a defence, on tap dancing and improving her school 2011 in always left me with admiration. technique in the art of archery. Worcester, UK, Even though the students often don’t She will be missed on the mats. ☯ tribute was paid to Suzanne Brunner see exactly what was demonstrated, Jenny Curran in thanks to her, the teaching of the Suzanne Brunner recognition for her devotion to preserv- various masters has not been lost. Assistant Editor ing the record of the practice of Aikido. Because of her efforts, it is always BE Musubi For many long years, Jenny took possible to review each difficult great care in recording, initially in VHS movement, and to learn it properly, then in digital format, every important far from the stress and business of the gathering of Birankai in the UK. To see seminars. Translation: Christophe Peytier n e h C
o c n a r F
: o t o h P Jenny and Joe Curran, Aidan Smyth, Alan Stevens and Deb Nelson, Tatenhill, Aug 1987 e b a C c M
n a i r B
: o t o h P Joe and Jenny Curran, Dee Chen and Harada Sensei, Millennium Summer School, Bangor, Aug 2000 a v o k a m e r K a n n e e h l i C
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: h o t P o h Jenny at work, BB Summer School, P Bangor, Aug 2008 Jenny and Joe Curran, Powys, Wales, May 2008
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PROMOTIONS 2011 COUNTRY PROMOTION DATE BIRANKAI AUSTRIA Sylvia Taraba, Aikikai Dornbirn - O Sen Kan Nidan July 2011
Wolfgang Petter, Aikikai Dornbirn - O Sen Kan Sandan & Fukushidoin Re-certification July 2011
Michael Schwendinger, Aikikai Dornbirn - O Sen Kan Fukushidoin Re-certification July 2011
BRITISH BIRANKAI Izram Ali, Ei Mei Kan, Central Aikikai Shodan Dec 2011 Szevone Chin, Ei Mei Kan, Central Aikikai Shodan Dec 2011
Laura Anderson, Genpu Kan, Central Aikikai, Nidan Aug 2011
Iona Ellis, Ei Mei Kan, Central Aikikai Sandan Aug 2011 Liz McPhee, Saku You Kan, Scotland Aikikai Sandan Aug 2011 Kevin Hudson, Sth Manchester Aikido, NW Aikikai Sandan & Fukushidoin Sept 2011
Stuart Lovering, Tudor Grange, Central Aikikai Yondan & Shidoin Aug 2011 Eddie Hudson, Rainbow Aikido Club, North East Aikikai Yondan Aug 2011 Malcolm Blackwood, Abbey Aikido Club, North East Aikikai Yondan Aug 2011 Alan Stevens, Meishokan, Eastern Aikikai Yondan Aug 2011
Arthur Lockyear, Shi Sei Kan, North East Aikikai Godan Aug 2011 Richard Edmunds, I Shin Juku, Central Aikikai Godan Aug 2011
Stephen Beecham, London East Aikikai Rokudan Aug 2011
Wellington Tsang 2nd Dan, Sth Manchester Aikido, NW Aikikai Fukushidoin Re-certification Aug 2011
Davinder Bath 5th Dan, Shinmei-kan, London Aikikai Shidoin Re-certification Aug 2011
HELLENIC BIRANKAI Petros Zisou, Kolonos Aikikai, Athens Shodan Oct 2011
Giannis Papargyris, Kolonos Aikikai, Athens Nidan Sept 2011
Achilleas Label, Kolonos Aikikai, Athens Fukushidoin Oct 2011
BIRANKAI POLSKA (POLAND) Claudia Garcia Mahias, Taiga Aiki Dojo (Chilean branch) Shodan Nov 2011 Mateusz Tomasz Waga, Wroclaw Aikikai Shodan Dec 2011
Rigoberto Vega Rivas, Taiga Aiki Dojo (Chilean branch) Nidan Nov 2011 Alfonsina Sobarzo Henríquez, Taiga Aiki Dojo (Chilean branch) Nidan Nov 2011 Thomas José Tomás Contreras Canales, Taiga Aiki Dojo Nidan Nov 2011 (Chilean branch) Zbigniew Kosior, Wroclaw Aikido Club Nidan Dec 2011
Marcelo Torres Jara, Taiga Aiki Dojo (Chilean branch) Sandan Nov 2011
Piotr Masztalerz, Wrocław Aikikai; Godan Dec 2011 Andrzej Sobolewski, Sen Nen Sugi Aikidojo. Godan Dec 2011
BIRANKAI CH (SWITZERLAND) Barbara Imboden, Sakura Dojo, Berne Godan Aug 2011
18 BE MUSUBI JJaannuauarryy 20201212