1 août 2023
When did you start Aikido?
I started Aikido in 1969, under the late Bansen Tanaka Shihan. I received the rank of 6th dan in 1982.
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a modern martial way [Budo] consolidated of elements from ancient Japanese Ju-jutsu and created by Morihei Ueshiba, also named O’ Sensei. From a martial art (jutsu), he transformed it into a way of life (michi, do). Through the practice of the techniques, a mental foundation is built instructs us how to live. O’ sensei said, that aikido practice and world peace are connected at the individual level. Now many people practice Aikido, and it has spread throughout the world.
What is Aikido?
The budo of love and peace” it is not about fighting with other people, but as a way of life I can cultivate my awareness. Through practice I improve myself, the way instructs me how to set a goal to perfect my character. The ever unattainable goal is to have the character of “God” [in the Japanese sense of “Kami”], to have the image of perfection. O’ Sensei said “spiritual training is finished when you die.
Today's society is unsafe and violent, isn't it difficult to apply the principle of " the budo of Love and peace" in our society?
When faced with the question of violence, some people think that weapons are necessary. There are also those who think we should just avoid it. This is where we see the first step in bujutsu, moving from violence to the proper use of force. In aikido practice, we want to move from the level of the techniques to the way/Do, to evolve to the next stage. Through our aikido practice we can find the answer to the ultimate question of how to protect ourselves, and how to deal with violence.
What main teaching from Tanaka Bansen Shihan influences your practice today?
Aikido teaches us everything. I especially remember he said “enter from below”. Lower your hips, become one with the movement of entering from below. Whether it’s a technique, it applies in daily life too. There is a saying, the rice that has fully ripened, bows it’s head. It means that the more a person grows as a human being, the more modest they become. This truly describes him.
What can we gain through Aikido practice?
Aikido is a perfect way to defend oneself and stay healthy. Through practice, one can cultivate a sense of peace, which is connected to relaxing the mind. Personal relationships will improve and a feeling of gratitude for everything around you will develop. It’s not about the techniques, it’s the direction to live your life.
How does Aikido differs from other martial arts?
Aikido is quite different from other martial arts in various ways. The techniques are not about fighting and winning. It is training in the way of aspiring for perfection as human being. Seeking peace, and doing one’s best to improve yourself is what is unique about Aikido. In Aikido it’s important to cooperate with your partner. This means that both people should concentrate on a correct movement. Uke is giving his energy to nage in order to get the most out of the technique. It’s not about who is stronger, but the focus is on perfecting the movement. Part of perfecting the movement is by not forcing it, but finding the most reasonable way to move according to your strength.
What do you consider "high level Aikido"?
In Aikido we repeat practice one technique at a time because we need to be able to do the technique without thinking about it. Finally we should be able to release our mind and not worry about the movement. We can transcend the form without trying to be particular about it. In this state we can manifest countless possibilities. There are no boundaries, and this is the beginning of experiencing Budo.
How does Ki function in Aikido?
I think ki is about consciousness and energy, to become conscious of the other person’s movement, and blend with their ki. This also means blending with the energy of the universe (all natural energy). Ki has a connecting force. Even if the person is your enemy, it’s about developing a common consciousness with the other person. It’s also about recognizing our blessings.
