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London Headquarters Philbeach Hall 51 Philbeach Gardens London SW5 9E13 REPORT OF THE SECOND 1974 TEACHERS COURSE HELD ON 24 / 25 NOVEMBER IN BIRMINGHAM 1 The seven basic suburi ho based on Professor Saito's book TRADITIONAL AIKIDO Volume 1 and the methods of practising with a partner uchikomi. 2 The introduction of a kata in which the elementary movements of the three principles of Aikiken is incorporated. The Kata Is divided Into twenty four movements within the context of a series of continuous and flowing attack and defence. It was taught by the Founder that the principle of Aikido is represented by three principles
When these principles axe applied into Aikiken they no transformed to MATSU or SHO, the pine leaf TAKE or CHIKU, the bamboo tree; and UME or BAI, the plum blossom. Illustration 1 shows the symbolic relationship of the pine leaf to the triangular principle SANKAKU HO.
Pine leaf - The triangular principle ILLUSTRATION 1
The bamboo tree represents circular (spiral) motion, harmony, continuity and flowing.
ILLUSTRATION 2 Illustration 3 shows the symbolic relationship of the plum blossom to SHIKAKU, the square principle. The formation of the plum blossom also represents every possible angle of development of SANKAKU HO, the triangular principle depending on the circumstances. The plum blossom represents stability, development and creation.
ILLUSTRATION 3 K CHIBA, Technical Director
An essential difference In the attitude towards practice in a Way and maybe towards life in general between the English and the Japanese is brought to light in the situation of 'taking a break from practice', be it for two days if a daily student or one month if weekly. On the English side there are two ways of doing this. One is with guilt creeping around in our conscience; a seemingly overpowering inertia mingles with the suspicion that we might be missing something. The other is with peace in our mind, firmly believing that to stand away from the discipline we have chosen is at times beneficial to us, that the benefits our being has so far acquired from devoted practice are working through us in daily life and that the time to return will reveal itself of its own accord. The Japanese on the other hand, do not believe in standing, away from their discipline at all. Where we are inspired and impulsive they are tenacious. Their pursuit of Truth is eminently more practical than ours and so builds a firm foundation for its higher flights. The structure of our longing may be erected more rapidly and flamboyantly but it is full of gaps and false alignments and therefore often crumbles. Which leads me to question even the positive way of breaking off practice. I think that the initial impulse to stay away can only stem from some disharmony of which we may even be unaware. The problem is that even if this unnoticed disharmony resolved itself within our psyche during our absence, it will be only temporary and will arise again in the future to perpetuate the cycle. The one answer, thus, may lie in continuing practice. Everyone knows how disheartening it is to practice deep in a valley of despond. It seems that the original and unnoticed knot has rapidly grown Into a monstrous tangle to imprison us. However it only arose through practice, not while we were away, and if there is now a huge tangle then that must have been a latent appendage anyway, and must be unravelled in its own habitat, so to speak. In the approximate words of Don Juan * “There are a hundred Paths to choose from and there should be joy in every step of the Path one has chosen, otherwise it is not the right Path.” The Path of Aikido seems laced with pain to our psyche and physique, which leads us to question whether it in really our way at all. I think in the face of this we must attempt to emulate the Japanese attitude and find more courage and stamina, or if you prefer, the old Puritanical virtue of joy in adversity in order to come through to what may seem our starting point but is in fact a higher plane. * from 'Journey to Ixtlan', part of a quartet by Carlos Casteneda Susan Kanetsuka, London Aikikai Headquarters MISOGI Misogi, originally a religious term related to Shintoism, means purification often involving asceticism. It is the method of attaining self realization through sheer mental and physical exhaustion in the training of self denial. For example, standing for hours under a waterfall concentrating one's mind despite the force of the water and the severity of the cold or sitting and concentrating on a simple but hard method of breathing for a few days twelve hours a day. As misogi is part of an important tradition in budo training, the founder of Aikido, O Sensei Ueshiba who himself was a devout Shintoist naturally based his art on the misogi principle, that is, to purify the world by purifying one self through Aikido training. He clearly stated in his book AIKIDO by K Ueshiba 'I want considerate people to listen to the voice of Aikido. It Is not for correcting others. It in for correcting your own mind. This is Aikido.’ Remembering this and reflecting on ourselves misogi training was held at Headquarters on Friday 25 April to mark the 6th Anniversary of O Sensei's death. K Chiba, Technical Director
EASTER COURSE The importance of maintaining KIMUSUBI or KI contact with your opponent in executing techniques was stressed by Kitaura Sensei during the Easter course held at Headquarters on 30 & 31 March 1975, Indirect contact or KIMUSUBI can only by achieved when there is proper extension of KI by both tori and uke as KIMUSUBI is created by the flowing and exchanging of KI (consciousness) in the distance. The execution of a technique also requires judging the correct maai - the distance in relation to one's opponent and we must be constantly aware of this when executing a technique. Beginning with the basic movement from katatedori aihanmi Kitaura Sensei demonstrated kokyu ho progressing to ikkyo and then koshinage reminding us that both techniques should be performed with the same feeling and extension as with kokyu ho. Using this same method of progression from kokyu ho to technique he demonstrated the other basic techniques emphasising the importance of applying this principle to each technique we perform. With the high grade students Chiba Sensei went through the basic steps of sword work training from the seven basic SUBURI HO to UCHIKOMI practice with a partner and KEN NO AWASE, harmonious sword contact with a partner. The following promotions were, announced For Dan Grades At the end of the course Sensei showed us a unique film on O'Sensei taken when he was in his 60's. We would. like to thank all 68 students who came from all over Great Britain for supporting this course and especially for making the social evening on Sunday an enjoyable one. THE SECOND DOSHU'S VISIT London will be the first stop for the Second Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba on his European tour later this year. The tentative dates are 18 20 October during which time it is proposed to hold a demonstration. In this whirlwind trip the Doshu will be visiting 11 countries In 3 weeks and will be accompanied by his second son, the future Doshu. The Doshu's wife has expressed her disappointment at not being able to accept the kind invitation of the ACEA at this time as her health does not permit her to travel so extensively. At the last Committee Meeting club representatives confirmed their pledge to be responsible for collecting the equivalent of £1 per member in their Club for this fund. At the present time the fund. has reached the £250 level. Target £500+ by August 1975. NATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL 1975 Following the request by club representatives at the National Committee Meeting on 31 March we have now been able to book additional self catering rooms at the University of North Wales, Bangor which are available to all students attending Summer School. COST FOR SINGLE ROOM FOR ALL STUDENTS INCLUDING ACEA A OVERSEAS STUDENTS& Adults £13.50/week ALL FULL TIME STUDENTS, ACEA & OVERSEAS MEMBERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF CURRENT STATUS AT REGISTRATION. AIKIKAI MEMBERS MUST PRODUCE CURRENT MEMBERSHIP CARD. Please note that crockery,cutlery, pots and pans are NOT provided. Each floor has a kitchen equipped with an electric stove and it is hoped that refrigerators will be installed by then. Students interested in having meals at the Glanrafon Refectory cafeteria should give us an indication of numbers of meals required by 31 May as the Catering Officer requires an approximate number in order to facillate the ordering of provision. The cost of a 2 course lunch is approx 40p and a 3 course dinner approx 55p.
* Harp music and Welsh folk singing Tickets will be available during registration only at Neuadd Reichel on 2 August. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION FORMS FOR SUMMER SCHOOL, 31 May 1975
CHANGES IN WEEKEND COURSES 31 May & 1 June Holland To mark the recent membership of Holland into the ACEA a demonstration of Aikido featuring Chiba Sensei will be held in Amsterdam on the weekend of 31 May 1 June. Chiba Sensei will be travelling up to Leicester on Thursday 8 May with a few students from Headquarters for a demonstration In conjunction with the opening of a new dojo at St. Peter's Church Hall, East Park Road, Leicester, which is run by Brian Mulloy. UNIVERSITY CLUBS The first exchange visit between University Aikido clubs took place on 3 May between University of Dundee Aikido Club and Oxford University Aikido Club. Eight students headed by the Secretary, Kirk Young travelled down from Dundee on Friday 2 May to attend the classes at London Aikikai Headquarters. Chiba Sensei covered the basic movements and techniques for 6th kyu level and used the bokken to demonstrate shutochi shomen in 8 directions. In stressing the importance of extension and relaxation especially of the shoulders he also pointed out that the movements should be performed in a continuous circular motion. Sensei then explained the etiquette with regards to dress, equipment and manner in the dojo which should be treated as a shrine at all times. On Saturday the 3rd the Dundee students together with London Aikikai members joined the students at Oxford University Aikido Club for both morning and afternoon classes taken by Chiba Sensei. We hope that this will be the beginning of exchange visits between University Aikido clubs here as it is done in Japan.
EQUIPMENT PROFESSOR SAITO'S BOOKS: Shipment of these long overdue books are expected in May. Due to inflation the price of the book has increased and will necessitate a further charge. Clubs will be notified accordingly when 'the shipment arrives. PROFESSOR SAITO'S FILMS It is now possible for us to purchase directly from the Distributors in Japan the four sets of film on Professor Saito demonstrating sword, and stick work. Cost of the four 8mm super film and tape cassettes will be approx £40. Clubs Interested In obtaining these films should send their order and cheque to Dorothy at Headquarters 'by the end of June. ZORIS: We, still have available at HQ a supply of zoris (slippers) with Japanese woven grass insole and velvet thongs In blue and red In sizes 9 1/2" 10', 10 1/2" 11” Costs £2 per pair. Equipment may now be purchased by each club directly. from Mr D Chambers, Sakura Trading Company, 8 Thornbury Road, Isleworth, Middx TW7 4HG. A list of all equipment available will be sent by Mr Chambers to individual clubs. However equipment such as lai sword, Prof Saito's films etc which are, obtained directly from the Distributors, in Japan at a special price may still be ordered through HQ although the delivery date for the goods, will be longer. 'AlKIDO' : Tamura, 7th Dan, the Official Delegate for European Aikikai from Tokyo Headquarters has recently written a book on Aikido. Published in French this 240 page book is amply illustrated with 1100 photographs demonstrating the National Method practised in Europe. All clubs and especially national coaches should have a copy of this book which will be available shortly from Margaret at HQ at £6.50 each. THE AIKIDO 8TH INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR AIKIDO AND JAPANESE CULTURE For further informations Mr Giorgio Veneri, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 52, Mantova, Italy. (Tel: 28784), Please refer to poster and leaflet enclosed. REMINDER !!!. FINAL REQUEST for dan grades to submit the annual ACEA fee of £1.50 due since Oct 7th. AGB Newsletter 10 copies 70p Request for copies to be made to Dorothy at HQ. NATIONAL COACH FEE Will club secretaries please note that registration fee payable by national coach who has been upgraded will be the difference between both classes e.g if a coach has been promoted from 5th class to 3rd class the fee payable will be 3rd class registration fee £8 - 5th class registration fee £5 = £3
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