Chiba Sensei Reveals the Difficulty in Teaching Aikido to Children B IRANKAI EUR OPE

12 Pages·2017·2.89 MB·English

ISSUE 16 MAY 2018
Chiba Sensei Reveals the Difficulty in
Teaching Aikido to Children
Ia m not an expert on the sub- and have been willing to share what
ject of children and Aikido, they have learned. I consider their
I
as I have only limited experi- contribution invaluable. More
ence in the field compared with than anything I appreciate their
my experience in training adults. love and concern for the well-being
Furthermore, my experience is of children.
limited mostly to Japanese
B
and children familiar with
Japanese culture. For this
reason I believe that
there are people more
qualified than myself to
deal with the specific is-
sues unique to children’s
training. I hope that
U
we will be able to share
in the experiences and
knowledge of these people
so that we may gain
deeper insight into the
subject.
R Children’s Aikido is n
e
E important not only because h
C
T S the future of Aikido in this co
T country [the US] relies on an
E them, but because this is an o: Fr
L area where Aikido needs to ot
S h
P
W grow in order to become Chiba Sensei, Demonstration, Warminster 1996
truly a part of this society.
E I am thankful for the
U
N
teachers who have carried out an I understand that the work and
extensive study of this subject these studies which have been carried out
E
past few years within the USAF by these teachers has been designed
P
O Western Region. They have worked primarily to develop the basic skills
to extend our ability in this area continued on page 2
R
U
C
E ontents
I M 1 Aikido and Children Shihan TK Chiba
A 7 The Art of Harmony Christina Vaccaro
K 9 Face to Face Julie Gouthez
N 10 S&BB Spring Course Malcolm Blackwood
10 BB Spring Course Stuart Lovering
A
11 Notice-board
R
I
B
Closing date for submission for Nov 2018 issue: 31 Sept 2018
BIRANKAI EUROPE
Aikido and Children... or stress to learn any traditional
continued from page 1 forms or techniques, they are able
Founder
to develop basic skills by playing
Shihan TK Chiba 8th Dan games specially designed for that
required before children can be purpose, within an enjoyable and
introduced to traditional Aikido even pleasurable atmosphere. The
training methods and techniques. If principle underlying this kind of
European Birankai Shihankai
I understand correctly, “pre-Aikido” practice seems to be to draw out
Gabriel Valibouze 7th Dan, Birankai
training is designed for relatively the hidden potential already within
France
Tony Cassells 7th Dan, British Birankai young children, ranging in age from each child, instead of forcing them
Chris Mooney 7th Dan, British Birankai five to eight years or so. to learn from the outside.
MIke Flynn 7th Dan, Scottish and In my opinion, however, this However, I am not sure at this
Borders Birankai form of training does not neces- stage how the children’s program
Norberto Chiesa 6th Dan, Birankai sarily have to be limited to those can be organically linked to the
France
ages. As the society in which we live concept of discipline unique to
Dee Chen 6th Dan, British Birankai
becomes increasingly mechanized, martial arts training. In traditional
Daniel Brunner 6th Dan, Birankai
children have become increasingly training students are stressed, both
Switzerland
isolated from their natural envi- physically and mentally, to encoun-
Patrick Barthélémy 6th Dan, Birankai
France ronment. This interferes with the ter adversity in situations, and learn
Joe Curran 6th Dan, British Birankai development of their natural and to bear it without personal indul-
instinctive physical and mental gence. These are vital elements
abilities in various ways, affecting that foster the spirit of endurance,
Member Countries
such things as coordination, reflex- challenge, focus, awareness, sense
Birankai Austria
Birankai France es, awareness and balance, which of order and self-confidence, etc.
Birankai Germany otherwise would develop more or Learning the skill is one thing;
Hellenic Birankai less naturally through exposure to being in a situation as it arises and
Birankai Israel the natural environment. living through it is another.
Birankai Poland Furthermore, such things as diet If the ultimate objective in study-
Birankai Portugal
which, due to changing lifestyles, ing a martial art is to master the
Birankai Switzerland
includes an excess of artificial foods skills, then the methods of study-
British Birankai
of poor quality like fast foods and ing and teaching may be focused
Scottish and Borders Birankai
TV dinners, and a public education on the physical mastery of the art
system which is inclined toward without necessarily involving the
intellectual development, also affect other aspects of character develop-
BE Musubi is published twice
the development of children. As ment. This approach to training
annually in May and November.
a consequence of these trends there is goal-oriented, and training
English edition available on
seem to be more and more children becomes a means to achieve or
www.britishbirankai.com and
who lack the natural development accomplish an objective. It is not,
the French edition on
www.birankai.eu/shiun_fr.html of their physical abilities which however, true to the discipline
might otherwise be expected at unique to martial arts, which
their age. emphasizes the importance of just
What has interested and aston- being there, doing it.
Individual article reflects the author’s
ished me about these children’s The basic concept underlying
own views. All submissions may be
Aikido programs that have been recreation or sports activities in the
edited due to space constraints and
should be sent to the Editors. developed, is that although the West can be seen as the re-creation
children are under no pressure of man’s original activities, associ-
Editor (English): Dee Chen va
o
[email protected] k
a
Editor (French): Jean-luc Busmey m
e
[email protected] Kr
Sub-editor: Wellington Tsang na
e
[email protected] Mil
Design Consultant: Franco Chen o:
ot
h
P
© Copyright 2018
All rights reserved.
Reproduction is prohibited without
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21062018
BB Summer School, Bangor, Aug 2008
2 BE MUSUBI MAY 2018
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Chiba Sensei, Demonstration, Warminster 1996
ated with his instinctive desire for dangerous to an immature body. cannot be found by comparing one
continuous and positive develop- iii. Aikido requires high mental with another. The basic challenge
ment within that society. The concentration and presence while of education is how to put light on
elements considered undesirable executing forms repetitively, and the potential within an individual,
for the well-being of society have children tend to get bored or lose and how to bring it out, without
been systematically removed, interest. regard for time, destination or any
and the basic spirit on which it iv. Aikido is too sophisticated predetermined judgments about its
is founded is enjoyment and the and intellectual for children to quality. The only way to foster indi-
notion of self-affirmation. learn. vidual dignity and self-confidence
Although most martial arts I basically agree that all the points is to help a child become proud of
originating in Japan have become mentioned above are obstacles to what she or he can be as an indi-
sports, the development of learning the art; but I consider them vidual and to give them positive
Japanese martial arts, along with to be positive, precisely as they recognition. We need to help them
the development of Japanese are described. It is these aspects of understand that there is no such
culture as a whole, somehow took training which make Aikido what thing as a failure or a loser in life,
a different path from that of sports it is. There would not be much left except when we become a failure or
in the West. I am not qualified to if we avoided them. Therefore we a loser in ourselves. Competition
describe it in detail. However, its must not be afraid to present Aikido plants a sense of failing or losing
basic concept is discipline, strongly to children with its basic structure in a child when she or he fails to
supported by the notion of self- intact. While keeping in mind that achieve or accomplish something
denial. Discipline in traditional all the points mentioned above are for which they are not suited while
Japanese culture seeks and places potential obstacles, we have to place still young.
importance on being here now, a positive light on them. Furthermore, it is undeniable
finding “perfection” in practice, First, non-competitiveness is an that the influence of competition in
rather than in achievement or essential value that Aikido can offer our lives causes us to regard work,
accomplishment. to children. The answer to how we study and training as nothing but
There seems to be an opinion focus in our training must be found a means to achieve or accomplish
generally shared that Aikido within this value. Today’s society something, rather than as a way to
is difficult for children for the already has an excess of competition seek personal growth towards our
following reasons: in every aspect of life. The value of best potential. These activities can
i. Because it is not competitive, life itself is predominantly under- be used to help us become aware of
it is difficult to focus on training. stood in terms of winning, victory, the way we stand within each step
ii. A number of techniques success, etc. that we take; to learn to be pure,
are considered to be potentially The true value of individuals present and whole in every deed we
MAY 2018 BE MUSUBI 3
perform in life. ple, by being struck by somebody’s Nevertheless, it is my observa-
I am not totally against competi- flying body when taking ukemi, tion that American children, in
tion if it is deemed necessary to and other so-called accidents. As far general, lack a sense of discipline. I
keep our culture healthy. However, as these first two types of injuries consider that adults are responsible
I am against letting it become the are concerned, there is no way to for this - the parents and guardians
dominant current of our society. prevent them except by being sensi- of the children. It has been a strik-
I am convinced that it is valuable tive to others, developing awareness ing experience for me to observe
that Aikido is a non-competitive and presence of mind, and learning the excessive freedom given to
art and I hope that it remains so, self-control, all of which are valu- American children in general, and
especially in light of the fact that able learning processes for children the way they are allowed to indulge
almost every other Japanese martial as well as adults. in their freedom. I can’t be sure,
art has become competitive. Aikido, The third category of injuries but I think that because of this they
if correctly presented, could be an we know little about. We do know do not withstand situations well,
effective counter-balance to the that there are substantial differences other than situations they are fond
excessive competitiveness responsi- between the bodies of children and of; which they find enjoyable and
ble for the isolation within people. adults. But we can’t be sure of what pleasurable in a rather emotional
There is a great danger in the aspects of Aikido training, if any, or sensuous way. As I said earlier,
ubiquity of competition because may be inappropriate
it causes us to lose sight of the true for children’s bodies.
identity of man and the meaning of For this reason, I seek
our lives. And when this happens, it expert advice on the
is our children who suffer the most. subject in cooperation
Secondly, I am aware of the need with member dojos with
for professionals to study and deter- junior programs.
mine the effect of Aikido training The third point raised
on immature bodies, especially over about children and
long periods of time. Aikido concerns their
Although this more open way becoming bored or
of introducing children to Aikido disinterested through
has a relatively short history, I the repetition of forms
have not witnessed or heard of any through class. This is a
serious injuries in children’s classes, more complicated issue.
although they do occur in adult I believe this is less of
classes. I have not yet come to a a problem with Japanese
conclusion as to whether this is due children because they
to the fact that children in general are more familiar with,
are more flexible, natural, balanced and generally have,
and lighter than adults; or if it is a stronger sense of
because teachers have been extra discipline. Repetition of
cautious and attentive; or if it is forms is a fundamental
because deliberate efforts have been concept in Japanese
made to eliminate certain tech- education as well as
niques from children’s training. in social disciplines Polish Summer Camp, August 2007
As far as my own experience unique to Japanese
is concerned, I basically conduct culture. For instance,
children’s classes in the same way Chinese characters are learned by I do not blame the children. They
that I teach adults (except for writing them repeatedly, memoriz- simply have not been taught about
weapons training) and I have ing the order of the strokes, the the meaning of true individual
found children to be quite capable shape, meaning, pronunciation freedom, which can be attained
of learning, provided that more and application of each of a total only through study, labour and
attention is given and a strong sense of 996 characters. This is usually sweat, and which is not something
of order during class is maintained. accomplished by the age of 14 or which can be given unconditionally.
What is potentially dangerous to 15, when children graduate from True individual freedom never loses
adults is also dangerous to juniors, junior high school, and enables its identity under any circumstance,
and vice versa. them to read at least the daily news- whether favourable or adverse.
However, we need to clarify that paper. Repetition of forms in this The question is, do the children’s
there are three different types of fashion may be foreign to American ‘likes’ always meet their needs? Are
injuries that can result from train- children but they can be taught children capable of judging and
ing. The first results directly from this way if it’s presented correctly - distinguishing between their ‘likes’
the execution of technique. The which depends on the ability of the and the needs of their own growth?
second results indirectly - for exam- teacher. Will they always find themselves in
4 BE MUSUBI MAY 2018
situations which they like for the of value and truly part of
rest of their lives? If not, what will society, closer cooperation
happen to them? Will they become between parents/guardians
disinterested and give up on life? and teachers is essential.The
Will they just collapse? Or will they attitude that “If you don’t
learn life’s lessons the hard way? I want to go, you don’t have
cannot help but wonder about the to,” is an obstacle to chil-
meaning and strength of our love dren’s training. It deprives
for the children for whom we, as them of support at the
parents, guardians or teachers, are point in their training when
responsible. they most need direction
The discipline given in martial and encouragement. Adults
arts fosters ethical, moral and physi- with blind faith in freedom,
cal awareness and develops a sense who allow their children
of responsibility, sensitivity, spirit of an excess of it, seem to be
sacrifice, loyalty, courage, honesty, saying “Let my kids have
mental/physical concentration fun so that we can have fun,
and balance, as well as mastery of because we don’t want to be
techniques. These are all considered bothered by them.”
virtues of the martial arts discipline. There is an old saying
However, most importantly, the in Japan: “Lions kick their
core of discipline cultivates the spirit cubs off the cliff, 1,000
and strengthens one’s endurance to feet down,” which means Polish Summer Camp, August 2007
encounter adversity and master it. to train them in adversity In order to move one’s body
It does this by enabling us to out of the true strength of love. And harmoniously in a circular motion,
experience the self in stressful another maxim, “Let one even sit to deflect or neutralize a negative
situations systematically created in on a rock for three years,” meaning energy directed by aggressor, it is
martial arts training. This does not don’t let the indulgent self judge - at necessary to accept, rather than
conflict with the Aikido principle the beginning of our learning or confront or reject. This requires
of accepting everyone as they are. doing - whether or not what we the attainment of a certain degree
The prime objective is not neces- learn or do is right. Commitment of humanity in terms of internal
sarily to ‘succeed’. Rather it is to alone should carry us for at least harmony, balance, order, intel-
just practise. There is, therefore, no three years; then see what happens. lect and reason - the attainment,
set beginning or end. You accept Lastly is a response to the point ultimately, of self-confidence. Here
students as they are, create the situ- that Aikido is too sophisticated and again, the importance is not in
ation for them, and then let it work intellectual and is therefore difficult whether one is able to do it or not,
within them. What they experience for children to learn. but is simply in the doing of it,
subjectively, or what, if anything, Apart from the philosophical and again and again.
happens inside them, is beyond our spiritual aspects of Aikido training, However, in a sense, because
work as teachers. the physical mastery of the art alone we are human, we will never do it
The discipline described above is presents difficulty for children. It perfectly. It is for this reason that
traditionally accepted by Japanese requires a certain degree of spir- Aikido is considered to be a purifi-
families who send their children itual and intellectual maturity or cation exercise for lifelong study. It
to train in any form of the martial readiness to be able to appreciate is not limited to the physical realm,
arts. It is known as shugyo and keiko or comprehend the depth of the but includes the psychological,
which, in essence, are based on movements. Nevertheless, I am mental, spiritual and intellectual
principles similar to the ascetic exer- convinced that it is because of these development of the whole being. It
cises used by religious disciplines. difficulties that it is valuable for is strikingly true that whenever one
If we are willing to accept this children to learn Aikido. is in a negative state, such as anger,
Aikido discipline, it seems that what Let me reconfirm that what is hate, or fear, one is unable to move
is required is a reformation of the essential is found in the doing, and harmoniously, but instead moves
attitudes of the adults themselves, not in its mastery or consequences. directly into confrontation with an
and even of the general environ- Let doing (practice) alone be the approaching force. In a negative
ment in which children live. As I reason for doing and let the conse- state one responds to the force of
said earlier, individual freedom is quences take their natural course. circumstance, either with an explo-
not something given uncondition- Otherwise we fall again into the sion of the hidden beast triggered
ally but is something to be worked trap of making our practice nothing by nature, or with paralysis, being
for, otherwise it is nothing more more than a means to achieve some- totally unable to move.
than theory without content. It is thing. I am only able to say this I would prefer to send a child
certain that in order to make Aikido because I have an immovable faith for whom I care deeply to study
training for children something in Aikido and its practice. Aikido, rather than to learn how
MAY 2018 BE MUSUBI 5
various stages in their training.
Aikido is non-competitive and
there is no way for the parents to
get involved with their children’s
training other than to be there with
them, directly or indirectly. The
n value of Aikido, especially in today’s
n
a world, lies in its firmness to resist
m
e trophies, medals, champions, victo-
d
ol ries, praise, or any form of mate-
G
m rialism whatsoever. It should be a
chi profound education for the parents,
A
o: as there is no space in Aikido for
ot them to place their personal gratifi-
h
P
cation and egoism on their children
European Children Seminar, Annweiler Germany, June 2014
if they join in their training.
to kick and punch, skills which they like, and to put more effort
clearly are associated with the more into building a bridge across which
primitive and instinctual side of we can convey our messages to Postscript
man. One may argue that Aikido their hearts. If we do not begin by I hope that readers will not be
is not practical for application reforming ourselves, whatever we offended or take my statement about
in real situations. Nevertheless, I try to do for them is likely to be American children as a criticism.
would still send my child to Aikido rootless. To determine what they I write this article from a very
classes because what could be more really need requires the fostering of traditional martial arts point of view,
practical to raise him or her to be our reason, courage, self-confidence the environment in which I was
a healthy, humble and harmonious and all that emerges from the true brought up.
person who is sensitive to human strength of love.
values, rather than just excelling What we really need is for
at throwing punches and kicks in parents to have a more positive
street fights. involvement in their children’s
To conclude this article, I would training, as opposed to sending
like to reemphasize the fact that the them out of the house for their own
problems we are encountering in convenience, treating the dojo like
children’s Aikido are not problems a daycare center. Whether directly
with the children themselves, but or indirectly, it is the parents who
problems to be found in ourselves, need to practise Aikido, one way or
as well as in the social environment another. They need to show their
to which children are exposed. We interest, commitment, support
need to reform our own attitudes and encouragement by sharing the
and consciousness in order to children’s struggles, pain, pleasure Shihan TK Chiba
determine and distinguish between and happiness, their emotional ups Birankai Founder
what children need, versus what and downs, as they go through the From Sansho, Fall/Winter 1988
n
e
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C London Aikikai
e
e junior students,
D
o: Japanese Matsuri,
ot Trafalgar Square,
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P London, Sept 2014
6 BE MUSUBI MAY 2018
The Dichotomy Between Tori and Uke -

Christina Vaccaro Treads a Delicate Path
Master- to give (the centre), to receive (the unshakable attitude as Uke - facing
ing a strike) and to fall. There are two and handling great Ki and power
mar- perspectives to the fall. One part is of movement thrown at me. Yet,
tial art is a life- that we have to learn how to survive I did not wish to test the unshak-
long journey. - the technique; life. We have to able mind of my Uke when being
It is the path of learn how to react to blows and Tori. The turning point came on
refining one’s Christina Vaccaro painful experiences without being an intensive Aikido seminar - only
character and injured and losing the joy of living. weeks ago. I was practising with a
above all, it is hard and continu- Another and indeed personal part Nidan and Fukushidoin, taking
ous work, demanding sincere is that for some or maybe for all of Ukemi for Kokyu-Ho. Everything
devotion to the art, to the teacher us it is hard to picture ourselves as a went ‘smoothly’ when the teacher
and to the Dojo. As O-Sensei ‘winner’ and - particularly speaking approached us and shouted: “No!”
himself had put it: “True budo from a woman’s perspective - as the Both of us stopped, looking quite
is not a fighting technique based one who dominates. Of course, Tori aghast. The teacher looked at the
on a rash use of force against an- is reacting to Uke too, but still it is Nidan and said: “You want to
other in order to determine who Tori who holds the ultimate posi- throw!” and then he looked at me
is stronger or who can win in a tion, who leads the way. And even and said in a rather accusing voice:
contest; rather it is a path centred though the domination of Uke by “And you want to fall!” In this
on daily training with other Tori is not to take his or her life but moment, for the very first time,
kindred souls, mutually working to give it back, it is still a form of besides my usual first thought (“Yes,
together to polish and refine their domination which I had had my I want to fall”) there was a strong
individual characters.”i What we struggles with. and clear inner voice protesting: I do
crave to harvest are not grades not want to fall!
To Study and Recognize
but ethical virtues and freedom It was an ordinary situation and
of self. Chiba Sensei described I remember many occasions although I cannot explain why, it
the transmission of the art by a where I found myself incapable of had triggered something inside me.
natural progression consisting of impersonating the right shin (heart, There it was: the shin I had not been
five pillars, where the fifth pillar, mind, spirit) for conducting a tech- able to locate for so long. It had
openness, is “the reification of the nique as Tori. Always did I prefer to never been absent, only it had had to
psychospiritual virtues such as be Uke, wishing my counterpart to be awakened again. In this moment,
humility, receptivity, modesty, etc begin being Tori, even as I gradu- I saw, like in my life off-the mat
that are necessary to the process ally ‘climbed’ the Kyu ladder and too, how I had not been able to be
of raising the art to its highest hence was supposed to start as Tori Tori and how my neglected shin of
level.”ii Aikido is a wondeful art whenever I practised with someone protection, guidance and leadership
and tool, helping us to conquer less advanced than myself. I became had enrolled itself in my Aikido as
our ego-centred greed, ignorance to be conscious of my pronounced well. And thereafter something was
and anger, developing humil- inner preference very quickly, yet put in its place and I knew that I am
ity and a noble form of self- as the years passed, I never found a able to be not mere Uke but Tori
confidence at the same time. We ‘solution’ to it. However, it became too; I knew I could establish balance
are humble as we know that we sort of a problem for me. For between these two and finally
will never master the art to its one part, how was I supposed to enhance integration and harmony.
supreme perfection, and we are improve my technical knowledge
Developing a Compassionate
self-confident as we learn to face and abilities when I so much took
But Strong Shin
fear and to trust our inner ability to the Uke role? But much more
to receive and to protect. importantly, how could I ever As Mitsugi Saotome wrote,
After seven years of practising transform the self to be immovable, “Aikido is not a sport. It is a disci-
Aikido, I find myself now in a time vigilant, sincere and fresh-minded pline, an educational process for
of transition. In the past, I have as expressed by Chiba Sensei? training the mind, body, and
found myself being Uke, ie inter- Chiba Sensei named it the spirit.”iv There are many things I
nally taking the Uke role through “Immovable or Unshakable Spirit” have to learn - on a physical level,
and through. This has never been and stated it as the first psycho- on a technical level, but most of all
a conscious decision, but an uncon- spiritual element for cultivation of on a mental level. I do wish to study
scious attachment to the virtues of martial awareness.iii Here again, I and embody Aikido fully. A coin has
the Uke: to commit (the attack), had no problems to incorporate an two sides; the two of them make the
MAY 2018 BE MUSUBI 7
coin. Uke and Tori are interrelated, the future is not yet here, and “you Jean-Gabriel Massardier and Cyrille
Aikido needs both. I need to prac- have to know the past to under- Benoit, as well as all other members
tise both to refine my character and stand the present” as Carl Sagan of the Ann Jyou Kan Dojo, where
become a person of inner harmony. said. Therefore, I wish to express I was allowed to live and practise as
It is said that you learn Aikido my greatest thanks to my teacher an Uchi Deshi for three months.
through Ukemi. This is true, but it Jürgen Schwendinger Sensei, who Each of them contributed to one of
is not all. As a devoted student to introduced me to the art right at the the most enriching periods of my
the art, I need to become a good beginning and has ever since formed life. Also, I thank my temporary
Tori. Only thus will a student the basis of my Aikido, continu- Aikido teachers from Germany,
ever be able to pass the art on and ously supporting me through my Jules and Leoni McGough and
become a teacher. Something I have studying years where I could not Frank Edelmaier, for welcoming
neglected ignorantly for many years. practise at my home dojo, the O and integrating me kindly in their
A student (I) needs a teacher. But Sen Kan. Thanks to his openness dojo for two years. Lastly, I thank
one day, a student has to become a and trust I was permitted to visit my Zazen teacher, Roshi Eran
teacher. Otherwise, the transmis- many different dojos - as a seminar Junryu Vardi from New Jersey, who
sion of the art will stop and Aikido participant or as an Uchi Deshi. has encouraged me (and still does)
will end. Whether I will ever come Also, I wish to thank Michael to trust my path.
as far as to actually be a teacher, I do Schwendinger Sensei and Wolfgang
not know and dare not guess; but Petter Sensei and all members of the
this is not the crucial point. The key O Sen Kan.
point is that it is part of the way to I thank my teacher’s teacher, Tony
try and be as good a Tori as an Uke. Cassells Sensei, Mark Pickering
Sensei and Andy Colclough Sensei
The Journey in Retrospective:
from the United Kingdom for all
Acknowledgements
the support they have given me Christina Vaccaro 1st Dan
It is time to look forward and throughout many years. I whole- O Sen Kan
I am joyfully looking towards the heartedly thank Anne Ducouret Aikikai Dornbirn
steps still to come. Nonetheless, Sensei, her assistant Fukushidoins, Birankai Austria
i Ueshiba, M, and Takahashi, H. (ed (2013): The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemusu Aiki. Kodansha, USA, p 52
ii Chiba, TK (2007): The Study and Refinement of Martial Awareness. In: SHIUN. The Birankai Continental Europe Newsletter,
Vol 5, p 7
iii Chiba, TK (2007): The Study and Refinement of Martial Awareness. In: SHIUN. The Birankai Continental Europe Newsletter,
Vol 5, No 2, p 4
iv Saotome, Mitsugi (1993): Aikido and the Harmony of Nature. Shambhala, United States of America, p 245
London Aikikai junior students, Japanese
Matsuri, Trafalgar Square, London
8 BE MUSUBI MAY 2018
Julie Gouthez Finds that Face to Face Encounter
with Oneself or Teacher Can Lead to a Special Bond
Aikido demanding nature and the fragility exaltation. It is a reflection of life,
practice of the bond created. To preserve and ever changing but so rewarding.
is first expand this connection is a job of
of all, a meet- each moment, each class and each
ing with myself time spent together on the tatami
as well as a and in daily life. It is a rich and Julie Gouthez
meeting with Julie Gouthez profound relationship with its draw- Dai jyo kan Bagnols sur Cèze
the person backs, its happiness, its sorrows, Birankai France
that is teaching. This relationship its heartbreaks and its moments of Shodan essay
is extremely demanding and so
is the practice, but it is precisely
this bond that makes us progress
on the way.
What is the way? Aikido is not
just what I do on the tatami, it is
also present in my daily life. It offers
introspection and deeper self-
knowledge; to begin with, it is the
way to the self, then the way to the
other, and further the way to a rela-
tionship with others and the world.
For me it is not the way of wisdom
and peace as the ‘do’ is perceived
by the popular imagination and
as I could have described it before
I started to practise. It is first of all
the path to self-knowledge, to the
awareness and acceptance of one’s
positive and negative emotions.
Is it necessary to modify what
can be judged as negative when it
is a constitutive part of oneself? I
don’t have yet any answer to this
questioning for the path to accep-
tation is a long and difficult one.
Furthermore this questioning is
amplified by the reflection of the
sensei we choose.
For me this choice is not due to
chance. It came, perhaps uncon-
sciously, because this encounter
satisfies a need of the moment.
So the face to face with oneself is
amplified if not guided by a face to
face with the teacher. This combi-
nation then gives birth to a special
bond with one’s teacher.
It could be regarded as a parent-
child relationship since it also
generates the construction of the
self with the same care and good-
will, but it differs from it by the Julie during the ‘prairial’ seminar , Dai jyo Kan, Bagnols sur Cèze, France, May 2018
MAY 2018 BE MUSUBI 9
Scottish and Borders Birankai Spring Course 2018
The Four Pillars of Chiba Sensei’s Aikido and Scottish
Spirit Ensure a Successful Course
Scottish and arts, weapons and Iaido. One block from across the UK with visitors
Borders on Saturday. Two blocks on Sunday from Gen Yo Kan, Strasburg and
Birankai and one on Monday. The excellent Aikido Landau, Germany. The
held their weather allowed weapon classes to strong Scottish presence ensured
Spring course be held outdoors with the focus on dynamic and lively practice for
over the late jo suburi and Sansho. all. Visitors had the option of
May bank Teaching was led by Mike full board at Carronvale house or
Malcolm Blackwood
holiday. It Flynn 7th Dan Shihan with attending daily.
was based at Carronvale House, Shidoins Stephen Boyle, Richard This increasingly popular course
Larbert in Scotland. A Victorian Edmunds, Paul Goatman and and venue is a highlight of our
mansion in extensive tree lined Malcolm Blackwood. Special calendar and accommodation
grounds it once again proved thanks to visiting instructor Laurent fills up quickly. The next Spring
the ideal venue for a sunny long Bertrand Shidoin from Gen Yo course is predicted to be even more
weekend of aikido. This is the Kan Strasbourg. Congratulations popular with Sensei George Lyons
fourth time that the course has were given to Mike Flynn on his coming over from the USA.
been held here and it proved as promotion to 7th Dan and Hombu
successful and enjoyable as all of 6th Dan certificates were presented
the others. to Stephen Boyle and Richard
Training followed the four pillars Edmunds. Celebratory libations Malcolm Blackwood 4th Dan
of Chiba Sensei's Aikido being held were taken later. Durham Aikikai
in blocks each having zazen, body A busy mat included students Scottish & Borders Birankai
Notes from BB Spring Course by Stuart Lovering
Thank you all who attend- tance of a couple of our dan grades send them to the Musubi team for
ed the BB Spring course which kept them training good inclusion in our newsletter.
on 26-27 May 2018 at throughout the sessions. I would like to thank all who
Bilberry Hill Centre, Birming- Well done to all the juniors as you assisted both at and during the
ham which was rescheduled after trained very conscientiously. organising of the Spring course.
bad weather. Some of you will have seen the Summer school is next on 4-8
As usual the deep commitment feedback sheets during the course. August and Booking is now open.
of the students resulted in a worth- This is a way you can let us know If you are able to assist us again
while exercise and improved their how it went or how you would have please let me know.
techniques. preferred it to go so thank you for Many thanks.
The three 6th dan shidoin filling them in.
instructed some great classes that As you can see Musubi is a great
kept all motivated through the two way to share the experiences that
days of the course. you had during a class or a course Stuart Lovering 4th Dan
The junior classes before the so if you have any comments or Tudor Grange Central Aikikai
course also went well with the assis- observations even if it is brief please British Birankai
10 BE MUSUBI MAY 2018