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Aikido - Etiquette and Transmission
by Nobuyoshi Tamura,
8th Dan
Translation by J.R.
David, Shodan,
Aikido de la Montagne
Editor's Note: We are extremely happy to present the second installment
of Tamura Sensei's book Aikido - Etiquette and Transmission.
This work, which has been available only in French is here presented
first time in English. We are grateful to Tamura Sensei for his permission
to produce this version. Many thanks also go to Stephane Benedetti,
5th Dan, Chief Instructor of Mutokukai Europe Dojo Mirabeau, and student
of Tamura Sensei, who translated (from Japanese), edited and published
the original version, which was published by Les Editions du Soleil
Levant in 1991. Photos courtesy of N. Tamura from Tamura Aikido.
Chapter 2
The Purpose of Teaching
Aikido is an ascetic way that shows the direction of human accomplishment
through ki-iku, toku-iku and tai-iku (the formation and development
of the essence: ki, of wisdom and virtue: toku and of the body: tai.)
Through this education, which includes and unites the body and the mind,
we go beyond the notions of race and boundary to form a true man.
Development of the Body
The movements of Aikido are flexible like those of Nature because
they are full of kokyu-ryoku. They increase physical power and improve
the health and beauty of the body. Also, flexibility, resistance to
effort, reflexes, speed, etc. are developed and sharpened.
The Lessons of Bujutsu
By becoming imbued in the methods of "life preservation",
we acquire self-confidence and tranquility and we reach peace of mind.
At the same time, the will to undertake things, perseverance an organizational
skills are developed.
Mental Aspect
We must overcome the greatest enemies of Budo: anger, fear, dread,
doubt, hesitation, contempt, vanity and develop a great fir ness of
the mind and great courage. We must be filled by the necessity of victory
over ourselves. It is through the repetition of daily practice that
we can overcome tiredness, weariness and develop a taste for effort,
the importance of perseverance and the joy of overcoming difficulty.
Etiquette
In a society that easily gives importance to technique, strength and
power, rules of etiquette allow us to feel that there are superior values
which are important to respect without any effort. They are the sine
qua non condition to the survival of society. (See Etiquette chapter)
The Principle of Aikido and its Application in Daily Life. The principle
of Aikido is applied through irimi-tenkan, ki, kokyu, the Me-Opponent
duality and one against many practice. It teaches a sense of unity,
harmony, love and peace.
Aikido expresses, with the body, the order of the universe. If the order
of the universe is correctly applied to the body, technique and health
blossom naturally. If the order of the universe is correctly applied
to daily life, education, work and personality blossom naturally. If
the order of the universe is correctly applied to society, the relation
between oneself and others blossoms naturally Humanity, like one family,
will then work to restore the world, whose harmony is currently troubled.
Chapter 3
Teaching Method
In order to achieve the goals stated above, we will develop an explanation
of the teaching method and divide it in two branches: the mental aspect
and the technical aspect, even though Aikido is a way to mind-body unity.
The intensive practice of techniques favors spiritual elevation. Spiritual
progress favors technical progress. For the clarity of explanations,
the technical and spiritual aspects have been split. No subordination
of one to the other nor a state of dualist separation should be inferred.
Teaching: Technical Aspect -
The Teacher’s Attitude
It is certain that the direct relation from the master to the disciple,
which is the traditional relation identical in essence to the relation
of parents to their children, is the best one. In the modern world,
such a relation has unfortunately become impossible. We will thus speak
of the current situation in existing dojos. Let us not forget that the
true way to hand down the tradition is through a direct relation. Let
us try not to break this link but to keep its spirit. In the case of
large classes, one teacher (or at best a small number of teachers) has
to deal with a large number of students. And since one has to teach
just one time to these students and time is limited, it is impossible
to spend with each person all the time they would need. It is thus very
important to focus on the following points:
- demonstration
- explanation
- imitation
- analysis
- correction
- observation
- hygiene
Demonstration
The demonstration should be as clear and precise as possible. It should
emphasize the fundamental directions for the students and make them
want to practice the technique.
Explanation
The explanation should give the meaning and the method of practice.
It should emphasize the points that need special attention.
Imitation
Every study goes through an imitation phase. One should try, at first,
to make students reproduce the technique as closely as possible to the
way it was demonstrated by the instructor, without questionning it.
Repetition
Repetition allows the assimilation of explanations. Progressively, one
can develop speed, power and sharpness.
Analysis
When a technique is difficult, it is preferable to break it down in
many simple movements.
Correction
It is not enough to correct the appearance of a technique. We should
try to understand and cut the root of the incomprehension and of the
error. Depending on the technique, we have to be careful of the use
of breathing, the footwork, the movement and use of the hands, the change
of hip level, the use of ki.
Observation
It is important to observe well the techniques of the instructors, the
senior students and the beginners. We must help students understand
this. We must bring them to compare their technique to others’.
This will help them to improve. If an injury or tiredness forces us
to rest for a while, we can use this time well. These moments of observation
are no different than physical practice. We maintain a focussed attitude
and keep a sense of effort.
Hygiene
It is important no to forget that intensive work requires quality rest
time. It is important to sleep enough and eat reasonably, in quantity
as well as in quality. Athletes tend to abuse alcohol. This should be
avoided. It is good to eat lightly an hour before training and to wait
at least half an hour after. Drinking cold while the body is hot should
be avoided. One should wear a clean keikogi so as not to upset training
partners. Hands and feet should be clean and nails cut short. Practitioners
should be devoid of any jewelry, watch, etc. The dojo must be carefully
cleaned and a well ventilated space is preferable.
The Mental and Spiritual Aspect of Teaching -
Improving together
Some people train assiduously but refuse to practice with beginners
or people they deem "bad." Even if they improve technically,
their technique will remain a technique prisoner of technique. Let us
not forget that aikido is not only the way of mind-body unity but mostly
the way of unity. If the spirit is stopped in its progression, then
everything stops. A spirit who rejects others, a spirit who doesn’t
know how to accept others, a spirit to whom it is enough that only it
progresses, a spirit who brings everything to the narrow realm of the
ego cannot open itself to a state of unity with the universe.
Aite (uke) exists, thus practice is possible. Practice exists, thus
progress is possible. When there is aite, each partner improves and
shares his joy through mutual emulation
To have a thankful heart
To help a less advanced practitioner requires much patience and
love. To understand the causes hindering this less advanced practitionner,
it is necessary to constantly push our own research forward. We must
not rely on strength In the world of bujutsu where we often focus on
the efficiency and power of the technique, more important is the strength
allowing to go beyond this stage. The practice of aikido cannot be narrowed
to anting to become strong in the sense of injuring the partner or refusing
to lose. In aikido, power is a consequence of applying the principal
of the universe. As strong as he might be, the man who steers away from
this principle cannot win. Aikido is a method for studying the action
of the principle of the universe. One must not pursue everything that
one encounters in the course of this study.
Victory over oneself
One must vanquish in himself the spirit of anger, laziness, fear,
etc. The greatest danger is excessive pride! Don’t forget that
as soon as the idea that your technique is good appears, all progress
stops. In the constant flow of the world, to stop but one instant means
being forever behind.
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