Kensai Posted January 13, 2003 Author Posted January 13, 2003 That book is awful, it looks like Prof Higashi put it together over night. Remember all Aikido was created by O Sensei, the others including the style I study are spin offs. Just so that you know LOILOI44, O Sensei was not Buddist he was Shintoist and believed in the teachings of the Omoto-kyo.
LOILOI44 Posted January 13, 2003 Posted January 13, 2003 That book is awful, it looks like Prof Higashi put it together over night. Remember all Aikido was created by O Sensei, the others including the style I study are spin offs. Just so that you know LOILOI44, O Sensei was not Buddist he was Shintoist and believed in the teachings of the Omoto-kyo. As far as putting the book together overnight I can tell you that is as far from the fact as you can be. Do not judge things you don't know about. If you studdied under Prof. Higashi then I can understand, but please research a bit before your criticize. Prof. Higashi is one of the foremost experts in Tomiki Aikido alive today. He actually studied under Prof. Tomiki. As far as his book goes, I found it to be an extremely valuable tool. It might not be your cup of tea, but do not devalue it. As far as O Sensei's religion...I am sorry for my confusion.
Kensai Posted January 13, 2003 Author Posted January 13, 2003 You tell me to not judge what I dont know, yet you get the religon wrong that Aikido is based on. The wonder of double standards. I have that very book in front of me and it is far far from satisfactory. This is far better book by Lee Ah Loi "Tomiki Aikido" unfortunately it is no longer published. As for Tomiki Sensei, I cant say that I am a big fan. I think anyone that goes against the express wishes of a dieing man is a disgrace. And this is what Tomiki Sensei did when O Sensei Ueshiba was dieing. However Tomiki (Shodokan) is slow returning to the Aikido fold and not doing sport Aikido, which is against what Aikido was created for. No offence, but I know my Aikido texts....... however my Aikido itself leaves a little to be desired.
LOILOI44 Posted January 13, 2003 Posted January 13, 2003 Kensai, once again I appologize for my ignorance. I don't study martial arts for the religious aspects. Whether or not you are a fan of Prof. Tomiki, he does have his place in the history of Aikido. You say that you study a spinoff of Aikido. Can't all forms of Aikido have their place? As far as Higashi's tome, I find it to be an excellent book. The man is a 7th dan. He has been involved in the art for probably twice as long as you have been alive. It's pretty easy to criticize a man's work from a distance. I'm curious if you have written a better book yourself? If you have I would love to check it out.
Kensai Posted January 14, 2003 Author Posted January 14, 2003 LOILOI44, I dont study martial arts either for their religious aspects, I take an interest in everything. This give me a broad knowledge from which I can argue a point rather than just use belittling comments about my lack of publishing and age. Unfortunately being only a 5th Kyu I dont think my book would be very popular in the Aikido genre. Trust me LOILOI44, I dont critise blindly, its just that I have far far better books in my collection than his. I am not cristising his Aikido ability, it would not be hard for him to be better than and anyone with a 7th Dan deserves my respect and he has it. However, if you are going to write a book about a subject you have a passion for, then perhaps he should take a little more time over it. For better examples of Aikido texts I suggest "Best Aikido by Doshu K Ueshiba", "The Essence of Aikido by O Sensei", "Aikido, by K Tohei" and "Aikido and the Dynamic sphere". Those are my favs, but there are plenty of other good ones. I agree that all styles of Aikido have there place, its just a shame to go against the wishes of its creator. Hope you find this enlightening.
LOILOI44 Posted January 14, 2003 Posted January 14, 2003 Kansai, My intention was not to belittle you. It's just that Prof. Higashi is the finest practitioner of martial arts I have ever seen. I had the honor of meeting him. It was a life changing experience. I meant to defend him more than insult you. Sorry if it came off like that.
Kensai Posted January 14, 2003 Author Posted January 14, 2003 LOILOI44, dont worry about it. From what I have heard he is a amazing practioner. My Sensei is an 8th Dan and she has been studying for some 35 years. Any Sensei with that sort of dedication always has an impact on oneself. Her teacher and husband has been doing Aikido for nearly 50 years. He was the Unchideshi of Abbe Sensei for 15 years and student with the legendary Tohei Sensei for 10. I could tell you some of the stuff I have seen, but many just pass it off as either luck or some fixed demostration. Good luck in your studies.
Aikidoka Posted January 15, 2003 Posted January 15, 2003 Rabid Hamster: the shaolin monks practise the many styles of shaolin kung fu that have evolved over the centuries such as northern and southern praying mantis, the various tiger styles, white crane, etc. Wushu is a demonstration art and competitive sport developed in the 20th century by the Communist government of China to try and unify all the schools of kung fu into a national sport and a part of their patriotic initiatives. It could be argued that the modern shaolin temple, which was rebuilt by the Communists and has become commercialised and diluted, no longer teaches true kung fu but a pure demonstration art. Kensai: it has been common for more traditional aikido styles to attack the Tomiki school for its use of 'competition', which they claim is against the principles of aikido and the wishes of O-sensei. Whether competitions (or shiai) are actually competitive depends on the individual practitioners and the size of their egos, and this is true of all kinds of aikido training. Practicing kata or kakarigeiko, I have trained with people who felt compelled to use every ounce of force and strength they could muster, to prove what 'great' aikidoka they were. This is what is contrary to aikido principles, as well as being detrimental to their aikido. Shiai is merely training at full resistance (randori) with different opponents, within rules designed to allow real aikido, not wrestling, to triumph. It need not be competitive, or about egos, or winning and losing; it is a way of testing the standard of your aikido in a safe but pressured situation, a place where you discover how calm your mind, and how flowing your technique really is. Your opponent is just another obliging training partner, and you are working together to raise the standard of your aikido.
yoriki816 Posted January 15, 2003 Posted January 15, 2003 Aikidoka, It's good to see you on this topic. I always find your responses to be very articulate and informative. I would have to agree that sparring or even a competetive style of randori being against the principles of Aikido is wholly determined by the sincerity and correct attitude of the participants. In Yoseikan Aikido we have a form of randori called Kyoei that focuses on counters and reversals that is done at a slower speed than our version of shiai. The idea is that there is neither tori nor uke until the one of the participants takes ukemi. There is no winner or loser, the entire purpose of the exercise is to allow your opponent to experience the highest level of his or her aikido by allowing them to blend and respond naturally. Most students find this type of exercise very difficult because they are trying to throw their partner, and in response more often than not find themselves on the mat much more quickly than was expected. I'll end by saying that competition can give the student the benefit of practicing in a more realistic environment and only has negative effects on the spirit of the student or the art, when it is used to build and destroy egos rather than technique and understanding of the art. Matt GilliardShodan- Yoseikan AikidoShodan- Goshin Jujitsu
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