Thoughts on Budo...

2011-11-18T13:37:00.001+02:00

Budo and Thoughts

moved to:

http://thoughtsonbudo.blogspot.com/

See you there :-)

Ze'ev Erlich.

Torifune and Tamafuri

2011-11-18T11:16:00.001+02:00

Please enjoy this very interesting instruction and meaning of Torifune and Furitama.

As we were taught in Aikido, these exercises prepare us before conducting Misogi (Shinto purification of body and mind). Founder of Aikido considered Aikido as a kind of Misogi, and therfore regularly performed Torifune and Furitama before every Aikido practice.

Thank you Tsubaki Shinto Shrine for this clear explanation:

AME-NO-TORIFUNE-NO-GYO

Sometimes called Fune-kogi-undo. Ame-no-torifune is one of the Misogi Jumbi Taiso or exercises to prepare the mind/ body/ spirit for the activity of Misogi Shuho. These exercises have been widely adopted as Aiki Jumbi Taiso.

Torifune (Bird Rowing)

1. Stand straight and put your left leg forward

2. Clench both fists with your thumbs inside

3. Lean forward and move your arms as though rowing a boat starting from your left knee and ending near your *armpits. As you "row," shout "Yie".

4. Perform this 20 times and then repeat Furitama

5. Changing to a right leg stance, repeat the Torifune shouting "Ei" and "Ho" alternately. Do this 20 times and then repeat Furitama

6. Return to the left foot forward stance and remake the clenched fists as before and bring the hands up to the chest to a shout of "Yie" and thrust them down and forward with hands opened and fingers extended to a shout of "Se" After this, once again repeat the Furitama

The Object of Torifune-no-gyo

The basic purpose is to introduce a dimension of physical calisthenics along with the spiritual. Since misogi is a psycho-physical experience, both types of preperatory exercises are necessary. " Torifune-no-gyo (done properly) is very grounding and invigorating. The kiai organizes the hara… centripetality/contraction and centrifugality existing simultaneously while grounding relates very directly to the organization we want to manifest during Aiki waza.

TAMA FURI/ Furitama-no-Gyo

Tama(soul) Furi (shake) basic meaning is the self Chin-kon and relates directly to the furube-no-kamu-waza of Chinkon Saho.

Furitama ( Soul Shaking)

1. Stand with your legs apart about shoulder width .

2. Place your hands together with the right hand over the left. Leave space between them big enough for an imaginary ping pong ball.

3. Place your hands in that position in front of your stomach and 0shake them vigorously up and down.

4. While shaking them concentrate and repeat the words: Harae-do-no-Okami - an invocation to the kami of the place of harai.

The Object Furitama-no-gyo

The purpose of shaking the soul is to generate awareness of it within yourself. Kon, (the soul), in Shinto, is one of the four important elements along with Mei (life), Rei (spirit) and Ki (which means Spirit in its causal aspect - Ki is a kind of energy source). Kon is the most important of the four since human beings can also be described as Waketama (separated individual souls), which is another way of saying "children of the kami".

Chinkon kanji can also be read as Mitama Shizume..the basic meanings are:

1) to reintegrate the elements of self/soul into the current moment

2) to quiet or pacify the soul

3) to invigorate the soul

4) The kanji of Chin-kon can also be read Sho Kon and carry the nuance of pacifying and assisting the raising of vibration for the Mitama of a person who has left this life

Tama-furi aims at the reception of strong spiritual waves/higher spirit/ refined vibration.

Fukakusa Motohiro Shihan (8th Dan Aikikai) in Israel - September 2011

2011-08-20T10:48:00.000+03:00

Israeli Aikido Organization (Aikikai)

will host an Aikido seminar with

Fukakusa Motohiro Shihan

8th Dan Aikikai

a direct student of the founder of Aikido

September 7th - 12th 2011

The main seminar will be in Rehovot, with two additional classes, one in Tel-Aviv and one in the Golan Heights.

Rehovot

Wendesday (September 7th)

20:00 - 21:30

Tel Aviv (Intergal Dojo)

Thursday (September 8th)

20:00 - 21:30

Rehovot

Friday (September 9th)

16:00 - 17:30

18:00 - 19:00 (bokken)

Rehovot

Saturday (September 10th)

10:00 - 11:30

12:00 - 13:00 (jo)

Rehovot

Sunday (September 11th)

20:00 - 21:30 (weapon taking class - jotori, tachidori, tantodori)

Golan Heights (Kibbuts Gonen)

Monday (September 12th)

20:00 - 21:45

Exact locations:

Rehovot - Marshov 3 Rehovot - Weizmann Primary school. Click here for directions.

Tel Aviv - Ha'achim Mislavita 7, Tel-Aviv. Click here for directions.

Golan Heights - Kibbutz Gonen, Amos Golad's dojo. Click here for directions. When you arrive, please loog for signs with directions from the Kibbut's gate.

Fee:

100 shekel per class

550 shekel for 6 classes

600 shekel for 7 classes

700 shekel for 8 classes

Discounts:

50% OFF for Kids (under 18), compulsory soldiers/sherut leumi, 60 years old and above, instructors who come to the seminar with students.

About Fukakusa Shihan:

About Fukakusa Shihan

Fukakusa Shihan , Mr.Motohiro Fukakusa, or by his Thai name, Mr.Somchai, is known as the Father of aikido in Thailand. This is because he was one of the first faculty teaching and demonstrating Aikido throughout Thailand. He never expected any payment from students. He bore all expenses for places and accessories in practicing aikido as well. He has been in Thailand since 1964 and, since then, has been a pioneer furthering aikido, first introduced to Thailand in 1961.

He is not only a pioneer but also a leader who had to overcome a variety of difficulties in order to make aikido in Thailand survive until the Aikido Association of Thailand was established in 1975. All of his students have rights to be members under the Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan and the International Aikido Federation (IAF) ever since. Furthermore, he sent many students to study aikido more in depth at the Aikido World Headquarters, Japan.

Fukakusa Shihan holds the rank of 8th dan Aikikai. He also holds the office of President of Aikido Association of Thailand and is appointed by the Aikido World Headquarters to be a caretaker controlling teaching techniques throughout Southeast Asia. To this end Fukakusa shihan frequently travels abroad to teach and to conduct seminars.

His motto in teaching students is that “Discipline and system are sources of unity which lead into love”. Thus, Fukakusa Shihan is regarded as "the Father of aikido in Thailand".

For more information, please contact:

Ze'ev Erlich

aikidobeisrael@yahoo.com

Tel: 0523:302386

Event Page on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115963911810477

Switch your pc off, Switch your life on

2011-02-24T09:04:00.001+02:00

Switch internet OFF, Switch your life ON:

It has been over 2 weeks since I quit weekend and night time internet.

Switching off my computer early in the evening, gave me 2 more sleep hours every day. Not touching the computer during the weekend, gives me splendid family time and attention to my family and myself. Suddenly I have more time to talk to my family, drive somewhere, read books, watch movies on tv with my son...

I recommend this to everyone. Don't let internet rule your life. You will be happier, healthier, and will surprisingly discover, that everything in your mailboxes waits for you and doesn't go away when you turn your pc on in the morning.
Switch your life ON.
:-)

Jiun - Master Calligrapher (1718-1804) "Shinnyu - essential nature

2010-11-18T18:22:00.000+02:00

Jiun 1718-1804, my favorite Japanese calligrapher always hits right into the center of my mind with his straight and powerful works. Please enjoy this shodo by Jiyun. The words are "Shinnyu" with the meaning - something, or someone's true nature as it is, nothing more and nothing less.

Found it on this web site: http://www.japanese-arts.net/calligraphy/jiun.htm

Musubi

2010-11-02T10:03:00.002+02:00

Musubi: to tie, bind, connect... One of Aikido's teachings and a big challenge in our training. Creating a beautiful musubi, brings birth to a beautiful waza (technique). Creating a bautiful musubi in life, will bring birth to beautiful relationships at work, at home, with nature...
I wrote today this shodo (calligraphy) of the Japanese word "Musubi". I hope you enjoy it.

Musubi

Yoko Okamoto Sensei - Aikido - Kyoto Aikikai.

2010-03-16T15:13:00.003+02:00

From my Kyoto Aikido diary:
We arrived on time - too early, as usual. We had about 30 minuets to kill and it was raining. The old shops on Senbon street were not open yet, so we just took an early morning slow walk good enough to wake up a bit.

The simple map took us easily through a couple of narrow allies, and there was the dojo, righ in the heart of Nishijin district - a neighborhood, famous for its unique machiya houses belong to families that for generations over generations, produced silk products and especially the beautiful Kyoto kimono and obi.

The Nishijin Aikodo dojo is one of the most beautiful dojos I ever saw. Okamoto Sensei (6th Dan Aikikai) expected our visit, as we were introduce to her by email, thanks to Lee sensei from North Valley Aikikai. After a short conversations, we changed into keikogi and hakama. Before class began, Okamoto sensei was already on the tatami mats, busy with her own warming up. Facing the dojo's shomen, she stretched, while the students gathered behind her, and slowly lined up in seiza. A minute or two before class began, the dojo was silent. One deep bow, and another one, and then a series of thorough warming up exercises with clear and meticulous explanations.

Warming-up naturally developed into training on some basic movements, concentrating on correct ukemi (response to our partner's actions). Those movements developed naturally into various basic techniques.
Sensei practiced personally with everyone. With the Japanese she spoke Japanese. With us she spoke English. With the French she spoke fluent French...

Among many things, there is one meaningful thing I especialy remember. Okamoto Sensei was very clear and precice about what she asked every one of us to do. When she came to you, you know exactly what she wants from you, and she made sure you do it. You may think this might be an obvious thing for a teacher, but for most of us, it is not easy at all to expect the student to do something he actually is able to fulfill now. When you teach, there are priorities - what to understand first, and what to learn next. Our ability is created step by step, and Okamoto sensei is gifted with the talent to recognize the exact ability and potential, each student currently has - even with first time visitors from other dojos.

Okamoto sensei's teaching and aikido, are clear, precise and impressive. I feel that although I attended just one class of her, I took with me something meaningful and precious which still echoes in my mind and is still influencing my approach to teaching aikido. I would like to express here my sincere gratitude to Okamoto Sensei.

Please do not miss an opportunity to train at Nishijin Dojo Aikido - Kyoto Aikikai, and to learn from Yoko Okamoto sensei.
Dojo web site: http://www.aikidokyoto.com/English/Eindex.html

Kyoto Aikido diary: Follow Koyama San to heaven

2010-03-11T11:34:00.001+02:00

An elderly woman with shiny eyes and a charming smile approached me right after warming up exercises ended. In a dojo, it is quite common that the senior members make sure that the beginners and the guests are receiving the best possible attention and care.

It was my first time to practice with the Kyoto Budo-Center Aikido Dojo. Training was great, Yoshida Sensei was great, but my most memorable and heart warming experience there, was training with Mrs. Koyama.

Although she looked so thin, and much older and smaller than me, as soon as we began practicing together, I realized how quickly and smoothly she moved, and how easily she adopted herself to each and every movement I made. While I hardly managed to control breath, she remained calm and she even whispered questions and friendly comments.

I am sure she has at least a couple of decades of aikido training experience. She told me that it is the first time an Israeli Aikidoka is visiting their dojo, and that she never traveled to Israel...

When the class ended, I went to thank her for training together. She showed interest in Israel, and I asked her about the idea to visit us, train with us, and teach. When she heard it, she smiled and said "The only thing I can teach or show, is the way to heaven, because soon I will be there, I am 80 years old".
80? unbelievable.

Whenever I remember her, I see in my mind her beautiful aikido and her bright and charming personalty. Training with Mrs. Koyama is one of the most inspiring experiences I ever had in Aikido, and I will never forget it.
I think I'm not the only one who wishes to see men and women, young and old, training together with such joy and care.

I am looking forward to seeing her again this summer.

Wonderful aikido in Kyoto

2010-03-10T12:18:00.002+02:00

I recently went to Japan for a month of Aikido training in various dojos.

My dear student Shmulik (nidan) joined me for our musha shugyo aikido learning adventure.

Our first stop was in Kyoto wich has an ancient and beautiful dojo called the "Butokuden" - Kyoto Budo Center. When we arrived there, there was a Yoshinkai Aikido seminar. We observed the class for a few minuets, and returned a day later, to participate in the regular Aikikai Aikido evening class.

After helping the members to spread the tatami, we recieved permission to join the class. Sensei did not arrive yet, so Shmulik and I began practicing freely with each other. One of the senior members - a man in his 70th approached us, and began to ask us friendly questions. I told him that I used to be a member of Kyoto Aikikai but not anymore, and that at last, I am glad to visit the Butokuden Aikido class. He asked me if I know the difference between Judo and Aikido... It was kind'a strange question... Maybe he wanted to check something or to examine my understanding in Budo... well, I gave him the correct answers :-) and then he asked me an "Aikido question": Why do we stand in a triangular stance in Aikido (Hanmi no Kamae). I told him about the concept of dealing with a large numbers of attackers, and about the relation between empty hands aikido and traditional weapons in aikido. I guess I passed the "test".

Sensei arrived. He welcomed us, and told us that we are guests and that we should not pay for class. Class was dynamic and really interesting. The most senior members of the dojo - including an 80 years old woman, trained with us, with so much energy and joy. There were also other realy old timers with maybe 40 or 50 years in Aikido who gave us very wise and useful advice.

If you are an Aikidoka and you are visiting beautiful city of Kyoto, please do not hesitate to train with the wonderful Budo Center Aikido Dojo (Aikikai).

Next time, I will write about Aikido Kyoto Dojo in Nishijin (Kyoto) and about the impressive and tallented Sensei over there -Yoko Okamoto Shihan.

Aikido Scam by an Indian Group

2009-07-20T08:31:00.001+03:00

Important information about the "Aikido Association of India" email (please see the email at the bottom of this page).

A few years ago an Aikido group from India contacted my friend who has an Aikido Dojo in Israel. They wrote to him a similar letter as the one bellow... After agreeing on all matters, he waited for them at the airport. He saw some people who looked Indian, but no one approached him... after a while, when all the passegngers already left the airport, he went back home and tryed to find out what is happening with his guests. He phoned their number in India, and a woman said in a crying voice that they all had a car accident and they are in hospital... My friend's dojo members sent a present to the group in India and felt sorry.

After a while the police called my friend, and interrigated him for bringing illegal workers from India... apparently it was a scam. The Indian group cheated him. They actually did arrive in Israel, and just went to look for jobs here... The "accident" story was a cover story which was prepared in advance.

please be cafeful when you get an offer to invite people with nationalities that need visa for Israel, please be careful, and make sure you have all the people passports copies. It is important to contact immigration authoroties here to have their assistance to prevent such a case.

A group like this one contacted me too in the past, but they never agreed to send me a copy of their passport. They said they are some Indian police Judo team. They just tried again and again to get an invitation letter from me - probably nesecary when applying for visa to Israel.

Please do not discriminate, but its good idea to be careful and make sure you know who are the people you are inviting.

Yours,

Ze'ev Erlich
Israeli Aikido Organization.

AIKIDO ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
Head Office : 274-A, Block-H,Sector-12, Pratap Vihar, Ghaziabad (U.P.) 201 009 India
Branch office : GF-31, KONARK BUILDING, RDC, RAJ NAGAR, GHAZIABAD (U.P.) 201 009 INDIA
Mobile : 0091-9311111190 fax : 0091-120-2824100
E.mail : anilksi@hotmail.com
================================================================================================
MOST RESPECTED SENSEI
My self Anil Kaushik , president of aikido association of india like to come to your beautiful country Israel to learn aikido ( advance course) with my senior instructors team as we are very behind in aikido techniques.
I hope that your goodself will give me chance to learn it.As we think that Martial art and commondos of Israel is very very famous in the world, of course we shall pay your training fees, boarding fees and lodging fees.
I am sure of your very kind consent and approval to invite our team to your country.
waiting for your reply

Anil Kaushik
President
Aikido Association of India

Silence's wonderful flavour

2009-07-18T16:09:00.009+03:00

Silence's wonderful flavour

When Shimamoto Katsuyuki Sensei (7th Dan Aikikai and Zen priest) was young, he spent a long period of time in a zen monastery. When Sensei visited us in Israel just a few weeks ago, he spoke about his experience as a student of O-Sensei and also about his life as a zen monk.

My wife asked him about life in a zen monastery, and he told us that he cherishes his memories of many hours of hard work and meditation. He said that everyone used to go to sleep very early, in order to wake up at about 4:30am for morning work and meditation. The young monks have to wake up even earlier - at 2:30am, and to clean the whole temple so it will be shining and ready for the morning meditation. The rest of the monks still have two more hours of precious sleep, so the monks who wake up in the middle of night, have to be careful and silent. Each movement has a certain method (saho in Japanese). How to walk, how to stand and kneel, a way to fill the bucket with water, a way to spread water, a way to wipe the wooden floor, a way to squeeze the cloth... just like martial arts' kata. Of course, while quietly cleaning, no one is allowed to speak, not even whisper. It is time for cleaning the temple and the heart.

In the Zen monastery, it is also not allowed to speak while dining together in the dining room. The monks eat quietly their modest and simple vegetarian food.

Shimamoto Sensei's wife was listening quietly the whole time, and then she said: "when we eat in silence, we sometimes can discover a wonderful flavour".

Her words struck me. I was amazed by the deep meaning of these words, and I suddenly came to understand several things that were in my mind in the past few years.

A couple of years ago, I visited in Los Angeles to train and teach in a memorial seminar for O-Sensei and Furuya Sensei. Furuya Sensei was a great friend and teacher. In his dojo in Little Tokyo - Los Angeles, just above O-Sensei's photo, I saw an ancient Japanese calligraphy with the words: Shusei (practice serenity)

Fujita Sensei once told us: "A good dojo is a dojo with three qualities - The dojo must be clean, the dojo must have O-Sensei's image of photo hanging high enough so it can be viewed by everyone while training, and a dojo with people who train quietly. Since the day he said so, about four years ago, I have been trying to convey this message to my students, and training really became more quiet and more fruitful.

In silent training, we can find something wonderful.
Lets find a wonderful flavour in serenity.

When we begin our class and end it, we always sit quietly for a few seconds. At that time we have to look at O-Sensei's photo and remember that he is the one who created aikido. While looking at his image, we should try to realize those things that Aikido training gives birth to. At that time, we feel deep gratitude to O-Sensei. Thanks to him we are here together now, developing ourselves and our society through sincere aikido training. All thanks to him. To show our deep gratitude and respect we make a common Japanese gesture - a deep bow.

Please have a wonderful summer.

About us in Japanese - Israeli Aikido Organization (Aikikai)

2009-06-18T14:52:00.006+03:00

Masatake Dojo - Rehovot, Israel

Israeli Aikido Organization - Aikikai Aikido Schools in Israel

イスラエル合気道非営利活動法人合気会

昌武会　昌武道場

Israel Aikido Organization イスラエル合気道非営利活動法人は１９９９年　ゼエヴ　エーリッヒによってイスラエルで創立されました。ゼエヴ　エーリッヒは７年間日本で合気道修行後、母国イスラエルのレホボット市で道場を開きました。道場長ゼエヴ　エーリッヒは現在合気道（合気会）４段です。

この10年間で道場は大きく成長し、現在160名（大人７０名、子供９０名）、その内、有段者が20名います。

活動内容：

（１）レホボットの道場は週７日、毎日稽古があります。

（２）毎年　日本から合気道師範を招聘し、講習会を開催しています。

（３）年４回、全国合気道講習会（無料）、そして年２回、国立美術館とヘブライ大学で公式の演武会を開催しています。

（４）インターネットを通して合気道雑誌を日々更新、作成し、無料で提供しています。イスラエル全国紙、マアリブ新聞にも　時々合気道のコラムを掲載していました。

（５）ボランティアとして障害者に特別に合気道を過去７年間教えています。その際、イスラエル全国からボランティアの人が集まってきます。

（６）毎年　道場のメンバー数名を連れて、日本で合気道の稽古と日本文化紹介をしています。

我々の道場はすべての人が一緒に稽古することをモットーにしていますので、経済的困難な人たちにも道場に来れるようにしています。

我々の道場は平和の為の武道を創立した開祖植芝盛平大先生の理念に基づき、宗教間、民族間の対立を失くし、地域社会に貢献できる人間づくり、合気精神を基礎にしたコミュニティー作りをモットーとしております。

האגודה לאייקידו בישראל

Israeli Aikido Organization - Aikikai Aikido Schools in Israel

イスラエル合気道非営利活動法人合気会

昌武会　昌武道場

Home Page: http://masatakedojo.blogspot.com/

E- Mail: helloaikido@yahoo.com

some early information about our July very special seminar...

2009-05-29T12:58:00.001+03:00

some early information about our July very special seminar...

Aikido Seminar with Shimamoto Sensei 7th Dan Aikikai

2009-05-26T10:41:00.019+03:00

Aikido Seminar

with

Shimamoto Sensei

in Israel

June 9th - 11th 2009

Israeli Aikido Organization (Aikikai) N.P.O, is proud to host a seminar with Shimamoto Katsuyuki Shihan (7th dan) from Shosenji Dojo (Osaka - Japan).

Shimamoto Katsuyuki Shihan is a Zen Buddhist priest of the Toyonaka Shosenji temple. He learned aikido as a direct pupil of O-Sensei (the founder of aikido), and later from the late Osawa Kissaburo Sensei.

Our shihan - Fujita Masatake Sensei, is currently in hospital, therefore, Shimamoto Sensei who is a close friend of Fujita Sensei, agreed to come to Israel this year, to teach and to celebrate with us our organization's 10th anniversary.

We will dedicate this seminar to Fujita Sensei's quick recovery.

Shimamoto Sensei's students from Japan, Holland and Israel will also participate, and we are happy to welcome them and wishing us all a beautiful aikido training and celebration.

The Seminar will take place in the city of Rehovot at our dojo - Wiezman School - 3 Marshov St. Rehovot.

Schedule:

May 9th Tuesday
18:30 - 19:30 Kids Class (adults are welcome to join)
20:00 - 22:15 Opening ceremony and Aikido class.

May 10th Wednesday
20:00- 22:00 Aikido (adults)

May 11th Thursday
20:00- 22:00 Aikido (adults)
22:00 - 22:15 closing ceremony.

Seminar fee: 80 Euro

Accommodations: visitors can stay with host families (Student`s houses) or at a Hotel nearby. Please let us know as early as possible for early room reservations. Please pay host family your food expenses (about 10 Euro per day). A hotel nearby - About 50 Euro per person (per night) (private room) - including breakfast. Room for two people: About 40 Euro per person - including breakfast.

Please contact Ze`ev Erlich at +972-52-3302386 (In Israel - 0523-302386) to make Hotel and seminar reservation as soon as possible.
or by e-mail at: aikidobeisrael@yahoo.com

How old is wisdom?

2009-03-09T00:57:00.004+02:00

How old is wisdom?

My favorite modern Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami recived recently Israel's prestigious literary award, the Jerusalem prize for the Freedom of the Individual in Society. He gave an aoutstanding speach, which was followed by words by our president Shimon Peres. Peres said something beautiful: "buildings become old, but wisdom never becomes old"

photo from wsj

In Aikido, we first bow toward O-Sensei's photo, in respect and memory of his teaching and wisdom. His wisdom is ageless, Aikido's wosdom s ageless. Our body becomes old every year, but by working together, we create ageless knowledge and experience.

Our dear teachers.... some of them are already in heaven, some of them are unable to teach anymore. They worked so hard... I never knew Peter Bacas Sensei, but I know you, and I see an outstanding group of aikidoka. I enjoy training with you because you create an ultimative training enviroment and atmosphere. You are excellent desciples of an excellent sensei. I am sure Sensei is proud of you and happy.
While following the wisdom of our teachers, we should also remember the greatest Japanese Haiku poet - Matsuo Bashō' s (1644-1694) words:
"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise, seek what they sought"

Sumikiri: Stillness in the eye of the storm

2009-03-09T00:52:00.003+02:00

Sumikiri: Stillness in the eye of the storm

The first time I came across the word sumikiri, was when I read a small but marvellous book called "The Spirit of Aikido" by 2nd Doshu - Kisshomaru Ueshiba.
The word "sumikiri" can be translated as perfect clarity, or pureness, but the book did not give any further explanation.

So... what exactly is sumikiri?
Our most basic training method, is with one partner, slowly and according to clear demonstration of our teacher. Later on, our training becomes more free, creative and dynamic, the attacks and the techniques become more realistic and versatile, and we also learn to resolve situation dealing with a large numbers of opponents.
In such dynamic training, we tend to get very excited and quite often we feel mental pressure and fear. If we continue our training for years and gain experience, we realize that gradually our mind remains relaxed even in such training. Although our body is moving fast and many techniques are applied quickly, our mind remains relaxed and clear - some describe it as: Stillness within motion.

Sumikiri in daily life:
Taking the risk of being crude, I would explain sumikiri as a mental state in which we act correctly and remain clear and relaxed in the midst of stressful situation. I think this can be a result of many years of training, and can affect all aspects of life: family, relationships, work, driving, inner conflicts, etc. Staying completely clear and relaxed under pressure is sumikiri.

Let the mud sink:
The most common example for sumikiri, is of a glass of water with some sand in it. When the water is in movement, the water will be muddy. When we let the water stand still, the mud will sink to the bottom of the glass, and the water will become clear. Even if our body moves dynamically, even if many people attack us at the same time, as a result of our years of training, our mind remains still and we can attain the state of sumikiri.

The eye of the storm:
An important teaching common to all martial arts, is the ability to be in the eye of the storm - where quietness prevails, and where we can remain relaxed. Storm is outside, but inside there is clarity and stillness. Developing such ability takes years, but each and every stage of development, affects all aspects of our life.

In the year 2004, a new book was published: "The Art of Aikido". The very first chapter is dedicated to sumikiri:

"Focus on stillness rather then motion in order to master aikido techniques.
for a heart instantaneously at one with the clear and serene sky, all of existence appears in crystal clarity. When the founder Morihei Ueshiba realized this state of mind, he felt bathed in golden light, and perceived the true mission of Aikido. The centre of a spinning top, appears to be completely still. That kind of stillness, rather then the rapid motion of the top, is where we should focus. It is where the secret of perfect clarity (sumikiri z.e) can be perceived. That stillness also lies at the heart of Aikido techniques. When speaking of the mysterious of centripetal and centrifugal forces, Morihei (O-Sensei z.e) Said: Large has no outside, small has no inside.
This is a maxim we need to reflect deeply."

Sumikiri zoom:
I think this wonderful photo of 2nd doshu is a perfect example for sumikiri. Please look at his relaxed face while executing a dynamic throw:

Meri Hari - way of healthy life

2009-03-09T00:51:00.002+02:00

Our tools and the teaching of Meri-Hari.

Maintanance: If you have a hoby, or if you are an artist, you probably like to have good equipment, and to keep it in best condition. Photographer's tools are camera, tripod, film, lenses... all kept clean and working smoothly. Painters, keep their brushes and canvas in clean and good condition, they make sure their paint wont get dry. It is onvious and natural to want high quality equipment.

What is dogu? In Aikido, our tools are tatami, hakama, aikido wear (keikogi), bokken, jo, tanto and more. But our most important tools are not thouse wooden weapons or fancy wear. Our most precious tools are our body and mind. No matter how good our keikogi is, and how expensive our hakama and tatami are, if our body and mind wont be under constant care and maintanance, our aikido and helth (mental and phisical) will become bad. In Japanese, many arts are called "do" or "michi". "do" as in Aikido, shodo (calligraphy), chado (tea ceremony) etc. "Ddo" means an art which is also a way of life for development and enlightenment. The equipment and tools of the "do" are called dogu.

Maintanance of our body: It is great to have regular aikido training, but we need healthy body to support it. It is extremely recommended to walk or swim about six times a welk for at least 30 minutes each time. In just several times, you will find out how much energy such regular work out gives us, and how our health is improving.

Maintanance of the mind: Mainatining of the mind is a very wide subject for such a short article, but I would like to introduce here Miyashita Sensei's teaching. Miyashita is a wonderful shiatsu therapist and teacher living in Hollland. In 2007, he gave a special class in Ameland, and in that class he spoke of the principle of "meri and hari".

Meri and Hari: Meri and Hari is a Japanese concept that teaches us to keep the correct balance between tence and relaxation. Miyashita Sensei told us that in Japanese they say that we must not carry today's trouble and tiredness till tomorrow. At the end of each day, we should find time to relax. We should not study or work until we fall asleep. We have some relaxed time at the end of the day, and we must end it like that. I think, that this simple teaching is a great advice.

power

2009-03-09T00:50:00.002+02:00

Power, like fire, can be useful or harmful. When a child has a strong parent, he feels secure, as long as power remains in its safe borders. Like in every martial art, Aikido teaches us, among many other things, how to deal with power. The beautiful thing about Aikido, is that it teaches us dealing with physical power (attack) in a very particular way which influences the way we deal with other kinds of power in daily life. We meet people with different opinions, we confront problems within our mind, we often try to find a solution between the will of our heart against the will of our reason...In general, Aikido training, teaches us Kamae, Tai Sabaki, and Control. Some people mistakenly think that "Control" means that we control the opponent, but this is a rather shallow and limited point of view. In fact, control means to control the situation, not the opponent. Once, we realize the meaning of the conflict, once we created a musubi (conection), we can decide if we remain together (pinning technique - osae waza) or greet each other bye bye (throwing technique - nage waza).Power is the most basic concept of all martial arts - the way we deal with confronting power. In Aikido, we try to create understanding, and then we hope to resolve the conflict. In higher levels, our attitude should enable us not just to resolve conflicts, but to prevent them from occurring.In Japanese, there are several words for power: Chikara, Riki, Ryoku. In Aikido, we try to develop several kinds of power, while trying to reduce others:

Kokyu Ryoku: The power of breathing - The special Aikido power we produce when we harmonize our breath with centered movements according to aikido principles.Nen Riki: Will power - in our daily training, we realize how our inner strength grows, how more resilient we become, and how we learn to rise after falling or failing. All these, improve the way we deal with problems and conflicts in daily life, and as a result, influences our surroundings and society.Kata No Chikara: The power of our shoulders - this refered to stiff shoulders, or over use of the muscles around our shoulders. In Aikido we learn to relax our shoulders and use our hara (center, belly) instead of shoulders and arms.A wonderful and strange example of the word riki (power): O-Sensei, once wrote a huge calligraphy as decorations for one of his dojo's annual demonstrations. The calligraphy was of the words: "sen nin riki" - means - "power of 1000 people". Some people mistakenly thought that O-Sensei tries to show-off his power, because "sen nin riki" in Japanese, is usually an arrogant expression of mighty power. The true meaning was that O-Sensei felt proud and happy with his loyal and devoted students and the way they help each other to teach and promote aikido. Together - 1000 people - hand in hand - are huge power. Huge good power.

monks, peackoks, and twenty mistakes

2009-03-09T00:42:00.004+02:00

ONE (Ichi)
monks, peackoks, and twenty mistakes

In our dojo, at the shomen, we have a monthly Japanese shodo (calligraphy). We opened the new year with the shodo of the number "one" or in Japanese - Ichi.
It looks simple, its just a single line, but it can remind us of many important aspects in our Aikido training at the dojo, and in daily life.

When learning Japanese calligraphy, beginners first learn how to write the kanji for "ichi". It looks so simple, and like such an easy challenge. Just good for my first rendezvous with the brush and the Japanese soft paper. I remember my first calligraphy lesson in Japan. The teacher painted the kanji "ichi" on a paper, and asked me to copy. After I did my best to write it nicely, and I was quite satisfied, she drew on my kanji, 20 circles, each of them marked a mistake I made...
It was a good lesson for me, as I realised, shodo is a serious art, and that I should concentrate in Aikido which I just began to learn.

In Japanese calligraphy, one learns for a long time the very basic lines and letters, and later on, he learns how to combine them together, to create more complecated kanji - All based on the basics. Just like in Aikido. We learn basic movements, principles and techniques, and only after we begin to understand them we can execute more complecated aikido techniques and applications.

Even the most complicated aikido techniques, are actually made of several basic movements. The more we learn and practice the basics, the more we are able to execute correctly complicated and flowing techniques.

A healthy tree, is a tree that grows on good soil, and with healthy roots. Our constant training on the basic aikido techniques, is equal to maintaining the soil and keeping the roots healthy. Such training will create fruitful and blooming aikido, beautiful and effective. A good teacher is like a good gardener. He knows which branch he should cut and when it should be cut, and which one should keep on growing. A good sensei knows, when to let the student keep on making his mistakes and learning alone, and when to correct and teach. A bad instructor rushes to correct everything he thinks is wrong. A good sensei knows, that in most cases, mistakes lead to learning. So, we should let our students make some mistakes. By teaching basics in every class, the students will learn good aikido. No need to correct them too much.

So... why did we hang the kanji ICHI at our shomen? In Japanese culture, and also in western thought, the number "one" symbolises many things. The most important idea, is that in most cases, each of us, is actually two. One is the person I really am. Two is the person I try to be or try to show. In our hard training, one by one, we peel the layers that are hiding the true self. Slowly slowly, we get closer to being one. Of course, it is impossible to be 100% natural with other people, but our training brings us closer to that desired oness.

We used to have in our dojo one man, who was very modest and nice when he was with a few people. But, when there were many students around him, his aikido became full of pride, and he behaved just like a peacock.

I would like our dojo members to have modest aikido. I love modest art, and modest people. I dislike "aikido shows". I love simple and clean aikido training and demonstrations.

One:

To be one - inside and out - act naturally, honestly and with no masks.

Begin each training form "one" from A. From very basic movements.

Never forget beginners mind. The curiosity, the freshness, the wonderful privilege to create on white clean paper.

Unite your ki with your partner's ki, with the universe.

Train single minded.

Be like the pine-needle, looks the same from every direction.

Other leaves, have two faces.

Pine leaves are like a needle, they don't have two faces. The Samurai strived to be like an "ippon matsuba" - a pine-neadle.

There is a beautiful story about a very famous zen monk who was asked by the emperor to write a kanji for one of the palace gates. He came with his disciple, and the disciple began rubbing the ink stick (sumi) against the stone plate (Suzuri) to create black ink for shodo.

The master wrote a big and impressive kanji, and he looked satisfied. But, the student told him: "Master, excuse me, but I think you can do much better". The master tried again and again, but each time the student said he should try better. At last, the student had to go somewhere for a minute. The teacher thought to himself "oh! its my chance to work alone", and he created a perfect kanji which the student admired and praised.

What we learn from this story is that even for a great zen master, it is difficult to act freely when someone is watching. Its hard to be free and natural when we are with other people. But again, good training brings us closer to it.

Zen Bow

2008-05-04T13:03:00.004+03:00

Zen Bow
by Matsuzaka Kian (1892-1959)

Poem by Emperor Meiji:

Employ the bow and arrow

to keep the divine land

peaceful,

but even in halycyon times

remain vigilant!

Respectfully brushed and inscribed by Kyokushin*

*The pen name that Matsuzaka employed before he took the name "Kian."

From: http://zenart.shambhala.com/product-id/198;jsessionid=B62BC54EF3F3CDCEAF09DD0D68242C1F

click on the image to enlarge

The title that Emperor Meiji gave to this poem was "BU" (also pronounced "TAKE"), the character for "martial." Here the bow and arrow stands for all the budo (martial arts). The Shingon monk Kian, famed for his gentle character, painted mostly vegetables and fruit; he is not usually associated with the martial arts. However, Kian may have practiced Japanese archery (kyudo), the most spiritual of the martial arts, when he was young. Kian likely brushed this for a kyudo teacher. The painting is beautifully composed and has a powerful and calming presence. There are two arrows, suggesting that there should always be something held in reserve,

About the Artist

Kian was a Shingon monk, born in Okayama Prefecture. Kian spent his entire life there, serving as longtime abbot of Hokai-in. He was famed for his gentle and kind nature, and was called, "The 20th century Ryokan." Kian was a talented and prolific artist; his brushwork was based on the style of Jiun.

Shinsa - Examination in Aikido

2008-02-02T22:04:00.000+02:00

Shinsa - Examination in Aikido
Not long ago, when you wanted to learn something, you had to look for an expert and hope that he accepts you as a disciple. If you spent enough time as his assistant, and if you had the talent and luck, there was a chance for you to become independent.

In our time, many people decide on their own to become instructors. Some even call themselves "masters". In ancient times, when we lived in tribes, and also today when we observe tribes in remote areas, we can see how naturally children find their field of expertise by accompanying the adults in the group. Some become hunters, some fishermen, some help with construction or agriculture and so on. One generation passes knowledge to the younger in a most natural way.

We are fortunate to still have a few teachers who keep the traditional teaching and learning methods. Those teachers are dedicated to the most dedicated students and they would guide them through the learning process.Especially in Budo, it is considered extremely important to always have a teacher and to always devote yourself to improving. There is never an end to your learning process.

In most types of Budo, there are certain levels and stages. In Japanese, there are several words for level or stage. Two of them are "Kyu" and "Dan". In Aikido, we can imagine a staircase with six stairs leading to a gate. When you are six stairs from the gate, you begin learn the most basic things like Tai-Sabaki, Reigi, basic movements and basic techniques. Then, when your teacher recognizes your improvement and understanding he announces that you can proceed to the next stage. Before you do so, it is time for all those who were involved in your learning process to take a look at your Aikido. Same as a painter who takes a few steps away from his canvas to view his painting before he continues working on it. During shinsa, the teacher and all the students sit and watch you as you perform in front of them your ability so far - your movements and techniques, principles and spirit, etiquette, and so on. It is totally different than school exams. In Aikido, we all together create something.

Each of us improves himself through Aikido thanks to each and every person in the dojo - from the first day beginner to the most advanced students, teachers and masters. Regardless your level in Aikido, each person in the dojo has a part in your learning process. Therefore it is important that the whole dojo will watch your shinsa and not only the instructor. After the shinsa is over, we humbly continue our study and proceed to the next Kyu until we reach the first gate - shodan - the first Dan - the first level of black belt.

There are many things to say and write about our training after we obtain our black belt, but this article must be short so this time I will just suggest that we should wrap our black belt around our waist and not around our ego. We must be humble and caring. We must think less about ourselves and more about our Dojo, the members and the teachers. We also must have a sincere care about the future of Aikido and Aikikai.

sayonara 2007 hello 2008

2008-01-04T20:02:00.000+02:00

Happy New Year 2008
2007 began like any other year... many plans, expectations and some dreams with some strong wishes working on them to come true.

In the middle of January I received a post-card from Fujita Sensei (Tokyo - Japan) he mentioned there that he is going to teach in Holland in February. I phoned Fujita Sensei and asked him about that seminar and he asked me to contact someone called Ernesto... I began searching for Ernesto who is supposed to be an Aikidoka related to Fujita Sensei but it was not easy. I sent emails to some dojos and organizations in Holland and after one day someone replied and gave me his phone number. A few weeks later I landed in Holland and a wonderful friendship began. I found an amazing group of people... so friendly and warm. Aikido level impressed me so much and I learned a lot in the seminar.

In July I went to Holland again and participated in another fantastic seminar with Fujita Sensei and the IPAAN dojos.

A couple of months later Fujita Sensei came to Israel to conduct here a seminar and we had three guests from Holland - Lawrence, Jean-Paul and Gareth.

I am looking forward to seeing you all again this February on Ameland.

One very sad thing happened in 2007 - Rev. Kensho Furuya Sensei passed away. Furuya Sensei (Los Angeles) was my good friend, teacher and a great source of knowledge and inspiration. I miss him greatly. He died just before a big seminar he organized. He actually invited me to that Seminar. That Aikido senimar was meant to be a memorial seminar for O-Sensei and eventually in became a memorial seminar for Furuya Sensei too. The Dojo in LA looks just like a middle ages samurai dojo and training was hard and excellent. I wish his students all the strength and inspiration during their hard time now without such an outstanding teacher. Seems that they are doing well.

To end this year with happiness, we had here in Israel a wonderful visitor from Holland. Paul came to Israel to travel, train with us and spontaneously also to teach a few classes. Everyone were impressed by his talent and joy of teaching and training.

2008 begins with many plans and wishes. Also with some dreams... I wish that we will all meet and train together. Please come and visit us here in Israel. You can visit our dojo any time and we would love to travel with you if you like.

Take care good friends,
Ze'ev Erlich.

Kiai and Aiki in Aikido - By Fabio Nudelman

2007-12-05T12:47:00.000+02:00

Kiai and Aiki in Aikido
by Fabio Nudelman
Israeli Aikido Association - Aikikai

Central to aikido is the concept of aiki. "Ai" means to adjust, or to fit, as two objects that perfectly fit each other – a pot and its lid, for instance. A common, but less accurate translation is harmony, which according to the Webster Dictionary means "compatibility in opinion and in action; a harmonious state of things and their properties (as of colors and sounds); congruity of parts with one another and with the whole". I believe that all these meanings are actually complementary, and represent different aspects of the kanji "ai". "Ki" is more difficult to translate; it can be understood as energy, vital energy, spirit, intent. It is present in us and in the whole universe. In general terms, aiki means that one's mind and spirit are connected to the surroundings, such that the practitioner is capable to adapt himself physically and mentally with other events, no matter how contrary their courses may run to his own thoughts and actions. But how is aiki expressed during practice itself?
The primary condition for aiki is awareness and correct breathing, kokyu. Awareness comes from a calm and empty mind, detached from everything. The mind and consequently the body are completely relaxed and thus sensitive to the partner's intentions. Breathing is a means for connection; it connects mind and body and it connects our movement with our partner's movement through connecting one's ki to the other's ki. This connection is called ki-musubi, and is essential for proper execution of a technique, and is one aspect of aiki.

During the execution of the technique itself, aiki is expressed in that there is no resistance involved. Tori moves and adjusts himself according to uke’s natural movements and intentions, guiding his partner and at the same time, staying in a position where it is more difficult for uke to attack him, until the execution of the throw or pin. At the highest level, tori does not react and blend with uke’s movements, but with his intention. Ki-musubi is thus essential; the correct technique is an expression of the fitting and integration between uke’s and tori’s spirit. This connection also has to be expanded to the whole environment, resulting in complete awareness and integration to one’s surroundings.

In short, in aikido we can see aiki at different levels: the integration of one’s body and mind; the connection between the partners; and the connection between the partner and the surroundings. From a technical point of view, aiki can be defined as total coordination of one's own reaction to an attack with the partner's own power of attack. It means the adjoining to the rhythm of the attack and making one's spirit fit in with his partner's, bringing one's movements in accord to his. It is the foundation of the successful execution of a technique.

The principle of aiki should not remain restricted to aikido practice only. In fact, practice should be a vehicle through which we can understand this concept and apply to our daily lives. In bigger terms, to apply the principles of aiki means to be connected and aware of the world around us, to become more sensitive of our surroundings and of other people's needs. Aiki bears the meaning of empathy and receptivity for other people's feelings, and causes the development of the character of the practitioner. It also means that we should not be set only on the things that we want and on being on control all the time. Many times the best approach is to let things happen in their own natural flux, and to adjust ourselves accordingly. We have to be able to adapt to any course of events, no matter how contrary it is to our will or expectations. It can be said that one that is in such a state of mind is in perfect harmony with his surroundings. From a more spiritual point of view, aiki means the union with all beings, nature, the whole cosmos. This kind of union is the goal of most spiritual traditions.

While the concept of aiki is related to the unification of both partners' spirits, the concept of kiai - composed of the same kanji "ai" and "ki" that of the word aiki - means a manifestation, emission or projection of one's own internal energy, or ki, in a single, explosive focus of will.

Kiai is actually common in many martial arts, and is usually manifested through a shout although that is only its most trivial expression. First of all, kiai is always a psychophysical method to organize one’s own energy and will and, at the same time, it is a method of affecting another’s inner world. This can be for a variety of purposes: to distract and disturb the attacker, completely dissipating and neutralizing his attacks, to understand another’s intentions, to deceive them as to your own intentions, or to neutralize an attacker's strong points by manipulating spacing, timing, even breath. In aikido practice, it is most commonly used as a way to focus and project one's own internal energy in order to increase the power of the throw.

Although kiai is commonly manifested through a shout, it may also be silent. A very important point, however, is the use of correct breathing such that it comes from the hara. As explained above, kokyu connects our mind and body and is used to generate ki in the tanden and integrate it with our body's movements. Kiai is, therefore, a means of expression of kokyu power, which at higher levels is what actually is responsible for guiding the partner and for the throw itself. Essentially, kiai consists of all parts of the body being unified and directed to one intent. Indeed, when making use of kiai during a technique, one has the feeling of the hara expanding outwards and encompassing everything around, accompanied by a sensation of energy release and complete relaxation of the body, as if absolutely no force was used at all.

Aiki and kiai are two very interesting concepts present in aikido practice, and are opposite to each other in certain ways. While aiki is related to the unification of one's body and mind and to the partner's ki, kiai is a sudden release of one's own ki directed to one intent. Although these two subjects seem unrelated, there are a few points in common. Correct breathing and integration of mind and body are fundamental aspects of both kiai and aiki; furthermore, they are both means to exert control over the partner during practice, although each act through different ways.

References:

Books:
- Secrets of the Samurai – A Survey of the Martial Arts of Feudal Japan. Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook, 1973.
- Budo Teachings of the Founder of Aikido. Morihei Ueshiba, 1991.
- Best Aikido the Fundamentals. Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Moriteru Ueshiba, 1997.
- The Art of Peace. Morihei Ueshiba, 2002.

Internet sites:
- http://blog.tapuz.co.il/aikido
- www.wikipedia.org
- http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/
- www.aikidojournal.com

clean

2007-11-30T20:27:00.000+02:00

I printed new advertisement posters for our dojo, and today I went to hang them in some locations around my town. I kinda like our new posters with their simple and minimalistic design.

When I wanted to hang them on message boards, I had to make sure the board is clean because sellotape does not stick to a dirty surface.

It is same in Aikido. We will be able to connect correctly to our partner or opponent only as long as our intention and mind are clean - clean from negative thoughts, clean from hatred, revenge, jealousy, etc.

Our goal is to resolve a conflict or even to prevent it. In actual practice, our way to resolve an attack situation is done by creating musubi.

What does musubi mean?
The word musubi is a very ancient Japanese word. In ancient Japan, the word musubi described the source and origin of all beings in the universe. In ancient texts, musubi is described as an act of receiving our soul into our body. For example, as soon as a baby was born, it was common to wash and clean him with warm water. The Japanese believed that water connected the baby to the source of the universe and thanks to that connection, he will receive his soul. Musubi means connection. There is a well known word in another ancient culture and it has exactly the same meaning: the word is Yoga. Yoga means "to connect" body and mind or according to ones religious belief it can also mean connecting body, mind and god or the universe.

Our Aikido practice teaches us two kinds of musubi. A musubi which is done physically - when we make contact i.e: lead, hold, pin and throw. In Japanese it is called tai-musubi. Tai means body and musubi means connect. But tai-musubi will never be effective unless another kind of musubi takes place. It is called: ki-musubi. A musubi between your ki and the ki of your partner. O-Sensei often spoke of being connected even to the natural flow of the universe. I wish I knew what it means. :-)

Fujita Sensei often tells us that we must make sure to apply the three shapes into our practice - Triangle, circle (with a dot in it's center) and a square. He says that the shape of triangle represents Kamae (basic stance), circle represents the circular tai-sabaki movements, and square represents the end of the technique: posture, stance, hold, pin, zanshin...

In Aikido, we are told that a beautiful and correct technique can only come from a pure mind. In general, cleanness has a crucial role in Aikido training. We train at an immaculately clean dojo, our keiko-gi (uniform) must be clean, our body has to be clean. Also our attitude and language have to be clean, polite and with no unnecessary explanations or chit-chats.

Aikido grew from Japanese culture, religions and arts where cleanness is crucial. According to Japanese belief, cleanness has to be kept in our surroundings and at the same time in our self- body and mind. In shinto (Japanese religion), gods will only be present where there is beauty and cleanness. The same belief is found in many eastern cultures. In India for example, many people wake up before sunrise, clean the house and the street in front of the house so the sun will rise ans "see" a clean and pure place.

The other day, Benesh (a student of mine) told me of a well known Japanese method which helps us in our work and study by maintaining cleanness. Five S's represent this method:

Seiri - Tidy up your things, get rid of unnecessary.
In Aikido: reduce unnecessary explanations, unnecessary movements and over reactions.

Seiton - Put your things in their correct place.
In Aikido: The dojo is arranges correctly - weapons, tatami, equipment - all in their correct location. People practice safely - making correct use of their training space in the dojo.

Seiso - Clean the dirt and dust.
In Aikido: Dojo is clean, language is clean, waza is clean, heart is clean.

Seiketsu - Your own cleanliness - Body, clothes etc.
In Aikido: Keep your clothes and body clean, short nails, hair, shave, etc.

Shitsuke - discipline.
In the dojo: Maintain correct attitude, observe etiquette and safety rules.

If we remain positive and relaxed with no violent nor negative thoughts, it will be easy for us to connect to our Aikido training partner as an Uke and as a Tori.

If we remain positive and relaxed, if we care, listen and observe, it will be difficult to get into an argument with us.

If we remain positive and relaxed, if we are honest with ourselves, inner conflicts will naturally get into their correct size and pace, and we will find a solution for them...

Have a lovely month of December - happy holidays and family time.

Ze'ev.

Four Methods to Wake Up

2007-10-30T09:55:00.000+02:00

There is a small secret I want to share with you. When I teach Aikido, what occupies my mind is of course how to convey principles and waza (technique) but more than anything else, at the first part of each class, I try to wake the students up. A few students show liveliness though most of them only look lively, but actually not making the best use of their mind - focus, resiliency, width....

How do we wake up our mind?

It is easy!

Waking up A - Where are you going?
It has to happen already before class begins - when you get ready for class - at home, when you fold your keikogi (aikido uniform), when you prepare your body for class -shower, nails, etc...

The windows in our dojo are low, and when people arrive, I first see their feet. I like to observe the way people walk to the dojo. Some walk with so much energy - hurrying up happily to their Aikido class. Some walk in a lazy manner and some just stand outside and chat as if they give up their precious training time.

In the book "Zen in the Art of Archery", Awa Sensei tells his disciples: "When you come to class, on your way here, you should already focus on your training and aim everything toward the dojo. Walk as if there is only one thing in the world and nothing more important and real than shooting your bow".

Awa Sensei was one of the greatest Budo masters in Japan. My advice is that we all should fill our body with Ki already on our way to the dojo. Fill yourself with Ki and aim yourself toward the dojo. Change your clothes, and quickly start training.

Waking up B - Onegai Shimasu.
Greet and respect with a all your heart. When people say "onegai shimasu" and bow to each other, they are too often doing it just automatically and without meaningful intention. Yesterday I saw that some people in our dojo bow to each other and say "onegai shimasu" very quietly... almost whispering. I asked them: do you say "onegai shimasu" to their own toes? or to your partner?

Your bowing and your "onegai shimasu" must reach your partner's heart. Your voice has to be lively and clear. Using our oice in order to generate energy (Ki) is a very important part of our Budo training and one way to realize the meaning of Kiai. In Aikido we constantly communicate with our partner and one way to make connection with each other is by bowing and saying "onegai shimasu". The funny thing is that after my comment, some of the students said "onegai shimasu" with a very loud voice - actually aimed at me instead of their partner... hahaha.... That really made me laugh.

Waking up C - Be first.
There is something that I rarely do and it always brings laughs to our class... I say "hai", everybody sits in Seiza and I demonstrate a technique only once and quite quickly. Then I ask them to practice it. The students bow and then look at each other with a laugh and embarrassment, asking each other if they saw at all what I just demonstrated. Then they stand up and try to do whatever they noticed... Most of them did not see anything at all.

Our mind is usually too lazy and in Aikido class we usually expect to have everything demonstrated several times. In real life, too often we have just one chance to get something or to learn something. We have to learn how to notice as many things as possible already during the first demonstration of our teacher.

So... sometimes I create this short demonstration episode but don't do this in order to make everyone laugh. I am not in a stand-up comedy show. It is fine of course to laugh in Aikido class and I love it, but we must understand that in Aikido, most or the learning is done not only by explaining and instructing but also and maybe even mainly by endless efforts of the student to "steal" the ideas and secrets from his teachers. We must watch every demonstration as if it was the only chance in our life. From this idea comes the Zen saying "Ichigo-Ichie".

One small advice is to learn to be quick and first. When your teacher calls everyone, try to be the first one who sits and watches. When sensei ends his demonstration, try to be the first to bow and practice. Be quick - find a partner, bow, say Onegai Shimasu and practice the waza.

Waking up D - Smile.
A cheerful smile and friendly eyes... do not forget it. It will surely create joyful training. Just remember what a smiling face on a cloudy day can do to your heart. I see this smile and warm heart so often in seminars in Ameland and Castricum. That is one reason why I love training with you so much. O-Sensei told us to always train in a joyful manner.

Have a great day,
Ze'ev.

my 39 birthday (26th Oct 2007)

2007-10-26T23:34:00.000+02:00

Today was my birthday and good friends in Holland warmed my heart with a beautiful surprise. A delivery man came this morning to my house with a marvelous bouquet of flowers. I wondered who could it be from. An English note was attached to it:
Dear Ze'ev, on behalf of The Dutch Aikikai Aikido group, CABN, The EPO Aikikai Aikido Club, The Hgukumi Dojo, Aikido Stichting Delft, Yawara Aikido in Amsterdam, we wish you a very happy birthday. May your wishes come true. Many happy returns.

Today we also celebrated my son Kazuki's birthday and many kids came to our house. Six years old... After all the kids went home, some of my students who are also good friends came over and we all drank wine, ate good food and celebrated my birthday with so many laughs and great mood.

I wish to thank you my friends. This was on of my happiest birthdays ever.
Yours,
Ze'ev Erlich.
In the picture - the beautiful flowers - a present from The Dutch Aikikai Aikido group, CABN, The EPO Aikikai Aikido Club, The Hagukumi Dojo, Aikido Stichting Delft, Yawara Aikido in Amsterdam in Holland. Miho (my wife) and Kazuki are with me in the photo.

shinyō - trust

2007-09-30T02:10:00.000+02:00

Shinyō - trust
By Ze'ev Erlich © 2007

I have a good friend, his name is Hirose San. He came to our Aikido dojo in Kyoto in the late 90's and I was fortunate to be his training partner quite often because he was a beginner in Aikido and I just got my shodan and our sensei wanted me to have some teaching experience and to help the dojo.

Hirose San is visually impaired. He can't see. I asked my sensei (Koyama Teruo Sensei) for instructions, I asked him how to teach Hirose San but he told me just to do as I feel and to teach him the way I like. Sensei showed his trust and it gave me confidence.

At that time, I knew very little about Hirose San. We just practiced Aikido together and I was constantly amazed by his ability to learn so quickly without being able to see. The amount of trust he had in himself and in others is amazing. Trust is crucial in Aikido. I need to trust my teacher, trust Aikido itself, trust my partner who uses my body to learn a technique, and of course trust myself. When we practice with someone, we trust him but we also find ways to be careful by looking around and by observing what our partner is doing. Someone who can't see must put all his trust in his partner.

Now I know that when Hirose San joined our dojo, he was also an excellent PhD. student at a prestigious university. Now he is an assistant professor at The National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka. He is shodan in Aikido (black belt) and these days he practices at Shosenji Dojo (Shimamoto Katsuyuki Sensei). We keep in touch and we practice Aikido together almost every year when I visit in Japan. I feel honored to have had the chance to know him and to train with him. It only looks as if I taught him. Actually, The things that I learned from him are much more valuable than the movements I taught him.

The approach in teaching a person with a disability is not only to teach him but to teach the whole group how to practice with him. The idea is not to isolate him. The idea is to create an environment in which he will be able to enjoy his training with anyone in the group.

In Japanese, the word trust is translated as Shinyō. It is written with two kanji (Chinese/Japanese characters):

Shin: trust.

Yō: make use of something.

The kanji "shin" () is considered to be one of the seven virtues of budō. Do people trust you? Do you keep your promises? Are you there when your friends need you? I believe that Aikido develops our trust in ourselves and in our partners. We learn that to rely on someone is not always a weakness. We learn that relying on each other can help us create a wonderful group of friend and a good community.

I will always cherish this lesson of trust that I learned from Hirose San.

Left to right: Ze'ev, Hirose San's mother, Hirose San and his father. In front of their house in Tokyo - August 2007

Thank you for reading.

heavenly dance - tenbu

2007-09-28T23:03:00.000+02:00

Heavenly Dance - Tenbu
By Ze'ev Erlich (c)2007

In our house, at the entrance there is a beautiful Japanese calligraphy. Many people ask for its meaning and I tell them that the words in it say "Ten-Bu" - "Heavenly Dance". They usually nod and go on... Most people don't ask for further meaning.

Have you ever seen autumn leaves swirling in the wind? How about smoke rising up beautifully, creating spontaneous and harmonious drawings... In Israel we can sometimes see huge flocks of starlings (birds) forming amazing dancing clouds...

Looking at such wonderful natural dances make us feel the beauty of our world. In many forms of arts, we can find similar feeling. Especially when we see masters perform their arts. It can be seen not only in Asian arts but of course also in arts from all over the world. Especially in classical arts. When we see the flowing movements of the brush in the hands of a master calligrapher, the graceful movements of a ballet dancer, a virtuose pianist, an Aikido master... We can also see it in very skilled artisans.

When I see such movements in nature, in artists, in artisans - so harmonious and beautiful, I always remember this expression "Heavenly Dance".

In 2005 I saw once in Kyoto (Japan) a fantastic example of Heavenly Dance. It was in the evening on my way to a well known Zen temple called Kyomizu Dera. Several of my students were with me and we passed in front of a small Buddhist temple. The priest was chanting the sutra and while he was chanting, he played a special drum and sometimes hit his bell. At the moment the priest began chanting, his grandson who looked maybe two years old, stood up and began moving around, taping with his legs and moving his body to the rhythm of the priest. I am glad I had my camera with me because I can share this memorable view with you.
I hope you enjoy it and get some of the feeling. Here is a link to the video clip:

That "Heavenly Dance" calligraphy in my house was written by A famous Zen priest. His name was Nakagawa Soen. You can find many articles about him and by him on the internet and in books. Please look for them. Meanwhile, please enjoy his happy face in this photo:

I hope you all have a wonderful autumn.