Good Aikido Books

[GB-UK]

I'm currently re-reading Complete Aikido by Roy Suenaka and was wondering if anyone could recomend some other books along the same lines? I'm not looking for books about techniques but about the early history of aikido/biographies of teachers etc.
I have been trying without much success to find a copy of the bio of Gozo Shioda in english so if anyone knows of a good source that would be great!

[koyo]

Aiki journal .com

I think you will find it there. It was serialised in Stan Pranin's aiki journal amg which is an on line web site.

Total Aikido (technical) is worth checking out.
Translated by David Ruben one of the most comprehencive books I have seen (and I have seen them all):)

[GB-UK]

Thanks Koyo, I've got that! I'm looking for more historical/biographical books as I've got loads of technical books/DVD's. Have you wrote anything (other than on MAP) about your expereinces in aikido, I bet that would be a great read :cool:

[koyo]

Wrote two on the Martial arts of aikido.
Both sold out and I have lost the disks of the originals.:bang::bang:

[embra]

You could write a second edition? - I guess the question has come up before.

[koyo]

The thrird was a kind of historical fiction about the great swordmasters,Musahi, Yagyu etc. More an excuse for writing down martial arts principles and getting my drawings into print.

[koyo]

You could write a second edition? - I guess the question has come up before.
The Bear has asked to put them on a blog etc but I simply don't have the disks or time.

[embra]

Your many quotes and examples on this site alone, could almost be engineered into a usefull volume.

As you dont drink, I cant suggest 'It will keep you out of the pub'.

[aikiwolfie]

Wrote two on the Martial arts of aikido.
Both sold out and I have lost the disks of the originals.:bang::bang:

Maybe the publisher still has a copy?

[embra]

I still have copies from the 1980s of Saito Sensei's 'Traditional Aikido' volumes 1 + 3, and I still read them from time to time - the content is still usefull to me.

I think they have been re-printed, but I could be mistaken.

[GB-UK]

Wrote two on the Martial arts of aikido.
Both sold out and I have lost the disks of the originals.:bang::bang:

Sorry to hear that.

[GB-UK]

You could write a second edition? - I guess the question has come up before.

I would like to see that aswell. Or an autobiographical tome on your time and teachings in aikido, that would be a real treasure trove :cool:

[GB-UK]

I still have copies from the 1980s of Saito Sensei's 'Traditional Aikido' volumes 1 + 3, and I still read them from time to time - the content is still usefull to me.

I think they have been re-printed, but I could be mistaken.

Yes, I have the 5 book set (well ebook copies of them:) ) and they are very good.

[koyo]

I would like to see that aswell. Or an autobiographical tome on your time and teachings in aikido, that would be a real treasure trove :cool:

It would have to include the times when I was afraid to go the seminars because I was certain that this time I would be injured..so I put my kit in my bag,pretended to myself I was just going to walk past the dojo..it was the ONLY way I could approach it..and hang around until I was spotted then I HAD to go in.

One other guy could only go to be uke after a stiff drink.Hardly the heroic images of martial artists.

Those wear the days.

[embra]

It would have to include the times when I was afraid to go the seminars because I was certain that this time I would be injured..so I put my kit in my bag,pretended to myself I was just going to walk past the dojo..it was the ONLY way I could approach it..and hang around until I was spotted then I HAD to go in.

One other guy could only go to be uke after a stiff drink.Hardly the heroic images of martial artists.

Those wear the days.

All part of what would be an entertainig slant on MA, way before internet forums, youtube etc. A dollup or 2 of Scottish realism maybe instead of MA heroism?

It could be quite a good book partly as a MA resource and also as a social chronicle on a ) the times, not long after WW2 and b) learning MA when it truelly was 'foreign' and unusual, unlike today.

Has anyone written a book on Aikido from a Western perspective? Did your previous one have sosmething of the Wetern perspective?

From what I read of your posts, it could really be quite a good writing project and quite entertaining. 50 years of serious training is a damm long time.

Unfortunately, one day, like us all, you wont be around, so it would be a good legacy to leave.

[GB-UK]

As embra says it would be a great to read about the early years of aikido here in the UK, warts and all!! I do hope that you do give us the benefit of your life time study of aikido and other arts you've studied. I'm sure there are many here on MAP and in the wider MA's community who would be excited to get their hands on a book containing the pearls of wisdom you have gleamed from 50 years of aikido study.

[koyo]

THANK YOU GUYS

However I do not teach aikido in my club I invite friends (i do not consider them students) to join me in my continued training.

I am a bit of a dinosaur in that I have never attempted to find "MY" or "fit in" with any group of aikidoka simply training without politics gradings or personalities.Hoping the aikido principles change me rather than I attempt to change them.

So a book about MY experiences would seam of little value. ALL I hope for is that I can help others TEACH THEMSELVES.

All of the seminars I have given at martial arts clubs I have stated I shall NOT teach techniques..I shall explain principles from which you can learn or better your own techniques.

Writing about aikido,I find easy, writing about myself..not so. I tend to look forward rather than back. But I am very flattered by your interest and thank you sincerely.

koyo

edit I will get around to some posts entitled old school that shall give an insight. You could also check out masters of aikido history and anecdotes thread. Again my thanks.

[koyo]

GBUK

If you are reading complete aikido you shall have read of the changes made by Tohei sensei and the confusion it started in aikido.

An example of "Old school"

I was already a dan grade under Noro shihan and without us seeing it the effectiveness of the techniques were being lost even though we trained very hard.

When Chiba shihan came to the UK in 1965 I attended his first course in Sunderland with a number of my students.

He pounded me all over the mat congatulated me on my spirit AND GRADED ME BACK TO WHITE BELT.

"Something was missing" I was told.At that time any number of "aikidoka" left and ran for cover. I stayed and became Scottish National Coach for the ten years Chiba shihan was resident in Britain.

During that time I built my foundation on aikido being "Made to learn" rather than taught.When Chiba sensei left I spoke to him and explained that I could not become involved in the politics that his leaving would inevitably cause and he "suggested" that I seek instruction from saito shihan who was the "nearest to O Sensei" having received much more personal training from O Sensei than any other Suenaka mentions this in his book.This I did.

Today many people demand to be "taught" when in reality ALL of the demands must be upon yourself.Old School.

[komuso]

Hmmm,

the new book would be extremely cool Koyo, so I will add myself to the subtle pressure being brought to bear here. I can even try a guilt trip :-) We all need some kind of record before all of the old lions pass from the field in case what gets left behind is, well.... soft?

With the old books, how about scanning them into a pc for a re-print. We do it with old stuff a fair bit at work, particularly old documents or texts that we are worried about in terms of their condition. I am sure between all of us here on MAP this is something we can organise?

What do you think folks? Projects re-invigorate Koyo's old books and make him write a new one? I don't even practice aiki anymore (having gone over to the darkside of the Fillipino arts) but I would be VERY interested in such a thing...

paul

[armanox]

I'd be interested in seeing Koyo's books. I'd buy them if they appeared stateside.

[KOKORO KAI]

GBUK

If you are reading complete aikido you shall have read of the changes made by Tohei sensei and the confusion it started in aikido.

An example of "Old school"

I was already a dan grade under Noro shihan and without us seeing it the effectiveness of the techniques were being lost even though we trained very hard.

When Chiba shihan came to the UK in 1965 I attended his first course in Sunderland with a number of my students.

He pounded me all over the mat congatulated me on my spirit AND GRADED ME BACK TO WHITE BELT.

"Something was missing" I was told.At that time any number of "aikidoka" left and ran for cover. I stayed and became Scottish National Coach for the ten years Chiba shihan was resident in Britain.

During that time I built my foundation on aikido being "Made to learn" rather than taught.When Chiba sensei left I spoke to him and explained that I could not become involved in the politics that his leaving would inevitably cause and he "suggested" that I seek instruction from saito shihan who was the "nearest to O Sensei" having received much more personal training from O Sensei than any other Suenaka mentions this in his book.This I did.

Today many people demand to be "taught" when in reality ALL of the demands must be upon yourself.Old School.


Nice one Bill miss training with you
Tommo:cool:

[koyo]

Hi guys

Let me introduce Tommo to you. He has ,I have been told, kept journals of our "adventures" in aikido from the 70s to the 90s.

He was my constant support when I was introducing aikido in Glasgow and trained VERY hard alongside others such as George Girven and Bill Noble.

Impromtu thousand suburi sessions running in the snow . Visiting other martial arts clubs to show (prove) aikido and working as bouncers are all memories that come back when I think of him.

He is in France at the moment recovering from an illness. he is a constant reminder that NOTHING is achieved alone.

koyo

In both photos Tommo is facing the camera (as usual)
what are fiends for

[komuso]

:-)

excellent, you have a co-author!

paul

[KOKORO KAI]

Bill I do not remember the technique it looks like Nikkyo? the expression on my face says it all. Ha ha
Is the other photo taken at a demo in Glasgow?
Tommo

[koyo]

The technique is an ara waza versiob of nikkyo (bloody painfull).
The other photo is from a demo in the Glasgow Exhibition centre.

Bey Logan organised it and anounced aikido as the "gentle art".
The guy hitting the floor has just been downed by a punch to the side of the head and had to be carried to the side of the mat.

I met master Sken of Muay Thai there and he was a perfect gentleman.

regards koyo

[GB-UK]

The technique is an ara waza versiob of nikkyo (bloody painfull).
The other photo is from a demo in the Glasgow Exhibition centre.

Bey Logan organised it and anounced aikido as the "gentle art".
The guy hitting the floor has just been downed by a punch to the side of the head and had to be carried to the side of the mat.

I met master Sken of Muay Thai there and he was a perfect gentleman.

regards koyo

I remember Bey Logan!! He edited Combat magazine when it was actually a good read :cool:

[koyo]

He wasn't too pleased by the demo because it blew his "gentle art commentary" out the window.

As soon as he anounced it as the gentle art Tommo looked at me as if to say "Ooooo NO!!!":evil::evil:

[KOKORO KAI]

Ah the gentle art commentary, yes I remember a little of that demo,after I got home straight ,into a hot steaming bath, jonts a little sore:evil:
Still would never have missed it for anything.
Tommo:cool:

[embra]

On behalf of myself and all who read the Aiki threads, lets wish Tom Pierce the best recovery possible.

With Tom's diaries and koyo's writing style, a really interesting 50 year span documentary of Aikido in Scotland maybe on the cards? A lot of work mind you.

[KOKORO KAI]

On behalf of myself and all who read the Aiki threads, lets wish Tom Pierce the best recovery possible.

With Tom's diaries and koyo's writing style, a really interesting 50 year span documentary of Aikido in Scotland maybe on the cards? A lot of work mind you.

Embra on behalf of my dad I thank you for your kind words.My dad suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and is very lucky to be alive,resulting in memory loss, it takes him a long time to put things down even when he posts on this site. Reading Bill's contributions on here has helped him a lot.
My dad has indeed diaries(large size), 4 I know of,I am trying to put it all on computor then I hope to send it on to Koyo.He also has video's of Koyo and himself at some courses which I will be transfering to DVD.
My dad has ambition to practise Aikido again some day,in his words to me "You can take the man out of Aikido, but not Aikido out of the man"
Thanks again
To Koyo.......Well you know

[embra]

I am no doctor, but if reading koyo's posts aids Tom's memory recall, then its possible that further writing from koyo on "the old days" may trigger a little bit more memory recall. Maybe reminders of other old memories may help Tom. The weather in France must be good for Tom.

I imagine that in the diaries is a wealth of adventure, experience and documentary, worthy of a concerted writing project.

I did actually meet Tom Pierce very briefly, for about 1 minute in Bellahouston Park in 1982.

I was at one of Chiba Shihan's classes in Cumbernauld about April 1980 and I believe koyo was there, but was not training that day. I had not been long at Aikido (maybe 3 months max) - I was a real raw rookie at the time, but for some reason I was boxing above my weight that day and was giving it a fair old thrash. About halfway through, Chiba Shihan executed kote-gaeshi on me - the first one was ok (just), but the second one had too much raw power in it for my level of ukemi, and I skitted of mid-air at an akward angle and I landed head first on the mat - like a dart being thrown at the dart-board. As I got up, Chiba Shihan bellowed at me "Why dont you take ukemi???" - before realising my lack of experience and apologising to me.

[koyo]

At least he apologised TO you.

He once knocked me out THREE times in the one class and apologised for my "accidents."

[embra]

I only trained one more time with Chiba Shihan in 1982 at Lancaster University Summer School, and I would have to describe his attitude towards me personally as that of a perfect gentlemen, in spite of his ferocious reputation. I recall George Girvan earning nidan during that week.

By this time my ukemi had improved quite a bit and my stamina was not at all bad, and could generally absorb a fair dollop of punishment. My execution of tori technique was still quite limited however.

During the week, I was practising a lot with Erik Louw from Holland (who I understand is now a 7th dan in Katori Shinto Ryu), who was then a very capable Aikidoka. From my own memory of that week, Erik was the only individual capable of matching Chiba Shihan for pace, delivery and technique in Aikiken.

About halfway through the week, I was trading suwariwaza Irimi-nage heavily with Erik Louw. For about 15 minutes I could keep pace with him, but during the next 10 minutes I was seriously starting to wilt. My ukemi was losing its crispness and becoming ragged. My breath was getting very heavy, but I could still execute tori ok, and there was no stopping Erik - I was now boxing several weights too high. At one point, Chiba Shihan came up to me and enquired quitely 'Are you ok?' Like a fool, I replied 'yes', and we were allowed to continue for another 5 minutes, before Chiba closed the action, giving as all a well earned breather, except for Erik. For the next 5 minutes or so Chiba did his best to stick Erik permanently onto the ceiling, with his eyes popping out.

I got my breath back, and life continued.

I also recall Charlie Woolfson singing at the end of week party/sing-song.

[koyo]

Would that be the imfamous Mad Doc Woolfson?

I remember I used to accompany him on the guitar on The Long Black Veil. The story of a widdow mourning at her husbands grave and wandering the hills in a long black veil.

There were about fifty (well eight) verses and he sung them sooo mournfully that we were all in hysterics.

Had some great guitar sessions with Chiba shihan present. One classic moment stands out when it was suggested that we could all learn aikido if we could speak Japanese
and a bimbo actually asked Chiba shihan where he learned to speak japanese so well!!!

below Charles and I ,he was with me for the twenty two years I taught a Glasgow Uni.

[embra]

I think he worked at Glasgow Uni, Jewish chap if I remember correctly. I remember him being quite an accomplished singer - but it probably wasnt 8 verses that he sang. I cant sing for toffee.

I stayed in a flat in London with folk from all over the world, a looong time ago, wherein one English girlie asked a Spanish geezer 'whos Franco?'. More recently I was asked by an agent prospecting me for work in France, having just arrived back from Italy. The agent asked me "Were you speaking fluent French on a daily basis in Italy?". Dutch is a language full of bananaskins if you are scottish - I always used to completely overdo the 'ccccchs', and 'rrrrrrrhs' - through over-pronunciation I translated someone's surname to the literal translation of Placenta (which had everyone laughing at me for about a year.)

[koyo]

He was one of the top Proffesors of Glasgow University. Dr Woolfson..I attended a function with him once where EVERYONE had a phd. One fellow came up to me and asked rather condescending what my relation was with Dr Woolfson.

I told him quite truthfully that Dr Woolfson was one of my students.

I DID NOT say aikido

I love the Scots accent especialy when we are attempting to be posh and say things like. "When appyting nikkyo one must be carefull or one could do damage to your partners shoooder"

Hey Tommo

remember?? It's not the number of people you can knock down..it's the number of times YOU can get up!!!

[KOKORO KAI]

I remember Charles practised a lot with him at Glasgow Uny and the Makotokai dojos.The photo of Charles was taken at Bellahouston?
Bill you said it's the number of the times you "Can " get up, sometimes after being uke to you they were times I could hardly get up (Ha ha ha)
Bill that photo Jesus looks like I am .....well you know, was that in Spain we were attending a course with Chiba Shihan?
Tommo

[KOKORO KAI]

At least he apologised TO you.

He once knocked me out THREE times in the one class and apologised for my "accidents."

Bill that is one course I do remember I think Chiba went a bit over the score :rolleyes: It was at Bellahouston if I remember correctly.Jan was not to pleased was she.
Most of the guys attending including me sat there thinking "I hope I am not next" if we were being honest.I remember when you were down for the "first" time, he left you on the mat and picked me as uke I must admit I was wishing I was somewhere else.Then when you got up he disregarded me and moved back to you to be uke.I remember he knocked you out but continued throwing you with Irimi Nage .That was a course to remember.That night(Saturday) I came home with you and Jan she put you to bed, and a thought came into my head "Jesus he will go through that again tomorrow" and you did it seemed to me it was worse.
A lot of so called "Aikidokas" ran for the hills after that weekend never to return
Can I ask why we never ran:evil::evil:
Tommo

[koyo]

Because I couldn't even walk...and you would NEVER run off and leave me.

[KOKORO KAI]

Because I couldn't even walk...and you would NEVER run off and leave me.

Very true bro.
Did Chiba shihan not come back after the course was finnished and spoke to you regarding his actions
Tommo

[koyo]

Yes he came back and said sorry for your accidents.

One time he punched Geo (george girvan) in the face and threw him geo leaped back up..same thing then again.

Finally Chiba shihan said to me "Why doesn't he defend his head."

"Why didn't you tell him! ?" was the obvious reply..which I kept to myself.:rolleyes:

As he said often he did not have time so he made his students learn.

koyo

I also remember a camera appearing and OF COURSE you lept in next to Chiba shihan. You moved your hand to adjust your kit and I think he thought you were attempting to put your arm around his shoulder and he slammed on a Nikkyo. I think the people in the next town must have heard the scream.:):)

[KOKORO KAI]

Well it hurt :evil:
Aaaaaaah happy days:evil:
Tommo

[koyo]

I attempted to open a thread with ideas for a book..but it seams to have gotten lost.
If a MOD finds it could they open it for me.

I cant't for the hell of me remember how to open a new thread and I THINK it has gone into a journal.


regards koyo

[embra]

Just briefly for now, as I am a tad busy at the mo koyo. FWIW, here are some pointers on what I think would be of interest in the history of Scotland/UK Aikido, along with the core concepts and history of Aikido from the Japanese perspective. These comments below are based somewhat on my own personal interests and what I have read from other posts you have made on other threads.

1. Presentation on the roots of Aikido - Daito-Ryu AikiJitsu, the koryo arts - in particular Kashima Shinto Ryu because of its influence of Aikiken. Sometimes, I believe the inputs to Aikido to be more relevant, usefull and of interest than a lot of what Aikdo has become today. How did the principles of Aikido evolve from Ueshiba's involvmnet wit these other arts? e.g. wide to narrow hanmi posture.
2. In covering the very early years; pre Chiba-Shihan (Abbe, Nakazono, Noro?) in the UK - very little is publicly known. Also the very early years in Sunderland with Chiba Shihan - why did he go there initially? Training Aikido life must have been very difficult in the early 60s in the UK in general - simply because Aikido would have been completly alien then to all but a few die-hard Judoka and Kareteka. It would have been very difficult to find out about Martial Arts training then. Travelling around the UK then must have been very difficult compared to now. Added into that is the severity and intensity of the training regime etc.
3. I reckon that it is worth bringing in a social context to this work. Why? - because the times and place form part of the fabric of the storytelling - which Scottish people are good at. What was Scotland like in the late 50s, early 60s? What was it like travelling to London, Sunderland back then? My recollections of life in Edinburgh in the early to mid 60s was of a lot of poverty and generally poor living conditions e.g. I remember the odd horse and cart trotting around Princes Street back then - unheard of now. Many people I knew still shared a communal toilet - life was very hard then, in the pre Beatles era.
4. In the 60s, a certain degree of modernity started to creep into life with Television, slightly better living conditions, along with the Beatles and the hippies etc. Life in Scotland was very industrial with full employment, great football from Scottish teams, great music - Alex Harvey band, Marmalade, the Humblebums and others long gone, all of whom conrtibuted to Scottish society back then i.e. there was something of a mood of optimism for a while.
5. In one of your posts, passed mention to Chiba Shihan crossing an Orange march in Glasgow.... What incredible juxtaposed imagery - you could almost put it in a movie! To anyone reading this not familiar with the Orange marches of Northern Ireland and Scotland, everyone should go and see an Orange march, just once in their life, just to experience part of the intensity of life in Glasgow. Once experienced then you know for sure, what tribalism truelly is all about! Passages like this one carve a unique symbolism into training with Chiba Shihan in Glasgow - it can bring a lot more body and texture to the storytelling. A friend of mine from Sudan (which is truelly a factional war-torn country) lived in Glasgow for 2 years and told me he had never ever experienced anything quite like the Orange march before.
6. Glasgow in the 60s was a hotbed of violent gang culture - it still is, but there were landmarks in the 60s e.g. Frankie Vaughan visiting Easterhouse to engage the gang members to disarm. Training in Aikido in Glasgow of the 60s in the vicinity of the San Toi, Tongs etc, would not have been my idea of 1960s 'peace and love'.

Thats about if for now. Also, my personal slant on a documentary writing style would be to avoid sentamentalism about the 'good old days' - tell it warts and all, along with some humour. Also see what prospective publishers think/are interested in These are merely my raw ideas, nothing more.

[koyo]

While I had twenty two years of those "gang" clubs and could write a book on those years I had intended more to concentrate on the manner and attitude of studying as it differs in many ways to that of today and to speak of principles that are in danger of being lost.

Of course i shall respond to any qyestions. Regarding the gang culture..I was lucky in that I played guitar could draw and could (and did fight) so MOST of the guys thought I was quite cool. Although I did have some memorable and horrendous experiences.

For a juxtaposed image...
I was introduced to Kisshomaru ueshiba and gave him a tartan tie as a small gift.
He was wearing a really expensive kimono and proceeded to put on the tie there and then.

[embra]

Basically what I am suggesting is that the context (direct and wider) is also of some significance and interest, along with the primary experiences, to give the storytelling a small extra measure of body and texture. What is put in as body and texture, is the writer's choice.

The aspects that you talk of: the manner and attitude of Aikido training back then (way before internet, youtube etc), its principles; are what forms the core story.

I anticipate with patience and interest, what will be interesting material on this site and in book form when it comes along.

It sounds like the tartan tie went down well with Kisshomaru Ueshiba.

Where did Aikido start in Glasgow? I first went to the Hamilton Hill dojo in 1980, which was quite a difference from Dunfermline College of PE in the posh suburb of Cramond in Edinburgh.

[koyo]

I started aikido in the Ren Bu Kan in Cowcaddens before taking it to the Hamiltonhill dojo. By that date I would have moved to Glasgow University.I had already left the aikikai when Chiba shihan left Glasgow 1975. I remeber two of my students George Girvan and Mat Holland were still there but I felt like they would not last long together. I think it was around that time that Geo moved out of Glasgow to Cumbernauld.

THe Ren Bu Kan was ran by some real hard men,debt collectors and other iffy projects. Since I knew a little shotokan one of the instructors asked me to show him and I heard later he ran private classes for buisnesmen who didn't know any better.

Below taking ukemi for Chiba shihan at Hamiltonhill Check out the expresions on the faces of the students.:eek:

[embra]

THe Ren Bu Kan was ran by some real hard men,debt collectors and other iffy projects. Since I knew a little shotokan one of the instructors asked me to show him and I heard later he ran private classes for buisnesmen who didn't know any better.

So some of the original Glasgow MA folk maybe werent the most pleasant of people? Was the Ren Bu Kan a judo club that you then introduced Shotokan into? How did Aikido start there?

[koyo]

Karate was introduced to the Ren Bu Kan by Tommy Morris who went on to open the Kobe Osaka club.

I "introduced" aikido there after seeing a demonstration by Kenshiro Abe and attending some of the courses given at the Abe school of Judo taken by Ken Williams with visits from Noro and Nakazono shihans.

Kenshiro Abe WAS THE FIRST TO INTRODUCE AIKIDO TO THE UK. You will hear others claiming that their "leader" was the first (politics) But you can take my word for it. Abe shihan was the first and it was he who personaly asked O SEnsei to send an instructor..Chiba shihan who arrived 1965.

[koyo]

REgarding Chiba shihan..While I found him to be the most martialy dynamic of the shihan I encountered he was/is a perfect gentleman with ONLY the progression of his students in mind.

below a different "image" of Chiba shihan ..when I new him he was in his early twenties here in a foreign country with the task of creating an aikido organisation. A momentous task.

[sakumeikan]

Hi Embra,
As an Ex Glasgow keelie [born in The Gorbals ] I can tell you that the period your describing was really good.I remember all the gangs , the poverty and the laughs.There was rarely incidents like today where old people get beaten up etc.The villains were tough but had a code of honour- Square Go's /no Handers order of the day when people resoted to fisticuffs.
Life was hard, my own refuge was the dojo in Bridgeton.[Brigton] .After many years I met Chiba Sensei , what an experience!He was invited to come to the U.K.by a Mr Logan , who lived in Whitley Bay .Chiba Sensei was sent by O Sensei at the request of Kenshiro Abbe 8th Dan, to set up an Aikido national group.[Aikikai of Gt.Britain].He trained Sunderland and did courses throughout the U.K. and other countries before returning to Japan in 1976.Chiba Sensei/Mrs Chiba made great personal sacrifices during this period in the early days.Later they moved to San Diego, where they now reside.
Chiba Sensei reurned later to the U.K and continues to teach in the U.K.Imet him in Bangor Wales last week.
Although my early life in Glasgow was hard [I was homeless on more than one occasion and lived in the poor house for a time ]and poverty was around I feel that the early days were great times.I had lots of good mates, great training partners-George Girvan in particular , Tom Pierce [Hiya Tom].I also owe a debt of gratitude to Koyo for advice and help in this period.
In fact I now look back and consider everyone[my Judo /Aikido colleaugues ] with much gratitude and affection.These guys were instrumental in shaping my character.I would like to think I live down to their expectations [Just joking].
The moral of the tale?No matter how hard you think things are in your life if the situation doesnt kill you , it makes you stronger.

[embra]

I "introduced" aikido there after seeing a demonstration by Kenshiro Abe and attending some of the courses given at the Abe school of Judo taken by Ken Williams with visits from Noro and Nakazono shihans.



Was Kenshiro Abe's demonstration in Glasgow? -at a judo club? Something must have grabbed your attention about the demo, to give you motivation to attend the other courses - which I imagine would not have been easy do so in the late 50s/early 60s - like public transport was not great, and driving double declutch cars for long distances would not have been commonplace back then.

So you attended a demo, travelled to a few courses, and memorised what you could (no books/videos back then); and then executed the applications on 'ukes' who were debt collectors! It must have been quite a hit and miss affair back then, teaching Aikdo like that.

[embra]

Kenshiro Abe WAS THE FIRST TO INTRODUCE AIKIDO TO THE UK. You will hear others claiming that their "leader" was the first (politics) But you can take my word for it. Abe shihan was the first and it was he who personaly asked O SEnsei to send an instructor..Chiba shihan who arrived 1965.

Between the late 50s to 1965 in the UK, I guess Aikido was not very structured - probably due to a lack of clear examples and an abscence of maybe really good ukes. Chiba Shihan brought that structure to UK Aikido and forged a group of capable ukes? - who could then go and instruct a wider populace?

[GB-UK]

Hi Embra,
As an Ex Glasgow keelie I can tell you that the period your describing was really good.I remember all the gangs , the poverty and the laughs.There was rarely incidents like today where old people get beaten up etc.The villains were tough but had a code of honour- Square Go's /no Handers order of the day when people resoted to fisticuffs.
Life was hard, my own refuge was the dojo in Bridgeton.[Brigton] .After many years I met Chiba Sensei , what an experience!He was invited to come to the U.K.by a [B]Mr Logan , who lived in Whitley Bay .Chiba Sensei was sent by O Sensei at the request of Kenshiro Abbe 8th Dan, to set up an Aikido national group.[Aikikai of Gt.Britain].He trained Sunderland and did courses throughout the U.K. and other countries before returning to Japan in 1976.Chiba Sensei/Mrs Chiba made great personal sacrifices during this period in the early days.Later they moved to San Diego, where they now reside.
Chiba Sensei reurned later to the U.K and continues to teach in the U.K.Imet him in Bangor Wales last week.
Although my early life in Glasgow was hard [I was homeless on more than one occasion and lived in the poor house for a time ]and poverty was around I feel that the early days were great times.I had lots of good mates, great training partners-George Girvan in particular , Tom Pierce [Hiya Tom].I also owe a debt of gratitude to Koyo for advice and help in this period.
In fact I now look back and consider everyone[my Judo /Aikido colleaugues ] with much gratitude and affection.These guys were instrumental in shaping my character.I would like to think I live down to their expectations [Just joking].
The moral of the tale?No matter how hard you think things are in your life if the situation doesnt kill you , it makes you stronger.

Whey hey!!!! I'm from Whitley Bay:cool::):cool:

[embra]

Life was hard, my own refuge was the dojo in Bridgeton.[Brigton]

Brigton - that curious wee place just before Celtic Park - where the Brigton Derry hung out. I remember returning through the east end of Glasgow in the early 70s after attending matches at Celtic Park, and Brigton was always quite a hurdle to go through, just to get to the relative 'safety' of Queen Street station. From what I remember back then, Duke Street, was in a terrible condition back then.

So you went to a different dojo from koyo in those days? What were youre early Aikido experiences like back then?

We did meet once at Dunfermline College of PE in Edinburgh, way back in 1980 - I had just started - maybe 2 or 3 weeks.

[koyo]

The demo was for a newspaper article and was held in Ibrox football ground. The ukes were black belts from the Ren Bu Kan.He later gave a class at the Ren Bu Kan but was reluctant to organise any type of seminar. I think he was afraid that budo would be treated incorrectly if brought out of Japan. Judoka were already placing most of their emphasis on competition doing weight lifting (maximum effect MINIMUM strength.)

His introduction of aikido was at the HUT his judo club so most of the original aikidoka were judoka beforehand.


The Ren Bu Kan was a deserted shop that they had just moved into and put straw and sand down covered by a tarpolin. I remember it was green (stolen from a tennents bear lorry) because our kits turned green.

There was one book by Thomas Makayama (it is so rare that Stan Pranin of aiki journal asked to buy it) I gave him it as a gift.

As you say it was hit and miss. The worst was when we decided to attempt kendo training making our own armour. The shinai were four pieces of bamboo tied together.

First test cut took a lump of flesh of of the guys arm. The bamboo edges were rasor sharp.

Yep a lot of trial and error in those days.

And I did attend a couple of square goes with members of the Ren Bu Kan back in the day.

Teaching aikido in that environment prepared me well fot receiving instruction from Chiba shihan who "made you teach yourself"

[koyo]

Between the late 50s to 1965 in the UK, I guess Aikido was not very structured - probably due to a lack of clear examples and maybe really good ukes. Chiba Shihan brought that structure to UK Aikido and forged a group of capable ukes? - who could then go and instruct a wider populace?

The ONLY place you receive aikido instruction was at The Hut Abe school of Judo in Hillingdon.
I attended numerous courses there and invited the instructor Ken Williams to give courses in Glasgow. We also managed to organise courses from Noro shihan and Tamura shihan in Glasgow. There was a thriving aikido community by the time Chiba shihan arrived and I was already a dan grade under Noro.

However Chiba shihan gave the impression that our aikido lacked in some way (not effective enough) and had those he chose to be national coaches undergo special training.

I personaly think that we had made the mistake of copying the smooth and gracefull movements of Noro shihan without emphasising the solid structure hidden beneath.

below training in the HUT with Noro shihan. As you can see from the sweat clinging to my hakama..the training was strenuous however as I said I think I lacked the true understanding of what budo truly was.

[embra]

The demo was for a newspaper article and was held in Ibrox football ground. The ukes were blck belts from the Ren Bu Kan.He later gace a class at the Ren Bu Kan but was reluctant to organise any type of seminar. I think he was afraid that budo would be treated incorrectly if brought out of Japan. Judoka were akready placing most of their emphasis on competition doing weight lifting (maximum effect MINIMUM strength.)


What a place for a demo of Martial Arts! Actually on the pitch, or indoors in a changing room/warm-up room?

I can see why Abbe was concerned with budo being abused/mistreated outside of Japan.

Something at the demo, must have captured your imagination/interest, to motivate your visits to the Hut.

[koyo]

It was at the edge of the pitch.

The guys from the Ren Bu Kan were tough buggers and slightly crazy but Abbe sensei handled them like babies.

I was a short arse (have to jump into a puddle twice to get one splash) so seeing something so effective without having to risk a monster strangle me unconcious was a gift from the gods.

below
Kenshiro Abbe

[embra]

I personaly think that we had made the mistake of copying the smooth and gracefull movements of Noro shihan without emphasising the solid structure hidden beneath.


Presumably Noro Shihan did have solidity and depth, but at the time, the perception that you (the Aikoka of the time) of Aikido was somewhat external, due to the isolation from many examples.

I saw Noro Shihan along with many other Shihan and Kisshomaru Ueshiba at a huge seminar in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1985. Noro Shihan only gave a demo, but did not instruct at the seminar. What he demonstrated certainly looked nothing like the Aikido that I recognised at the time. One Aikidoka from Yorkshire (whose name escapes me now) told me that Noro Shihan was extremly effective, and not be deceived by the apparrently gracefull movements.

Did Noro and Tamura Shihans speak any English at that time? - if not instruction must have been in Japanese - with or without translation into English - another hurdle to overcome.

[embra]

The ONLY place you receive aikido instruction was at The Hut Abe school of Judo in CHigwell??

Was the Hut not in Hillingdon West London - where I think Haydn Foster still teaches. Chigwell is in North East London.

[koyo]

A lesson (warning) from Tada shihan was that we should NEVER train beyond our abilities.Study that which you have yet to master before you begin to train (execute)

From Saito shihan ..only after third dan should you begin to execute flowing techniques.

I was "executing" them at first dan. (or so I thought)

YES thanks Grange farm was in Chigwell where the first of the mixed seminars were held. Thanks I always mix them up. I shall edit the post.

Sensei Foster took me under his wing when ever I visited the hut. Absolute gentleman with a Tommy Cooper laugh to go with a killer nikyo.

[embra]

Although my early life in Glasgow was hard [I was homeless on more than one occasion and lived in the poor house for a time ]and poverty was around I feel that the early days were great times.

Were there still poorhouses in Glasgow of the late 50s and early 60s?

[Phantom Power]

I have to say thanks for this thread, I love stories of the old days. My instructor trained with you (Koyo) back in the Chiba days (still talks very highly of you) & the odd snippet of those days sneaks out when training.

What does surprise me is the number of people on this board who knew each other or at least met on occasion back then. You should all get together for old time sake (Yes I'm hinting at a seminar!)

[sakumeikan]

Dear Embra,
There are numerous books by Westerners on Aikido.Authors such as Jon Pearson, Terry Dobson, Christian Tissier , Peter Brady etc are just a couple which spring to mind.Sometimes I think there are more books written than there are Aikidoka !!

[Vimtoforblood]

Koyo, any chance of another print of your books?

[koyo]

I am afraid I lost the disks BUT Wolfie started a thread called Koyo's book .There I have written some ideas for another book.

Any questions or suggestions will be answered there.

[Vimtoforblood]

Ok thanks.

[embra]

One book on the roots of Aikido given a 'pass' by a friend passed me this recent reference

Hidden in Plain Sight: Tracing the Roots of Ueshiba Morihei's Power by Ellis Amdur (who occassionally posts on this forum.)

http://www.edgework.info/buy-books-on-martial-arts.html

and also this review in Stan Pranin's Aikido Journal

http://www.aikidojournal.com/bibliography_details?id=331

I haven't read myself it yet, as I truelly am skint at this momemnt, but I thought it worth mentioning, as it may of interest to some.

[dentoiwamaryu]

http://books.google.com/books?id=-qTFkDAPtfoC&printsec=frontcover&dq=living+aikido&cd=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Best Aikido book through western eyes ive ever read, the guys spent years living in Iwama in the 70s. Great basic instruction

[ludde]

And Ellis Amdur "Dueling with O-sensei."

[macker]

http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido/positive_aikido_book.htm

A great book.

[Shinkei]

My dad attended the mixed courses at grange farm Chigwell. If my memory serves me right Grange Farm had the coldest swimming pool ever. My dad as a Judoka was introduced to Aikido at these courses. Through my dad dabling in Aikido and my dad's friend who was a police PTI becoming an Aikido instructor both inside and outside the police force, aikido become a part of our judo practice. 35 yrs later I am still enjoying Aikido as much now as I did back then.

[koyo]

I must have trained with your dad because I was training in judo before taking up aikido and attended the judo classes when they didn't clash with the aikido.

I was the Scot with the guitar who was always having "friendly" bouts with the karateka and hung out a lot with Tomio Otani from kendo who also played guitar.

[Shinkei]

I would assume that you may of crossed paths as my dad is 73. I know that he did some Aikido with Ken Williams. As stated above my dad was Judoka, but one thing he did do was guide me in the direction with my Aikido by searching and encouraging me to seek out good quality instruction.

I guess that once your generation of budoka come into contact with someone of Abbe's standard second best will never do. I have also heard this said about Senta Yamada as well.

[sakumeikan]

Between the late 50s to 1965 in the UK, I guess Aikido was not very structured - probably due to a lack of clear examples and an abscence of maybe really good ukes. Chiba Shihan brought that structure to UK Aikido and forged a group of capable ukes? - who could then go and instruct a wider populace?
When Chiba Sensei arrived in the U.K. at the behest of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, he after a period of time, set up the Aikikai of Gt.Britain.During this period he introduced the Shidoin /Fukushidoin teaching certification.As you state these certificated teachers then travelled extensively around the U.K. taking seminars. Chiba Sensei is also a driving force in the U.K in relation to Aikido weapons training , Batto Ho Za Zen.The British Birankai,with Chiba Sensei as our Technical Director, actively promotes and encourages students to train in all 4 pillars of Aikido, ie body art , weapons , batto ho and Za Zen.

[Vimtoforblood]

"batto ho and Za"

Hi,
Can you explain what these are please?
Thanks.

[embra]

Batto-Ho is the style of Iaido (sword drawing) taught in Chiba Sensei's Birankai lineage.

The more traditional Aikido lineages will sometimes include some form of Iaido instruction. My exposure to Iaido has been very limited.

Za-zen is the meditation practise of some Aikido lineages, consisting of either full-lotus posture or kneeling posture (soto-zen?) for 2 half hour sessions, interrupted by 'kinghin' which is an intermediate walk between sessions. I believe that this form of meditation comes from the Japanese traditions of Shito-ism and Bhuddism. It is a long, long time since I have exercised Za-zen.

[Vimtoforblood]

Thank you.

[koyo]

Batto-Ho is the style of Iaido (sword drawing) taught in Chiba Sensei's Birankai lineage.

The more traditional Aikido lineages will sometimes include some form of Iaido instruction. My exposure to Iaido has been very limited.

Za-zen is the meditation practise of some Aikido lineages, consisting of either full-lotus posture or kneeling posture (soto-zen?) for 2 half hour sessions, interrupted by 'kinghin' which is an intermediate walk between sessions. I believe that this form of meditation comes from the Japanese traditions of Shito-ism and Bhuddism. It is a long, long time since I have exercised Za-zen.

O Sensei developed sword and stick which he called aiki ken and aiki jo specifically to enhance aikido taijutsu. Saito Morihiro shihan of Iwama aikido was the recognised master of these arts.

Incedently Chiba shihan was the first to introduce Iwama aiki ken and jo to the UK.

[Shinkei]

In 1959 Senta Yamada was invited by the London Judo Society to teach Judo. Yamada had studied intesively for several months after the war with Ueshiba on his return to Tokyo he met and trained with Tomiki Sensei. Whilst in the UK he encouraged his Judo students to practice aikido.

In1966 Rike Kogure was posted to the UK whilst here he strucured the practice by introducing the Randori no Kata and some of the koryu dai san kata.

In 1968 Naito introduced the suwari waza techniques of the Dai San.

Also in 1968 Takeshi Inoue came to the UK and stayed for over three years Inoue Sensei started Aikido at the age of twelve under the instruction of both Obha and Tomiki. he introduced the remaining Koryu no Kata and and Toshu randori. Inoue also encouraged some of his students to travel to Japan to study under Tomiki & Ohba.

In 1976 Ohba Sensei came to the UK for three months. Ohba had studied with Ueshiba and Tomiki Sensei in the 1930's & 40's Ueshiba awarding him a 6th Dan in 1943.

Many other Japanese JAA instructors have also visited the UK over the year Nariyama, Shishida and Uno Shihan have visitedon several occasions. Tadiyuki Sato Shihan has been a regular visitor the last few years.

[aikiwolfie]

Strictly speaking this is not an Aikido book. However I think it's an extremely good read. It's also very informative and puts a lot of things into perspective with respect as to how the Japanese viewed martial arts. Destroying a lot of the romanticism surrounding Japanese martial arts, the authors focus on verifiable reality and history.

Sadly it also shows the watering down of martial arts started a long long time ago. When oaths of allegiance and loyalties became less personal and more like bureaucratic contracts of service.

The book is Japanese Swordsmanship by Gordon Warner and Donn F. Draeger. ISBN: 0-8348-0236-8.

[dentoiwamaryu]

The Traditional way continued...
http://aikidojo.fr/actualites/dernieres/1-latest-news/129-book-suwari-waza-and-ken-saito-hitohiro-jukuchu