In those days, the style we practiced was hard and
positive, as well as being defensive. If I had only known some of
the things I was later to acquire from Nakazono Sensei's teachings,
this could of given Aikido a major boost in the U.K.
Could you talk about your own philosophy of Aikido and feeling
on Budo (the 'Way')?
I still practice the old, original Aikido, which appeals to my positive
nature and attitude. The early traditional style of Aikido is that
of O'Sensei as a young man - a fighting man.
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Ellis Sensei demonstrating during the 1960s
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My own understanding of O'Sensei's life of Aikido
was that he developed Aikido as a fighting art as well as a positive
form of self-defence. His life changed as he became older and so did
his Aikido - he became more involved in the philosophy of his art.
I have heard and read of other sensei who were close to him, who said
they could maybe only understand 10% of what O'Sensei taught. If that
is true, then what chance have we of understanding the depths of his
mind?
I have met many Western sensei who have delved so deep they almost
think they're Japanese. |
I always tell my students that we are practicing a Japanese Martial
Art, but remember, we are Westerners, and therefore we must reach
a happy compromise between East and West. I teach some Japanese words,
but I don't go "over the top".
When I was teaching in America, I was asked to visit a large dojo
in Texas. Everything they said was in Japanese, so I tried to look
as if I understood, but to be honest I didn't have a clue, and I don't
suppose a Japanese person would understand much of our Western interpretation
of their language either. I am often asked what are the best books
or videos to buy, and I always point to the tatami and say: "That's
where it's at!".
In the beginning, Abbe Sensei would not discuss ki (spirit, mind,
energy). He said you had to be 1st Dan before you could understand.
I still agree with that. What I find a little disturbing in Aikido
is that some people really believe that ki is almost a form of magic.
Abbe Sensei's method was that you first trained very hard physically
to develop your spirit and mind. He said that when the body says it
say its tired the strong mind will over-ride it and carry on.
Some teachers of Ki Aikido have had previous study of traditional
Aikido, and this, along with the practice of ki, is good. But the
students who have been taught only ki style cannot fall back onto
good, solid, traditional style when in difficulty with certain techniques.
My own students are aware of ki and its meaning, but it is not a word
I use very often. I teach students the flow and power of breathing
as an important part of their exercise and Aikido training.
During Nakazono Sensei's last vist to the U.K., he asked me to be
his assistant at a demonstration at a venue in Acton, London, for
Otani Sensei. Chiba Sensei was there too, but only as a spectator.
Knowing how hard Nakazono was from the past experience, I feared the
worst and thought I was in for a hard time, but Sensei was a little
older and had changed dramatically. I think he threw me only twice,
and then we spent about an hour kneeling while Sensei went into some
very deep philosophy which none of us could understand. Even Chiba
Sensei looked puzzled, and when I think of this particular seminar,
I wonder: Is this how O'Sensei changed?
When I saw Nakazono Sensei again in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he gave
me two books he had written and signed them for me. I spent about
four hours at his home, and he and his wife made me feel most welcome,
which made me think: Yes I am a privileged student.
After about 40 years in the Martial Arts, with many friends who are
bouncers, boxers, fellow Martial Artists and street fighters, it is
my honest opinion that the hardest man to beat is the natural street
fighter.
My assistant for many years and a great personal favorite of Chiba
Sensei, was "Mad" Geoff Goodwin, who disappeared some years ago. Geoff
came from Derbyshire and followed me to London, where he later became
my special assistant. He was a natural born street fighter and we
had some great battles.
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