Thanks Bear I hope you find some value in it. Often you shall here that aikido is based upon sword work. It would be more correct to say aikido is based upon sword PRINCIPLES. Aikido has changed so much from the traditional aikido brought from japan in the late fifties early sixties. A major change has been in the mind set of many of todays aikidoka stressing peace and harmony over the martial efficacy of the art. A major principle when taking up a sword is that we should be filled with the intention to cut. This is the mind set of the swordsman. The intention is not so much to engage the opponent rather it is to simply and directly cut him down.This mind set is not against the principles of aikido as we must never engage an enemy unless we have no other option then when we do we must do it in a dynamic manner that cuts directly through his intention to strike. Attack at all times, display a superior attitude and dominate the attacker's spirit. Cut directly through his intention to strike. These are basic principles of swordsmanship and of aikido. Many aikido clubs begin their training with a received philosophy first and then adapt the techniques to suit diluting their effectiveness. The techniques of aikido are such that they may be applied powerfully without overt damage to the receiver (all locks and throws are applied in a manner to unbalance throw or pin rather than to break the joints) therefore the more dynamic principles of swordsmanship such as attack while the opponent is thinking about attack, instantly seize any openings may be applied with relative safety to the partner. It need only a slight adjustment to turn them into ara waza (severe techniques) This thread is opened so that you may ask or post opnions on the weapons principles of aikido. triangular kamae
In regards to distance and control of distance: Koyo, is it simply a matter of changing the range/distance when applying the sword principles while unarmed opposed to with weapon? How would sword principles be applied in a crowded area with no room to maneuver? How might the principle of "cutting through the intention to strike" be useful when you are already within two feet of the other person (uke or tori)?
SWORD PRINCIPLES No sword cut will be accepted as effective unless it is executed using ki ken tai ichi spirit body alignment and pragmatic technique as one.Traditional sword and spear use a triangular posture to give the smallest target area to an attacker. This is the kamae used in aikido.All atemi are delivered like sword cuts not "stopping" on contact but cutting through or thrusting through the target to a kuzushi.When a stong kamae has been developed it becomes the natural kamae of the aikidoka. It is said that the kamae of a warrior during combat must reflect his everyday kamae. below after the execution of a technique passing through the space previously held by the attacker the kamae must be natural and triangular. San kaku ho (triangular posture) Ki ken tai ichi (spirit technique and body united as one) Kuzushi (point of imbalance) Kamae(attitude of body and mind together)
Hi Koyo Can you explain what makes good external and internal Kamae with regards to the principles of Aikido? Regards Teddy Bear
In the last post I spoke of kamae meaning katachi kamae (body attitude) and kokoro kamae (attitude of mind) being as one. There must be no separation the kamae (this would include both) must be relaxed yet full of spirit. The tendancy of some to separate the kamae and speak of the "connection" causes confusion. There should be but one kamae that includes body and mind as one. Basically remain relaxed and alert and filled with intention to execute a strike or technique. Again we MUST have the intention without a particular technique in mind so that we may move and act instinctively. In any future posts when kamae is mentioned it must be understood to mean mind and body as one. regards koyo Aiki ken O Sensei and Chiba shihan.
Hi Tedi kuma Here is irrimi nage executed with sword cuts. You can see the "external kamae" having trained you will know that there was aslo an application of timing,distancing and kuzushi all manifestations of "internal kamae." Both must be in harmony to create the one kamae. This is a fundamental principle. There is only ONE kamae. Note for novices. We must never cut from a platform. All cuts are made on the move with the power flowing up from the ground through the legs into the hips and projected into a kuzushi in the opponent.
Can I just clarify that this change is also very much apparent in Japan too: it wasn't just a product of Western influence, more the influence of Kisshomaru Ueshiba's work. Traditional aikido (as in effective aikido) is very hard to find in Japan now too, IME. Hopefully I'll pipe in with some more useful sword-related stuff later in this thread... bit busy now. Cheers.
There can only be ONE kamae I can see the movie trailer now... What could be intepreted as good kamae has been described but what of wrecklessness? I'm thinking of that scene in Seven Samurai where the sword master is challenged, first they duel with sticks, but the challenger is not convinced he is out matched. Then they duel with swords and the challenger is cut down. On a related note, I remember that the sword master did not use the same movements both times. When with sticks it appear to be almost a draw, but when swords were used it was a corner step with no doubt it was not a draw. I know this was only a movie but I liked it.
Sadly this is true. I was about to make the exodus to Japan when I was advised not to by an aikido shihan who said much the same thing. I was told not to involve myself in associations or politics and to find my own way by seeking out Saito shihan. Which I did hence my love of weapons and taijutsu relationship. Any postings you may wish to make would be most appreciated. thank you koyo Tedi kuma. Zanshin awareness before during and after a confrontation would seam to be an "internal" principle. Yet I was shown that it permeates the body too. Difficult to explain. The explanation I received was to "train like your hair is on fore." It becomes more apparent in ushiro waza. (techniques from rear attack) zanshin (just had to get one of my drawings in) THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE. (ninjad again rebel) :Angel:
Hi Rebel My favourite movie. Could it be that the ronin's kamae was unbalanced because he was angry and arrogant and if you look closely a bit afraid?. While the master showed excellent kamae.?
Hi Koyo, I will need to get you to show me proper cuts at some point. I never seems to get them right. The thread it very informative. The Bear.
Thanks Koyo for that. Nice drawing I've seen that before one before it has the real Glasgow Aye Ready! attitude. Love it! The reason for asking is that I have trained in dojo's that are very specific about feet placement and body posture when teaching the weapons. What is your take on this especially when dealing with absolute beginners? Regards Teddy Bear
thought you guys might enjoy this. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvWiYcxTm2A"]Don Angier, Yoshida-ha Shidare Yanagi ryu - YouTube[/ame]
BASIC SWORD The sword should be held lightly "from above" Not grasping the side of the tsuka (hilt) Only the little figers hold firmly with the others holding more lightly by degrees. The principles of triangle circle and square are addressed. The kamae is triangular as seen in aikido san kaku ho (triangle) . The cut is made by "pulling" the sword forward in an arc using the left hand (circle). The right hand guides the sword to it's target, At the instant of musubi (contact) there is a slight wringing " of the hands to steady and "push" the sword (square). The japanese sword cuts on the push or pull. This principle is seen in atemi when the strike drives through to the kuzushi. All suburi exercises are ment to improve kamae and ensure that the spirit technique and body movement are executed as one. here is a perfect example of cutting.
Cloudhands Above you can see perfect use of the sword.It is direct and pragmatic. If you ever see a demonstration where the sword flashes about or invoved body movement is used then it must be suspect. regards koyo
Nice picture Koyo, it also shows perfectly, the different stages they are both in their movement of performing their cuts. Correct me if I'm wrong but the sword shouldn't retreat from the opponent, you should move towards the sword. The sword is always advancing not going back to go forward. Is that correct? Regards Teddy Bear
