Here are some further and final comments from ARMS AND ARMOUR OF THE SAMURAI. You are welcome to borrow my copy of the book if cannot find one to buy. During the 16th century western sea powers tried…
[The second samurai clan to control Japan extensively was the Ashikaga, 1336-1573. The Ashikaga lived in the Kyoto suburb of Muromachi to keep an eye on the Emperor, but soon fell prey to the luxurious life of the…
[Samurai armour was generally made of strips (lamellae) of iron laced together with deerskin or silk. The iron strips were coated with lacquer to prevent rusting.] A wide range of colours was used for lacing. By far the…
If you are keen on the history of Japan during the period of warrior rule (c. 1200 –1850), there are many good books available. Here is one example of a well researched and beautifully illustrated study of one…
Try to attend seminars and camps outside of your own dojo. Meeting the challenge will be gratifying. And you will likely meet good people to help you along the path.
Learn by careful observation and imitation of your instructors and your partners both senior and junior. Do not be concerned that you progress in technique more slowly than others. And do not become arrogant if you progress more…
Tanaka Sensei emphasized that there is no rapid progress in Budo, but that we should strive to become a little better each class. Otherwise, we are just going through the motions. Wholehearted training is the key.
Aikido techniques cannot be learned quickly. It is not ten quick lessons in self-defence. It is a way of life that you gradually absorb until it is part of you and you are part of it. Stand tall…
Aikido techniques are just basics and applied basics, both inside the dojo and outside as well.
Here is Alexander Bennett quoting Sensei Inoue Yoshihiko (Kendo 8th Dan Hanshi) “Kendo is universal wisdom that teaches us the supreme value of life through knowing techniques of life. Kendo is always ‘correct’. There is no such thing…