Today I found 3 large toilet plungers in the Aiki House. I was eating my breakfast and drinking a cup of tea whilst watching an old lecture about Zen by Alan Watts. One of my favorite authors and philosophers.
At the moment he said "you will be made a kind of janitor around the house". I paused the tape jumped up and started cleaning, seriously cleaning. I started with the daily chores, sweep the floor, do the dishes etc.. Soon I had moved onto the serious stuff. I started with the little washing room out the back.
To be honest, and not meaning any disrespect to any previous deshi, it seemed like a part of the house nobody wanted or felt needed to be cleaned (I know I didn't clean it when I was last here). It was quite a state, empty bottles, used rags, plastic bags disintegrating in my hands when I went to pick them up, dust and filth, cobwebs, rotting things.
Nemoto Sensei generally leaves deshi to their own devices, as long as you don't keep him waiting, keep the communal areas orderly and clean, it's all good. I always have in the back of my mind that Sensei may turn up at any moment, and I am in a constant state of semi-anxiety.
Oh yeah the plungers. Whilst cleaning out the laundry room I found, not 1, not 2 but three large plungers !! There is only one toilet !
"All the creatures of the world - insects, fish, birds, animals - have means of dealing with impurities. In this manner, each and every human is entrusted with the divine mission to purge the environment of filth and impurities. This is the aim of Aikido. This is what we all pray for. However empty prayers are of no avail. Make that prayer a reality" O'Sensei.
It follows then that the Aiki-house should be clean and not filthy, I have therefore made a clear intent to clean Aiki-house to the best of my ability, this is my Misogi. This house, or any house for that matter, to me, symbolizes not only the physical life of the inhabitants but also the metaphysical.
Whilst at Uni in Liverpool, my good friend and house mate Liam was the owner of the house we stayed in. He had severe constipation for a number of weeks, the doctor had told him he must eat something as he was starting to digest his own stomach lining (and pissing blood if I remember correctly).
I can't remember if he asked for my advice, but he got it anyway. "Your drains are blocked, they are putrid". I was referring to the house drains, the drains in the yard had blocked and were overflowing with effluence. "This house and you are karmicly linked, unblock those drains and yours will follow"
I think the man was booked to come around the next day anyway, but sure enough, as soon as the house drains were unblocked within a day or two his were flowing freely.
I don't know why, but I was absolutely convinced with unshakable certainty from the vast void in bottom of my spirit to the tips of my toes, that as soon as the house drains were unblocked his would too. Perhaps Liam picked up on the intensity of my belief and faith, and it had a psychosomatic effect. Or perhaps the two sets of drains were karmicly linked, or maybe a coincidence? A coincidence I was absolutely certain would happen.
I have included a little clip of the Video I was watching, it's quite funny and quite relevant to the training. Haven't had Nemoto Sensei jump out at me, or wack me with his shinai though.
Skip to 2 mins to watch the bit I am talking about.
Evening Keiko
Practiced at Tsukuba tonight.
Was nice to see Robin-Jinks and the other soto-deshi again.
We trained Kokyu-nage, mostly kokyo-ho based and a few varied forms. Tried to bear in mind the great gift that my uke is giving me when I hold out my arm, somebody - a body to train with.
As for my body well it feels a little sore, luckily tomorrow is a public holiday. So I may go back to the All You Can Eat at Aeon-mall in Uchihara (1,496 yen), and then maybe go to Mito to see if I can find a massage place for a treat.
O'sensei used to get his students to massage his shoulders apparently they were hard as marble, "Sabu, massaging my body is the secret to becoming the strongest one in the Dojo" O'sensei told Mr Zenzaburo Akazawa when he was 14-15.
Was nice to see Robin-Jinks and the other soto-deshi again.
We trained Kokyu-nage, mostly kokyo-ho based and a few varied forms. Tried to bear in mind the great gift that my uke is giving me when I hold out my arm, somebody - a body to train with.
As for my body well it feels a little sore, luckily tomorrow is a public holiday. So I may go back to the All You Can Eat at Aeon-mall in Uchihara (1,496 yen), and then maybe go to Mito to see if I can find a massage place for a treat.
O'sensei used to get his students to massage his shoulders apparently they were hard as marble, "Sabu, massaging my body is the secret to becoming the strongest one in the Dojo" O'sensei told Mr Zenzaburo Akazawa when he was 14-15.
Morning Keiko
This morning's training begun at the rather civilized time of 9 o'clock. We went over the 20 Jo Suburi, I was able to do them as Sensei has previously demonstrated the other morning, Sensei made only minor corrections.
We then covered two variations Happo-Jo-Tsuki. I recorded them for prosperity, I will need to practice them some more.
We then covered the 31 Jo Kata. Sensei picked me up on quite a few thing which was great, mostly being sure to move off the line at the right points as well as being at the starting point at the right movements, as well as 'Ju' being a block in the Kata rather than a strike like in the paired partner practice, and being sure to step forward for Ju-ichi and Ni-Ju. All good stuff.
The last 30 mins consisted of 90 squats, 90 sit ups, 90 press ups, 90 chest raises lying on belly, 150 one legged calf raises, 150 toe raises (working that little used muscle on the front of the shin), and finally to finish off 50x 1st Suburi with the heavy bokken. I think this is going to be a regular daily routine - which as Sensei knows is what I need.
We then covered two variations Happo-Jo-Tsuki. I recorded them for prosperity, I will need to practice them some more.
We then covered the 31 Jo Kata. Sensei picked me up on quite a few thing which was great, mostly being sure to move off the line at the right points as well as being at the starting point at the right movements, as well as 'Ju' being a block in the Kata rather than a strike like in the paired partner practice, and being sure to step forward for Ju-ichi and Ni-Ju. All good stuff.
The last 30 mins consisted of 90 squats, 90 sit ups, 90 press ups, 90 chest raises lying on belly, 150 one legged calf raises, 150 toe raises (working that little used muscle on the front of the shin), and finally to finish off 50x 1st Suburi with the heavy bokken. I think this is going to be a regular daily routine - which as Sensei knows is what I need.
Evening Keiko
Today all the instructors were in Japan at an annual Hombu-dojo. So tonights training was conducted by Mark-san a long term soto-deshi (outside student) from Malta who resides in Japan. We covered only Kihon-waza (basics). It was, as far as I can remember the first time at shibu-dojo that we have practiced sankyo, including the last stay (third locking technique). I am waiting on yonkyo-gokyo-rokyo.
I also had my first negative experience, I was practicing Nikkyo with a yudansha (black belt), I offered genuine resistance, that is to say I wasn't being a hard-arse just waiting for the technique to come on a bit stronger before I went down. Mistake.
My partner failed to read my kind intent of not collapsing in a whipering heap at the slightest pain and instead interpreted as bad-obstanent-uke. I then politely tried to explain that, "Watashi wa nihongo hita desu". ("My japanese is bad"), and that I wasn't trying to be difficult. Not sure what he thought I said, but whatever it was he then didn't want to know. He got really quite angry, even when I was trying to pay attention and copy the way he was doing it, he wound him self up attempting kaishi-waza (reversals) when it wasy my turn and putting on the nikkyo hard and fast when it was his.
Fortunately all the training with genuine resistance meant that I could play slap the mat like it hurts. I have to say that I remained absolutely calm, but I was remorseful I couldn't have explained myself more clearly and resolved the situation. It was however quite clear from my body language that I wasn't trying to play ego-bullshit. Funny when deshi come to Iwama and then play Hombu - no disrespect intended, there is a time and a place for all kinds of training.
For me staying calm in the face of aggression is what Aikido is all about. Doesn't mean that you should take shit, if I felt he had intent (and ability) to hurt me I would have played a different game. I wont be afraid to practice with him again even though I'm sure he wont want to practice with me. I will just chose a more simple technique that hopefully we can agree to disagree about.
On a lighter note I went by the Aiki-Jinja prior to training and practiced a little kototama (soul-word, chanting). I also prayed for forgiveness and asked the kami for guidance. Being there again, at the Jinja was incredibly emotional. To be honest so much so that it actually made me cry with tears of joy-sorrow-hope-fear. A mixed bag of emotions, I'd like to think the Kami were also pleased to see me again and glad I was there to pray. Those who know me well will understand that, although not devoid of emotions, I am not exactly a bucket of elation nor despair. Needless to say that the Jinja, and what it represents, means an awful lot to me.
Tomorrow I may go and offer some buki-waza and,.. err.. more guidance please.
I also had my first negative experience, I was practicing Nikkyo with a yudansha (black belt), I offered genuine resistance, that is to say I wasn't being a hard-arse just waiting for the technique to come on a bit stronger before I went down. Mistake.
My partner failed to read my kind intent of not collapsing in a whipering heap at the slightest pain and instead interpreted as bad-obstanent-uke. I then politely tried to explain that, "Watashi wa nihongo hita desu". ("My japanese is bad"), and that I wasn't trying to be difficult. Not sure what he thought I said, but whatever it was he then didn't want to know. He got really quite angry, even when I was trying to pay attention and copy the way he was doing it, he wound him self up attempting kaishi-waza (reversals) when it wasy my turn and putting on the nikkyo hard and fast when it was his.
Fortunately all the training with genuine resistance meant that I could play slap the mat like it hurts. I have to say that I remained absolutely calm, but I was remorseful I couldn't have explained myself more clearly and resolved the situation. It was however quite clear from my body language that I wasn't trying to play ego-bullshit. Funny when deshi come to Iwama and then play Hombu - no disrespect intended, there is a time and a place for all kinds of training.
For me staying calm in the face of aggression is what Aikido is all about. Doesn't mean that you should take shit, if I felt he had intent (and ability) to hurt me I would have played a different game. I wont be afraid to practice with him again even though I'm sure he wont want to practice with me. I will just chose a more simple technique that hopefully we can agree to disagree about.
On a lighter note I went by the Aiki-Jinja prior to training and practiced a little kototama (soul-word, chanting). I also prayed for forgiveness and asked the kami for guidance. Being there again, at the Jinja was incredibly emotional. To be honest so much so that it actually made me cry with tears of joy-sorrow-hope-fear. A mixed bag of emotions, I'd like to think the Kami were also pleased to see me again and glad I was there to pray. Those who know me well will understand that, although not devoid of emotions, I am not exactly a bucket of elation nor despair. Needless to say that the Jinja, and what it represents, means an awful lot to me.
Tomorrow I may go and offer some buki-waza and,.. err.. more guidance please.
5am Training
The training began at 5.10am, so I set my alarm for 4.30am. I bought it in Ueno, it's one of those ones with the little hammer and two bells. At the time I thought "great this is nice and loud - no chance of sleeping through this". Subsequently I stuck little bits of tape onto the bells because I am afraid of it giving me a heart attack - especially at 4.30am.
So as usual about five minutes before Sensei arrived I stood outside and waited. Have to say that it was pretty cold. Yesterday Christopher-san told me that it had been -6C the morning before. Didn't feel that cold but still pretty nippy.
Training consisted of the first three kumitachi. The main difference between Nemoto Sensei and what I am used to is that some of the parries are not done along the center line but off to the side - (eg 2nd kumitachi ni and go). Not too difficult to adjust.
For the last 30mins Nemoto sensei had me doing sit-ups, press ups, squats, and various other exercises. Clearly quite out of shape and will need to work a lot harder on my cardio and core strength when I get back to Perth. Think this will be my new-years resolution. To be able to do 250 press ups, rather than the measly 50 I was able to this morning.
Food - yum yum
I made a large batch of leek and potato soup as I thought it would be a nice warmer for the cold weather. Took some to the Shibu uchideshi too as I thought they would appreciate it. The leeks here are quite long and quite thin, also the cucumbers are small and somewhat knobbly. The local supermarket does 50% off, almost every evening so a large 10 piece sushi pack costs only 250yen or $2.80 AUD, this is clearly a bargain.
Motanai is the saying used to say don't waste. It it quite rude to leave excessive amounts of food on your plate. You should eat down to last grain of rice, this will naturally require some skillful use of your hashi (chopsticks). As non waste-fullness is such an integral aspect to Japanese society I wonder about all that fish going to waste on the supermarket shelves, especially given the ever depleting stocks of fish in the worlds oceans.
So as usual about five minutes before Sensei arrived I stood outside and waited. Have to say that it was pretty cold. Yesterday Christopher-san told me that it had been -6C the morning before. Didn't feel that cold but still pretty nippy.
Training consisted of the first three kumitachi. The main difference between Nemoto Sensei and what I am used to is that some of the parries are not done along the center line but off to the side - (eg 2nd kumitachi ni and go). Not too difficult to adjust.
For the last 30mins Nemoto sensei had me doing sit-ups, press ups, squats, and various other exercises. Clearly quite out of shape and will need to work a lot harder on my cardio and core strength when I get back to Perth. Think this will be my new-years resolution. To be able to do 250 press ups, rather than the measly 50 I was able to this morning.
Food - yum yum
I made a large batch of leek and potato soup as I thought it would be a nice warmer for the cold weather. Took some to the Shibu uchideshi too as I thought they would appreciate it. The leeks here are quite long and quite thin, also the cucumbers are small and somewhat knobbly. The local supermarket does 50% off, almost every evening so a large 10 piece sushi pack costs only 250yen or $2.80 AUD, this is clearly a bargain.
Motanai is the saying used to say don't waste. It it quite rude to leave excessive amounts of food on your plate. You should eat down to last grain of rice, this will naturally require some skillful use of your hashi (chopsticks). As non waste-fullness is such an integral aspect to Japanese society I wonder about all that fish going to waste on the supermarket shelves, especially given the ever depleting stocks of fish in the worlds oceans.
1st Keiko with Nemoto Sensei
This morning was the first keiko with Nemoto Sensei.
It was really enjoyable, focusing on ken and jo suburi as well as awase practices, learnt a new one too which was nice.
Nemoto Sensei teaches a few things a little different to how Peter Sensei teaches which adds the possibility of a different perspective.
I am making more detailed notes as I am going along but wont bother to post it here-now.
So it is now 10pm, and have finished training at Shibu, come back eaten and ready for bed as I will be up at 4.30am ready for training at 5am. Can't wait.
Yasumi Nasai
It was really enjoyable, focusing on ken and jo suburi as well as awase practices, learnt a new one too which was nice.
Nemoto Sensei teaches a few things a little different to how Peter Sensei teaches which adds the possibility of a different perspective.
I am making more detailed notes as I am going along but wont bother to post it here-now.
So it is now 10pm, and have finished training at Shibu, come back eaten and ready for bed as I will be up at 4.30am ready for training at 5am. Can't wait.
Yasumi Nasai
Tonight was the first keiko. Inagaki Sensei taught the lesson. It was the first lesson of the year at the Shibu dojo. Rather cold, but breaking with tradition they had the doors closed and a heater, it wasn't too cold. There were about 12 people in all, mostly Japanese. The current Shibu uchideshi are Christopher-san and Byron-san, two nice young gents from sweden and america.
We did 3 variations of katate dori kyoku-nage.
1: Kihon
2: Grabbing uke's GI under the elbow and breaking out.
3: Pushing uke's elbow toward them
4: Grabbing uke's belt
I am expecting that we will be continuing with kyoku-nage, probably for the entire three weeks that I am here (and beyond).
First training with Nemoto Sensei tomorrow morning. Yay !!
We did 3 variations of katate dori kyoku-nage.
1: Kihon
2: Grabbing uke's GI under the elbow and breaking out.
3: Pushing uke's elbow toward them
4: Grabbing uke's belt
I am expecting that we will be continuing with kyoku-nage, probably for the entire three weeks that I am here (and beyond).
First training with Nemoto Sensei tomorrow morning. Yay !!
Arrival in Iwama
I arrived in Iwama around 4 o'clock. Gave Nemoto Sensei a call and he came down to the station and picked me up. We then went back to the Aiki house and he reminded me about a few things, such as the o'furo hot bath, which shoe the keys are kept in, how to operate the various small heaters (naturally I will use these as sparingly as possible)
I also got to check out Nemoto Sensei's dojo "Nisshinkan Dojo". It is not completely finished, as the toilets, shower, still need to be put in, it is however functional as a dojo.
There is no training today as Nemoto Sensei has a prior arrangement. So training will start tomorrow.
I also got to check out Nemoto Sensei's dojo "Nisshinkan Dojo". It is not completely finished, as the toilets, shower, still need to be put in, it is however functional as a dojo.
There is no training today as Nemoto Sensei has a prior arrangement. So training will start tomorrow.
2 Stops to Iwama
Two stops from Iwama !!
I am super excited to be back in Iwama and to train with Nemoto Sensei again.
Even though it will be a short visit, sure that I will hear "Dame" (Japanese for Wrong-Bad-Incorrect) lots and lots !!!
I am super excited to be back in Iwama and to train with Nemoto Sensei again.
Even though it will be a short visit, sure that I will hear "Dame" (Japanese for Wrong-Bad-Incorrect) lots and lots !!!
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