Positive Aikido

Positive Aikido Positive Aikido Interview by Arthur Lockyear - Fighting Arts Inteational - Issue 93Where and when you were bo, Henry? I was bo in Yorkshire, in May 1936 in a small coal mining village called Brampton, near Rotherham. A place where you had to fight their way to and from school every day.When began his study of Aikido? It was in 1957, I studied judo and karate at the Abbe School of Budo at the "Hut" in Hillingdon, Middlesex. My teacher was Mr Ken Williams directed, such as 3 Dan (3rd degree black belt) Judo, and we were all students of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, 8th Dan Judo, 6th Dan Aikido, 5th Dan Karate, Kendo and Dan 5 At that time nobody in the UK had heard of Aikido. Abbe Sensei said that Williams had received a letter from O'Sensei Morehei Ueshiba that all instructors outside of Japan now has permission to teach Aikido to anyone who wants to lea. Mr. Williams was his first student and then selected a hard core group of students to study Aikido judo - that was when I started.Abbe Sensei, Mr. Williams National Coach for Aikido, and I was made by Mr. Williams 'assistant, a place that is owned by about 15 years.Abbe Williams Sensei, Sensei, and then eight of us special students up to 1 Dan, Dan the unique quality of Aikido in Britain at that time, and all in a one dojo (place of training)! All grades were Dan training hard and strong, without the 'Men's Association "in practice them.Sunday moing it was only for classes and Dan Williams Sensei would lock the doors to the dojo - it was then that the serious practice started with the real struggles. It would allow the young black belt grades to try themselves against him - unsuccessfully I might add. It was during this time that Williams Sensei started to visit other Dojos to Aikido.I have heard that Aikido is training harder then ... In the early days of training was extremely difficult, with a focus on very hard. My students and I am training for four or five nights a week and Sunday moings.Immediately by students over several kilometers, we will be back on the table and perform 200 press-ups on the back of the wrist, which was then the general, and two hours of hard practice. Abbe Sensei's Aikido was the pre-war style of Aiki Jutsu, which was very physical. Both Williams were Abbe and teachers - have worked very hard to train us, as the promotion of Aikido is not unreceptive to a public.When I was ranked 1st Degree of Abbe Sensei, Williams Sensei me a good student as an assistant. The wizard I have a 17-year-old under the name of Derek Eastman, who now 3rd Dan and technical Director of our headquarters in Basingstoke. Mr Eastman is now 48 years and still a faithful friend. Is proving an old adage: You can not buy or the respect they deserve it.At what point did you go on the road "for the 'Aikido gospel'? When Mr. Eastman 1st Degree, and I was 2nd Dan Williams Sensei advised to get the word Aikido.We both our jobs and traveled throughout the United Kingdom, has been so difficult trying to Aikido, because most people have never heard of. Mr Eastman and I headed home and for the Midlands, without money and with little hope. In some areas where Sensei Williams had already Aikido, lies with the students and a small fee for teaching. We would like to visit Judo and Karate clubs, sports centers, etc.In areas where there is no Aikido at all, we would like to submit a tender for a couple of days for us. We have had many jobs, and in an area that we, as an assistant to the director of a funeral. We had to ensure the bodies from the morgue, and is back in the chapel of rest.The boss caught me in the chapel of rest with a girl who had no right to it .. she is very alive and well. He was very angry with me, and after many similar Escapades assured me I borrowed the time it was obtained a job as sweeper, bowler hats, which at a high level of attention from girls. In the north of 'England the girls loved to listen to a London accent and was a great help for the invitation to dinner, and if we are lucky, arrangement, has been a struggle for survive.We steel factories and carried out many other places throughout the country, but without doubt the worst of all was the repair of an old railway line. We asked that the "train of death", the hard work and were the masters, like the film he had seen on this topic - It goes without saying that we are not there for a long time. I must add, as I am back on my life in Aikido, that this is a really good time. As with all memories, we tend to forget the bad and the good memories. We have a lot to the promotion of Aikido, and I do not regret a day I think that it.I also trained under Sensei Nakazato in the early days.Yes that right. As I said, Abbe Sensei's Aikido was everything he knew and when he told us he had a new teacher from Japan to us, we were completely abandoned, because we have not seen other Japanese Aikido master. The new teacher was Masahiro Nakazato Sensei and he taught us for two weeks. It 'been two weeks of hell! He had us practice on the table for three hours in the moing and three hours in the afteoon, and the Dan grades had to practice an additional three hours in the evening. In this case there were many broken bones and other injuries.Our label and discipline can not be questioned, and Abbe Sensei taught us to use very strong in our Aikido technique and can not be thrown, unless that the technique was effective. He teaches us that showed too much respect for your teacher.It is important to understand in the early days we knew that we were different, we knew that only the strong fighting art of Aikido. Nakazato Sensei was very angry and confused us. He did not understand and we thought it would be disrespectful to him. It was not until near the end of his seminary Abbe Sensei explained to him that the reason for our approach to Aikido Sensei Nakazato, and then realized we were true students with great respect for him and a strong desire to England is lea.In is traditional, after a hard practice for the evening with a pint of beer at the local pub. But we were on the mat Nakazato clock up to 10.00, and the pubs closed at 10.30 clock. We were able to change and the next release before closing, so Sensei Williams said to me, "Ellis, my assistant, it is your responsibility Sensei if you can see the mat at 9.00 clock, so we have time to respond to the publication. " That I was stupid! I asked Nakazato Sensei and was angry with me and told me that he has traveled all over the world to teach us Aikido, and anything we wanted to do was go to the pub! Well, if that is how you feel bad. However, he did not understand that this was our vacation from work ... Nakazato Sensei I recalled this incident when we were recently in Santa Fe, and we were able to laugh it.The important thing that I have not mentioned so far is the vast difference in technique between Abbe Sensei Nakazato Sensei old style and new style, much more flowing movement - it seemed much softer and yet so strong. We quickly adapted to this new style, and it was then that Abbe was a "bomb". We all must be re-sorted to keep pace with the current standard of Aikikai Hombu (headquarters), in Tokyo.The classification is physically and mentally demanding, and in the end it has established, all eight grades, "said Dan and accepted all our classes with the exception of one. He saw in this school for what seemed an eteity, then said: "We need to sell GI (uniform), while the price is high." Even after 37 years, the penalty has not been forgotten. Has students who grade.In 1963, Nakazato Sensei assistant national martial arts demonstration at the Royal Albert Hall in London - which was a very proud moment for me, as a young black belt, and a moment of my pride parents because this was the first time I had ever seen in an Aikido Sensei demonstration.Abbe then from Paris a young 5th Dan, Masami Noro Sensei. This was the first time he had seen Sensei (master) in a white Hakama (traditional uniform), Noro and proved to be perhaps the most beautiful of all the teachers I've ever seen before. There followed many other fine teachers, like Hiroshi Tada Sensei, Tadashi Abbe Sensei and Nobuyoshi Tamura Sensei.For me the most effective of all the Japanese masters was, without doubt, Kazuo Chiba Sensei. I was with him for many years and Partnership him once on television. At that time Chiba Sensei and I are in our teaching Aikido Dojo, based on "The Times" newspaper of London, and were invited to attend a 30-minutes World Service broadcast on BBC World Radio. Sensei asked me to speak at this time, because his English was not so good. A television producer heard the broadcast and asked if we have a demonstration on Anglia TV, to which we agree. While we are waiting for our "slot", which has given us in hospitality, where the bar was stocked with almost all the drinks you can imagine. The hostess asked if we want a drink, and I thought it would be a good whiskey. I asked "Sensei, you can sip a drink?". He said that could, but before that I may order, had two orange Sensei Aikido juices.Some I have in recent years depresses me, because it can only be performed by two Aikidoka practice, and at regular intervals, like a pair of dancers who know each other movements. I sincerely believe that the majority of students of Aikido self-defense, so that if I wanted yoga studio yoga, dance, and if I wanted, I think, dance lessons.I Aikido is not just to look good, but has also led a effective.Abbe Sensei not only taught, Tori (Artist of art) to maintain a good posture and balance, but Uke (receiver of technique) to attack the balance, because it's easy when you walk from equilibrium. He used to teach with a shinai (bamboo sword), with whom he would meet and say: "My English is not very good, but my shinai speaks fluent English." You can tell a student to twenty times what, wrong, before he will be right, but the shinai speaks only once, with incredible results. I still occasionally teach the high notes with a shinai.In 1960 I was asked an Aikido demonstration at the British Judo Council National Championships in London.It was a major demonstration on Aikido The VIPs were the Japanese Ambassador and Lady Baden-Powell, wife of Lord Baden-Powell, who was then the head of the World Organization of Scout. Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Masutaro Otani Sensei, 8th Dan, another Japanese Judo Master, stressed how important this evening was, and wanted an exhibition by the Aikido people. While we waited for a degree of Dan Judo Otani, was in conversation with the Japanese ambassador and said, "Hey, Smiler." I could not believe the disrespect and took him to the side. We were in a situation of confrontation when Derek Eastman, was outside smoking a cigarette, called me to inform me that you are due on stage immediately. We rushed on stage and when I saw the first technique, Mr Eastman of cigarettes and matches fell from the glycemic index, on the stage. I was sad from the previous event, and now this embarrassment was the final straw. I broke Mr Eastman all over the tatami (mat) and back. As evidence of the defense knife, the knife went with my gi and I felt the blade against my stomach and thought: "My God, that is in me." I fell to my knees with Mr. Eastman in immobilisation as I pulled the knife from the hole in my gi. I expected the flow of blood, but ... nothing! It 'proved to be just graze. I looked in the front row and I fixed with shock and horror was his lordship, and I knew by his face that the hopes we had entertained to ensure its sponsorship Aikido disappeared. In reality, your lordship has been quoted as saying: "This was a terrible portrayal of violence that has ever known." The Japanese Ambassador, on the other hand, congratulated us on an excellent display.In the day, the style that has been practiced hard and positive, as well as on the defensive. If I had only known, and some of the things then that the purchase of teaching Nakazato Sensei, Aikido, this could have a strong pulse in UKCould speak their philosophy of Aikido and the feeling of Budo (the "way")? I still practice the old, original Aikido, based on my good character and traditional style attitude.The beginning of Aikido is that O'Sensei as a young man - a man struggle. My understanding of life O'Sensei Aikido Aikido is that he, as the fight against art, as well as a positive form of self-defense. His life changed when he was older, so has his Aikido - was more in his philosophy of art. I have read and heard from other Sensei, proximity to him, who said that could include perhaps 10% of what O'Sensei taught. If this is true, then what we can understand the depth of his mind? I have so many Westeers Sensei deeply explored almost believe they are Japanese. I always tell my students to practice a Japanese martial art, but remember that we in the West, and therefore we need to reach a good compromise between East and West. I teach some Japanese words, but I can not "to the top." When I entered the classroom in America, I was asked to visit a large dojo in Texas. All that was said in Japanese, so I tried to look as if I understood, but to be honest I had no idea and I do not think that a Japanese would be much of Weste Europe is our interpretation of their language. I am often asked what are the best books or videos to buy, and are always on the tatami and say: "This is where you will find a". Earlier Abbe Sensei not discuss, Ki (spirit, soul, energy) - said she had 1st Degree before they can understand. Still agree. How do I find a 'haunting in Aikido is that few people really believe that Ki is almost a form of magic. Abbe Sensei approach was first formed physically very hard to save your soul and your spirit. He said that when the body says it is tired, the strong spirit and writes about the teachers of Ki Aikido on.Some have had previous study of traditional Aikido, and this, together with the practice of Ki, is good. But students who have been taught only Ki style can not fall back on good, solid, when it is in traditional style with some technical difficulties. My students are aware of Ki and its meaning, but it is not a word I use very often. I teach students the flow and the power of breathing as an important part of their movement and Aikido Sensei Nakazato training.During last visit to the United Kingdom, he asked me to be his assistant during a demonstration in one place in Acton, London, by Otani Sensei. Chiba Sensei was also, but only as a spectator. Nakazato know how difficult has been the past experience, I feared the worst and thought I had a difficult time, but was a little 'for the elderly and Sensei had changed radically. I think he threw me only twice, and then about an hour kneeling while Sensei went into a very deep philosophy, which none of us could understand. Even Chiba Sensei looked puzzled, and when I think of this seminar, I wonder: is this the way O'Sensei changed? When I saw Nakazato Sensei again in Santa Fe, New Mexico, gave me two books he had written, and signed for me. There are about four hours in his house, and he and his wife, who has taken over me, which I think: Yes, I am a privileged student.After 40 years in the martial arts, with many friends, the bouncers, boxing , Martial Artists and fellow road warriors, it is my honest opinion that the hardest 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 died some years ago. Geoff from Derbyshire and followed me to London, where after my assistant. He was, of course, Street Fighter was bo and we had a great battles.My son, Richard, who studied Aikido at the age of 5 until he and 14 years, is also a natural Street Fighter. Was now back in Aikido for a year and is involved with the youth group, with great success. We often practice together and I try my techniques against him, and with its natural balance and Aikido training, his reactions and responses are very fast. It 'very well aware of the fact that an opponent has more than one hand.I teach as Abbe Sensei UKE who must balance attack, remember all the times that two people practice, Tori to throw, and Uke Atem and ukemi. What we do not allow the Uke attacking with his leg off the mat. I do not see how Tori Uke trotting around the ring on foot to his training as a poodle on a leash, waiting for the instruction to jump! You Dojos in the United States of a member of your school, I believe.Yes in Dallas, Texas and Alamogordo, New Mexico. The teacher, Al Montemar and David Rogers, were my students in the early 1980s, when they are in conformity with the U. S. Air Force at Greenham Common. I was lucky to be able to visit both Dojos in 1992 to give seminars and grading examinations for my American students.I know that Abbe Sensei as he said before he came to Aikido - mind you, reported that the history? I would like. Abbe Sensei was Japan Judo Champion at the age of 18 years before the Second World War. He told me he was rather arrogant at the moment, to the fame achieved, young.Anyway, was during a train trip in Japan, which has first O'Sensei. Abbe does not know who he was, and he reacted to Ueshiba Sensei to look at him and said: "What are you on, old man?" Ueshiba replied: "I know who you are." L'Abbe modestly replied: " , Everyone knows me, I am Kenshiro Abbe, Champion of all in Japan. " O'Sensei then introduced himself as the founder of Aikido, and was told by Abbe that he was not strong enough to obtain a master of martial arts. Abbe O'Sensei then your little finger and said, "But young man, she is very strong. Please break my finger. " Abbe first to fall, but also the challenge, presumably to close this old. Abbe Sensei told me that he is the holder of the old man fingers and tried to break, he found himself on the floor of the car and completely immobilized. While on the ground, Abbe asked the Founder for permission to study under him. That is my understanding of Abbe Sensei's story.When you were in my 'local' previously, you told me a couple of interesting stories of a former teacher. Could, for this interview, please? Sure, but I think that better, not the man in the name pressure. Well, it was a 2nd Dan in Aikido, under Ken Williams, and equivalent ranks in Judo and Karate. He was a strange character and speaking in an affected Japanese broken German, and one day told me: "Mr Ellis want come my house for dinner?" Then I said: "Yes, Sensei, I have come for dinner , thank you. "I went to his house, knocked at the door, and there was this man wearing a black silk kimono (Japanese traditional dress) and Geta (wooden shoes). I was a little 'surprised by this, but went on and we sat a few minutes down.After, Sensei clapped their hands, and his wife came trotting into the kitchen, even in a kimono. So the first thing I did was to slap his face three times. Shook his head back and forth, but did not say a word, or even cry. I watched in total amazement ... E 'stato incredibile. He said at dinner, and go back to the kitchen. When his wife had left, I told him that I thought was not in order. This guy said that Abbe Sensei said that it is a Japanese tradition, a woman who flies every moing to teach her humility! I stressed that he was not Japanese - but without success, as he fought his lead again, when our drinks! I have never been the same with him that after ..... was incredible behaviour.You is coming to blows with this man later, right? Yes, I did, Arthur. We have been to the pub after training and told me: "You think you can send it to me, is not it?" I told him that I never thought to which he replied: "Oh yes, you, you think that all the time. "In addition I was just bloody rubbish, but do not let go. He was baiting me, saying, "Want to try?" And I said to him: "you know, Sensei the only person in trouble is that from this. They are those who are not sure of me, I have about you. "So he said:" We do not go, "and we went.Outside publication is in Aikido attitude, so I was just as relaxed as possible, and waited. Not just for me, I hit him and put him on the deck. When he is gone and I was laid up with my knee on his neck. At this point he said: "OK, that's enough, let me up." I said: 'It is this? If the case is finished? "He replied that it was. Well, I am a very simple man, and if someone says it is ready, so for me it is ready. As soon as I have him, he knows me straight in the nose and broke - I was in the blood and some 'of chaos. He not only lost my respect, but for all who were present. Withdrew from the area soon after, and I have never seen or heard of him since.Finally, Henry, you have a consultation that you want to offer Aikido practitioners? I urge them to visit other clubs and look for other methods. It is not necessary, as all the Aikido, but if it takes a while 'from each dojo you visit, which will help to make your own Aikido completed. So, I would say - stay clear of the "Fee" Aikido - remember that it is a martial art and are work.By: Sensei Henry Ellis. Author: Henry Ellis Sensei is the co-author of the book Positive Aikido.Ellis is a direct disciple of the legendary master Kenshiro Abbe Sensi 1915 to 1985. Today there are only four surviving students of Abbe Sensei Aikido. Ellis is a very controversial writer on the weakening of the martial arts in mode times. Source: