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Shizentai 4Newsletter/Journal of the British Aikido Association June 2014

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Editor’s page Contents

Editor: Paul Wildish all correspondence andcontributions to shizentai@aikido-baa.org.ukPublished by the British Aikido Associationwebsite www.aikido-baa.org.uk

Reports

3 Aikido in my life -Mike Smith

5 International News & WSAF - Bob Jones6 BAA Squad Managers appointed - Laura Beardsmore & Paul Carr12 Rising Dawn 2014 - Keith Mc Clean14 ETAN Championships Antwerp 2014

Articles

8 Aikido Kata: A demonstration according to Shu Ha Ri - Eddy Wolput9 John Waite: aikido pioneer - Paul Wildish16 Hideo Ohba: part 2 - Paul Wildish

News

11 BAA Summer School - Konaka Sensei visit21 Leaving the BAB - Bob Jones23 New DBS system for coaches - Francis Burgess24 Events calender

Juniors & Youth

20 BAA Junior Championships North

Flying visit fromShishida Sensei

CongratulationsShizentai welcomes the recentpromotion at this year’s AGM ofArthur Austin, Terry Gibbs andAdrian Tyndale to the rank of 6 danin the British Aikido Association.

As Bob Jones noted in hispresentation speech, collectivelyArthur, Terry and Adrian have putin over a 100 years of practice inTomiki Aikido and given valuableservice to the BAA.

Hopefully this will continue into thefuture, for despite knees and wristsnot behaving as they once did, thistrio continue to take to the tatami.Shizentai and the BAA wishes thema healthy and active aikido life formany more years to come.

Terry Gibbs and BAA Chairman Bob Jones

Arthur Austin and Adrian Tyndale

The BAA played host to a visit fromFumiaki Shishida Sensei, 8 DanJAA, to the Winchester SpringSchool. Shishida Sensei is inEngland researching judo history atAnglia Ruskin University inCambridge. Such an opportunitycould not be missed and the BAAwas happy to invite him for theweekend to share with him what wedo. The continuation of our opendialogue with him and the JAA onthe future direction of Tomiki Aikidois obviously very important to theBAA.

Shishida Sensei was particularlyinterested in Lesley HepdenSensei’s interpretation of the KoryuDai Roku. This kata, Ohba Sensei’slast completed koryu kata beforehis death, is without doubt the mostdifficult to perfect. Full of subtlebalance breaking movements andoften paced slowly, requiringmaximum precision and control, itcan cruelly point out the weakpoints in our mastery of technique.I am pleased to report that ShishidaSensei was favourably impressedby Lesley Hepden’s interpretationand gave her fulsome praise in frontof the class for her teaching.

A full report of the BAA’s SpringSchool at Winchester will appear inour next issue, Shizentai 5.

Shishida Sensei and Paul Wildish

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In February I reached the age of 80years, and as you do, I have beenreflecting a little about Aikido and whatit has meant to me.

I started to study Aikido in early 1968,with a group called Yama Arashi,based in Brussels, and I had built up agroup of ten clubs when we hit aproblem! Our illustrious governmentled by Mr Harold Wilson chose to halvethe value of the sterling which meantwe would have to pay double fees,which many of my group could notafford. Brussels insisted on full fees, somy members decided to opt out of theBrussels led Yama Arashi, which wasa shame, but that was that.

We continued to train as a non-affiliated group, but I was keen toconnect in some way with other Aikidoorganisations. Here the hand of fateplayed a part by a visit from a studentof Brian Eustace, he was working as acontractor with a local company andasked if he could attend? We made himwelcome but he was puzzled by whatwe were doing, saying he had neverseen this kind of Aikido before?

We explained who and what we were,and enjoyed having him visit. One dayhe said that he had talked about us toBrian which led to Brian inviting us tovisit his club in Stratford upon Avon,which we very much enjoyed. Thewarmth of our welcome being no smallpart of our enjoyment. We invited Brianto come to one of our dojos to give usa day of what we learned was Tomiki’sAikido, he came without an Uke andwas happy to use one of our gang in

that role - we all enjoyed it and decidedto ask him to come again in a year orso. During Brian’s second visit he saidhe had talked with the BAA Executiveand was authorised to invite us to bringour group into the Association. Mymembers were very happy to do that,it gave us a “home” where the spirit ofAikido was much like our own. So that’show I arrived in the BAA and havenever regretted it!!

Not long after becoming involved withthe BAA the Association was asked bythe Sports Council to attend a meetingalong with Karate groups, Kendo,Kyudo and Ju Jutsu enthusiasts. Thepurpose was to tackle a scandaloussituation where phonies were travellingup and down the motorways settingthemselves up as experts in Karateand other arts, starting clubs, ripping

people off for fees, selling keikogi andthen disappearing never to be seenagain!!

This caused students and parents tocomplain to the gymnasia, localgovernment, and MPs as this scandalgrew. The government decided enoughwas enough and said these peoplemust be stopped!!

The way forward for the SportsCouncil, given the problem to deal with,was to impose regulation which is whatled to the meeting mentioned above,attended by the BAA Chairman, thelate Jim Elkin, and myself, since thelargest numbers of Aikido were“traditional” Aikido organisations. Theplan we were being pretty muchobliged to sign up to were to put inplace a regulating body responsible for

Aikido in my lifeMike Smith

Mike Smith, veteran Fellow ofthe BAA and leading figure ofour traditional aikido wing,charts the history of theBAA’s involvement with theBAB. In this article he gives arobust defence of the BAA’sdecision to leave the BAB fora better future.

Mike Smith teaching Traditional aikido at the BAA Skenfrith Spring School early 1990s

Fellow of the British Aikido Association

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the governance of all the arts under thetitle “The Martial Arts Commission”(MAC)

This was put in place with the BAA asthe only recognised Aikido group, theexpectation the Sports Council wasthat all aikido in the UK must be part ofthe BAA. Clearly that could never work,so we (the BAA) came up with analternative scheme, similar to theBritish Karate Control board, bysuggesting the creation of an “AikidoControl Board” which would preservethe autonomy of each organisation,and avoid acrimonybetween them and the BAA.This was accepted, butshortly after that the “MAC”collapsed because thedifferent Karate groupscould not find enoughcommon ground to worktogether.

We did not get off the hookat this point, the SportsCouncil decreed that Aikidomust be regulated and the“British Aikido Board” wasimposed upon us!!!!

I had hoped that the BABwould prove a co-operative centre forthe exchange and development ofmutually beneficial ideas, which is whatwe wanted and expected in the BAA.WHY! Well - the BAA was founded asan association of autonomous clubs,with the right to an input of ideas atregional and national level and peoplebelonged to the BAA because theychose, in freedom, to do so. I wasinnocent enough to believe that wecould set up the BAB as anorganisation with this same spirit -HOW WRONG I WAS!!!

We soon found ourselves under theheel of a bureaucracy that containedlittle of what I understood as harmonyand we found ourselves being boundby increasing amounts of regulationand procedures which were going along way from what I believed we hadsigned up to!

I felt a deep and abiding sense ofshame that I had been a major playerin landing us in this mess, and hopedthat others in the BAA and elsewherewould come to realise the nature of theBAB and its failure to bring harmonythroughout the UK’ s Aikidoorganisations.

Over the years the dissatisfaction withthe BAB grew and they lost theconfidence of the membership, manyof whom were seeking alternativearrangements. Recent developmentshave brought about the resignation ofthe BAA, who seek National GoverningBody status which is one of the pathswe can follow in that the BAA andShodokan are the only twoorganisations within the BAB who aresports orientated. However, evenamong the ‘Traditional’ groups thereare defections, setting up their ownindependent groups, such as the JAC-

UK are doing, so I believe the BAB are“on the slide” and may indeed collapse,but that is no longer our concern!!

So what about us, the BAA? I havewatched the developments that havetaken place over the years, as an activemember of the EC and later, and as anobserver, which I am allowed to do asa Fellow of the BAA. In the years of myChairmanship we still had a NationalCommittee comprised of regionalrepresentatives and a few specialisedposts, National Coach, Secretary, andTreasurer, and there were times whenit was most difficult to obtain agreementof the people who were (quite properly)concerned with regional issues.

It is so much better now, and has beenfor some years, our current Chairmanled the BAA to accept a new structureof governance in which every memberof the Executive Committee has a jobto do and holds a specific portfolio.I am delighted with these recentdevelopments, I was beginning todespair that the mess of bureaucracywould hang around our necks like amillstone, but now we are now as freeas we were before we becameentangled in the mess that the BABcreated.

Now it is our turn!! We must give ourNational Executive the support andtenure they need to see the jobthrough, developing Sport Aikidothroughout the world and build thenumbers of active Aikido players to thelevel that makes us attractive to theOlympic Movement. We can then offerourselves as a Demonstration Sport,which is the way in!! In the late 70’s Iwas placed in charge of the OlympicArchery Squad which I led up to theMoscow Olympics in 1980, so I havesome understanding of what the

Olympic Movement looks forand I shall prepare somenotes on this for ourChairman and Executive to“put in the bank” for whenthe chance to demonstrateSport Aikido comes along. Imay have left the scene bythen!!

The future is great,remember how good theLondon WorldChampionships were, andcelebrate the greatsuccesses achieved by ourBritish Team in the recentWorld Championships in

Kawasaki in Japan!!

These are the fruits of our laboursinitiated by the drive and enthusiasmof Bob Jones our current Chairman,supported by the Squad Coaches, andyour hard working Executive.

I believe that our Association is at theforefront of leadership of Sports Aikidoboth in Europe and the wider world. Wehave witnessed some changes inJapan which we need to adapt to andwork along with, in the spirit of harmonyand cooperation. This is something Ihave tried to foster in my own Aikidolife, and I am very optimistic about thefuture of Sports Aikido in the world atlarge, and I see this with greatsatisfaction.

Some years ago I had the honour to beone of the first three Fellows to beappointed, along with Bill Lawrenceand John Waite. I took this honour veryseriously and tried to do my best toserve the BAA and if possible Aikido,as indeed I have done through all theyears I have had the privilege to be aMember.

I urge you all to do the same

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The recent split between the JAA(Japan Aikido Association) andSAF (Shodokan Aikido Federation)is a global disaster for all Tomikipractitioners and competitors. Thedivision, created and enacted inJapan, has been a noticeabledirection of travel for over ten yearsand was an inevitableconsequence, especially in theworld of martial arts. It is a shamethat we have not taken note andlearned anything from thecontinued fractionalisation oftraditional Aikido and the history ofits development.

The result of this divide will be aprogressive polarization in thetype, style and approach of theAikido taught in the name of KenjiTomiki. With no checks andbalances the Aikido emanatingfrom Japan will become drasticallydifferent, as can already beevidenced from the subtle changein direction by the JAA.

In my opinion this polarization ofstyle is more to do with “brand”identity than Aikido and very littleto do with either Kenji Tomikiwishes or Sport.

At this moment in time choicesappear simple but as history willdemonstrate these divisions, likewithin traditional Aikido willcontinue. Indeed there is alreadyestablished in many parts of theworld “Shidokan” Aikido. Within thenext twenty years the potential forfurther division is not only likely buta certainty unless individuals andassociations make a stand againstthe politics of division.

The BAA therefore has exploredfive potential courses of action.

International News and theWorld Sport Aikido Federation(WSAF) Bob Jones

1. Join the JAA (TAIN) andfocus on Toshu Randoriand the re-inventedRandori-no-Kata andKoryu no Kata, engagewith the Shihan systemand pay grading fees tothe JAA.

2. Join the Shodokan andhave a greater emphasison Tanto Randori and thenew wave Kataabandoning the Koryu noKata and pay grading feesto the SAF.

3. Negotiate membershipwith one of the otherTomiki / Aiki Jitsuorganizations, likeShidokan, that alreadyexist in Japan andelsewhere.

4. Commit to the WSAF andmaintain totalindependence from allattempting to provide anumbrella organization forcompetition that both theJAA and SAF memberscan attend. Work with bothSAF and JAA to accesstechnical information andmenjo.

5. Do nothing

At this stage the BAA is committingto the fourth option with the USA,Russia, Brazil, Georgia and CzechRepublic as the only potentialstructure that will enable a degreeof unity whilst providing theopportunity to engage with theWorld Games and Olympic gamesmovements.

The constitution of the WSAF looksto equal representation based onnation state membership and will

become a registered company inSwitzerland. The structure is basedon the potential for future worldgames and Olympic recognition.Independent nations will join andhave the right to three votingmembers, representation byinternal national associations beingprovided through elected memberson a proportional representationbasis. Individual associationscannot join in their own right. TheWSAF is currently developingpolicies and guidelines includingthe world standardization of e.g.competition rules, regulations,refereeing and judging, doping,equity and child welfare.

WSAF officials will be elected fromthe board members with the Chairbeing rotated every year betweenthe nations represented. Individualassociations will play no part in thestructure.

With regard to competition rules,recent JAA attempts to change therules in Kawasaki have led toconfusion and irritation, the revisedrules in English make little senseand are of no help to prospectivejudges in making objective,accurate and informed decisions onperformance. Change for changesake is not leading to betterevaluations of performance or moreefficient systems. The BAA willmaintain its own independentapproach for domestic competitionfollowing existing protocols formarking using the flag system inboth embu and randori.

WSAF plans are already underwayto establish a “World ChampionsLeague” and events to attract majorsponsors and media coverage, a

Chairman BAA

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WSAF branded website andinternational magazine.

With regard to the BAA, whoattended the recent WorldChampionships in Kawasaki City,the scheduled event prior to thedivision, it is now advocatingattendance at the Australian SAFWorld Championships in 2015, asthe WSAF is the co-sponsor ofthis event. Following this the 2017world championship is scheduledto take place in the birthplace ofKenji Tomiki, with the WSAFoffering to co-sponsor this JAAled event. Then in 2019 theWSAF will hold the firstindependent WorldChampionships on neutral

ground in, Sheffield, England as thesuggested venue. Both the JAAand SAF are being asked to co-sponsor and attend this event.

The only logical way forward is toestablish an independent WorldGoverning Body to undertake theorganisation and delivery ofinternational competition leavingtechnical developments to personalchoice; both JAA and SAFinstructors both have a lot to offer.If this can be established then theway will be open for future WorldGames and Olympic recognition.The BAA maintains an openapproach and is not a one-styleorganization and is committed to

developing a broaderunderstanding of Tomiki Aikido.

The majority of practitioners are notinterested in politics or individuals,they want to practice, learn andcompete with a variety of peopleand enjoy their Aikido. The WSAFhas an initial single mission, to uniteall Tomiki Aikido practitioners withinone world championship on equalground with fair and open judging.

The BAA hope that by taking thisstance there will be an opportunityfor Tomiki Aikido to move forwardat least if not in harmony butpragmatically, providing a globalplatform for its development andenhancement.

British National SquadManagers AppointedThe BAA are proud to announce theappointment of Laura Beardsmoreand Paul Carr as National TeamManagers supported by NatuleySmalle as South of England SquadDevelopment Officer.

Laura has been a BAA member ofWharfedale and Leeds Centralclubs since 1999. Currently trainingat Leeds Central and RenshinkanManchester she has been BAATeam member 2005, BAA Squadmember 2007 to present

Laura’s competitive career startedwithin the junior ranks and soonprogressed to the senior team withan impressive domestic andinternational record. The highlightslisted below.

EmbuEuropean 2010- Bronze Koryu DaiSanEuropean 2012- Gold Open Kata

Randori accomplishmentsinclude

Individual:

World Championships- Bronze2009, Gold 2011, Gold 2013European Silver 2010, Silver 2012British Champion 2008, 2010,2011, 2013

Women’s Team:World Championships- Bronze2005, Silver 2007, Silver 2009,Bronze 2011, Gold 2013European Gold 2010, Gold 2012

KongodantaisenWorld Championships- Silver 2007,Gold 2011, Gold 2013

Paul has been a BAA membersince 1993 and is currently amember of Leeds Central club. Hehas been a BAA Team membersince 2001, BAA Squad member2007-Present. Paul again startedhis Aikido competitive Career as ajunior and successfully progressedto the senior ranks. His impressiverecord highlights include: -

International RecordEmbuWorld Championships, Randori noKata, Bronze 2007Open Kata, Bronze 2009, Gold2011, Silver 2013Dai San, Gold 2011, Bronze 2013

RandoriMen’s Team:World Championships, Gold 2007,Gold 2011, Silver 2013

KongodantaisenWorld Championships, Bronze2003, Silver 2007, Gold 2011, Gold2013

Laura Beardsmore

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They follow in a fine tradition ofhighly successful team managerswith an outstanding track record.The association is confident of theirsuccess and pledge their supportto both them and the team movingforwards to Australia in 2015, theirfirst official engagement.

Statement from Paul and Laura

In proposing to manage the BAAsquad we are very much aware therole is as much facilitating asmanaging. Between us theexperiences we have had over thelast 9 years attending squadsessions together has put us inwhat we believe an ideal position toknow exactly what the squad bothexpects and needs to progress.

We both have a strong professionaland committed approach to bothtraining and competition and feelthat these messages are ones wecan successfully apply at squad.

Laura’s strengths unequivocally liein free play and Paul as an allrounder we can identify as potentialmanagers that to ensureprogression of all elements to asquad members development wewould look to introduce regularguest coaches from all aspects ofthe British Aikido Association andfriends in order to enhance our ownstrengths. We believe by havingother coaches and differentperspectives would encouragemore participation from membersnot necessarily planning to attendthe international competition butwanting to support squad.

One of the key aspects we feel thatthe more competition mindedsquad members would benefit fromis a more sports science anddevelopmental approach tocompetition preparation. An aspectwe would consider would be toinclude core skills into every squadsession covering areas we believeto be key to success on aninternational level. These wouldinclude subjects such as sportsnutrition, strength and conditioning,in depth competition preparation

and recovery advice fromspecialists, strapping and videoanalysis of both embu and randoristyles. The latter is an area playerswould also find hugely beneficial topersonal progression as in both ourcareers we have had leaders andcoaches who have taken anindividual approach to helpingimprove our aikido.

It is our opinion that to move aikidoforward towards an ultimate goal ofOlympic consideration, we shouldstrive to encourage both currentand new members wanting tocompete internationally that thementality of being an elite athleteshould be applied. This is no wayan elitist approach but one of takingyour position of representing theBAA seriously and showing ourinternational friends what we canachieve.

We appreciate that the squad mustrun to a budget and also believethat the squad should do more tohelp fund themselves. Withincreasing aikido political strains wefeel that their needs to be a morelocal access point for squadmembers to get information andmotivation to attend squadsessions. By increasing trainingnumbers, alongside an increase infinancial return we would alsospread the ethos of the BAAnational squad. The developmentof a North and South regional BAArepresentative, appointed by themanagers to encourage, promoteand facilitate regular improvednumbers from their regional clubsis a new proposal to help

engagement. We would consider aNorth v South fundraising eventwhere by the squad membersthemselves organise and competeagainst each other to raise themost money that can subsidisetraining or reduce the wholesalecost of squad kits.

It is also going to be essential to thecontinued growth of the BritishAikido Association national squadthat there is more promotion andcontact of senior members at youthdevelopment days. The transitionfrom junior to senior levelcompetition has been a consistentissue over the years and it is onewe feel the squad should take moreresponsibility for and can activelyimprove its efforts in. If it would bepossible, we think the running ayouth development day and squadsession concurrently in order toencourage future participation ofjuniors would be a great boost tothe efforts already being made bythe youth development officer. Thiswould also highlight to membersattending squad sessions theirposition as role models to the youthmembers of their clubs.

Laura and Paul

Paul Carr

Congratulations to members of theBAA and Leeds Central AikidoClub for winning awards at theLeeds Sports Awards. LauraBeardsmore received the award forbest sportswoman of the year, MickPratt and Danielle Jones won theoutstanding achievement to sportaward and the BAA women's teamwon non-professional sportingteam of the year! What a night!!Well done everyone!

Congratulations!

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Aikido Kata: A demonstrationaccording to Shu Ha Ri Eddy Wolput

Shu Ha Ri is a concept in budo, themartial arts (or other forms of ‘do’ orways of cultural value). It describesthe learning process of a discipline,divided into three distinct stages. Ina lecture given by Daigo, a seniorjudoka in 2008, he explained theprogression from learning the basicform through to a deeper moreprofound understanding of kata byusing this concept.

Shu: the 1st stage – The study of ateacher’s lesson. The stage ofimitation.Ha: the 2nd stage – The meaning ofthe kata is investigated deeply.Ri: the 3rd stage – The kata ispractised freely and spontaneously.

The study of kata is a process toconnect mental and physicaldisciplines into a harmonious whole.Some important concepts that mustbe considered for this study are:

· The harmony between in andyo (yin and yang) and theharmony between ju(flexibility) and go (strength).

· The commitment of uke toattack tori.

· The optimisation of physicaland mental components bytori.

Kata as a competitive andgrading tool, but….or….By using kata as a tool forcompetition and grading, westimulate people to study kata.Without these tools Tomiki Aikido willdegenerate into an “only randori”activity. But using kata only forcompetition and grading will not bringforward the real value of kata. Thesportification of kata will create a formof kata display according the rulesset by the organization. Kata as a toolfor grading must show a progressionfrom basic performance to deepunderstanding according the level of

grading. The demonstration of katacannot be a “carbon copy” requiredby the Rule Book. Kata has to be atool for enhanced insight or personalgrowth. The purpose of Kata trainingKata is not created to become aceremonial kata demonstration, butare created to support the correctlearning and practice of theprinciples. When we see katademonstration (for competition orgrading) we often see achoreographed demonstration butalmost never a true practice oftechniques and principles.Sometimes kata is done with a lot ofceremonial performance, but the truemeaning of kata is for theimprovement of understanding. It isalso useful to enhance one’sreflexes, flexibility, coordination andfocus. Kata should always be studiedfor their educational content and notjust to “look good”. The study of kataon a fundamental level (Shu); we willlook at the logical order of thetechniques and movements, thecorrect spirit (focus, commitment)

and a correct application of the bodymechanics. We can say this is 1st-2nd-3rd dan level. When someonereaches the level of 3rd dan, thepractitioner understands on a basiclevel the concepts of shizentai no ri,kuzushi no ri and ju no ri. He candemonstrate the mechanics of the 6Koryu no kata, although it is notnecessary to know the sequence byheart of all the koryu. On a moreadvanced level we will look at theoptimisation of the physical andmental components. This studystarts around 4th dan and above.The practitioner deepens the studyof shizentai no ri, kuzushi no ri andju no ri. He can explain anddemonstrate the relationshipbetween the 3 concepts. Theintegration of these concepts can beseen in the demonstration of the kata.

(strength).• The commitment of Uke to attack Tori.• The optimization of the physical and mental component by Tori

Kata as a competitive and grading tool, but.......or.....

By using kata as a tool for competition and grading, we stimulate people to study kata. Without these toolsTomiki Aikido will degenerate into a ”only randori” activity.

But using kata only for competition and grading willnot bring forward the real value of kata.The sportification of kata will create a form of katadisplay according the rules set by the organization.Kata as a tool for grading must show a progressionfrom basic performance to deep understandingaccording the level of grading.The demonstration of kata cannot be a “carboncopy” required by the Rules Book.Kata has to be a tool to enhanced insigth orpersonal growth.

The purpose of Kata training

Kata is not created to become a ceremonial katademonstration, but are created to support thecorrect learning and practice of the principles.When we see kata demonstration (for competitionor grading) we often see a choreographeddemonstration but almost never a true practice oftechniques and principles.Sometimes kata is done with a lot of ceremonialperformance, but the true meaning of kata is for

Eddy WolputShihan andYoshiomiInoue Senseiof the JAA.

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John Waite: Tomiki AikidoPioneer - a tribute Paul Wildish

It is with great sadness that we reportthe death of John Waite Sensei, 8dan JAA, 7 dan BAA and 5 danBJA/NZJF. A man of manyachievements, John Waite Senseiwas one of the founding figures of theBritish Aikido Association and apioneer of Tomiki Aikido in the UK.

He began his budo career in 1951after he finished his National Service,when he and his brother joined theSouth London Judo Society. The clublocated in Kennington, South Londonand counting judo luminaries such asEric Dominy among its co-founders,was a leading centre for thedevelopment of judo ‘south of theriver’. The club was later renamed,the London Judo Society andbecame more popularly known byjudoka as the ‘LJS’.

The LJS provided rich instruction andJohn benefitted from great teacherssuch as Kenshiro Abbe (8 dan judo,6 dan aikido, and 6 dan kendo) andin 1959 from Senta Yamada (6 danjudo, 6 dan aikido). Although aikidowas to become his principal passionthis never completely eclipsed hislove of judo and he kept practisingjudo through his life. John saw aikido

and judo as two facets of the sameprinciple, ‘ju no ri’, how to overcomean opponent through using his ownstrength and force against him. Johnmade continual progress through thegrades gaining his 1 dan in 1954 andrising to the rank of 5 dan in the mid1980s.

In 1959 Senta Yamada arrived in theUK to take up an appointment asresident judo instructor at the LJS.Yamada had a similar grounding injudo and aikido as had Tomikihimself, first learning judo under thedirection of its founder Jigoro Kano,then at Kano’s suggestion enrollingas an uchi deshi in Morihei Ueshiba’sown dojo, in Wakayama-ken, to learnaikido. Later Yamada was to meetand study with Kenji Tomiki whoimpressed him with his vision ofaikido closely matching the principlesand practice of judo, a vision of aikidoYamada was to bring with him to theUK.

John’s first memorable encounterwith Yamada sensei, was shortlyafter his arrival in the UK. EricDominy asked John to uke forYamada at the LJS’s annualexhibition held in London’s Royal

Albert Hall. This was a prestigiousevent and attracted an audience thatwould surprise us today, indeed I (theauthor) remember being taken to thisevent in the early 1960s and beingthrilled by the displays. Yamada andJohn, after some swift tuition, put ona display of Tomiki Aikido techniquesproviding the first demonstration ofKenji Tomiki’s system to be seen inthe UK.

Senta Yamada & John Waite

John Waite Sensei and his wife Pepi practising in their New Zeakand dojo John Waite with his 8 Dan menjo

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John spent a gruelling week prior tothe display, practising from 10 am to1 pm every day to perfect theperformance. As John was to tell me(the author) later in his life it wassurely “the most intensive beginner’scourse anyone ever did!” The displayinvolved John flying through the airand break-falling forty times insixteen minutes; nerve wracking forany ‘beginner’ in front of such a largeaudience.

The effort Yamada and John put intothe display was to prove fruitful, forthe interest shown in this first TomikiAikido outing, led to an aikido classbe opened at the LJS in the sameyear. Naturally at first the aikido classattracted senior judo kyu and dangrades at the LJS and a smallnucleus of twenty to thirty peoplebegan to learn the ‘new’ art. Amongthe first crop of Yamada’s studentswere Archie Bush, Rex Benlow, JohnGay, John Wilkinson and of course,John Waite. Later to be joined alsoby John’s friend, Alex Macintosh,who would go on to co-author withSenta Yamada, the ‘Principles andPractice of Aikido’ in 1966.

During these years John and SentaYamada forged a lasting relationship,not only as teacher and student, butas close friends. Throughout John’saikido career Senta Yamada was themodel and inspiration for his ownteaching and budo development.

In the early 1960’s Senta Yamada setup his own dojo in North London andJohn and a number of other studentsfrom the LJS moved with him. Fromthen until 1965 John and his fellowstudents were able to continue theirjudo and aikido practice directly fromSenta Yamada. Yamada sensei hadKenji Tomiki’s support and approvalfor the spread of Tomiki Aikido to theUK and recognised him as “one ofmy original pupils” who had “studiedaikido deeply” and was a “highlyrespected instructor”. ThroughoutYamada’s time in the UK, John hadbeen a committed student andsupporter his efforts, which wasrecognised in 1961 when John wasawarded his first dan, followed by hissecond dan in 1964 and third dan in1966.

In 1965 Senta Yamada decided itwas time to return to Japan and threeof his senior students took over therunning of the dojo, Peter Martin, CliffBaker-Brown and John Waite. Peterand Cliff became responsible for thejudo training, while John who hadjudo teaching commitmentselsewhere, provided the aikidoinstruction. However, their effortscould not sustain the financial coststo support the dojo and theyreluctantly had to close. John and hispartners, despite this setback,continued to teach judo and aikido inother venues in London.

Before the foundation of the BAA, alldan grades were awarded by Senta

Yamada and after his departure onthe recommendation of John Waite“who is the senior of all dan grades”.So notes a report by Jim Elkin (thenBAA General Secretary) in ‘OfficialNotes’ in ‘Judo’ magazineFebruary/March 1974.

After Yamada’s departure John andhis fellow students decided to carryforward Tomiki Aikido in the UK byfounding the British AikidoAssociation in 1966. In 1967 John (3dan) and his fellow LJS colleagueJohn Wilkinson (2 dan) wereappointed BAA senior coaches at thesame time as Tsunemitsu Naito, 3dan, was named chief instructor andHiroaki Kogure, 4 dan, designatedthe BAA’s technical adviser. In theBAA records it is noted that ‘JFW andJW’ are responsible to the Coaching& Technical Committee on allmatters regarding coaching,promotion syllabus and awardschemes.

Both Naito and Kogure sensei(s)were instrumental in helping the two‘Johns’ to shape the technicaldirection of the BAA in its early years.This close partnership with the JAAwas to be continued by otherJapanese sensei such as Ehara,Inoue and Haba, who all made longstays in England, contributing to thedevelopment of the BAA.

The friendships and collaborationsforged at this time made John asupporter and firm friend of the JAAall his life, ultimately to be recognisedfor his contribution to aikido with hisbeing named Shihan by theShidokan division of the JAA in 2006and then awarded JAA 8 dan in2010.

Despite his commitment to TomikiAikido, John also found time to trainas a Craft and Design Technologyteacher at London University,qualifying in 1969 and teaching until1972. That was the day job, sparetime saw him active in the realm ofjudo as British Judo Association Areacoach for the South of England,which included assisting clubs inSurrey, Sussex, Kent, Hampshireand the Channel Islands.

In 1985 John returned to a higherprofile role in the BAA, when hebecame General Secretary, serving

Showing Yamada the sights - an aikido outing to Stonehenge (from L to R):Senta Yamada, Archie Bush, Rex Benlow, John Gay and John Waite

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St Mary’s School, Bradford Road, Menston,Ilkley, West Yorkshire LS29 6AEDaily: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Coaches will include:-Konaka San 5th Dan : Bob Jones 7th Dan: V Fairchild 5th Dan

Sessions include, Goshin-ho, Koryu-no-Kata, andfree practice (particpants are reminded to bring,bokken, jo and tanto).

Grading:Both junior and senior Kyu and Dan Grading forBAA members on Sunday from 1.30 p.m.(Dan Grading fee: £15.00)

For more information, and to pre-register, pleasecontact the school organiser:Mr B Jones Tel 01943 863857:jonesbinw@btinternet.com

Please ensure you sign the register on the daycheques to be made payable to:British Aikido AssociationParticipants are asked to bring their recordbook and proof of insuranceOpen to BAA and non BAA membersCourse FeesAdults BAA member £20.00 per dayAdults non-BAA member £30.00 per day

Under 18s BAA member £15.00 per dayUnder 18s non BAA member £20.00 per day

BAA Summer

Konaka Sensei5th Dan JAA

School 2014Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July 2014

for Juniors and Seniors

until 1988. In 1999 the BAArecognised his great contribution toTomiki Aikido in the UK with theaward of ‘Fellow of the Association’and promotion to 7 dan BAA. Farfrom retiring from the scene Johncontinued to serve the BAA asChairman of the Southern Regionand as its technical coordinator from2001 until 2002.

Since the departure of his mentorand teacher Senta Yamada to Japanin 1965, the two men had onlycommunicated by post andtelephone maintaining theirfriendship at long distance. Finallyafter a gap of 17 years they were tomeet again face to face when Johnand his wife Pepi were able to visithim in Japan and renew their oldalliance. From that time forward Johnsponsored, through his Kikusui Kaifamily of clubs, many visits to the UKby Yamada sensei, who taught his

unique blend of judo and aikido tomany BAA aikidoka.

In October 2002, John and Pepidecided to move to New Zealandwhere Pepi had prospects ofpromoting her career. Despite hisretirement and his advancing yearsJohn was ‘up for it’ and entered intothe judo and aikido scene in NewZealand with relish, founding withPepe a Kikusui Kai club in theNorthcross Community Centre neartheir home in Mairangi Bay,Auckland.

In 2004, Waite and his wife organisedthe aikido section of the TranTasman Masters Games, andcontinued to teach twice a week inBrowns Bay until John became illwith cancer. Right to the last Johnmaintained an enthusiasm for aikidoand had planned to take his students

to the International Competition inKawasaki in 2013.John was an important figure in thehistory of the BAA and Tomiki Aikidoin the UK. As the first English TomikiAikido dan grade he has taught manyaikidoka over the years, this legacyis continued by his students such asRobert and Arthur Austin, and AdrianTyndale who now maintain the spiritof the Kikusui Kai family within theBAA. Our respects go to Pepi, hisfamily and his students for their lossin the sure knowledge that he will beremembered with affection for livinga long and distinguished ‘aikido life’.

Senta Yamada & John Waite

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Rising Dawn 2014

This was the 3rd Rising DawnSeminar to be held in Ireland .Therewere a few changes this year. Thevenue changed to Queens UniversityPEC as the event was hosted byQueens University Club and we hada dedicated matted area for Youthstudents. The venue has apermanent matted area that wasappreciated by all as we did not haveto take the mats out or put themaway. The committee from QueensUniversity Club were well organisedand the weekend went off without ahitch.

The line up of instructors wasconfirmed as Bob Jones 7 Dan BAA,Satoru Tsuchiya 6 Dan (Shodokan)and Vanda Fairchild 5 Dan BAA. Asa result the turnout was excellent with57 people attending the event. Thiswas the first time that TsuchiyaSensei visited Ireland and it wasgreat to see that both all Irishaffiliated BAA clubs and Shodokanclubs were represented at theseminar.

Once the registration, welcome &introductions and safety briefing wereout of the way our Vanda Fairchild

Sensei took everyone through arigorous warm up for twenty minutes.

After the warm up, the Youthstudents headed off to their venuewith Bob Jones Sensei where heintroduced them to the idea of OpenKata. By all accounts our youngstudents had a great time during thissession with Bob. They were dyingto show me the new kata’s that theyhad created.

Our first session began immediatelyafter the warm up with Vandaexplaining the principles and ideas

Queen’s University Belfast 26 & 27 April Keith Mc Clean

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underpinning the tanto kaeshi waza.In doing so all students were able toget a comprehensive understandingof the mechanics of the kaeshi waza.She then demonstrated the kata asa whole and we managed to getthrough the first two techniques bythe end of the session. There was agreat buzz in the hall as people gotthe opportunity to train with oldfriends and to also make some newones. Vanda emphasised the factthat Aikido is a social martial art andensured we all introduced ourselvesbefore training together. I was afraidI would forget my partner’s name andhave to do some push ups!!

After a short break Tsuchiya Senseitaught some applications andvariations of techniques from theGoshin Ho. The content centred onusing a relaxed wrist and arm tomake the techniques more effective,Tsuchiya Sensei explained theimportance of always turning yourwrist just before it is grabbed in orderto generate torque and in doing so,this makes the technique moreeffective. He also spoke about theimportance of the tandoku undo/tegatana dosa and their relevancethroughout the syllabus.

Whilst the adults were training withTsuchiya Sensei, the Youth studentswere being coached by VandaFairchild Sensei. She explained therules of competition tanto tai sabakiand allowed the students to getplenty of practice as tanto and toshuas well as refereeing bouts.

It was lunch time before we knew it.Time does fly when you are havingfun. We all re-hydrated, ate somefood and enjoyed some laughsduring the break. We were back onthe mats at 14:00 and rearing to goagain.

Bob Jones Sensei took the adultclass for a very interesting lesson onunderstanding the differencesbetween the different Koryu No Kata.He used the story of how in Japan,the wrapping of the present is moreimportant than the present itself, andthat sometimes the ornate wrappingis the present as the box may beempty. It was at this point that Ichecked with the organisingcommittee that they had wrapped the

instructors’ gifts with care! As always,Bob Jones Sensei had his audiencecaptivated as he explained anddemonstrated the different conceptsamong the Kata.

Poor Vanda Fairchild Sensei wasbeing kept busy again, this timeteaching our Youth students aboutNinin Dori. Again, they all loved it.This was the last session of the dayfor our Youth students.

The last two adult sessions wereTsuchiya Sensei continuing withGoshin Ho again followed by VandaFairchild Sensei continuing with theTanto Kaeshi Waza. Mat activityhalted at 16:30.

Bob Jones Sensei then made aspecial presentation to Karl HigginsSensei. Karl received his 5 Danthrough the meritorious system forhis dedication and commitment topromoting and teaching the art ofTomiki Aikido in Ireland over the past38 years. The teaching for the daywas finished and we ended thesession with a formal bow.

There was short break followed by aYouth & Adult BAA grading. Allcandidates performed well on the dayand they were delighted when all oftheir hard work and dedication paidoff. I was extremely proud of ourYouth students as Bob, Tsuchiya &Vanda commented on theirenthusiasm, their work ethic and theirtechnical ability. In fact, all of theadults were highly impressed by theirstandard. I am hoping that as a resultof this, more clubs will begin teachingkids as they are the future of the Art.

After a hard days training, and thestress of a grading for some, weheaded out for some well deservedrest and relaxation. The venue for themeal was fantastic and there was agreat atmosphere. We were all onebig happy Aiki Family.

A second full days training startedagain at 10:00am, with TsuchiyaSensei teaching some bokkenexercises and techniques. Hedemonstrated the tegatana dosa andtheir relationship to the bokken andthen he continued onto demonstratesome techniques from the Tachi TaiTachi of the Koryu Dai San. This

session was appreciated by all asthere were no break falls. We wereall feeling the effects of the previousday. (and for some – the previousnight).This was a very enjoyablesession and something slightlydifferent to start the day.

After a short break Bob Jones Senseidemonstrated some techniques.Everyone had to decide if they wereJudo techniques or Aikido techniquesor both. This exercise led to lots ofdebating among pairs. The idea ofthe lesson was to show theconnection between both arts. In theend, the techniques were all from aJudo kata that was developed byKenji Tomiki. Bob Jones Sensei’sexcellent technical direction andwealth of knowledge no doubtimproved every ones understandingof the origins of Tomiki Aikido and itsrelationship to Judo.

The next two sections were taught byVanda Fairchild Sensei & TsuchiyaSensei. They both continued on fromthe themes of the previous sessions,Vanda with the Kaeshi Waza andTsuchiya with Goshin Ho.

The final session was taught by BobJones Sensei. It focused on free playand the concepts that underpin goodfree play practice. Although everyonewas tired at this point there was stilla lot of energy and enthusiasm onthe mats. Who does not like flippingtheir friends on a Sunday afternoon?

Unfortunately, the weekend had tocome to an end. We finished up witha formal bow and a few words.

I would like to sincerely thank ourguest instructors who gave theirexpertise, knowledge & time freelyand to the Committee of QueensUniversity Club who gave up theirweekend and made the eventpossible. We had so many laughs,made some new friends and learnedan awful lot of Aikido. The hard partis trying to remember it all.

I will have a very difficult job trying torepeat the success of the event nextApril. We will be back in Dublin forRising Dawn 2015 and I can’t wait!

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4th ETAN European Championships - Antwerp 19th & 20th April 2014

4th ETAN European

Antwerp - April 2014

Championships

The holiday weekend of the 19thand 20th April 2014, broughttogether players and teams from allover Europe to compete in the 4thEuropean Tomiki Aikido Network,European Championships inAntwerp, Belgium.

This year’s championship washosted by Eddy Wolput and hisShobukai club members, who did asuperb job of organisation tofacilitate the smooth running of thecompetition.

The event was staged in theunusual surroundings of the

Zuiderpershuis. Once a powerhouse for the old dockland area ofAntwerp, it has now beenconverted into community arts andperformance space. TheZuiderperhuis is located inAntwerp’s burgeoning ‘Het Zuid’,known for its nightlife, trendy cafes,restaurants, shops, museums andgalleries.

The layout of Zuiderperhuis gavean unusual theatrical backdrop toproceedings, with the audiencelooking down from banked seatingon to the ‘tatami’ stage where theaikido drama unfolded in front ofthem.

Aikidoka from Belgium, Ireland,Georgia, Czech Republic, Ukraine,Russia, the Netherlands, Spain,Switzerland and the UK made thejourney to Antwerp to take part. Forthe first time this list nationsincluded France, with the entry ofa team from Shodokan Paris. I thinkeveryone was pleased that this wasan example of a non-sectarian spirit

of open competition. The Frenchteams first outing at an ETAN eventbore fruit for team member DavideContinued on page 21

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Ninin Doriteam scoreTanseikan/Scothall 338 GoldShobukai A 326 SilverTanseikan 319 BronzeTbilisi 305Kharkiv 304Shobukai C 295Thanet B 283Shobukai B 277Thanet A 269

Toshu Randori no Katateam scoreTbilisi 336 GoldShobukai D 321 SilverThanet 304 BronzeBex 300Shodokan Scotland 291Shobukai A 281Tallagh 260Shobukai B 228Shobukai C 219

Tanto Randori no Katateam scoreTanseikan 393 GoldTbilisi 380 SilverTanseikan B 368 BronzeShobukai 361Leeds University 357Scothall 350Tallagh 348Kharkiv 348Thanet 339Thanet B 321

Koryu no Katateam scoreTanseikan 352 Gold (588)Shobukai A 352 Silver (576)Tbilisi 346 BronzeLeeds University 330Tanseikan B 329Kharkiv 320Scothall 315Shobukai B 308Thanet B 306Tallagh 305Leeds University B 304Leiden 299Thanet D 298Thanet 286Shobukai C 285Tallagh B 272Thanet C 266

4th ETAN European ChampionshipsResults

EmbuTanto Randori Men Individualcompetitor placeYuri Gluschenko (ITAF-Russia)

GoldScott Pearce (Tanseikan - UK)

SilverDavide de Lima (Shodokan Paris -France) Bronze

Tanto Randori Women Individualcompetitor placeGitte Wolput (Shobukai - Belgium)

GoldNatuley Smalle (Tanseikan - UK)

SilverYana Kovrihina (Kharkiv - Ukraine)

Bronze

Team Tanto Randoriteam placeTanseikan (UK) GoldTbilisi (Georgia) SilverShobukai (Belgium) Bronze

Tanto Randori

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Hideo Ohbathe aikido of ‘quiet taste’ part 2Paul Wildish

In this issue we relate Ohba’s timein Manchuria during a formativeperiod in the development of KenjiTomiki’s thought and practice. Itwas during those years spent inManchuria that the foundation ofTomiki’s competitive aikido wasdetermined.

1940 found Hideo Ohba makingplans to join Kenji Tomiki at theNational Kenkoku University inShinkyo, Manchuria. Manchuriawas at this time a puppet stateunder Japanese occupation andmany institutions had been set upand staffed with Japaneseteachers, not least for judo, kendoand other martial disciplines. In1933, after his demobilisation fromthe army Ohba had taught judo asTomiki’s assistant at KakunodateMiddle School and regarded himwith great respect for his budo andcharacter. Plans called for him tojoin Tomiki in the following year.

Tomiki had left Kakunodate MiddleSchool in 1934 to go to Tokyo sothat he could train closely in‘Aikibudo’ under the directinstruction of Ueshiba Sensei. In1936, Tomiki left Japan to takeadvantage of opportunities inManchuria, first as a part timeteacher at Daidogakuin University,then in 1938 as an AssistantProfessor at the new ManchurianKenkoku University. During thistime he also taught Aikibudo as partof the regular curriculum and gavelectures on Bugaku.

Ohba had been very busy trainingin judo since Tomiki’s departurefrom Kakunodate. Apart from hiswartime service in the army, Ohbahad been teaching and training injudo with great intensity. OnSaturdays he would travel fromAkita to Tokyo to attend theKodokan, receiving a prize forregular attendance on nineoccasions. He had also becomeproficient in many judo formsobtaining certification in nationalphysical education forms, throwingforms, soft forms and kime no kataor decisive forms among others.This had culminated in his beingawarded a licence to teach judo inhigh schools in February 1940. Thisrigorous and committed applicationto judo training was to serve himwell in the challenges he was tomeet when he arrived in April 1941to work alongside Kenji Tomiki inManchuria.

Tomiki had valued Ohba’scommitment as both student andassistant at Kakunodate MiddleSchool and had arranged not onlyhis judo teaching post at KenkokuUniversity but also as a judoinstructor at the Shimbuden of the

Shinkyo Grand Martial Arts Dojo.Such was his confidence in Ohba,that he also found additional postsfor him with the ShinkyoMetropolitan Police, the ShinkyoImperial Household Agency, theMilitary Police Instructional Unit, theJapanese Officers club (teachingon Sundays) and at the ShinkyoIndustrial Bank. Tomiki, despite hismore than busy workload atDaidogakuin and Kenkoku had alsobeen teaching aikido at theManchuria Martial Arts Association,the Manchurian Military Forces HQand the Imperial Household Agencyof the former Quing Emperor ofChina, Puyi, now installed as the

With Tomiki in Manchuria

Ohba: gyakugamae-ate

Ohba: shomen-ate

Kenji Tomiki & Hideo Ohba

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Emperor of Manchuria (Manchkuo)under the protection of theJapanese forces. All these postswere prestigious appointments,which Tomiki gradually entrustedto Ohba, together with posts atother public and private institutionswhere he had been engaged.

Although Ohba had gone toManchuria primarily to teach judo,he did not neglect his studies inaikido under the tutelage of Tomiki.In 1942 his efforts were rewardedwith promotion to fifth dan inTenshin-ryu Aikido from Ueshiba’sdojo in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Followingthis promotion he also began toteach aikido to the ShinkyoMetropolitan Police. In 1943 hewas promoted to sixth dan aikido.The previous year he had acted asUeshiba’s uke for a demonstrationperformed at the budo tournamentheld in commemoration of the tenthanniversary of the foundation ofManchuria (Manchukuo) by theJapanese.

While in Manchuria, teaching atKenkoku University and theShimbuden, Ohba came intocontact with other budo teachers ofgreat skill and reputation. It was anopportunity not to be missed andhe began to study other martial artsin addition to judo and aikido,notably kendo, iaido and naginata-do. Kendo was the first art hechose, as aikido included shinken-shirahadori (literally: real blade-white blade taking) in its repertoireand an understanding of swordforms would deepen hisknowledge. Always a shy man, anintroduction to a master of Kendo,Tsunekichi Koga sensei, wasarranged for Ohba by Takeuchi, afellow staff member at theShimbuden. Koga taught him welland Ohba was a diligent and adeptpupil resulting in a very rapidpromotion to fourth dan. Howeverthat was not enough for him and heasked Takeuchi for an introductionto Setsuko Yamada, a youngwoman in her 20s who taughtNaginata. The naginata (a pole

arm) was considered to be theprimary weapon of samurai womenand consequently the majority of itsgreatest exponents and teacherswere women. Despite hiseagerness to learn it took mucheffort for Ohba to overcome hisshyness in front of Yamada sensei,who scolded him when he was tooembarrassed to look her in theeyes. Despite this emotionalreserve he prospered under herguidance and went on to achieve athird dan.His other major interest at this timewas iaido, the art of drawing andcutting with the Japanese sword.Once again the stalwart Takeuchi

provided the introduction and Ohbabecame a student of Goro Inoue.Inoue was the branch manager of amarine fire insurance company andnot a professional budo instructor,nevertheless he was very skilledand practiced alone every morningat the Shimbuden, between 6 and7 am. Goro took on Hideo as hisstudent and taught him Omori-ryuand Hasegawa-ryu among others.As Ohba’s teaching routine oftenmeant he was training until midnightmost evenings, this schedule washard for him. Despite thesedifficulties, compounded by the factthat there were no trains this earlyin the mornings, Hideo walked orran the 30 minutes it took to getfrom his home to the meet Inouesensei who waited for him in the

cold dojo. This one to one traininggave him a good foundation in theart of iaido.His competitive spirit led him toparticipate in kendo matches andon one occasion to test his naginataskills against an exponent of juken-jutsu, the bayonet fighting artconducted with a mokujo, a woodenreplica of a rifle with an attachedand blunted bayonet at the end.Juken-jutsu players are alsoprotected by modified kendoarmour and make thrusts andparries based on combat bayonetfighting. The occasion was a teamchallenge with kendo playersmatched against juken-jutsuexponents. Although Ohba wasparticipating as a member of thekendo team, he requested anopportunity to substitute hisnaginata for his shinai (bamboosword). The referee at first objectedbecause Hideo’s opponent was notwearing shin guards, one of thelegitimate targets in competitivenaginata-do. However, Ohbamanaged to persuade the refereeto allow the match on the promisehe would restrict himself to theupper body targets usual in kendo,wrists, chest, throat and head.Hideo had expected the referee tosay no, despite his promise butmuch to his pleasure the matchwent ahead and after a hard fightmanaged to defeat him. Furthersatisfaction came from his kendoteammates, wielding shinai againstmokujo, beating the juken-jutsuteam.

Ohba had joined Tomiki at areflective stage in his budo career,just at the moment when he beganto examine aikido from theperspective of physical educationand adopt a systematic approachto teaching methodology, similar inconcept to Jigoro Kano’s KodokanJudo.Tomiki had joined Ueshiba’s dojo in1926 and had become a trustedand respected student and uponthe introduction of a kyu-dan

A Budo Experience

Tomiki, Ueshiba and theKodokan

Tomiki & Ohba: shomen-ate

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rankings into aikido he became thefirst of Ueshiba’s students to beawarded 8 Dan. It had been withUeshiba’s sponsorship and theconnections to high ranking officersand officials he could call upon, thathad gained Tomiki employment inManchuria. Ueshiba was more thancontent to see Tomiki teaching andspreading aikido to Manchuria andits military, police and educationalinstitutions.Such was his interest in the projectthat he visited Manchuria givingdemonstrations at martial artsevents. The most famous of theseoccasions was a demonstration hegave in 1942, performed before theEmperor Puyi to celebrate the 10 thAnniversary of the Foundation ofManchuria (Manchukuo). Thedemonstration was receivedenthusiastically by Puyi who led astanding ovation for his technicalbrilliance by the audience of budoexperts gathered there. HideoSonobe, said to be the greatestproponent of Jikishinkage-ryuNaginata-jutsu since the MeijiRevolution (1868) declared “This isa divine martial art!” upon seeingUeshiba’s demonstration.Ohba himself had a somewhatmore measured view of this event.Fumiaki Shishida sensei in hisbiographical article on Hideo Ohba(F. Shishida, Waseda University

Aikido Club Magazine, No 19, Feb.1980) quotes this story from Ohbahimself: "Since the Emperor ofManchuria was in an exaltedposition at that time like theEmperor of Japan I thought I shouldnot take ukemi for Ueshiba in theway I usually did. If Ueshiba Senseiwere a true master he could freelyhandle a true punch, thrust or grab.Therefore, I decided to attack himseriously. When we stood on theplatform I saw many martial artsmasters present in the large dojo ofthe Shimbuden. When I glanced atUeshiba Sensei, his beard wassticking out towards me, his hairwas standing on end and his eyeswere glittering. I thought to myselfthat he was indeed a true master.Then I concentrated on takingukemi for him thinking how differentit was to face a master. After thedemonstration we bowed and satin the corner of the dojo and weresupposed to walk over to the seatswhere the masters were sitting.However, I heard someonethunder, 'You idiot!' Ueshiba Senseiwas short-tempered. He couldn'twait until we returned to our seats.He shouted at me in that way infront of everyone. Until then Ithought he was a wonderful andtruly great master, but his shoutmade my spirit pop like a bubble.We sat down. Ueshiba Senseididn't even smile. He was in a badmood. So I felt tiny. Who do youthink showed up then? It was HideoSonobe who was said to be withoutpeer in Japan or anywhere in theuse of the Naginata. She came allthe way up to where the masterswere sitting while Iai and Naginatakata were being demonstrated oneafter another. She said, 'Mr.Ueshiba I have never seen morewonderful techniques than whatyou showed today. They werefantastic!' Ueshiba Sensei, who hadbeen in a bad mood, asked herwhat part she liked. He asked meto find a place where they could talkand we all went down to thebasement of the Shimbuden andthey discussed the theory of martialarts for two hours. While I waslistening to their discussionUeshiba Sensei asked her what

she liked and she replied that sheliked the 'connections' (tsunagari)between techniques. However, Ididn't understand theseconnections. I understood that theDai Nihon Butokukai [Kyoto-basedorganization which governedJapanese martial arts] then washaving a hard time trying to decidewho they should choose as the bestswordsman of that year and hadasked Sonobe Sensei for heropinion. When I heard SonobeSensei tell Ueshiba Sensei that shehad never seen such wonderfultechniques even though she hadseen him demonstrate often, Idecided to learn Naginata in orderto search for these 'connections.'"Later in Ohba’s life he wouldrecount this episode to his studentswhen he was in a particularly goodmood. On one occasion Shishidasensei questioned him about thisfamous incident, asking him animportant question, "Sensei, whenyou attacked Ueshiba Senseiseriously, could he executetechniques like he usually did in hisregular demonstrations?" Shishidasuspected that in view of thescolding Ohba received, Ueshibahad been somewhat challenged byOhba’s committed attacks as uke.As Shishida relates in his article:“Of course he answered, "UeshibaSensei seemed to have a hard time

Tomiki & Ohba: aigamae-ate

Tomiki & Ohba: gyakugamae-ate

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executing techniques smoothly." Ithink that Tomiki was critical of thefact that Ueshiba's demonstrationsbecame gradually softer. Tomiki'sbelief was that such softness was away of making the person throwinglook good and was different fromhow martial arts should be. Thisdemonstration of Ueshiba andOhba received the highest praisefrom a top martial artist because ofOhba's serious attacks and the factthat he refused to participate in aprearranged performance the wayhe normally would have.”In his article Shishida suggests thatthis is why Tomiki stressed theimportance of simple effectivetechnique in kata balanced by theemphasis he was to place onrandori. Budo should be performedin as realistic a way as possible.

Despite these emergingdifferences, Tomiki’s continued tobelieve in Ueshiba and theincredible effectiveness of histechniques. However Tomiki hadnever abandoned his judo practiceand his quest for a synthesis withaikido. He had always seen aikidoas complementary to his judotraining and indeed viewed it as‘judo at a distance’, part of the samecanon of koryu jujutsu from whichKano had forged Kodokan Judo. Itis important to remember thatUeshiba’s aikido was itself not fullyformed at this time. Ueshiba was onhis own journey from the Daito RyuAikijutsu that he had learnt fromSokaku Takeda to an art thatbecame much more overtlysmoother and softer in application,with an important spiritualdimension. Tomiki’s vision for aikidolay along the same lines asKodokan Judo. A turning away fromthe private intimate dojo practice ofkoryu budo, where the student hasa direct relationship to the head ofthe school, to the massdemocratisation of budorepresented by Kano’s Judo. Thiswas budo engaged with publiceducation, to be taught in schools,universities and industry sponsoredclubs, providing a healthy dynamic

activity to a foster a healthy body,personal integrity and a flexible,open mind.In 1940 Tomiki’s research intoaikido and judo training receivedrecognition from the Kodokan,when he was invited by the newDirector, Jiro Nango to give alecture to senior judoka. Tomiki wasvisiting Tokyo at the time with aManchurian martial arts team. Withthe manager of the Kodokan, KeijiFujisawa acting as his uke, Tomikigave an impressive demonstrationof aiki techniques, establishing thecommon relationships betweenjudo and aikido.Nango instantly recognized theimportance of Tomiki’s work andhow it could contribute to theKodokan Judo syllabus. In 1942 heset up a special research group, theResearch Committee onRikakutaisei Techniques, headedby Kunio Murakami. Rikakutaisei ortechniques used when standingapart from ones opponent , asopposed to the grips on the jacketnormally used in judo were to beresearched to give judo greater

depth as a martial art. Rikakutaiseiwould be employed against attacksusing strikes, punches, kicks orsome kind of weapon. Thecommittee focused chiefly onatemi, to knock down an opponentand kansetsu (joint-lockingtechniques, to control andneutralize an aggressor.Each year until 1944, Tomiki cameover from Manchuria to lecture anddemonstrate to the committee,which consisted of the mostprominent judoka of the day,including Nagaoka, Samura,Mifune and Iizuka. Undoubtedly hisefforts played a major part indeveloping the Goshin-no-kata andother self-defence aspects of theKodokan's self-defence curriculum.During his time in ManchuriaTomiki turned his mind away fromthe ‘body learning’ methods ofUeshiba, where he taught from aninspirational rather than rationalperspective, with students beingthrown by him continuously andhaving to make sense of thetechniques in their own practicewith their peers and seniors. Tomikibegan to categorize groups oftechniques and constructsystematic progressive curriculumto meet the needs of ‘modern’physical education practice.There can be little doubt that Ohbaas Tomiki’s trusted assistant andconstant uke, watched, learnt andcontributed to this process.

Hideo Ohba: oshi taoshi

Tomiki and the Kodokan

In the nextissue, wepick up thestory asWorld War2 comes toa traumaticend forboth Ohba& Tomiki.

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AiKIDo Juniors& Youth

Junior and Youth Awards scheme

Sarah FletcherBAA Youth Development Officer

Courses Badge provided toyoung people who havecompleted four Aikido coursesand had them recorded in theirgrading book. The schemestarted in January 2013, so onlyactivity after that date can becounted.

For full details and applicationform please see BAA website

The 33rd Junior North ofEngland Championship tookplace at Richard Dunn SportsCentre on Saturday 22 March2014. It was attended by 150young people all eager andwaiting to demonstrate theirskills across five age groups andfive different disciplines.

The day was extremely wellorganized by Lee Mazacs andfinished ahead of time with thesupport of over thirty adulthelpers, judges and officials.

The result was close with Leedstaking first place, secondHuddersfield and third Yon JuHachi. The Huddersfield club,proving yet again, that relativelysmall numbers can bring highrewards.

The successful Leeds medalwinners (above) with coaches,from left to right, Tony Cox, KayCox, Mark Jenner, Matt Goodalland John Parker. Not in thephoto Leo Smalle and SarahFletcher. Seen here taking a leaffrom the British National Teampose from Kawasaki

The teams are now lookingforward to the next challenge the

Junior National Championshipsto be held on 21 June 2014

BAA Junior Championships North

In Second place the Huddersfield Club

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BAA Executive Committee

For a number of years the BritishAikido Association has beendissatisfied with the BAB, itsorganization, structure and speedand direction of development. Thenumber of associations has risento nearly forty whilst practisingAikidoka has actually reduced. Forsuccessive years BAA Chairmenhave considered the idea of leavingbut had not taken the step,however the BAA Executive hasrecently and unanimously voted toleave the BAB and become “Thelead body for Sports Aikido in theUK”. The decision to leave wastaken after serious considerationand was done for the best interestof the membership as a whole. Fora number of years now the BAAhas been working towardsindependence ensuring that allpolicies and guidelines were inplace and the internal structure ofthe association was strong and fitfor purpose. In 2012 the BAAbecame a Company Limited byGuarantee to ensure accountabilityand security. A three-year plan wasdeveloped and the action nowbeing taken by EC membersenables the BAA to workeffectively, efficiently andindependently.

The timing of the exit was left to theChairman’s discretion but wasinfluenced by four factors: -

1. The resignation in January ofthe Joint Aikido Council (JAC) fromthe BAB, removing between 2,000and 3,000 members. The JAC, aconsortium of Aikikai associations,now an independent group, hasterminated their membership asfrom the end of February 2014.

2. The readiness of the BAAapplication to Sport England forNational Governing Body status.

The decision to leave the British Aikido Board –an open letter to all members Bob Jones

The application is now with SportEngland and although it may takesome time the BAA will continue tonegotiate for NGB recognition in itsown right.

3. The renewal and negotiation forinsurance with the current providerEndsleigh, which is complete andfully functioning. As the currentprovision lapses at the end ofFebruary it would seem pragmaticto ensure a seamless transition.

4. The BAB fees for the followingyear become payable on the 1March 2014 and now stands atapproximately £5 per personincluding disability insurance of£1.10. This including PI paymentswould have meant 30% of all BAAincome passing to the BAB.

Following this assessment, a letterwas sent on the 23rd Januaryoutlining the reasons for the BAA’sresignation, which will be effectiveas of the 1 March 2014.

Following the BAA’s resignation, aletter was been circulated to BAAclubs, by the acting chair of theBAB making some detailed butfundamentally flawed statements.The following is the ExecutiveCommittee’s response to the BAB’sletter and its contents.

It is now true, that there are moreassociations with fewer memberswith a majority of Aikidopractitioners outside the BAB thanwithin. The two largest groupshaving left the BAB, a number ofsmaller associations are innegotiation to leave also.

Whilst it is true that publicity via theBAB website will cease, it is clearthat the majority of “traffic” comes

through the BAA site. Recent workto upgrade the BAA site is ongoing.This will provide greater range andaccess to information. The“Shizentai” Magazine provides anexcellent vehicle for a range ofarticles and news items. Work isongoing to directly e-mail allmembers with the magazine andBAA events flyers. Any memberwho is not receiving the magazinecan sign up through the website orcontact Phil Eyers the BAACommunication Officer.

On the subject of grant aid, theBAA has never received financialsupport through the BAB or SportEngland. We must also rememberthat Karate has never had an NGBand have little difficulty securingpremises. Many sporting groups donot have NGB status, whilst somesports have several, representingdifferent aspects of their sport e.g.Basketball and WheelchairBasketball, Bowls England, BritishCrown Green Bowls Association,English Indoor Bowls AssociationEnglish Women’s Indoor BowlsAssociation, English Short MatBowls Association and of courseRugby Union and Rugby league.The BAA NGB application isalready being considered by SportEngland and although it may takesome time before a conclusion, theBAA is committed to this course ofaction. Other organizations of oursize including the British KendoAssociation already have NGBstatus.

Other groups are approaching theBAA requesting direct or associatemembership. The BAB thereforeremains a body supporting manysmaller, the majority below 200members, organizations. It is nolonger a true or representativeNGB.

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Regarding the BAB Coachingqualifications, which weredeveloped, as an interim measuresome fifteen years ago. At the time,the appetite for formal qualificationswithin the BAB was low. Thereforea series of L1, L2 and L3 internalBAB awards were devised. Theyhave no value outside thatorganization; they are notaccredited within the nationalframework of qualifications and holdno legal status. They are howeverrequired by the insurance companyto at least demonstrate a degree ofcompetence. The BAA hasmaintained the link between theCoach Awards and the InsuranceCompany. Coach level 1 will still bemandatory for all potential coaches.All existing BAB awards willautomatically transfer to BAArecognized awards for insurancepurposes.

It is true that a recent insuranceclaim was settled for £11,000involving an instructor that had notundertaken the coach awardcertification but even in this caseEndsleigh honoured the payment.It is expected to continue with thesame Coach Award system withdelivery by existing BAA recognizedtutors until an external accreditationbody can ratify the Coach Awardsmaking them nationally andexternally recognised. All existingBAA tutors have externallyvalidated teaching qualifications. Asfar as Coach awards areconcerned, it is business as usual.Revised certification has alreadybeen designed and awarding bodynegotiation is ongoing. Mark Jenner(Qualifications and GradingStandards Officer) is nowresponsible for all qualificationswithin the BAA and is currently innegotiation with external awardingbodies.

Over the last few years the BAA hasnot enforced CRB renewal awaitingto the governments transfer to theDBS system. DBS, (Vetting andBaring Service) which is a nationallytransferable system, will nowbecome available to all coaches.Francis Burgess will be circulatingdetails to all coaches during March

2014 about the new online system.The BAA’s new Child WelfareBoard has been strengthened withthe inclusion of Mark Aldridge aqualified solicitor.

With reference to policies andguidance, all policy documentationhas been developed or re-writtenspecifically for the BAA and isavailable on the association’swebsite. This process has takenalmost two years and has beenundertaken with the NGBapplication in mind.

Although “Clubmark” is no longera national government priority,within the BAA Brent Moran is aregistered national assessor andholds the national portfolio for thisarea of work. He is willing andavailable to provide advice andsupport to all registered clubs whostill wish to pursue “Clubmark”accreditation.

Regarding insurance and othercosts. Until the BAA negotiated areduction in insurance costs theBAB were seemingly paying£80,000 p.a. for their cover. TheBAA through negotiations withEndsliegh reduced this cost by50%. Further insurance reductionsand elimination of the BABmembership fee will see aconsiderable reduction in BAAoutgoings. In anticipation of this,new clubs no longer pay a club feeor PI insurance for the first twoyears of membership. Indeed theBAA has been subsidizing PIinsurance cover for the past fouryears; coaches only pay 26% of theactual cost.

The BAB has huge financialreserves, pays considerablehonorariums to executive membersand announced membership feeincreases for the following yeareven though insurance premiumsreduced two years ago. Their votingsystem favours smallerorganizations that by and large arenot democratic and the coachingsystem has not moved towardofficial recognition. The maingrowth within the BAB has comethrough increased fractionalisation

of existing member groups with noreal attempts to nationally marketAikido to potential new members.

We believe the BAA has a strongnational and international presencewith the capability and expertise toprovide enhanced support to themembership and grow as the “Leadbody for Sports Aikido in the UK”.The Executive believes that this isa pragmatic, planned and practicaldevelopment for the long-termfuture of the BAA.

The Executive Committee will bediscussing further cost reductionsto the membership, NGB progress,World Sports Aikido Federation(WSAF) progress and next stepsat its meeting on Sunday 2nd March2014. Any comments and/or viewsare welcomed.

Bob JonesOn Behalf of the BAA ExecutiveCommittee

de Lima, who won a Bronze inMen’s Individual Tanto Randori.

The honours in Men’s IndividualTanto Randori also went to the bigRussian, Yuri Gluschenko (ITAF-Russia) who won Gold and our ownScott Pearce (Tanseikan-UK) whocame second with Silver. Scottfought extremely well in this event,often against taller and more burlyopponents.

The Women’s Individual TantoRandori saw a continuation of theepic tussle between Belgium’sGitte Wolput and the UK’s NatuleySmalle. This time Gitte managedto pull off victory after a hard foughtcontest. Gitte won Gold, withNatuley gaining Silver and YanaKovrihina (Kharkiv-Ukraine)securing Bronze.

The championship was a successfor the UK’s Tanseikan team whoreturned with four Golds, twoSilvers and two Bronze. Thanetalso came away with a Bronze forToshu Randori no Kata. Well doneto all the UK competitors!

Continued from page 11ETAN Championships

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BAA Executive Committee

Disclosure and Barring Service

Every Coach in the BAA thatcoaches or is present on the matwith under 18’s or vulnerable adultson a frequent basis is required tobe checked under theGovernments Disclosure andBarring (DBS) system (formallyCRB check).

The BAA carries out EnhancedDisclosure checks and under thecurrent policy states that DBSchecks need to be carried out every3 years.

Francis Burgess the BAA’s ChildProtection Officer is responsible forensuring that the membershipadheres to the BAA ChildProtection Policy.

Verification - in order to apply fora DBS check a coach or helperneeds to contact one of fourverifiers located in 4 different areasof the UK, notionally covering thoseareas, although in reality any of thefour can be contacted.

The four verifiers are:

· Francis Burgess (SW)francisdburgess@hotmail.com· Terry Gibbs (SE)t.gibbs1@virginmedia.com· Paul Holding (NW)paulholdingz@hotmail.com· Mark Aldridge (NE)aldridge@tykeaiki.co.uk

Application - in order for a DBScheck to be completed pleasecontact one of the verifiers – theywill ask you for an email address –this email address will be givenaccess to the online applicationsystem we use, which is being run

on our behalf by TMG. Please notewe require all DBS applications tobe submitted online as this savestime and costs.

Once an application has beensubmitted the documents chosenin the application for verificationhave to be shown to one of theapproved verifiers. Thesedocuments can be presented inperson or sent through the post –please remember that documentssent through the post should besent by recorded or registered post.The BAA will return documentsusing second classed recordedunless specified by the individualwho would then be liable for anyadditional costs.

Costs - the cost of the DBSapplication is £20.00 – this moneyshould be presented at the sametime as producing verificationdocuments. All cheques should bemade payable to the British AikidoAssociation.

As a result of cost savings fromleaving the BAB, for current BAAmember Coaches with PI coverthe fee is waived during 2014.

Post Application - once the DBScheck has been completed, theapplicant will receive a disclosuredocument – this document needsto be presented to a BAA verifier.Any criminal convictions noted ona disclosure will be subject toadditional scrutiny from the BAA’scase management group – thisgroup will determine if theconvictions constitute a risk tochildren or vulnerable adults andwill make a judgement as towhether or not the coach ispermitted to coach young people.

This judgement is subject to normalBAA appeals processes andchannels.

Portability – recent DBSdisclosures are now portableproviding that upon receiving aDBS check the individual registerswithin 2 weeks of receiving theirdisclosure document with theupdate service. If you have aportable enhanced disclosurealready, you will need to provideyour Update Service number to onethe BAA verifiers.

All DBS checks provided by theBAA can be registered with theupdate service and as such are“Portable”.

Please be aware that all clubs withunder 18’s need to have a clubwelfare officer – this person is alsosubject to a DBS check. If you donot have a named Club WelfareOfficer then the senior coach at theclub is assumed to have theresponsibility.

Please ensure your DBS (CRB)check is up to date – it is arequirement to be able to coachunder 18’s and vulnerable adults.

The full Association ChildProtection Policy is available on theBritish Aikido Association websiteat www.aikido-baa.org.uk

Child Protection and BAA Coaches: New DBS SystemFrancis BurgessBAA Child Protection Officer

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Contact: shizentai@aikido-baa.org.uk

Keep up to date with BAA Courses& Club Events in 2014

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15 Jun BAA Senior ClubChampionship Thomas Tallis,Kidbrooke, London

21 Jun BAA Junior NationalsBradford

25-27 Jul BAA SummerSchool St Mary’s Menston,Leeds

10 Aug BAA National SquadLoughborough University

20-21 Sept 2014 BAA SOTRSchool Folkestone

5 Oct Executive CtteeNorthampton

19 Oct BAA National SquadLoughborough University

26-27 Oct Junior ETANChampionships St Petersburg,Russia

8-9 Nov 2014 BAA AutumnSchool Herne Bay, Kent

16 Nov BAA National SquadLoughborough University

22 Nov BAA Junior OpenSouth High Wycombe JudoCentre

TBC Dec Kyu Grade CompSouth

14 Dec BAA National SquadLoughborough University

Please remember this spaceis also for advertising BAAClub sponsored events. Whenyou are inviting a guest seniorinstructor to your club for acourse or you have a specialevent do not hesitate tocontact us and we will give itspace.

Editor