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<TD ALIGN="center" VALIGN="top"><BLOCKQUOTE STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">
<DIV ALIGN="left"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><STRONG>The Japanese sword has
been used for war for too many centuries. The time has come to find
ways to use it to make peace, to transform it; and by transforming its
violent legacy, to transform ourselves</STRONG>. <EM>Nishio Sensei</EM></FONT></DIV>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="middle"> <BLOCKQUOTE STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">
<P STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><A HREF="#Quick_Links_1" CLASS="quicklinks">Commonly
Asked Questions</A><BR>
<A HREF="#Quick_Links_2" CLASS="quicklinks">The Sword</A><BR>
<A HREF="#Quick_Links_3" CLASS="quicklinks">Aikido And Self Defense</A><BR>
<A HREF="#Quick_Links_4" CLASS="quicklinks">Physical Condition</A><BR>
<A HREF="#Quick_Links_5" CLASS="quicklinks">Aikido And Other Martial
Arts</A><BR>
<A HREF="#Quick_Links_6" CLASS="quicklinks">Etiquette In The Dojo</A><BR>
<A HREF="#Quick_Links_7" CLASS="quicklinks">Iaido</A><BR>
<A HREF="#Quick_Links_8" CLASS="quicklinks">Aiki Toho Iaido</A><BR>
<A HREF="#Quick_Links_9" CLASS="quicklinks">Sosho Ryu Iaido</A><BR>
<A HREF="#Quick_Links_10" CLASS="quicklinks">Quotations From The
<EM>Hagakure</EM></A> </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><A HREF="#Quick_Links_11">Contact
Us </A></P>
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<TD CLASS="SubtitleRow"><STRONG>Commonly asked questions</STRONG></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><STRONG>Is
Aikido a martial art? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">Yes. The founder “O’ Sensei,” Morehei
Ueshiba came to his Aikido through the martial way. He studied and was
versed in many martial art forms, and the method for learning Aikido comes
through physical practice of Martial Arts and its principles. </P></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><STRONG>Is
Aikido a spiritual path? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">O’ Sensei’s martial path became
his spiritual path. The integration of the spiritual teachings he received
from his teachers combined with his martial art knowledge brought about
an awakening in him that changed his understanding of the martial way.
He handed this down through his “Aikido” to his students, not only by
transmission, but also by laying a foundation of principles to study,
calling it the Art of Peace.</P></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><STRONG>What
does the word Aikido mean? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">“Ai” means Harmony, “Ki” means
Life (life-force), “Do” is a way of understanding and living, a path.
</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;">So Aikido can be translated simply
as The Way of Living Harmoniously, or The Way of Harmony with Life.</P>
<P><STRONG>Some Quotes from O'Sensei</STRONG></P>
<P>The Art of Peace functions everywhere
on earth, in realms ranging from the vastness of space down to the tiniest
plants and animals. The life force is all-pervasive and its strength boundless.
The Art of Peace allows us to perceive and tap into that tremendous reserve
of universal energy.</P>
<P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0;">Eight Forces sustain creation:</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">Movement and stillness,</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">Solidification and fluidity,</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">Extension and contraction,</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;">Unification and division.</P>
<P>Now and again, it is necessary
to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys to restore
your link to the source of life. Breathe in and let yourself soar to the
ends of the universe; breathe out and bring the cosmos back inside. Next,
breathe up all the fecundity and vibrancy of the earth. Finally, blend
the breath of heaven and the breath of earth with that of your own, becoming
the Breathe of Life itself.</P>
<P>All Life is a manifestation
of the spirit, the manifestation of love. And the Art of Peace is the
purest form of that principle. A warrior is charged with bringing a halt
to all contention and strife. Universal love functions in many forms;
each manifestation should be allowed free expression. The Art of Peace
is true democracy.</P>
<P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0;">The Art of Peace does not rely
on weapons or brute force to succeed; instead we put ourselves in tune
with the universe, maintain peace in our own realms, nurture life, and
prevent death and destruction. The true meaning of <STRONG>samurai</STRONG>
is one who serves and adheres to the power of love. </P></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><STRONG>Are
there different Aikido Styles? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">Yes. In any style, when the founder
dies, their students take the essence of the teachings and develop it
into their own. Each student may have a slightly different way of understanding,
different talents, and a different emphasis. There are many branches to
the tree of Aikido. The Home Dojo in Japan recognizes these different
branches of Aikido. You can ask any teacher to give you information on
their particular style, and which Aikido organization they belong to.
</P></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><STRONG>A Caution </STRONG> - We must be
careful not to reify Aikido or the founder to the point of fighting over
what is the true Aikido style or path. <BR>
If you hold to the universal principles of Aikido “the way of harmony with
life,” then you don’t need to create obstacles on your path by making judgments
or comparisons of other styles. <BR>
Find what resonates as truth to you in choosing a style. </TD>
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<TD CLASS="SubtitleRow"><B>The Sword</B></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><STRONG>Is
the sword and weapons study important to Aikido? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;">Yes. The sword is an important
part of Japanese history and culture. The discipline of the sword has
had an important role, not only in war but also in peacetime. O’Sensei
was a student of the sword all his life and incorporated its use as one
of the central elements in the practice of Aikido.</P>
<P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0;">In battle the sword was a primary
weapon, even after the West introduced guns. In the eighteenth century
Japan's distaste for guns led them to abandon their use for seventy years
to go back to using the sword. <BR>
</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">To draw the sword in battle meant
life or death. In study part of its mastery translated to when the sword
and all other weapons are taken away in battle. The understanding of weapons
translates to effective empty hand technique. <BR>
</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">O’ Sensei used the sword in ways
that reflected mastery and took it to new levels, “the sword that cuts
a path of non-harming,” the martial art of Aikido. (He was also versed
in many other weapons). <BR>
</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;"><STRONG>Weapons of Aikido:</STRONG>
<BR>
The wooden sword – bokken - shaped after a sword, blade on one edge. <BR>
The staff – jo – measured in length from the floor to the armpit.<BR>
The long knife - tanto.</P>
<P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0;">The importance of weapons training
is reflected in this dojo (Aikido Sho Bi Juku). It is inspired by our
lineage teacher, a direct student of O’ Sensei, Shoji Nishio Sensei. We
have adopted his form for working with weapons, and his Iaido katas. We
use both a practice Iaido sword, and at higher Black belt levels live
(sharpened) blades. We also spar with bokken and jo (kumidachi). This
all translates down to empty hand techniques of grappling and punching
and kicking.</P></TD>
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<TD CLASS="SubtitleRow"><B>Aikido and Self-Defense </B></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><STRONG>Will
I be able to defend myself with Aikido? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;">Yes. However, it is important
to realize that Aikido is a study, process and a path of learning, not
a workshop in self-defense. Even in a harder style martial art it takes
time to condition mind and body effectively to defend oneself. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-bottom: 0;"><STRONG>What if I just want
to learn how to defend myself in case of attack? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">Take a recommended self-defense
course. Take it several times. It is like CPR training you have to keep
it up from time to time, for confidence and memory. </P></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-bottom:0;"><STRONG>What
physical shape do I need to be in to start training? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">Being conditioned before starting
training can be useful, but don’t let it stop you from starting. Training
itself will condition you and inspire you to do other forms of conditioning
and stretching. <BR>
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<TD CLASS="SubtitleRow"><B>Aikido and the Other Martial Arts</B></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><STRONG>Should
I study other martial arts as well as Aikido? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">Yes. This does not have to be a
physical study of the art, but to understand other martial arts principles
can broaden your understanding of Aikido. </P></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><STRONG>How
does Aikido compare to other martial arts in physical stamina, special
abilities and stress on the body? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">Aikido is called a 'soft' style
art, but it can be as challenging as other martial art hard styles. The
object of training is to soften the body, after it has been thoroughly
conditioned and strengthened. </P>
<BR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">The pins and holds put stress
on the joints of the arms, and the falls stress the body in other ways.
All the major joints, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows and wrists, as well
as the back and neck, are areas that must be taken care of while training
in any martial art, but especially in a mat art like Aikido. </P>
<BR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">It is advisable to stretch
and condition the body outside of class, in order to strengthen and gain
flexibility to the muscles around these joints. This will help you, particularly
as you begin the practice of Aikido. It will help you balance suppleness
and strength as the training advances. </P></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><STRONG>Do
all Aikido schools teach forms of etiquette or forms for behavior while
training? </STRONG></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0">Yes. Martial art training embodies
the cultural forms of wherever that particular art came from. In the case
of Aikido it is Japan. The form of etiquette may vary according to the
head instructor (Sensei), the influence of the lineage teacher, as well
as the federation link. Many of the forms come through learning manors
and respect for the relationship to the teacher, training partners, and
the training itself. The etiquette in the dojo will actually help you
in relationships outside the dojo and is actually an integral part of
training. The forms and etiquette are a container that allow the student
to set their minds free for training and temporarily step outside the
cares of their life. They are also a good antidote to bad habits we may
have developed in interacting with others.<BR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><BLOCKQUOTE STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">
<P STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><FONT COLOR="#000099"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><STRONG>The
Japanese sword has been used for war for too many centuries. </STRONG></FONT></FONT><STRONG><FONT COLOR="#000000">The
time has come to find ways to use it to make peace, to transform it;
and by transforming its violent legacy, to transform ourselves</FONT></STRONG><FONT COLOR="#000000">.<STRONG><EM>
</EM></STRONG><EM>Nishio Sensei</EM></FONT></P>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"> <H2 STYLE="margin-bottom: 0"><FONT SIZE="2">In
Japanese the word for sword is ken, and in writing the character for ken
in reference to fighting adversaries and opponents, it is written as the
character ken, for “seeing.” Seeing clearly in battle the decisive move.
</FONT></H2>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;"><FONT SIZE="2">The sword cut
can take a life or be used as a metaphor or symbol; as in cutting through
the barriers in our minds to our freedom. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE="2">In many spiritual
traditions there are sword wielding angels and saints that slay demons
and dragons; bodhisattvas and beings that can cut through the obstacles
of mind, such as greed, hatred, and delusion. In the Tibetan Buddhist
tradition the Bodhisattva Manjusri wields the sword of wisdom that cuts
through any notion that we are separate from one another and this world.
</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE="2">In times of peace
the sword is quiescent. In such times the practice of swordsmanship or
Iaido is to see clearly into our fighting nature, so that we can understand
it, and come to realize our peaceful nature. </FONT></P>
<H1 STYLE="margin-bottom: 0;"><FONT SIZE="2">Iaido, often
referred to as the art of drawing the sword, is always in relationship
to an opponent. </FONT></H1>
<BLOCKQUOTE STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">
<P STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><FONT SIZE="2"><BR>
There are four basic movements to all Iaido forms (katas).<BR>
The first is drawing the sword from the sheath (scabbard). <BR>
The second is the Cut (or cuts). <BR>
The third is the movement, which indicates the removal of blood from
the sword after the cut. <BR>
The fourth is to re-sheath of the sword to the scabbard.</FONT></P>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT SIZE="2"><BR>
The Japanese sword has had a long history of use in warfare, and many
of the traditional katas (forms) standing or kneeling, are currently still
practiced. Now in times of peace many new styles of swordsmanship have
been created. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT SIZE="2">The styles below
represent two new systems of Iaido katas created by students of O’ Sensei
/ Morehei Ueshiba and therefore have a foundation in Aikido. </FONT><FONT FACE="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" SIZE="2"><BR>
</FONT></P></TD>
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<TD CLASS="SubtitleRow"><B>Aiki Toho Iaido</B></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT SIZE="3"><STRONG><FONT SIZE="2">Aiki
Toho Iaido is the sword of harmony with energy. <BR>
</FONT></STRONG></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT SIZE="2">Aiki Toho is a series
of katas founded by Shoji Nishio Sensei based directly on Aikido techniques,
movements and principles. These sword katas do not cut your opponent as
in the other styles, although the understanding of how to cut your opponent
is presented. The choice not to kill is made available, and a path of
resolution is cut to lead the opponent, releasing them from harm and the
responsibility of harming. Application of these katas is studied in “Kumidachi,”
sparring with wooden swords (bokken) and jo staff (short staff measured
at floor to armpit height, in length). Study and understanding of these
katas relates to the empty hand, grappling, punching and kicking techniques
of Aikido. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;"><FONT SIZE="2">Aiki Toho is required study in my
schools style of Aikido (Aikido Sho Bi Juku). It is also one of the many
series of katas studied in the Sosho Shinrenbukai Federation system of
training. </FONT></P></TD>
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<TD CLASS="SubtitleRow"><B>Sosho Ryu Iaido</B></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT SIZE="3"><STRONG><FONT SIZE="2">Sosho
Ryu Iaido is a newly founded system of weapons training and Iaido katas.</FONT></STRONG></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT SIZE="2"><BR>
The Sosho Shinrenbukai Federation is a USA based organization with Masakazu
Tazaki Sensei as its president and founder. Tazaki Sensei has been a student
of Nishio Sensei for over 39 years in both Iaido and Aikido. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT SIZE="2">Shoso Ryu is a series
of katas and their application. It involves “Kumidachi,” sparring with
wooden sword (bokken) and jo staff (short staff measured at floor to armpit
height), as well as the kodachi (short sword) and hanbo (half a bo/ long
staff). </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT SIZE="2">Included with these
katas is an important study of distance training with many different combinations
of weapons in a six part sparring exercise called “Rokkudan Uchi.” </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT SIZE="2">On longer training
camps a basic understanding of cutting with the sword using straw mats
is explored as well as “Sports Chanbara” which is a favorite sparring
challenge in Japan, using head gear and soft weapons. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;"><FONT SIZE="2">This style offers
a broad range of weapons study and an in depth training with the katana
(sword). </FONT></P>
<P>Web site for Masakazu Tazaki Sensei <A HREF="http://www.aikido-iaido.com/" TARGET="_blank">International
Sosho Shinrenbukai Federation</A></P></TD>
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<TD CLASS="SubtitleRow"><P STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><B>Quotations
from the <STRONG>Hagakure - Code of the Samurai </STRONG></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">by Yamamoto Tsunetomo</P></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" BGCOLOR="#ffffff"><P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT COLOR="#000000">Our
bodies are given life from the midst of nothingness. Existing where there
is nothing the meaning of the phase, “ Form is Emptiness”. That all things
are provided for by nothingness is the meaning of the phrase, “ Emptiness
is form” One should not think that these are two separate things. </FONT></P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">From the beginning of the
book –We all want to live. And in large part we make our logic according
to what we like. But not having attained our aim and continuing to live
is cowardice. But there is no shame in this. This is the substance of
the way of the Samurai. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">If by setting ones heart right
every morning and evening, one is able to live as though his body were
already dead, he gains freedom in the Way. Ones whole life will be without
blame, and he will succeed in his calling.</P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">It is said that one should
not hesitate to correct oneself when one has made a mistake. If this is
done without the least delay, ones mistakes will quickly disappear. But
if one tries to cover up a mistake, it will become all the more unbecoming
and painful. </P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">Matters of great concern should
be treated lightly. Matters of small concern should be treated seriously.
</P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">You cannot tell whether a
person is good or bad by his vicissitudes in life. Good and bad fortunes
are matters of fate. Good and bad actions are Man’s Way. Retribution of
good and evil is taught simply as a moral lesson. </P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">It is not good to settle into
a set of opinions. Put forth great efforts in understanding the basics,
then practicing so that they may come to fruition is something that will
never stop for your whole lifetime. Think, “This is not enough”. Set your
mind not to put things off. Within this is the Way.</P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;"><FONT COLOR="#000000">For
a Samurai, a single word is important no matter where he may be. By just
one single word martial valor can be made apparent. In peaceful times
words show one’s bravery. In troubled times, too, one knows that by a
single word his strength or cowardice can be seen. This single word is
the flower of one’s heart. It is not something said simply with one’s
mouth. </FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000"></FONT></P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">The way of the Samurai is
in desperateness. Common sense will not accomplish great things. Simply
become insane and desperate. “In the Way of the Samurai, if one uses discrimination,
he will fall behind. One needs neither loyalty nor devotion, but simply
to become desperate in the Way. Loyalty and devotion are of themselves
within desperation.” </P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">In the words of the ancients,
one should make his decisions within the space of seven breaths. “If discrimination
is long, it will spoil.” “When matters are done leisurely, seven out of
ten will turn out badly. A warrior is a person who does things quickly.”
When your mind is going hither and thither, discrimination will never
be brought to a conclusion. With an intense, fresh and un-delaying spirit,
one will make his judgments within the space of seven breaths. It is a
matter of being determined and having the spirit to break through to the
other side. </P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">“An ancestor’s good or evil
can be determined by the conduct of his descendants.” A descendant should
act in a way that will manifest the good in his ancestor and not bad.
This is filial pity. </P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">Meeting with people should
never be a matter of quickly grasping their temperament and reacting appropriately
to this person and that. Especially with an extremely argumentative person,
after yielding considerably one should argue him down with superior logic,
but without sounding harsh, and in a fashion that will allow no resentment
to be left afterwards. This is a function of both the heart and the words.
This was an opinion given by a priest concerning personal encounters.
</P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">Be true to the thought of
the moment and avoid distraction. Other than continuing to exert yourself,
go to the extent of living single thought by single thought. </P>
<HR> <P STYLE="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;">The basic meaning of etiquette
is to be quick at both the beginning and at the end and tranquil in the
middle. – Like a kaishsuku. </P>
<HR> <FONT COLOR="#000000">In carefully scrutinizing the affairs of the
past, we find that there are many different opinions about them, and that
there are some things that are quite unclear. It is better to regard such
things as unknowable. “ As for things that we don’t understand, there are
ways of understanding them. Furthermore, there are some things we understand
naturally, and again some that we can’t understand no matter how hard we
try. This is interesting. This is very profound. It is natural that one
cannot understand deep hidden things. Those things that are easily understood
are rather shallow. </FONT> <P ALIGN="right" STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;"><A NAME="Quick_Links_11"></A><A HREF="#Return_to_top">Return
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<P ALIGN="left" STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;"><STRONG>Contact
Michele Benzamin-Miki Sensei:</STRONG></P>
<P ALIGN="left" STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">Manzanita
Village, PO Box 67</P>
<P ALIGN="left" STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">Warner Springs
CA 92086, USA</P>
<P ALIGN="left" STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">Manzanita
Village 760-782-9223</P>
<P ALIGN="left" STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">
<P ALIGN="left" STYLE="margin-top:0; margin-bottom: 0;">email <A HREF="mailto:aikido@ordinarydharma.org">aikido@ordinarydharma.org</A></P>
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