Atemi in Aikido, cont.

A while back, Fred wrote a nice response to one of my posts which began an exchange of questions and ideas. What follows is a continuation of that exchange:

Fred: Hi Allen,

Thanks for the long and comprehensive answer. yesterday a very interesting column came out abut the evolution of the daitoryu/aikido curriculum.

https://www.guillaumeerard.com/daito-ryu-aiki-jujutsu/articles-daito-ryu-aiki-jujutsu/looking-into-the-secret-scrolls-of-daito-ryu-part-3-the-evolution-of-basic-daito-ryu-and-aikido-curriculum?fbclid=IwAR1s5TYBkwHtskG22TfTRKpD3vmtQdu7SENT_Bov6l-TQblfkeVVT1WssD0

Allen: Indeed this is a very nicely laid out article. I found it interesting that the curriculum I learned from Shirata sensei evolves along the same lines as Takeda Sokaku’s curriculum did. It begins with the basic techniques originally outlined, and ends up with every technique addressing every “possible” attack. For us, this happens at Ikkyu. It adds up to hundreds of techniques at that level. Also, just as in the Takeda scrolls, there are groups of variations and misc. Again, like in Takeda’s curriculum, the lists are often used as a reference rather than discretely naming all techniques.

Fred: Looking at this and your column the 15 attacking techniques, kakete, in the first version of the curriculum stand out. Do think these are the atemi, part of which Tomiki took and standardised.

Which leads to the next question, did Shirata sensei explicitly teach attacking techniques and if so how many forms did he teach or were these integrated into the aikido techniques as Saito and Nishio sensei seem to have done.

Regards, fred

Allen: I can certainly see where one might get that impression, but I don’t think so. Here is why: I look at the quote. . .

(Kawamata Kozo) invited Master Takeda and asked him to stay for two or three months, and at the end of the training, he became Menkyo Kaiden.

Mr. Kawamata is a direct student of Master Takeda and is the only Menkyo Kaiden in the prefecture who was awarded scroll(s). Even today he practices 5 seated techniques (Zatori), 5 half-seated half-standing techniques (Hanza-handachi), 16 standing techniques (Tachidori), 1 umbrella technique (Kasa-dori), 3 techniques against 2 opponents (Futari-zume), 1 technique pinning 3 opponents (Sannin-osae), 2 sword taking techniques (Tachi-dori), 2 rope techniques, 15 attacking techniques (Kakete), Atemijutsu and more, and he is allowed to give Shodan license for those who have mastered these techniques.

Kawamata Kozo in in Shonai Nippo (庄内日報) c. 1954

Allen: And I notice that the “15 attacking techniques (Kakete)” are listed in isolation from “Atemijutsu and more.”

It seems the 15 Kakete are waza, while “Atemijutsu” is a broadly applicable skill. This would correspond to how I learned. Waza were normally learned with uke initiating. But it was understood that ALL waza could eventually be executed with nage initiating. Again, this would necessarily need to be so in the case of police and especially military application. I say “normally” because, as already shown here on TrueAiki.com, our first waza Suwariwaza Shomenuchi Ikkyo (or Ikkajo) begins with nage striking twice successively while simultaneously either kicking or stomping uke’s groin. The first atemi resembles the fluid movement of a swift slash made with a short sword, while the following atemi emulate the quick and precise technique of swiftly following up with the blade, if necessary. Consequently, from the very first waza an overall pattern is laid out for subsequent waza indicating the intensity and intent of nage. In other words, ALL waza are Kakete AND Goshin. Aiki is In/Yo, that is to say Attack and Defense as One.

Atemiwaza was taught in the context of waza (the typical “When performing this waza, execute this atemi.”) but was also recognized as existing apart from any particular waza. There is a parallel here that may seem unusual for some in Aikido. Atemijutsu is similar to Kenjutsu. It has a skill set specific to itself due to its form factor(s), body part being used vs part of Ken being used. Yet it was, and is, meant to be applied freely. There are kata associated with the jutsu, but the jutsu isn’t bound by the kata. The kata is meant as a means to produce viable, freely applied jutsu. Therefore, we find solo practice, paired (or more) practice and eventually free application of the skills (jutsu) of atemijutsu, kenjutsu, jojutsu, hojojutsu, etc. including the skills taught in the basic waza common to most Aiki arts.

All of these can be learned, and/or applied, with or without Aiki.

They can be taught and learned in a discrete codified fashion. And, for most, that is all they ever will be. Not that this is bad. It seems it is necessary to create continuity and continuation of an art.

Shirata sensei’s instruction was very clear-cut and his progressions, like his explanations, were logical and straight forward. This teaching style worked very well for me. I dedicated numerous decades to diligently practicing and instructing others, striving to faithfully adhere to the precise manner and form that I was taught. However, I remained steadfast in my quest to achieve the ultimate goal, which was to fully grasp the art of Aiki and effortlessly apply it in any circumstance. Again, Shirata sensei was a wonderful example for me in this area. Despite his numerous accomplishments, he consistently seized every opportunity to expand his knowledge and engage with others, regardless of how his colleagues perceived it as beneath their dignity or reputation. He thought incredibly highly of his teacher and used Ueshiba Morihei as a martial model to aspire to.

Thank you again Fred for your thoughtful input!