AIKIDO AND AIKIBUJUTSU

Obata Toshishiro

SoShihan of the Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai

Our Honbu Dojo is located at:
333 S. Alameda Street, 3rd floor
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 625-1989

Curriculum Outline

The Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai is an organization dedicated to studying the theory and applied principles of Aikido, Aikibujutsu, and Edo Torimonojutsu (arresting techniques from the Edo period). These three main categories of study are applied in the areas of Goshinjutsu (self-defense) and Taihojutsu (arresting techniques).

The Aikibujutsu section is subdivided into Taijutsu (empty hand techniques) and Bukiwaza (weapon techniques). Aikibujutsu Taijutsu does not involve a competition of power against power, but rather, involves taking advantage of an opponent's flow of strength to the advantage of the defender, then using the initiative gained, breaking their balance in order to apply a given technique. The objective is to control the opponent without injuring them, therefore kicks and punches (atemi) are used sparingly. Aikibujutsu Bukiwaza includes Tantojutsu (knife), Bokutowaza, Jojutsu (short staff), Bojutsu (long staff) and Keibojutsu (short stick). The Rokushakubo (long staff) technique is based on the old methods of Japan as well as those of Ryukyu Kobudo (Okinawan classical arts). The handling basics of bo are the same as the basics for handling the yari (spear) and naginata (glaive). Keibojutsu refers to short stick techniques, and can be used in controlled hitting and thrusting. Bojutsu and Keibojutsu are technical inclusions that are unique to our organization.

Training Philosophy and Practice Methodology

Out of concern for the issues of preserving traditional ways and offering adaptations and variations suitable to modern times, the attacking and defending methods have been modified when deemed appropriate. One example of this pertains to the practice of suwari-waza (kneeling techniques). There have been many cases where people have developed knee injuries while practicing suwari-waza, so as a result, in the Aiki-Buken more than 90% of the techniques are practiced from a standing position instead.

Techniques should be strong and effective, but students should keep in mind that the intention of Aikibujutsu is not that of "kakutogi", which refers to winning competitions only in order to pursue the concept of strong vs. weak. To train kakutogi is to develop physical strength, and establish the basis of winning or losing simply through the application of punching, kicking, etc.

To pursue the self-defense aspect of martial arts to use aggressively in society is the same as pursuing kakutogi. If one is learning budo (Japanese martial arts) to use in street fighting in order to defeat an opponent, or test themselves, then they are not qualified to be learning budo in the first place. Budo must not be learned with the intention of injuring others, or worst of all, for committing crimes or violent acts. Budo requires not only the study of techniques, but that of a moral mind as well. Therefore, the heart/essense of a martial artist must be true and righteous.

Practice first starts with Juho (flexible methods) and Ryuho (flowing methods), which refers to the softer styles of aikido, in order to learn harmony between partners and to drill basic ukemi (rolls). After learning to perform safe ukemi, one moves on to learning Aikibujutsu and Edo Torimonojutsu, which are goho (harder methods). In Torite-waza (arresting techniques), the opponent will not cooperate, therefore the techniques and movements are made more realistic and include advanced atemi and footwork. Using techniques of strength, one's full power against the opponent's joints, controlling techniques, and locking techniques can be very dangerous. One can easily injure their joints, so it is important for partners to practice carefully with each other.

In the dojo basics are repeatedly practiced, partners will accommodate each other; however, outside the dojo opponents will not cooperate with the movements. Techniques practiced in the dojo and techniques that work in real situations outside the dojo are different, so it is important to learn basic technique thoroughly in the dojo to understand this completely.

Advanced students should research techniques and learn technique variations. One can adapt to these techniques by using these variations to meet each unique situation, which then produces realistic and effective techniques for self-defense.

When horses went to war with their masters on their backs, one might have assumed that lining up bravely on the front line would have been considered the main asset of a good horse. However, Buji Kore Meiba means that the horse safely brings home it's owner from the battlefield. Even if the horse was brave, if it was injured by an arrow or bullet, or fell and broke its leg, then the rider of the horse couldn't fight, and was therefore in more danger. As a result, it was important that the rider AND the horse were not injured.

The same can be said for martial artists. In modern times, martial arts are generally not studied for use in life or death encounters, as they once were in years past. Therefore, if one becomes injured during practice or during a competition and is not able to practice in the future, or, develops some type of limitation that affects their daily life, they will likely come to regret having ever studied martial arts. It is important to first practice martial arts without getting injured. By practicing for a long period of time - not rushing but at one's own pace - one can expect to gain strength, stamina, maintain their health, and develop techniques suitable for self defense.

Seishin Shugyo

In Budo, or Japanese martial arts, one has to train not only in physical techniques. Spiritual and mental training is also very important. In our arts of Aikido and Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai, Japanese swordsmanship Shinkendo and Toyama Ryu, one studies the "Kuyo Junikun" and "Hachido" for spiritual and mental training. The twelve important points contained within Kuyo Junikun are applied to daily life as well as martial arts study. Hachido involves the morals of society, such as Bushido and reiho (manners) that must also be practiced. By studying the Kuyo Junikun and Hachido, one can improve themselves by building character and personality while at the same time learning to care for others. Together, the Aiki-Buken, Shinkendo and Toyama Ryu create a friendly circle within the martial arts while contributing positively to society.

Waza no Bu

Aikibujutsu Taijutsu techniques are divided as follows:

1 - Aikido Waza. The basic techniques found in modern aikido.

2 - Tehodoki Waza. Consists of techniques used to reverse situations in which one's wrist or hand is grasped. The basic Tehodoki consists of six kagami, te-kagami, ten, chi, jun, and gyaku. From tehodoki one moves into osaewaza (controls), nagewaza (throwing), and katamewaza (locking).

3 - Torite Waza. Consists of techniques used where one moves into arresting techniques before being attacked and for arresting those who appear suspicious or are believed to be carrying weapons. These are effective arresting techniques used by law enforcement and security personel. When arresting, one may be charged with excessive force if one assaults a suspect's face with kicks or punches, causing "violent" injuries. It is therefore important not to rely on excessive kicking and punching methods that can cause injury (broken teeth, broken nose, etc.). Instead, one should use controls or locking techniques to limit an opponent's movement and then continue to arrest them. The goals of torite waza are to facilitate quick arrests without causing injuries to the aggressor. Advanced atemi and footwork are used as hojo waza (supporting techniques) in order to strengthen the torite waza.

4 - Renzoku Nage Waza. Combined throwing techniques. Categorized into yukiai, kaiten, and te-awase. By learning to combine nage waza, one will be able to control their breathing, learn natural footwork and body movements, and move naturally into freestyle techniques.

5 - Kaeshi Waza. Reversal techniques. When an opponent moves in to apply a technique, one performs a reversal movement and applies a counter-technique.

Aikibujutsu Buki Waza techniques are divided as follows:

1 - Bojutsu*. Involves the use of a six-foot staff that combines Obata's original techniques with that of Japanese traditional techniques and Ryukyu Kobudo methods. Bojutsu requires extensive twisting of the body, so one develops softer and more flexible shoulder and hip movements that are useful for aikido, shinkendo, and other budo.The swinging techniques are split into shokyu, chukyu, and jokyu levels. By practicing at each level, one can analyze and understand the complicated movements. Bojutsu also involves kamae, attacks, blocks, solo kata, and paired kumite (juppon and jugo kumite), and serves as an important basic foundation for other weaponry styles such as naginata or yari, which are longer polearm weapons historically.

2 - Jojutsu. Short staff methods that include paired kumite, striking and blocking methods, and arresting methods.

3 - Tantojutsu. Knife techniques based on traditional Japanese tanto methods, including paired methods and classical defenses against knife attacks.

4 - Bokuto Waza. Wooden sword methods that include paired body movement exercises.

5 - Keibojutsu. Short stick techniques that include strikes, blocks, joint locks and arresting methods.

Mutodori & Shinken Shirahadori

Mutodori (no-sword practice) that involves bare hand controls or throws to take away the sword from the attacker is not only practiced in aikido but in other martial arts as well. When the uke (person who receives the technique) or attacker swings a sword or a bokuto with a straight cut, the shite (person who performs the technique) moves their body in such a way as to control or throw uke. When uke makes a big swing back into the jodan position, shite grabs uke's wrists or arm in order to apply their technique. These techniques can only be done if there is perfect harmony and an cooperative relationship between shite and uke. In other words, uke makes it easy for shite to apply a technique. Mutodori cannot be successfully applied to people who have learned swordsmanship or to people that lack formal swordsmanship experience and swing the sword at shite in a random fashion. Mutodori is said to have originated from Yagyu ryu, but it would be wiser to catagorize these almost impossible techniques as entertainment appropriate to movies or for the imagination to marvel over.

The main reason it is too dangerous for a barehanded person to perform an empty handed technique against a swordsman is because the distance and speed between a barehanded person and a person with a sword are very different. A sword is not required to only swing straight down - there can also be diagonal cuts, side cuts, reverse cuts etc. A swing line can change to an entirely different swing in an instant.

Shinken shirahadori (live blade "white edge" practice) is a technique where shite grabs the sword blade when the attacker swings straight. Even though teachers and students have established and practiced the required timing, stopping position of the sword, etc., there have been many incidents where the person performing shinken shirahadori have cut their palms.

To teach that mutodori and shinken shirahadori are possible or real techniques if practiced long enough is the same as one teaching their students techniques for suicide.

It has been said that Aikido movements originated from Japanese swordsmanship. Therefore, the Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai recommends that higher ranked aikido practitioners learn the comprehensive, practical sword art of Shinkendo. Among other things, people who study Shinkendo Japanese Swordsmanship will understand that sword take-away methods with their bare hands are simply misleading, difficult and reckless techniques. Aikido and Shinkendo Japanese Swordsmanship schools are located in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, and serious students of all ages are welcome to join us.