Why Is The Aikido Master Perplexed?
Why Is The Sensei Perplexed?
Because only one of these students knows how to tie their belt correctly. The Grand Master is here in Marmaris as part of his tour of the Middle East. His visit was unexpected but the Marmaris Dojo leapt at the opportunity to train with such an important Sensei.
Of course Irem was there, and keen to be seen on the mat.
Aikido is the Art of the Samurai, we learned. But first we needed instruction on how to tie our belts. This apparently is important in case someone attacks you with a knife, or was it in case you wanted to take your knife from your belt, I don’t quite remember?
Left Over Right, And Right Over Left!
July 11th, 2007 at 4:56 am
If I get you correctly, it’s not about how to tie the belt, but how to fold the gi.
It’s a manner of etiquette. In Japanese culture (as far as I know) the gi or kimono is folded from left to right.
When somebody passes away the kimono is folded from right to left.
So, left to right, you’re alive, right to left you’re death in simple terms.
It has nothing to do with where you get the knife from, I haven’t seen anybody walking around wearing a gi.
Take care
July 11th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Carlos,
I am indebted to you. The Sensei has a strong oriental accent and I confess to not knowing exactly how the knife came into it although later in the demonstration the Sensei wielded a slightly curved wooden stick the blade of which he claimed you could use to cut your opponent, or perhaps be used for shaving?
He was at pains to say that you cannot shave with Western sticks, such as rolling pins or broom handles, only Japanese ones will suffice.
That’s what came through the accent anyway
Stephen
July 17th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
LOL!
In Aikido we use a wooden knife called “tanto” as part of the weapons training (along with a wooden sword called “bokken” and a wooden staff call “Jo”, yep, we’re deforesting the planet and the luckiest among us get to deforest just Japan).
I guess Homma Sensei (that’s the name if this sensei, Gakku Homma), did tantodori or “knife training” which might very well involve some good old fashion shaving techniques, but those are only for very advanced students (I prefer an electric shaver myself).
Anyway, it’s not my intention to give you a lesson in Aikido virtual etiquette, but thought it was worth clarifying, so you’re prepare if your wife wants to attack you with a wooden weapon (they don’t cut, but trust me, they hurt!
Take care.
July 18th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Believe me Carlos, my wife has become far more gentle since she took up Aikido. In England she used to practice Tai Kwan Do. Every day she had to harden her hands and feet by soaking them in bowls of cold rice-pudding.
Being beaten with sticks is far more pleasurable than watching such demonstrations. In fact, I think I like it!
Thank you for your fellowship ~ I was pleased to meet Homma Sensai during his visit to Turkey.
Be sure to make contact if you are ever in this part of the world.
Stephen