6 Values In Training by Morihei Ueshiba

By Jesse Enkamp

The following was written by Ueshiba Morihei, founder of Aikido.

He might have not have been training Karate, but please try to see it from a bigger perspective.

1. The original intent of Bujutsu (martial arts) was to kill an enemy with one blow – since all techniques can be lethal, observe the teachers directions and do not engage in contests of strength.

2. Bujutsu is an art in which the one is used to strike the many. Therefore train yourself always to be mindful of, and alert to, opponents in the four and eight directions.

3. Always train in a vibrant and joyful manner.

4. The instructor can only impart a small portion of the teaching. Only through ceaseless training can you obtain the necessary experience allowing you to bring these mysteries alive. Hence, do not chase after many techniques – one by one make each technique your own.

5. In daily training, begin with basic movements to strengthen the body without overexertion. Spend the first ten minutes warming up and there will be no fear of injury even for older people. Enjoy yourself in training and strive to comprehend its’ true purpose.

6. Training in Bujutsu is to build ones’ character. The techniques are transmitted from person to person on an individual basis and should not be disclosed indiscriminately to the public. Such secret techniques should not be used for evil purposes.

by Ueshiba Morihei

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12 Comments

  • John
    First time I've seen these particular tenets of Ueshiba. I will say, no. 6 caught my eye. I've trained one-on-one and also in classes where little more than elbow room was available. Obviously there's value in individual training. Personally, I like the interaction and camaraderie found in a small group of students.
    Reply
  • Jesse
    Yes, I feel the same. Small groups have a completely different atmosphere. However, it can be quite hard to break into a small group if you are an "outsider". But when you're in, it's the best!
    Reply
  • Mark
    I would like to compete next year using the Pachu kata. Do you know where I could find a teaching video of it? Thanks!
    Reply
  • Mark
    BTW, I loved yours on You Tube!
    Reply
  • Jesse
    Umm, yeah, try the DVD issued by the Ryueiryu org. Just google it and you will find! It's accessible from many websites. Good luck!
    Reply
  • Jack Brown
    I can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a blog. Kudos!
    Reply
    • Carissa
      Same!! :)
      Reply
  • Matthew Dear
    As an Aikidoka that also trains in Karate (Shotokan) as a secondary art I understand what O sensei is coming from and why Aikido is so different from other arts. Aikido is pure budo it doesnt have kumite or competitions therefore O sensei's aim was to build inner character. Rather than using brute force to win a battle one should be relaxed and go with the flow of an aggressive attacker by merging with their ki. Like Okinawan Karate, Aikido teaches pure self defense but in a way that you're not put in a pressuring self defense scenario of where you're in the mode to fight. Attacks are metaphorical but scientific as the third law of motion applies greatly. Just like Karate there are also bunkai's within the techniques because Aikido techniques are very flowing. Meaning that once you've applied a technique you can transition to another etc. It's all about opening opportunities to achieve irimi(entering)& kuzushi (balance breaking). Aikido's aim is to join the attacker rather than oppose. O sensei speaks highly of harmony of the universe....which also includes harmonizing with our attackers. Aikido won't work in sport fighting such as MMA because it's far sophisticated for that. But it definitely work in one's daily life....even for self defense.
    Reply
  • F,ORTEGA
    Sensei Jesse can you tell me when are you having another seminar in Boston?
    Reply
  • CJ
    I read a book from him very well educated. A lot of this points are in his. Pluse I like this breakdown and definition. Sensi Jessie awesome job.
    Reply
  • R Imperial
    Many of the early Japanese karateka of the 20th Century were influenced or had an association with Morihei Ueshiba: Yasuhiro Konishi, Kenwa Mabuni, Hironori Ohtsuka, Shigeru Egami, even Mas Oyama. Konishi in particular was a student of Ueshiba (and so was Konishi's wife). The Shindo Jinen Ryu and Shito Ryu kata Seiryu, was created in collaboration with Morihei Ueshiba I believe.
    Reply
  • R Imperial
    https://www.jkr-uk.org.uk/morihei-ueshiba
    Reply

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