A Seminar report on the Master Koretoshi Maruyama 5 day seminar held at Goshinkan, Byron Bay, Australia Sept 5-9 Sept 2003
What a fantastic, energetic seminar this year - fortunately spring came
late to Byron Bay which kept the temperatures favorable for vigorous
training (though challenging for Gi washing/drying)
This year Sensei Maruyama focused on three ideas (the Seichusen, Moon
shadow foot and Lizard legs) these were repeatedly emphasized and
experienced through aikido technique and weapons training. These ideas are
spoken at length in the new yuishinkai student guidebook by Sensei Michael
Williams but became living (reality?) at the seminar. Whilst most of the
tehnique syllabus was covered during the five days, I'll not attempt to
convey this here(though perhaps others will attempt?).
The Seichusen
The centre line (encompassing the gei/seika, chu, and jo tandens) is
familiar to many aikkidoka, its relationship to uke's centre line, where to
cut for projections and having that forward feeling during leading were
emphasized during weapons suburi and aikido technique.
I think Maruyamas seichusen was tested only once...as a passenger in Sensei
Neil's (Cleveland dojo) Corvette Stingray between classes one day ;)
Moon Shadow foot
Is a method of breaking ma-ai without ukes knowledge, this is achieved by
sliding the front forward with no weight on it (as a transitionary
movement). I guess a lot of experienced aikidoka do this anyway but it's
nice to have it presented in formal detail. Maruyama sensei explained how
it is borrowed from the shinkage sword school(s) and spoke of its use in
some famous duels in history. The name itself comes from how your foot
moves forward like the reflection of the moon on a pond.
Lizard legs
Was presented as a way of stepping to make distance to shikaku (hidden
point behind uke) comfortable with out having to take big steps, awkward
shuffling or dramatic leaps. Sensei explained this has helped his aikido
become more effective with big westerners (in particular Peter from
Fuji-ryu in Tasmania) and how as our bodies age this is a way to continue
to do effective movements with less hip mobility.
Weapons training
Of particular interest to me were his insights into traditional sword
practice where he explained a little of the linage of our sword training
and more on the famous shinkage ryu schools. He spoke why we have different
stances to traditional sword practice - owing to the use of bokken and
not having to wear heavy armour and also about some of the 'fictions' of
swordsmanship in popular Japanese movies.
A day of the seminar was devoted to Jo and Bokken practice, where we
studied the relationship of the above 3 principles through kata and
kumitachi. We studied bokken-bokken kumitachi (much like taigi 29 for you
KS folks) and he really brought it alive as an intense interaction, we then
covered Jo-Bokken kumitachi and the bokken part to the first jo kata
(shooting star aka taigi 27 for KS). In fact I would go as far to say the
first session was my favorite class(es) ever.
A particular students comment sticks in my head "I thought weapons was an
interesting side to aikido but never really understood its importance in
helping me understand things before"
Seminar Dinner/wild party
Saturday night we were treated to local Byron dojo talent at the seminar
dinner with the 'Senseishins' band lead by Michael Williams Sensei and
numbering some professional musicians in the group. Quieter moments also
featured some acoustic guitar and vocals and a few excellent piano and
vocal standards.
The seminar was well thought out showing a logical progression of ideas for
each class and the classes as a whole. Its clear that Maruyama sensei has
evolved his ideas (different from his time with Ki Society), in general
there is greater martial emphasis and he embraces concepts from other aiki
styles. e.g. he referred to and explained aiki-age from the daito-ryu as
well as teaching little snippets of other aiki-things as well (thought i
spied some shinbudokai stuff as well).
In closing Maruyama emphasized his motto 'I am mind itself' and reiterated
the importance of posture and the seichusen as the most important thing for
aikido and daily life. More info can be found on Maruyama sensei can be
found on http://aikidoyuishinkai.com