Training by Michael J. Hacker
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We often speak of training in Aikidō. But to what kind of
training are we referring? Study? Research? Observation? Repetitious
drilling? The English word "train" alone seems a bit inadequate to
describe all of the facets of learning that take place in the
dōjō [and elsewhere].
I want to keep this month's article brief and allow you to draw
your own conclusions. I will, however, give you the breakdown of
several Japanese words I have heard used to refer to various aspects
training. Along with them, I will present you with a couple of
examples of how each kanji in the word is used in [more or less]
colloquial Japanese.
Let's start off with a few English words to establish a base:
Train --
- To coach in or accustom to a mode of behavior or performance.
- To make proficient with specialized instruction and practice.
Study --
- The act or process of studying.
- The pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research.
Drill --
- Disciplined, repetitious exercise as a means of teaching and
perfecting a skill or procedure.
- A task or exercise for teaching a skill or procedure by repetition.
Research --
- Scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry.
- Close, careful study.
Obviously, there is a certain amount of definition overlap. Each
refers to learning, but each also has its own particular approach and
flavor. For instance, special research study would likely be much more
academic in nature than a repetitious drilling practice designed to
imprint principles into your body.
That said, let's dive into some common, hopefully relevant, Japanese
terms.
keiko 稽古 - training, drill, practice, rehearsal
- kei
稽 - think, consider, bow low
- keikogi
稽古着 -- training uniform
[consider-old-clothing]
- mitorigeiko
見取稽古 -- observation
[see-take-keiko]
(I have heard kengaku 見学 -- [see-study]
more often)
- ko
古 - old, ancient
- koshiki
古式 -- old style, ancient
ritual [old-ceremony/style]
- kobudō
古武道 -- ancient martial
arts [old-martial-path]
tanren
鍛錬 -- a process of forging and
polishing
- tan
鍛 - forge, temper, train,
drill, [instill] discipline
- tanzō
鍛造 -- forging
[forge-build]
- tantetsu鍛鉄 - wrought iron
[forge-iron]
- ren
錬 - forge, temper,
refine, polish, train
- renbei 錬兵 --
military drill [forge-soldier]
- renkinjutsu 錬金術 -- alchemy
[forge-gold-art]
kunren 訓練 - training
- kun
訓 - teachings, precept
- kyōkun
教訓 - lesson, precept,
moral [teach-precept]
- kun'iku
訓育 - education,
discipline [teach-upbringing]
- ren --
see above
renshū 練習
- ren --
see above
- shū
習 - learn
- gakushū
学習 -- learning, study
[study-learn]
- akushū
悪習 - bad habit, vice
[evil-learn]
kōshūkai
講習会 -- short course, training
conference
- kō
講 -- lecture, study
- kōhyō 講評 --
criticism, review [lecture-criticize]
- kōkyū
講究 -- specialized
research [lecture-investigate]
- shū
-- see above
- kai
会 -- meeting
- kaigō
会合 -- meeting, assembly [meeting-together]
- Aikikai合気会 -- Aikikai
[aiki-association]
gasshuku
合宿 -- lodging together
- gō
/ ga(tsu) / ai 合 -- together, fit, be appropriate
- Aikidō
合気道 -- Aikidō (duh)
- nia(u)
似合 -- to be suitable,
well-matched [resemble-together]
- shuku
宿 -- lodging, inn
- Shinjuku
新宿 -- Shinjuku area of Tokyo [new-lodging]
- shukuhaku
宿泊 -- lodging, a place
to stay [shelter-overnight stay]
kenkyū
研究 -- research
- ken
研 -- hone, sharpen,
polish
- kenshūsei
研修生 -- special research
student [sharpen-cultivate-student]
- makenshi
磨研紙 -- sandpaper [polish-hone-paper]
- kyū
究 -- investigate
thoroughly
- gakkyūteki
学究的 -- scholastic,
academic [study-investigate-ic]
- kenkyūjo 研究所 --
laboratory [hone-investigate-place]
These are just a few examples of words you might hear in reference to
learning or training of some sort. Try connecting some of the dots
yourself and see what you come up with... it might make for an
interesting discussion.
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