What Is The Meanin Of "awase" And "musubi"

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[Kami]

Since our dear Goldsbury Sama is willing, I will take this train...;)
What is the meaning of Awase and Musubi? They're somewhat alike but what is the difference between them? When to use one or the other? :confused:
Best

[j0nharris]

I have heard/seen awase used more in weapons class than tai jitsu. In Iwama Ryu, the awase exercises (3 of them?) are blending exercises not quite as advanced or as long as the kumitachi (paired exercises).

I think of Musubi as more generally connecting with, and matching, your partner's energy and connecting with it, either in tai jitsu or buki.

-jon

[akiy]

From a purely semantic viewpoint, "awase" comes from the verb "awaseru" which, in turn, comes from the verb "au" (all of which use the same character as "ai" in "aikido"). "Awaseru" basically means "to match <something> up with <something else>" and "awase" is basically its noun form.

"Musubi" comes from the verb "musubu" which basically means "to tie."

For me, at least, in an aikido sense, "awase" carries the connotation of matching one's movements up with someone else's. I can't say I've used that term very much where I've trained. We use "musubi" to connote a sense of connection, whether physical or spiritual, with your partner...

-- Jun

[Kami]

Thanks, Jon and Jun!
Anyone else?
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