Origin of Phrase

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[Michell Knight]

I read an interesting phrase on this site a few months ago and never noted the point of origin (literary source or spontaneous insight!). The phrase was Mu shin Mu gamae (No mind no stance). I would appreciate any info, thank you!
Michell

[deepsoup]

Originally posted by Michell Knight
I read an interesting phrase on this site a few months ago and never noted the point of origin (literary source or spontaneous insight!). The phrase was Mu shin Mu gamae (No mind no stance). I would appreciate any info, thank you!
Michell

Hi Michell,

'Mushin mugamae' originates with Kenji Tomiki, it was one of his favourite phrases. A Google search turns up a few bits of information about it online. Paul Wildish mentions it in an article (http://www.tomiki.org/wildish.html) on the JAA-USA website (http://www.tomiki.org).

Professor Tomiki was a wonderful calligrapher, and there is a large scroll bearing the words 'mushin mugamae' in his own hand on the shomen of the Shodokan honbu dojo in Osaka.

(And a smaller reproduction of it on the wall of the dojo where I train.)

Sean
x

[PeterR]

When I left Shodokan Honbu the first time (after a three year period studying there) I was given a copy of the scroll. The large one is not at the shomen at Shodokan Honbu but to the side - but it is big.

I scanned the scroll and have it displayed on my site. Go to the Aikido site (address below) and then click on the white Shodokan gif.

The phrase means no mind no stance and reflects both the physical and mental distillation of how Kenji Tomiki saw his budo at the highest levels.

[Michell Knight]

Thanks to Peter and Sean for you quick responses! The first time I saw this phrase, it stuck in my mind until eventually it has grown into a significant source of meditation. It has such truth and beauty, as well as inspiration! I think of it each time I step onto the tatami.
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita
Michell

[PeterR]

It has that effect on me as well. I notice that you describe your study as Daito Ryu. When Kenji Tomiki as a young man studied with Ueshiba M. it was in Daito Ryu and as is pointed about by Stanley Pranin Tomiki placed his art firmly in the context of Japanese historical budo.

Originally posted by Michell Knight
Thanks to Peter and Sean for you quick responses! The first time I saw this phrase, it stuck in my mind until eventually it has grown into a significant source of meditation. It has such truth and beauty, as well as inspiration! I think of it each time I step onto the tatami.
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita
Michell

[Michell Knight]

After reading the articles offered in the above posts, I also noted the mention of Daito Ryu. I am constantly humbled by the caliber of people I find linked to Daito Ryu. It reminds me of the awesome responsibility that I owe to the Ryu as well. I am taking my 4th Kyu "any time" (as my Sensei says!). He has added Happo Giri--to "keep me on my toes" (He also says that alot!). My dojo takes study of the budo art quite seriously and history is very much a part of our testing. Every extension or pivot, we are reminded of the heritage of those before us. I have been quite privileged to train and visit with Bernie Lau Sensei, where I can SEE and FEEL the kihon of budo. (Of course it's not hard to feel the art every time you train when your dojo has only hard wooden floors!)
I see you train Shodokan (I enjoyed your site). My sensei has previous Shodokan training and occasiionally adds a bit to our training (extension over the front knee during throws and pins). Other than that, I only know what I see here!
Again, thanks for your response.