Takemusu

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[akiy]

So, what's your definition of the term "takemusu"?

-- Jun

[akiy]

Sheesh -- no takers?

My definition is in the spontaneous creation of a technique. Although this is very often most noticeable in jiyuwaza, I think that this can happen even in a "set" form like ikkyo or shihonage by the very miniscule "corrections" we make in order to fit into our partner's movements.

Anyone else?

-- Jun

[Chuck Clark]

Hi Jun,

We just returned from the IJF International jodo gasshuku which is held somewhere in the world every three years. Tired, to say the least!

The way I understand this term is: the ability to create aikido waza which "fit" the situation presented each instant. The creative, intuitive decision making process is not "reactive" but proactive and is always based in sound principle.

Glad to be home.

[Guest5678]

Chuck Clark wrote:
Hi Jun,

We just returned from the IJF International jodo gasshuku which is held somewhere in the world every three years. Tired, to say the least!

The way I understand this term is: the ability to create aikido waza which "fit" the situation presented each instant. The creative, intuitive decision making process is not "reactive" but proactive and is always based in sound principle.

Glad to be home.

Clark sensei,

I must beg to differ with PART of your definition anyway. I don't believe it's either reactive or proactive, but rather "interactive" as it occurs at the instant required. The training that allows for it to occur is certainly proactive though!

Just being knit-pricky, ;)

Dan Pokorny

[Chuck Clark]

Good point, Dan. I didn't take it far enough.

Thanks,

[George S. Ledyard]

akiy wrote:
So, what's your definition of the term "takemusu"?

-- Jun
O-Sensei repeated said that the Kami revealed technique to him. The statement Takemuso Aiki means that the techniques of the martial side of Aikido arise out of the state of Aiki or connection.

If you think about it you can begin to see what is meant. The role of the nage is to relax and blend with the movements of the uke. He must move as if he is a mirror image of the partner so there is no separation. Of course it is the job of the uke to be so in tune with nage that he can move without resistance with any movement that nage makes. So here is the crux of the matter, if uke is blending with nage and nage is blending with uke, who is in control? Who is the actor in the technique? When both egos vanish within the technique who is left?

At the point I think you have Takemusu Aiki. The techniques are in a sense creating themselves out of the state of connection between the partners. If this sounds like a great big Koan, it is.

[Kristina Morris]

Then it could be defined as an inexhaustible fountain of energy.

One big blending of each partner's center.

Kristina

[Guest5678]

Ledyard sensei,

Great post! One point has now caused much confusion for me (which isn't really that hard to do!).

In your "Koan" you posed the questions:

"So here is the crux of the matter, if uke is blending with nage and nage
is blending with uke, who is in control? Who is the actor in the technique? When both egos vanish within the technique who is left?"

If both egos vanish in the technique, there is no intent and therefore no attack, no technique is then required?........ Are we to assume then that uke lost the initial intent to attack somewhere within Takemusu? I ask this because the reality is uke does not start with the intention of blending with nage, but rather, uke starts by attempting to impose their will (an attack in this case) on nage. Nage's interaction with uke's attack hopefully negates uke's initial intention, thus merely changing uke's intention from one of attack to one of survival. At that point both nage and uke enter a common realm, one of survival. But in the event where "both egos vanish", ........ I guess I am not grasping the concept of both ego's vanishing......... no winner or loser? no attack and defense? Harmony.............?

Personally, I believe nage is in control throughout, even prior to any physical contact or connection. I base this on the fact that as soon as uke even precieves the idea of attack, self control is lost. Nage must then be responsible for controlling both uke and nage.

Still confused.....but still trying......

Dan Pokorny