awase

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[mathewjgano]

Hi folks,
I was curious what people thought about the applied meaning of awase. I'm fairly sure it comes from the verb, "to mix/blend," but I'm curious what different people understand of the term as a concept and as a specific kind of practice for jo, ken, or taijutsu.
Thanks in advance.
Take care,
Matt

[grondahl]

The most basic meaning of awase for me comes from bukiwaza and means to match the rytm of the attacker in way that the attacker can´t see/feel my movement. In the basic exercises I have been told that we are supposed to match the breath of uchitachi.

[mathewjgano]

The most basic meaning of awase for me comes from bukiwaza and means to match the rytm of the attacker in way that the attacker can´t see/feel my movement. In the basic exercises I have been told that we are supposed to match the breath of uchitachi.

Very interesting! Thank you, Peter! I can see how what I've practiced could fit with that description as well. I need to get to the dojo more to be sure though.
Thanks again!
Take care,
Matt

[JW]

Hi Matthew, I haven't read the whole thing but this thread (http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16377) talks about this.
I think I agree that the Iwama usage has imparted a nuanced meaning to me regarding this word. (The thread brings this up and points out that in Iwama namings, the "awase" practices often involve both partners doing the same movements.) So in the end the word seems to mean that there is some kind of "spatial matching" in addition to the "timing matching" Peter mentioned.
Basically, 2 things fitting together like puzzle pieces, filling each others' openings.

I'm always willing to refine my understandings of nebulous words though, if I get them wrong.

[philipsmith]

I was once told that awase could be likened to a conversation in that each partner gives the other an opening to step into in a co-operative rather than a confrontational manner.

Works for me