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Old 07-13-2008, 02:24 PM   #27
Lyle Bogin
Dojo: Shin Budo Kai
Location: Manhattan
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 588
United_States
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Re: Seiseki Abe Sensei video....whats going on here?

I think once you see aikido as communication, you'll find that this demonstration was rather impressive on everyone's part... from the Sensei's ability to join with his ukes and draw out their highest level of respect, to uke's sincerity in accepting what nage has to offer.

Aikido shares many aspects with other martial arts, but it's focus on "leading" or "guiding" or "michibiki" is one thing that really sets it apart.

When I asked Imaizumi Sensei, who took ukemi for O'Sensei towards the end of his life, what he remembered about the great old man's technique, he said (in his way) "he had a lot of energy and his ability to guide was most impressive". In this film the same holds true.

If you don't like "theatrics" you're in the wrong game. Try out for the local MMA team and stop hating.
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