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Dan Richards wrote:
His concept of Takemusu is what he indicated was the highest expression of the art. Takemusu is nothing more than straight-up, on-the-fly improvisation. And it's interesting that we can see its development corresponding precisely at the same time - 40's and 50's of improvisation in many arts. Aikido literally became the "jazz" of martial arts. Offering a box of principles and ideas - that included form - and in that form was a format for individual expression.
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I think that's a real over-simplification - Ueshiba spoke about Takemusu quite a bit in "Takemusu Aiki", and it gets quite a bit more involved than that, but that's probably another, longer, discussion.
Quote:
Dan Richards wrote:
Ueshiba didn't so much invent any kind of art, as he took bits and pieces of arts he was exposed to, and made them his own - during his time, and his life, and his culture. He put a different slant on things. He also changed his tune as he moved throughout his life; continuously refining, developing, and innovating. He also studied with the top people of his time that were accessible to him, as did his students.
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He certainly did take things from various places and made them his own, but there's no denying that he really only studied one art seriously, was only really licensed to teach in one art, only issued certificates in one art other than his own, an art in which virtually all Aikido technique can be found - Daito-ryu.
Ignoring that as if all these different arts had an equal influence is somewhat misleading, IMO.
Best,
Chris