I liked this point:
Quote:
Joe Curran wrote:
Does the general in Afghanistan consult the Private in the regiment before deciding a course of action?
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I'd like to add that aikido comes from a "respect culture" with often misunderstood concepts like the
tatemae - bad examples and misinterpretations can become the norm outside of that context. Francis Shihan seems to see the need for a cultural connection, although I wouldn't say someone didn't have that connection just because they hadn't been to Japan. It goes both ways. Even the founder travelled overseas to extend the "Silver Bridge".
Quote:
Francis Takahashi wrote:
How often have I had to endure listening to a Japanese person tell me that I would never understand the Founder's Aikido, simply because I "was not Japanese". The Founder never told me that.
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That is reassuring.
Quote:
Francis Takahashi wrote:
The vast body of those having Nidan and higher, have never, and will never go to Japan or see the Doshu. This number will unfortunately only increase exponentially over time.
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I think more people do it now than in the past, but I agree that going all the way to a country like Japan isn't that easy for most. Luckily for those in the UK, Doshu sensei will be in Cardiff soon.