Quote:
Carsten M�llering wrote:
Thank you for answering my question.
I don't see this global cange when looking at what we can know about the history of aikido.
And I don't "experience" it when practicing with my teacher who has practiced with the late Sugino Yoshio (besides other teachers).
So I don't agree with your statement. Be it sitting over my books or be it practicing on the tatami.
I myself think that the assumption of a global change after WWII just makes it easier for us, to - seemingly! - understand what Ueshiba thaught and did.
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Also, part of the very deliberate post-war effort to separate Aikido from it's militaristic roots (for obvious reasons).
It was also a great sales point to distinguish Aikido from the other arts in post-war Japan.
Even pre-war, Judo and Karate made similar efforts - but Ueshiba and the Aikikai seem to have been the most successful at branding.
I'm not being cynical, I think that he believed in what he was doing - but it wasn't (quite) unique.
Judo under Kano: JITA-KYOEI (Perfection of One's Self and Mutual Welfare and Benefit)
Karate under Funakoshi: Never forget that karate begins and ends with respect. There is no first attack in karate. Karate fosters righteousness.
Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu: Winning without fighting - "Strategies for war become strategies for peace", circa early 1400's.
And others...I think that the pre-war/post-war knife edge dichotomy is way too simplistic.
Best,
Chris