tuturuhan

IMO...one of the secrets is taking what you know and "playing" with others.

"Quote: So your remarks about the aikido not crossing over
to other martial pursuits, etc. seems accurate to me as well." by the Wonderous Channel Dave Chesser agreeing with Ed. "Formosa Neijia Discussions on Google Groups"

In the mid 1960's Tohei first came over to the United States. He stopped in Hawaii and gave a demonstration. He asked if any members of the audience would like to participate in his demonstration.

This is quite remarkable because Tohei had to know he was taking a risk. He would be going against an unknown. He would be potentially going against someone who would not be compliant.

When Tohei made the challenge, a man in the audience pointed to a second man and said "he will accept your challenge". That second man was my teacher's teacher the legendary fighter of "death matches" Floro Villabrille.

Tohei did a technique and Villabrille countered the joint lock. Tohei then countered the counter. When the exhange was over, Villabrille asked "lets choose weapons and do it for real".

Tohei simply replied "Your technique is good".

Instead of the sectarianism that Dave talks about, back then, each martial artist knew how to blend to and adapt their methods. They knew and studied the other man's game until the other man's game was added to their arsenal.

Today, most are locked in their own boxes...pretending that others do not exist. Like Tohei, we must have the courage to make challenges to test our skills...to hone rather than rust.

Sincerely
Joseph T. Oliva Arriola