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Old 05-01-2003, 06:22 AM   #7
ian
 
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Dojo: University of Ulster, Coleriane
Location: Northern Ireland
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,654
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I don't believe that the whole reason for different styles is the different periods when people trained. I think it has to do with physique, attitude and previous training. When you look at early videos of the uchideschi you can see their different 'styles' even though they are training in the same class.

I was told that Ueshiba always told you you were doing well regardless of what you were doing, therefore he didn't constrain people to do exactly what he was doing.

I don't like to talk about styles, since there is so much variation within each style. I also think different styles have different things to offer. In my mind you should always ask yourself how you can achieve the best at your martial arts. This may mean picking the brains and training with people from very different styles - this is also how the great martial artists became great (and it also means analysing other martial arts) - although a good base is necessary prior to doing this.

Ian

---understanding aikido is understanding the training method---
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