Thread: RE: Elegance
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Old 09-12-2012, 01:28 PM   #38
oisin bourke
 
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Re: Elegance

Quote:
"In aikido demonstrations, the more advanced the persons executing the techniques and taking the falls are, the more balanced their minds, techniques and bodies become. As their kokyu or breathing becomes united, the artistic beauty of harmony emerges. This beauty is different from the elegant beauty of dancing or gymnastics. I would describe it as a severe beauty, that is, like an autumn frost."

Gozo Shioda
One of the things I love most about Japanese culture is the genius for creating succinct, beautifully apt metaphor; simple but perfect.

This is done achieved those who have spent a lifetime refining their art and have managed to condense the essence of what they do, like a great chef reducing a sauce into a highly concentrated stock.

As far as I know, Shioda Sensei was not particularly noted for his eloquence, but that quote is beautiful.

Thanks for that.
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