Welcome to AikiWeb Aikido Information
AikiWeb: The Source for Aikido Information
AikiWeb's principal purpose is to serve the Internet community as a repository and dissemination point for aikido information.

Sections
home
aikido articles
columns

Discussions
forums
aikiblogs

Databases
dojo search
seminars
image gallery
supplies
links directory

Reviews
book reviews
video reviews
dvd reviews
equip. reviews

News
submit
archive

Miscellaneous
newsletter
rss feeds
polls
about

Follow us on



Home > AikiWeb Aikido Forums
Go Back   AikiWeb Aikido Forums > General

Hello and thank you for visiting AikiWeb, the world's most active online Aikido community! This site is home to over 22,000 aikido practitioners from around the world and covers a wide range of aikido topics including techniques, philosophy, history, humor, beginner issues, the marketplace, and more.

If you wish to join in the discussions or use the other advanced features available, you will need to register first. Registration is absolutely free and takes only a few minutes to complete so sign up today!

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 12-05-2001, 11:19 PM   #1
Michell Knight
Dojo: Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu
Location: N. California
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 15
Offline
Question Origin of Phrase

I read an interesting phrase on this site a few months ago and never noted the point of origin (literary source or spontaneous insight!). The phrase was Mu shin Mu gamae (No mind no stance). I would appreciate any info, thank you!
Michell

Michell Knight, P.A.-C
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2001, 06:54 AM   #2
deepsoup
Dojo: Sheffield Shodokan Dojo
Location: Sheffield, UK
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 524
Offline
Re: Origin of Phrase

Quote:
Originally posted by Michell Knight
I read an interesting phrase on this site a few months ago and never noted the point of origin (literary source or spontaneous insight!). The phrase was Mu shin Mu gamae (No mind no stance). I would appreciate any info, thank you!
Michell
Hi Michell,

'Mushin mugamae' originates with Kenji Tomiki, it was one of his favourite phrases. A Google search turns up a few bits of information about it online. Paul Wildish mentions it in an article on the JAA-USA website.

Professor Tomiki was a wonderful calligrapher, and there is a large scroll bearing the words 'mushin mugamae' in his own hand on the shomen of the Shodokan honbu dojo in Osaka.

(And a smaller reproduction of it on the wall of the dojo where I train.)

Sean
x
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2001, 07:18 AM   #3
PeterR
 
PeterR's Avatar
Dojo: Shodokan Honbu (Osaka)
Location: Himeji, Japan
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,319
Japan
Offline
When I left Shodokan Honbu the first time (after a three year period studying there) I was given a copy of the scroll. The large one is not at the shomen at Shodokan Honbu but to the side - but it is big.

I scanned the scroll and have it displayed on my site. Go to the Aikido site (address below) and then click on the white Shodokan gif.

The phrase means no mind no stance and reflects both the physical and mental distillation of how Kenji Tomiki saw his budo at the highest levels.

Peter Rehse Shodokan Aikido
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2001, 11:55 AM   #4
Michell Knight
Dojo: Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu
Location: N. California
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 15
Offline
Thank You!

Thanks to Peter and Sean for you quick responses! The first time I saw this phrase, it stuck in my mind until eventually it has grown into a significant source of meditation. It has such truth and beauty, as well as inspiration! I think of it each time I step onto the tatami.
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita
Michell

Michell Knight, P.A.-C
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2001, 12:11 PM   #5
PeterR
 
PeterR's Avatar
Dojo: Shodokan Honbu (Osaka)
Location: Himeji, Japan
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,319
Japan
Offline
Re: Thank You!

It has that effect on me as well. I notice that you describe your study as Daito Ryu. When Kenji Tomiki as a young man studied with Ueshiba M. it was in Daito Ryu and as is pointed about by Stanley Pranin Tomiki placed his art firmly in the context of Japanese historical budo.

Quote:
Originally posted by Michell Knight
Thanks to Peter and Sean for you quick responses! The first time I saw this phrase, it stuck in my mind until eventually it has grown into a significant source of meditation. It has such truth and beauty, as well as inspiration! I think of it each time I step onto the tatami.
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita
Michell

Peter Rehse Shodokan Aikido
  Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2001, 12:48 PM   #6
Michell Knight
Dojo: Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu
Location: N. California
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 15
Offline
Daito Ryu

After reading the articles offered in the above posts, I also noted the mention of Daito Ryu. I am constantly humbled by the caliber of people I find linked to Daito Ryu. It reminds me of the awesome responsibility that I owe to the Ryu as well. I am taking my 4th Kyu "any time" (as my Sensei says!). He has added Happo Giri--to "keep me on my toes" (He also says that alot!). My dojo takes study of the budo art quite seriously and history is very much a part of our testing. Every extension or pivot, we are reminded of the heritage of those before us. I have been quite privileged to train and visit with Bernie Lau Sensei, where I can SEE and FEEL the kihon of budo. (Of course it's not hard to feel the art every time you train when your dojo has only hard wooden floors!)
I see you train Shodokan (I enjoyed your site). My sensei has previous Shodokan training and occasiionally adds a bit to our training (extension over the front knee during throws and pins). Other than that, I only know what I see here!
Again, thanks for your response.

Michell Knight, P.A.-C
  Reply With Quote

Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
origin of "su" jeff. Spiritual 27 06-06-2006 03:28 PM
Origin Go Shin No kata weapons L. Camejo Weapons 3 09-17-2004 07:35 AM
Origin Go Shin No kata weapons L. Camejo Weapons 1 08-16-2004 06:10 PM
Origin of sword work in Aikido NH Weapons 7 08-13-2004 03:51 PM
Origin of the jo petra General 6 09-13-2001 03:40 PM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:18 PM.



vBulletin Copyright © 2000-2024 Jelsoft Enterprises Limited
----------
Copyright 1997-2024 AikiWeb and its Authors, All Rights Reserved.
----------
For questions and comments about this website:
Send E-mail
plainlaid-picaresque outchasing-protistan explicantia-altarage seaford-stellionate