Poll: Does the philosophy of aikido need to be explicitly discussed during class for the training to be "aikido"?

I am quite surprized by the results of this poll. I know I am doing Aikido because of its philosophy, not because I am afraid to walk on the streets (I'd buy a gun then). I see techniques as a path to understand the philosophy on deeper level. Sometimes the connection is not clear, so some talking is necessary. Physical fitness is a bonus, important, but still secondary.

Of course, just an opinion.

Charles,

More simply put I think that all of us have the same teacher OSensei did - the society, world and universe around us. I like seeing each tree, but I think it is wise to also see the forest. An interesting article on this website quoted OSensei when he was asked what to call the his aikido techniques. He was reported to answer "I don't care, call them what you like."

I think he was more interested in the journey than the names of the trees along the way.

David

Speaking frankly, I do the same techniques in Ju-jitsu as I do when I'm at Aikido and in largely the same way. So this element of the philosophy is something I find quite confusing. I don't see the link between O-Sensei's philosophy and ordinary every day practice.

If by philosophy you're talking about defending yourself without hurting your opponent, especially if you define hurting as causing perminent damage then I think you're probably talking about a philosophy common to many martial arts.

Yann Golanski wrote: I got my information from books on Aikido, mainly Nariyama's, Albright's and Ueshiba's.

Sorry to hijack the thread just to be pedantic, but...

If you're going to refer to just one author of "Tradition and the Competetive edge", it would be more accurate (and fairer) to call it "Shishida's" book rather than "Nariyama's"

Ok, back on topic.

Sean
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I voted that the philosophy doesn't have to be explicitly discussed. For me, the philosophy is inherent in the practice of aikido not the talk of it. It's easy to talk the talk, but actually walking the walk is a whole different story.