From: dji@atson.asahi-np.co.jp (David J. Iannucci)
Newsgroups: fj.life.in-japan
Subject: Re: Shall we introduce ourselves? (and Aikido)
Date: 11 Nov 92 07:21:16 GMT
Distribution: fj
Organization: ATSON, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Asahi Shimbun)

In article <3194@aegis.or.jp> jroth@aegis.or.jp (Joel Roth) writes:
> Anyway, I first came because I thought I'd get enlightened by doing
> Aikido.  Maybe others have, but after a few years I was getting
> disillusioned (the teachers are _not_ all enlightened beings?)

	Ah, I'm not alone! :^)  Well, unlike Joel, I'm sticking with
Aikido, because I think that it does, fundamentally, have the spiritual
potential that I (also) am looking for.  Unfortunately, I have more or
less resigned myself to the idea that I'm virtually alone in *sincerely*
pursuing this goal :^(.  Most people give lip-service to the higher
ideals, but very few make an effort to practice them.  I didn't come here
TO do it, but I was certainly looking forward to it when I came.  I had
been practicing in California for 2.5 years already, with a teacher who's
very, very good.  Almost what you might call an enlightened being :^).

Therefore, needless to say, I've so far been quite disappointed with
what I've found here.  I belong to an Aikikai dojo now, headed by a
rather famous master, and I've also practiced with the Aikido club
of a major Japanese company (the former, and long-time teacher of which
is Ueshiba Moriteru, the founder's grandson!).  I have to say I'm
appalled at how many people absolutely SUCK who hold very high rank.  Is
rank really such a joke?  I mean, sure, it is well-known that rank is not
a true indicator of ability, but when I feel like I'm better than someone
ranked 6-dan, something's wrong! (I'm still 2-kyu).

My main complaint is that most men that I have practiced with (foreigners
as well as Japanese) treat Aikido like some kind of machismo contest.
Very rough.  I have heard that Japanese karate is the same way.  If the
founders of these arts could see what has happened to them in their own
homeland, they would be shocked!  Actually, I think it's mainly the fault
of the teachers (no kidding :^).  As far as I can see, they don't teach the
right things.  In my current dojo, all they teach is technique.  Nothing
about centering, ki extension, blending, etc.  In California, I was taught
that kind of stuff, and my teacher would sometimes get on my case if I
was too tense, or "pulling" my ki, or what have you (mind you, he is a
fairly traditional-minded ethnic Japanese, so it's not a cultural difference
among the teachers :^).  Here, my teachers don't say a word to someone
who's blasting people into the mat with all his strength, but if your foot
is 2 cm away from its "proper" location, you'll probably hear about it.

Well, I don't want to bore everyone too much (too late? :^).  Here's a
quick introduction:

I've been here in Tokyo about 8 months.  Came here to teach English
because I was tired of my computer job with NASA.  So what am I doing
here?  Working with computers again :^).  And teaching English, too.
Oh, and in case it wasn't clear, I am an American.  I think this
group can be a really good way to communicate with others in a like
situation to myself, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves.

So, are there any other martial artists out there?  I'm doing Iaido also.

				Later
					Dave

Dave Iannucci                                        dji@atson.asahi-np.co.jp
Gaijin-in-residence                     ATSON/Trans Cosmos Inc., Tokyo, Japan
(They move fast)*(They tell me)*(There's someone)*(Rainbows)*(Alternate Tune)
Newsgroups: fj.life.in-japan