“Of equal importance is the fact that in oriental cultures the relationship between a student and a teacher is radically different than it is here in the West. Although this relationship can span decades, very seldom is it fundamentally economic in nature. That has a serious effect on what is taught and how it is taught in those circumstance. Recognizing the natures of these different ways of teaching is critical to understanding the problems that are discussed on this page.”
Brian Kagen is an avid web researcher with a particular interest in martial arts. His training background includes both judo and aikido. He has contributed hundreds of article links over the years for AJ readers.
The traditional martial arts, from which has developed the modern art of Aikido, are the product of an hierarchical society, and reflect this hierarchy within their stratification by rank and by the relationships aikidoists have with their instructors. Critics of Aikido have alleged that what appeared to be remarkable feats by the aged master of Aikido downing slews of young and strong attackers is more reflective of the respect they have for him than of his actual level of power. Not only are his attackers in classes and demonstrations usually (though not always) his students and therefore in awe of him, they are generally Japanese culturally steeped in the display of respect for elders. Illustrative of this, an American who trained under Uyeshiba told me this anecdote.
“Training day after day on a flat surface such as the mats of your dojo, can leave you with some bad habits. The chance that you will be attacked on a smooth flat surface is next to zero. So when your instincts kick in you will be probably be learning for the first time what it is like to defend yourself on an uneven surface.”
The article below has been selected from the 
The article below has been selected from the 
“The Integral Dojo is now offering a full time Uchi Deshi program in Tel Aviv. This is a unique opportunity to experience an Uchi Deshi life-style in an “Integral Practice Community” directed by Miles Kessler Sensei, a dual lineage holder in the Iwama tradition of aikido, and the Mahasi tradition of Buddhist meditation. ‘Uchi Deshi’ (“inside student”, or “live-in student”) is one who decides to make a greater commitment to aikido and related practices in a full time, total immersion environment…. A typical week’s schedule involves about 27 hours of classes in aikido and related practices, as well as a weekly private interview with the guiding teachers.”
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“Whilst watching a video recently I was prompted to revisit a theme I’ve pondered on in the past: the relationship between dance and martial arts.
“In some ryu (traditions of martial arts teaching) this oath was a written one and the prospective member was required to sign his name in his own blood. This is the meaning of the word keppan: a blood oath. He pricked his finger or sometimes his inner arm and with the blood drawn, signed the pledge. The pledge itself is referred to as a kisho or a kishomon. The particulars of these oaths varied from ryu to ryu. Often they were secret, their exact contents a part of the vow itself. One, dating from the early 18th century, which has been published many times, though, is probably typical. The kishomon of the Shibukawa ryu of jujutsu reads: ‘Now that I will receive your training, I swear that without your permission. I will not demonstrate nor instruct, not even the most minor detail to anyone, not even to my own family. Should I behave in a way as to break this pledge, I am resolved to face the punishments of all the gods of the country, and to receive the anger of the great martial deity Hachiman.’”
“In our older kids’ class (8-13) it’s not uncommon for some after-school slack, slop, and goofiness to occasionally visit some of the children during training (imagine that). I have discovered a great line that works almost every time. It goes like this… ‘That failed to express your greatness.’”
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