by Kirsten Welge In January this year, four of us from the Minnesota Ki Society had the pleasure of learning from Shaner Sensei at the annual Shugyo Tassei Kigan Shiki seminar in Merrifield, VA. Here are some of my notes and reflections from the weekend: During this seminar,
Shaner Sensei reviewed more of Tohei Sensei's carefully crafted pedagogy, and
taught several taigi to reinforce why Tohei Sensei developed this form of
training. Taigi consist of five to ten aikido techniques, performed with a
partner in a particular sequence. Taigi are another form of "tsuzuki
waza", or continuation exercises, that help us develop sustained
connection with a partner. The aim is to maintain unbroken connection with our
partner from the beginning bow of the taigi, through the final bow. Through
this connection, we support our partner, and are supported by them. Just as Tohei Sensei designed taigi as tsuzuki waza, he also incorporated elements of this continuation into the ki society pedagogy. The four basic principles to unify mind and body underpin everything we do:
The last principle is exactly the same as the first of the Five Principles of Shinshin Toitsu Aikido: Ki is Extending. We must be practicing mind-body oneness to practice aikido.
Similarly, the last "hitori waza", or one person exercise, of our standard aiki taiso is tenkan. When we practice tenkan, we extend our wrist as though inviting a partner to grab our wrist for a technique. Likewise, Taigi 1 begins with the same motion, leading our partner into katatedori tenkan kokyunage. Even in the aiki taiso, we see the connection to our arts: Are we practicing our invitation for a partner to grab hold and do aikido?
Every one of these connections is intentional. Likewise, each of the taigi has a particular focus.
This seminar, Shaner
Sensei taught Taigi 2, 4, 10, 11, and 12. He also spoke to Taigi 3, 6, and 8.
Taigi 2: Katatedori Ryotemochi (Two hand grab of one hand)
Taigi 3: Yokomenuchi (Strike to the side of the head)
Taigi 4: Ryokatadori (Two hand grab of shoulders)
Taigi 8: Ryotedori
Taigi 12: Katatedori Ryotemochi
Performing a taigi correctly isn't easy. We must first memorize the order of the arts and develop confidence in performing each art in sequence. Only after the work of memorization is completed can we can train in the deeper meaning of each taigi, and practice balance, rhythm, and largeness with our partner.
I had a personal experience of this gap when demonstrating Taigi 2 with a friend from another dojo. Between anxiety about getting up in front to demonstrate, trying to remember the technique order, and worry about working with an unfamiliar partner: I was entirely in my head, separate from my partner. I was not supporting my partner, or allowing him to support me! As a result, the taigi was rough and bumpy - a solid experience of "wrong way".
I then had the golden opportunity of feeling a clear difference when demonstrating Taigi 8 just a few minutes later. I love this taigi's arts and flow, and I am familiar with the way it moves. I chose a partner from my home dojo. And this time, I decided to choose a different intention: have fun, and support my partner in enjoying this taigi. And, both of us had a great experience.
As Tohei Sensei often says, practice means sometimes yes, sometimes no. I am deeply grateful for Shaner Sensei's clear transmission of Tohei Sensei's teachings, and his commitment to our growth. And, I look forward to countless more opportunities to practice! |
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