Swords have
long history
many styles
different cultures
swords have
many shapes
this one to cut
that one to chop
stick, stab
some look like needles
you cannot do battle with needles
that is fencing
the Japanese sword
clean lines
a symbol of wisdom
martial techniques became
more and more complicated
the Japanese style became
more and more simple
defense
offense
one move
that's it
like Zen
or haiku
few lines
very simple
with armor on
this cut
(shows downward diagonal to neck or elbow)
after the rifle
no more armor
no armor
this cut
(downward saggital)
Irimi
enter
now the sword became
a palace weapon
no more for battle
elegant
beautiful
deadly
I look around the dojo
and I see me
at different stages
of evolution
fighting wrestling
tense tense
thinking
I am better
he's no good
must win
compete
I will never go back
to that way again
some practitioners
go to this seminar
that seminar
this sensei
that sensei
what do they learn?
crumbs
picking pecking
waste time
no Focus
do not be an
Aikido Crab
making claws
grab grab
tense tense
It is your choice
relaxed or tense
which do you choose?
it's like a zoo
out there
young people today
they have no pleasure
just Yo!
no connection
no center
no leadership inside
this is a big problem
sometimes I look around
and say this is not homo sapiens
always
keep your posture
dignified
straight
not like ape
how many years you practice Aikido?
ok how many years you practice walking?
so try Aikido just like walking
relaxed
no effort
just move
I am walking
but I am sitting
immovable
like Zen
Aikido
It's not a technique
relaxed
alert
connected
Warrior Mind
you should feel very lucky
to be alive today
so enjoy it
train hard
how many of you came here
in a car?
You are very lucky to be here
understand?
today we live
we should train
gratefully
tomorrow
is not so certain
dont be lazy
be grateful
for your life
for beautiful mountains
beautiful flowers
lovely butterflies
this meal
this water
this breathing also
Kokyu
like drinking from a glass
of wine
hmmm very good
Oh? only little bit left
I give it to...YOU!
creation
destruction
same hand
I was young
like to fight
my body changed
now movement is
not about strength
just wisdom
you can feel the vibration
of trouble
ahead of time
go around
some other way
I was lucky
to have good teachers
wonderful gentlemen
great examples
O-Sensei
gave me my life
I feel terrible
talk too much
next seminar
have surgery
sow my mouth shut
but this
what I have said
is what I feel
in my heart
thank you very much
for being here
**Poetic disclaimer etc. all misunderstanding & omissions are mine. ありがとう Alex
