To Compare And Contrast the Legend of Morihei Ueshiba, Or The Making Sense Of O Sensei
Posted: Tuesday, January 11, 2011
by Al Case
http://www.alcasebooks.com/
If one wishes to know the truth behind the legend known as Morihei Ueshiba, the man called O Sensei, one needs to examine contradictions in his life. This is something that most students, perhaps giving in to the hype, do not undertake, and this is too bad. For it is through the understanding of contradiction that we isolate the crucibles and truth of what makes a man.
O Sensei studied briefly with many before he adhered to the teachings of Takeda Sokaku. Was he a flake waiting for a boulder to roll over him and pick him up? Or was there sufficient substance in his soul that he was a seeker par excellence?
Early martial arts training included intense studies of Atemi, or Striking points. Linear approaches to techniques varied from linear to circular to linear during the founders studies. Eventually techniques became more concentrated on kokyu-nage, or Breath Throws, which is often considered the pure aikido.
The third most significant man in Morihei's life was Onisaburo Degushi, the leader of the omoto-kyu sect. Interestingly, this 'woman's' religion, was sometimes involved in political brouhaha. One can sincerely question whether the techniques of the art of Aikido are female in nature.
Spirituality can be considered to be at the essence of Aikido. One can easily make the point that the art changed over the years in response to the evolving spirituality of Ueshiba. Often held up as the pivotal experience of his life, the founder's firm conviction that the universe is love obviously tempered his technical interpretation of the martial arts.
Though sickly as a youth, O Sensei became known for his immense strength. Eventually, age deprived him of all strength but that which he had accrued in the spirit. Once again, we have a firm clue to the changing technique in the Master's Art.
Having made the above points, having compared and contrasted the evolution of the man behind one of the world's most beautiful martial arts, one is left with certain conclusions. Straight line or curved, muscles vs harmony, even male to female, there is a viewpoint of evolution which should be understood in this most mystical art. To understand Morihei Ueshiba, the man known as O Sensei, one must seek beyond the 'official' accounts of his life, and know that he was earthy, real, and possessed of immortal substance.
To learn Aikido in an entirely unorthodox manner, head on over to Matrix Aikido at Monster Martial Arts.
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