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Jiyushinkan
"Transcending Winning and Losing"
by Jim Zimmerdahl
(from Issue #7 Dojo Database)
A gathering of Jiyushinkai members for shochugeiko (hot weather training) at the Jiyushinkan. Senior teachers include (front row, left to right): T. Snowden, C. Clark, S. Conner, S. Duncan, A. Clark. (All photos are courtesy of the Jiyushinkan.)
Jiyushinkan: Aikibudo, judo, Shinto Muso-ryu jodo. Chief instructor: Chuck Clark Address: Jiyushinkan 415 S. McClintock Drive #7 Tempe, Arizona 85281-2250 Dojo phone: 602-968-6646. Contact C.E. Clark at Tel./Fax: 602-730-6791. E-Mail: jiyushin@primenet.com.
The Jiyushinkan in Tempe, Arizona is the home dojo of Jiyushinkai Aikibudo. The Jiyushinkai is an independent organization of dojo scattered across the United States, plus one new dojo located at Yokota AFB in Japan. Jiyushinkai has roots in the teaching methods of Kano Jigoro (Kodokan judo), Ueshiba Morihei (aikido), Tomiki Kenji (Tomiki aikido), Ohba, and Miyake.
Jiyushin means "freedom of mind and heart." Another phrase, "self-reliance and confidence tempered with responsibility" also comes to mind. We believe that any freedom comes with associated responsibilities for our actions, our beliefs, and for the well being of others. The predominant difference between Jiyushinkai Aikibudo and other styles is in the practice. We follow a set teaching syllabus that was designed using modern educational methods.
Through careful analysis of movement and a structured teaching method we come to an understanding of the kihon (basic principles). These principles are taught in standardized kihon no kata in a process very similar to learning music. Students develop a strong foundation of good practice habits by the time they have progressed to shodan. There is a strong emphasis on realistic attacks, blending energies, and off-balancing the attacker while maintaining the controlling position throughout the technique. As little muscle strength and speed as possible is used.
There is no sport or tournament activity in the Jiyushinkai, although there is a strong practice of competitive (not combative) randori ("free training"). The intent of our randori practice is for both training partners to explore the possibilities open to them and take part in the learning experience. At some point we actually seem to transcend worrying about who "wins or loses." What is really important is good technique and taking care of our partner while we both learn.
We first learn randori by going very slowly with movements full of intent but with relaxed muscles. The use of power or brute force is discouraged. When we sense a need for more power it means a change in direction and body relationships is required. All of us make the mistake of trying to overcome force with more force as we are learning. During the learning process, though, we come to understand that adding force and speed when something isn't working only exacerbates the problem.
The only "cooperation" or agreement in our practice is for uke (the giver) to provide an attack full of intent (no matter what speed and power is being used) and to continue to be dangerous to tori (the taker). Tori blends with the speed, focus, intent, and energy of the attack, gains the lead and ultimately "fits" whatever waza (technique) that naturally happens. If the technique isn't successful, then uke attempts to turn the tables on tori. Uke and tori continue to make moves and counter moves until something happens which can't be countered.
After much quality practice our jiyu randori leads us to spontaneous creative decision making where things just seem to happen out of nowhere. This is the essence of true budo. As experience and skill levels increase, the ability to train at full speed and power is attained.
The Jiyushinkan was founded by C. E. Clark and his son Aaron as a means of practicing and teaching the arts of budo as Clark sensei had learned from his teachers, beginning in 1953 at the age of six. The continuing goal is to practice modern budo that leads to spiritual growth while maintaining the practical efficiency of traditional budo.
At this time the Jiyushinkan provides classes in aikido, judo, and Shinto Muso-ryu jodo. We are fortunate to have Stan Conner as our judo teacher. He is the only American to have graduated from the Korean National Judo Teachers College. Last summer Conner was promoted by his alma mater to eighth rank, or hachidan. Jiyushinkai is now part of the Jiyushin Institute, a nonprofit educational and cultural instituation.
Everyone is welcome to visit or practice. Jiyushinkan, 415 S. McClintock Drive #7, Tempe, Arizona 85281-2250. Dojo phone: 602-968-6646. Contact C.E. Clark at Tel./Fax: 602-730-6791. E-Mail: jiyushin@primenet.com.
Jiyu randori: (left to right) K. Slatoff, J. Baron-Taltre, S. Furbush, J. Song, R. Saaty and E. Buldan.
Copyright ©Tengu Press and Wayne Muromoto. All rights reserved.
