An Open Secret: A Student’s Handbook for Learning Aikido Techniques of Self-Defense and the Aiki Way

By Tony Blomert

The martial arts are shrouded in the mystique of Asian lore and nuances. Information is well-known by experienced practitioners, but is often kept as an “open secret” among themselves.

Aikido is a self-defense martial art (budo) methodology established in Japan by Morihei Usehiba (O’Sensei; 1883-1969), who blended his techniques and weapons experience with deeply held philosophical beliefs into what is often referred to as “the art of peace.”

Aikido has a rich history originating to feudal period Japan, which continues today with an international fellowship of people who strive to make the world a better place by following the Aiki way, and embracing the legacy of the dojo culture as a training hall and sanctuary for enlightenment.

The world is in greater need than ever before to embrace the philosophy and approach of Aikido’s founder O’Sensei. The Aikido culture helps shape today’s youth, transitions adolescents to become contributing members of society, and helps adults continue spiritual and physical self-improvement.

It distinguishes itself by shunning the competitive violence spawned by the pseudo-sports popularized in televised cage fighting, street-style brawling, and computer videogames (although Aikido is highly recognized as a headline program at the World Combat Games).

An Open Secret solves the mystery of Aikido training by revealing factual truths, historical reasoning, and detailed explanations required of all Aikido students.
It also takes an in-depth look at the common and unique practices all Aikidoka (practitioners of Aikido); the background of Aikido’s rich history as budo (self-defense martial art); a current assessment of the art’s international status; and an overview of various sub-styles in the 21st century.

A true budo, Aikido is an extremely effective form of self-defense that equalizes size, strength, age and gender. Therefore, An Open Secret provides a proven learning methodology for Aikido that can be used by people of all ages, children and seniors alike, and can become a permanent lifestyle for its practitioners with improved physical and spiritual health.

Aikido must be felt and experienced in order to understand the power behind this martial art form. Physical training awakens the Aiki spirit within the student who develops physical skills as a way to understand the “mystery” behind the techniques. Its students can embrace spiritual enlightenment by drawing on this knowledge time and time again.

Tony shares his experience and wisdom by giving the reader a practical guide and supporting photos and illustrations to most training situations -- a resource he wished he had at his fingertips when starting out decades ago.

The reader is taken under his wing, much like a season co-worker would help a newbie learn the ropes at work. He provides unbiased information on common etiquette, student responsibilities, dojo design, proper training apparel, the relationship between student and teacher and between students, training tools and weapons, rank examination, the Aiki spirit, and fundamental training concepts essential to learning Aikido and ultimately the Aiki way.

Other topics include step-by-step pointers on selection and care of the uniform (the Aikido gi and hakama), equipment (Aikido weapons – jo and bokken), and the training facility (Aikido dojo). Grading and promotion examination details are covered for both beginning and advanced students, as well as student’s progressive responsibilities as they advance in rank and experience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tony Blomert
• Release date: Nov 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310209796

Tony Blomert

Tony Blomert is a writer and an American Aikidoka. He was first introduced to the martial art of Aikido as a college freshman over four decades ago, and still lives "the way of aiki" by practicing the principles in his everyday life. He began his studies in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (1974), and received his dan ranking in 1978. In 1976, while still a kyu-ranked student, he was asked to instruct the Aikido section of "an Introduction to the Martial Arts" -- an accredited curriculum at Los Angeles Valley College -- by his mentor, Dr. Lynn D. Lomen, and Sensei Steve Munchnikov. This instructional exposure inspired his avocation of helping others learn the Aiki way. A serious student of budo (martial arts), his experience instructing others inspired his writing "the Aikidoka's World" blog from 2010 to 2013, and his book - An Open Secret -- a student's handbook to Aikido training. He also regularly contributes to the international forum www.AikiWeb.com. Tony grew up in the Hollywood hills of Los Angeles, CA and became immersed in the fine arts and entertainment industries. He credits a great deal of his diversified interests on the many wonderful and talented individuals that were part of his youth. He followed his father's footsteps with a brief career in the music industry after graduating from Hollywood High School, but was determined to take a different path. After earning a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California Los Angeles, he went into a career in public affairs - working first in the California State Assembly, and later in the private sector for several major corporations specializing in land-use issues. In 1990, he made another career change and moved to Nevada where he operated a successful swimming pool construction and maintenance company. During his time in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tony returned to active training with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) under Sensei James Sterling. Now living in Livingston, Montana on the banks of the famed Yellowstone River, Tony is growing his dojo for adults, teens and children.

Book preview

AN OPEN SECRET

A Student’s Handbook for Learning Aikido Techniques of

Self-Defense and the Aiki Way

Tony M. Blomert

A&E Blomert Enterprises, LLC

1106 W. Park, Suite 127

Livingston, MT 59047

®Copyright 2014, Tony M. Blomert

Published by A&E Blomert Enterprises, LLC

ISBN: 9781310209796

Smashwords Version

A&E Blomert Enterprises, LLC

1106 W. Park, Suite 127

Livingston, MT 59047

www.aikidotoday.com

An Open Secret/Tony M. Blomert

1st edition

An Open Secret contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, scanning or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

DISCLAIMER:

Please note that the publisher and author of this instructional book are NOT RESPONSIBLE in any manner whatsoever for any injury that may result from practicing the techniques and/or following the instructions given within.

Martial arts training can be dangerous to you and to others if not practiced safely. If you’re in doubt as to how to proceed, or whether your practice is safe, please consult with a trained martial arts instructor before beginning. Since the physical activities described herein may be too strenuous in nature for some readers, it’s also essential that a physician be consulted prior to training.

Best efforts have been used in preparing this material which is presented solely within this book for educational purposes. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind, and assume no liabilities of any kind with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. 

While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or organizations are unintentional.

Every effort has been made to identify all individuals depicted in photographs and illustrations, and to obtain their permission for publication. Any omissions are unintentional. If you are depicted and not properly identified please contact the publisher for us to obtain appropriate authorization.

Neither the author nor the publisher shall be held liable or responsible to any person or entity with respect to any injury or incidental or consequential damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information or strategies contained herein, as the advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your own unique situation.

Book Layout and Editing by Mary Jo Stresky, The Write MoJo Literary and Research Services (www.thewritemojo.com)

Photographs by Eva Szabo

Photo Models: Aaron Anderes, Kelly Goebel, Wells Nishimoto, Rajesh Patel, Joshua Puskarich, Emmanuel Santos, Satoru Sato

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

Why the Title, An Open Secret?

My Purpose for Writing This Book

How to Use This Book

Chapter 1: What is Aikido?

Self-Defense, Physical Fitness and Spiritual Enrichment

Chapter 2: Aikido Class Basics

Variations in Japanese and Western Manners

Bowing

When to Bow

Standing Formal Bow

Seated Bow

Sitting and Standing

Steps to Sitting in Seiza

Variations

Alternative Sitting Methods

Knee Walking (Shikko)

The Line-Up

The Class

The Formal Closing

Student Responsibilities

Classroom Etiquette

Coming to Class

Leaving During Class

Bowing

Respecting the Shomen

Respecting Your Fellow Students

Chapter 3: Honorifics and Titles

How to Address People

Chapter 4: Senpai and Kohai Relationship

Chapter 5: The Aikido Dojo

Dojo Layout: Joza and Shimoza (front and back)

Chapter 6: The Aikido Uniform

History of the Uniform

How to Care for the Dogi

How to Fold the Dogi

The Hakama

How to Wear a Hakama

How to Care for a Hakama

How to Properly Fold a Hakama

Chapter 7: The Aikido Weapons

Weaponry and Eye-Hand Coordination

Jo Short Staff

How to Select a Jo Staff

Bokken

How to Design a Custom Bokken

The Style of the Bokken

Other Common Training Tools

Shoto

Hanbo or Tanto

Suburitō

Shinai Take

How to Care for a Wood Training Weapon

Sanding

Oiling

Storage

The Methodology of Weapon Handling

Start and End of Class

Handling a Weapon Exchange

Bowing with a Weapon

Standing Bow

Seated Bow

Chapter 8: Aikido’s Official Organization

Rank System(s)

Ranks and Titles

Examination Etiquette

Examination Partner

Seating

Examination Bowing Etiquette

Beginning of the Examination

Conclusion of the Examination

Receiving a Promotion Certificate

Chapter 9: Bushido and the Aiki Spirit

Ki Energy

Chapter 10: Fundamental Training Guide

Training with Others

Individual Training

Chapter 11: Tips for Learning

Tip 1: The Middle

Tip 2: Take Ukemi

Tip 3: Training with the Demonstration’s Uke

Tip 4: Mental Snapshot Method

Tip 5: Nine Times Slow and One Time Fast

Conclusion

Questions or Comments?

Want to Get Aikido-Related Items?

One Last Thing...

References

Glossary of Terms

Dedication

About The Author

PREFACE

While seated on the floor in total stillness, I am filled with a sense of tranquility. An ikebana arrangement sits graceful against the rich wood paneled backdrop of the shomen. A portrait of the founder (O’Sensei), appearing simultaneously serene and stern, seems to be focused solely on me.

Glancing just off center at the display of weaponry, I realize the simplicity of the room is very deceiving. These surroundings have hundreds of years of tradition, and obvious and hidden meanings are everywhere.

This appointed time and place to demonstrate what I’d learned after years of study for my dan exam has been years in coming. I contemplate the task at hand, and then clear my mind of all thought. There is only breath. My breath -- life’s breath.

Breathe ... blink ... breathe.

The sweltering air has grown heavy with humidity, and I realize that I’m in a different time and place.

It’s mid-summer in feudal Japan in the year 1629. I’m standing on one side of a rope and plank bridge spanning a treacherous river below. As I begin crossing over the single person-wide path, I see a man standing on the opposite end who’s also beginning to cross over.

We have instant recognition. We are aite (opponents), and are both in samurai dress with daisho (katana and wakizashi). Sunlight glints off the highly polished steel blades of my swords. Each receiving one thousand blessings from the kami, they had been forged and honed while the smithy made the offerings.

The drama unfolds as we both continue our paths across the bridge. Neither of us can or will yield by turning back, and therefore only one will cross alive. There is only one way for matched warriors to achieve victory: The first to take the space!

Breathe ... blink.

The air feels cool on my skin as my mind returns to the present. The noisy chatter of over fifty students