Wikipedia

Nishio style

Nishio style is martial art style that's created by Shoji Nishio, a prolific Aikido practitioner. His style is characterized as dynamic and effective. Atemis and sword principles are deeply embedded in techniques. He was considered "one of the foremost technical innovator" in Aikido. The martial art aspect in article on Nishio focuses on his innovation and distinction; this article focuses on notable technical requirements of his style, regardless if it is his idea or a continuation of Ueshiba's teaching.

Aikido

edit

Philosophy, views

edit

Style Classification

edit

Even embedded with different underlying core mechanic, Nishio never considered his Aikido to be a different school of Aikido. He wants his approach to be a branch part of Aikikai umbrella. As such, he decided against calling his Aikido style "Nishio-ryu" (but not the same for Iaido).

Engagement with Oppositions

edit

Nishio believes that one of Aikido's core tenet is about acknowledging the other person.[1] Most Aikido techniques offer 3-4 opportunities to striking down opponent but ultimately choose the least damaging option.[2] Even as throwing, he said, Aikido practitioners should try not to injure the attacker.[3] This type of choice materializes the philosophy of acknowledgment, understanding, acceptance and mutual respect of and for others, even as they are opposition. Aikido's philosophy stands in contrast to other martial arts' goal of overcoming other. Nishio believes that this context helps recreating each technique close to the spirit of Ueshiba.[2]

Views on Innovation in Aikido

edit

Nishio strongly believes that the innovation of Aikido is a requirement Ueshiba has from its practitioners. He also asked practitioners to develop based on their own background.[4] His conclusion based on Ueshiba's words before passing:

Before the Founder passed away thirty-four years ago he told us, “This old man has brought [aikido] this far; all of you must take it from here.” In light of these words, I think it is insufficient—unforgivable, in fact— for us to simply maintain the status quo.[5]

The commitment to this view is reflected by Nishio numerous technical contributions and distinctions within the martial art world. He is considered as "one of the foremost technical innovators" in Aikido.[6]

Technical approach

edit

Stages

edit

There are major 3 stages for an Aikido technique: tsukuri, kuzushi, waza which roughly means set-up, break balance, technique (control). To create and effective tsukuri, practitioners need to take initiative to elicit opponent's action. How to work with such set-ups will vary from moment to moment depending on how practitioner intend to meet and draw opponent in. He should consider to employ set-ups well match to his body.[7] Kuzushi in Nishio style is sometime as small and simple as turning the wrist when grabbed.[8]

Stance

edit

Nishio believes that natural stance (shizentai) is the way to face an opponent, adversary, or training partner. It becomes a physical manifestation of humanity in Aikido.[9] It's said that in his final years, O'Sensei also disliked kamae (roughly means stance before the fight).

In Nishio's style, the stance takes form of hand, hip straight down naturally. Both feet should also be straight with one slightly higher than the other. This feet position let the practitioner face his opposition directly and acknowledge him (a core tenet in Nishio-style). This stance is the same when practitioner use a sword or a jo (a wooden stick). With the sword, the tip of the sword lie down near front foot in front of the holder. With the jo, the direction of the jo intersect with opposition's eyes.[10]

Physically, these form a "no stance" stance; however, practitioner should already taking a mental stance of acceptance, awareness, preparation. The hand is then offered to the opposition. Entering technique starts at the moment of contact.[11] The offering of the hand is a form of tsukuri (set-up).

In comparison, most other Aikido styles' stance have one hand or both hands extended forward, usually with extended fingers.

Irimi

edit

In budo, irimi is essentially the movement to obtain an opponent's "dead angle." This refers to a strategic position offering effective strike and control opportunities while it is significantly harder/slower for the opposition to do so. In Nishio's style, in front-facing position, irimi is taken as a half-step[12] instead of a one-step in other Aikido schools.[8] The step is to the right and slightly forward, create a direction of about 30 degree compare to the shoulder's initial position.[13] By taking half-step instead of full step, practitioner stays connected to the opposition thereby maintaining effective control of the situation.[14]

Atemi

edit

Aikido is forty percent throwing and sixty percent pinning. [...] Further, in all of the techniques there is atemi. [...] In the aikido I learned (and that I now teach), we do throws and pins with the rhythm and feeling of atemi.[15] Shoij Nishio

In mainstream Aikido styles, atemi are demonstrated infrequently, and felt into disuse.[16] In Nishio's style, atemis are everywhere and numerous (his teaching list at least 10 different hand strikes, 5 elbow strikes).[17] Almost all Aikido techniques demonstrated by Nishio have multiple atemis at the beginning and during techniques.[18] More than strikes, atemis in his style determine the rhythm and timing of techniques.[19]

Hand movement

edit

The uniqueness of his style compared to other Aikido styles is the deep integration of the sword principles into Aikido techniques.[20] In Nishio's style, after contact, hand movements imitate the movement of the sword in both hand's shape and trajectory. The leading hand usually is open, straight with fingers close together (forming shape very similar to shuto or knife-hand but without folding thumb).[21][22][23] Because the hand is open, not grabbing the opposition, it's always available to perform different atemis. Grabbing opposition's hand only happen near finish of technique.

The path and direction of the hand is the same as a sword cutting space with the side has little finger leads the movement. In Nishio's style, finishing of shihonage is described as the hand "cutting downward" rather than a throw.[24]

Weapons

edit

Underlying principles

edit

In Nishio's style, all techniques can be performed with the wooden sword bokken, wooden stick jo in hand as well as without weapons.

I have experience in karate and judo, and feel the way of the sword is central, so I reflect empty-hand techniques and throws in my sword and jo movements. O-sensei said, "If your hands hold a sword, then aikido is a sword; if your hands hold a jo, then aikido is a jo." - Shoji Nishio

In weapon training, he believes, practitioners should try to be "on the edge". That means avoid being struck, deliver an effective final strike and stop within hair's breadth of contact.

The usage of bokken in Aikido is different from doing Iaido as it's not in kata form but in Aikido form.

Sword Techniques: The Concept of Misogi no Ken

edit
Purpose
edit

Nishio believes the purpose of the Aikido sword is to purify, as he calls it the "sword of purification".

  • The sword in Aikido does not cut opponent. Rather, it's a tool to control the attack, even before its occurrence. The sword is used to redirect opponent's energy, voiding the need of physical strike. This approach of usage emphasizes the focus on control, the removal of conflict and unnecessary of damaging others. Thereby using in this way, it will forge the sword's controller out of mental "impurities" (the desire to hurt and creation of conflict).
  • The sword techniques in Aikido aim to find unified direction, not cutting down opponent. Therefore it's a tool to guide both persons toward new understanding and mutual respect. This aspect shows the "purification" of intention of the opposition.
  • The swords also help practitioners understand the core physical mechanics of empty-handed Aikido techniques. This view of utility emphasizes striving for perfection of bodily movements, hence "purifying".
Characteristic
edit

The sword of Aikido makes no sound. - Shoji Nishio

Described as otonashi, or "silent," Nishio's sword work relies on minimal blade contact. His sword techniques anticipate and exploit gaps in opponent's attacks, turning defense into offense with precise, flowing movements.[25] This approach is very different from Morihito Saito's style where forces are intentionally collide and significant clashing of the swords are heard through out.[26]

Iaido

edit

In 1955, due to the lack of explanation regarding sword and jo techniques from Ueshiba (and other instructors),[27] Nishio started study Iaido under Shigenori Sano (10th dan Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu).[28] He achieved 7th Dan Nihon Zenkoku Iaido Renmei.[29]

In iaido, Nishio practiced number of different styles and consolidated what he believed to be useful. By 2001, after 46 years of learning and perfecting the art, after numerous addition and revision, he finalized his iaido system to 15 katas, most of which correlated to specific Aikido movements. His system is called Aiki Toho Iaido or Nishio-ryu Iai.

List of kata

edit

Aiki Toho Iaido consist of 15 katas[30] as follow:

Number Iaido Form Chiburi Correspondent Aikido technique
1 Shohatto Eishin Ryu None
2 Ukenagashi Eishin Ryu Ikkyo
3 Ushirogiri Eishin Ryu Kaitennage
4 Zengogiri Eishin Ryu Aihanmi Shihonage
5 Sayugiri Eishin Ryu Gyakuhanmi Shihonage
6 Tsukaosae Eishin Ryu Gyakuhanmi Nikkyo
7 Tekubiosae Eishin Ryu Aihanmi Nikkyo
8 Kawashitsuki Eishin Ryu Tsuki Sankyo
9 Tsukekomi Katori Ryu Tsuki Kotegaeshi
10 Tsume Katori Ryu Iriminage
11 Sanpo Katori Ryu Sankyo
12 Shiho Suiou Ryu Shomen uchi, Yokomen uchi Shihonage
13 Nukiawase Suiou Ryu Shomen uchi, Yokomen uchi Gokyo
14 Todome Eishin Ryu Yonkyo
15 Suemonogiri Eishin Ryu None

References

edit
  1. ^ "A True Aiki Swordsman: Philip Greenwood on Shoji Nishio – Aikido Journal". 2019-03-20. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
  2. ^ a b Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle (in Japanese and English). Aiki News. p. 13. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  3. ^ "Shoji Nishio: Going Beyond O-Sensei – Aikido Journal". 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
  4. ^ "Don't Cut the Person with your Sword: Philip Greenwood on Nishio and Aikido Philosophy – Aikido Journal". 2019-02-01. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
  5. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle (in English and Japanese). Aiki News. p. 7. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  6. ^ jimart888 (2015-11-19). "Shoji Nishio: "Aikido's Innovative Genius," by Stanley Pranin". aikidoshoshinkai. Retrieved 2024-07-02.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 27. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  8. ^ a b ""Irimi," by Ellis Amdur – Aikido Journal". 2011-11-30. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  9. ^ "A True Aiki Swordsman: Philip Greenwood on Shoji Nishio – Aikido Journal". 2019-03-20. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
  10. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle (in English and Japanese). Aiki News. p. 14. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  11. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle (in English and Japanese). Aiki News. p. 14. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  12. ^ "Understanding Nishio's Half-Step Can Lead The Way". www.gunjiuniversity.com. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
  13. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 17. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  14. ^ "A True Aiki Swordsman: Philip Greenwood on Shoji Nishio – Aikido Journal". 2019-03-20. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  15. ^ "The Study of Budo | Shoji Nishio: Nishikaze Aikido Society of America". Retrieved 2024-07-02.
  16. ^ jimart888 (2015-11-19). "Shoji Nishio: "Aikido's Innovative Genius," by Stanley Pranin". aikidoshoshinkai. Retrieved 2024-07-02.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle (in English and Japanese). Aiki News. pp. 22–25. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  18. ^ zaynit (2010-03-16). Best of the Friendship Demonstrations 1985-1986-1987, part 5. Retrieved 2024-07-01 – via YouTube.
  19. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle (in English and Japanese). Aiki News. p. 15. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  20. ^ "Yufukan Sofia (Kiyotsura-dojo) - Shoji nishio shihan". nishioaikido.bg. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  21. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 80. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  22. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 88. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  23. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 90. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  24. ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle (in English and Japanese). Aiki News. p. 74. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
  25. ^ "Shoji Nishio, Shihan | Shoji Nishio: Nishikaze Aikido Society of America". Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  26. ^ zaynit (2010-03-16). Best of the Friendship Demonstrations 1985-1986-1987, part 6. Retrieved 2024-07-03 – via YouTube.
  27. ^ "Interview with Shoji Nishio (1984), Part 1 by Stanley Pranin – Aikido Journal". 2018-02-06. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
  28. ^ "Yufukan Sofia (Kiyotsura-dojo) - Shoji nishio shihan". nishioaikido.bg. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
  29. ^ "Shoji Nishio". Sakura Aïkikaï. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
  30. ^ www.nishio-aikido.de http://www.nishio-aikido.de/budo.htm. Retrieved 2024-07-01. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nishio_style&oldid=1232940654"