Riding on the coattails of Mr. Noro's essay on 'Empathy in Aikido'
Empathy learned from Aikido and Japanese leadership
Aikido, one of the martial arts that Japan is proud of, is based on a philosophy that aims for harmony while utilizing the opponent's strength. Its unique approach is not just a combat technique, but also provides deep insights into leadership in modern society. Especially in the face of global challenges and increasingly complex domestic issues that Japan faces, leadership that leverages the 'empathy' of Aikido is indispensable.
The basic philosophy of Aikido: Harmony of force
In Aikido, rather than force and force colliding head-on, importance is placed on accepting the opponent's strength and converting that energy toward one's own purpose. This 'harmony of force' does not deny the opponent, but rather seeks a path to maximize mutual benefit while respecting their existence and intentions.
This philosophy is equally applicable to leadership. In Japanese society, while the culture of 'reading the air' is emphasized, leaders are also required to have clear guidelines and decision-making power. The key to resolving this contradiction is the 'empathy' found in Aikido.
Harmonious leadership brought about by empathy
When a leader demonstrates empathy, the following effects can be expected:
Coordination of diverse opinions
In Japanese politics and business, many stakeholders are involved, each with different interests and values. By incorporating the philosophy of Aikido, it becomes possible to make decisions that prioritize harmony while respecting the perspectives of others.
Turning friction into opportunity
Conflict and friction are inevitable in the growth of organizations and society. However, just as Aikido techniques avoid the collision of forces, leaders can use empathy to overcome conflict and find new, creative solutions.
Building trust
Leaders who possess empathy are more likely to gain the trust of those around them and build long-term cooperative relationships. This is common to the spirit of Aikido, which holds respect even for one's opponent.
Leadership necessary for the future of Japan
Japan faces many challenges such as a declining birthrate and aging population, economic stagnation, and complex international relations. In such an era, we need leaders who possess empathy and aim for harmony rather than forceful leadership. By learning from the spirit of Aikido, not denying the opponent's strength, and utilizing it, we can envision a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The teachings of Aikido have universal value that applies not only to Japan but also to leadership around the world. It aims for a better society through empathy that puts oneself in the other's position and an attitude that values harmony. The philosophy of Aikido can become a lighthouse that illuminates the future of leadership.
...If I were to write a model answer like the one Mr. Noro is expecting, the whole thing could be summed up in one line: 'Please read Mr. Noro's article on Aikido'.
The point would also get across by saying, 'Please watch Gozo Shioda's videos'. Since what Mr. Noro is expecting here is likely Rintaro Takechi's sharp tongue or black humor, I will try writing the article to meet those expectations.
In countries outside of China and Korea that are well-acquainted with Japan, what foreigners expect of Japanese people is, 'Can all Japanese people do karate?'. This stems from the fact that images like 'Shogun', 'Samurai', 'Geisha Girl', and 'Harakiri', which spread during the post-war Japanese culture boom of the 1950s and 1960s, gained renewed attention in the 1980s. During this period, while technology and pop culture were the main topics, traditional elements like karate and sushi continued to be recognized.
Furthermore, the influence of the 1984 film 'The Karate Kid' cannot be overlooked as a factor in karate becoming internationally famous. This work was themed around the master-disciple relationship and spiritual training through karate, and the sight of Mr. Miyagi teaching karate to the protagonist Daniel left a strong impression on many viewers. Triggered by this film, karate suddenly gained attention around the world, centered in America, and a movement of children attending karate dojos spread.
Also, in the same 1980s, Steven Seagal began his career in Hollywood, and Aikido also began to attract attention through his films. The Aikido-style action depicted in works like 'Under Siege' (1992) and 'Hard to Kill' (1990) stood out from the flashy martial arts films of the time, and the flowing movements that utilized the opponent's strength appeared fresh. This broadened interest in martial arts in general, and martial arts originating in Japan like karate and Aikido were recognized as having a unique charm that included 'spirituality'.
In the world of karate, Kanku Dai is a karate kata that could be called The Shotokan, but the Unsu kata, which has flashier movements, is a surefire Shotokan-style kata if you are showing it to foreigners.
International Shotokan Karate Federation - Hirokazu Kanazawa's Kanku Dai(Those who know, know, but those who don't, probably won't).
Mikio Yahara of the Karate no Michi World Federation's Unsu(Those who know, know, but those who don't, probably won't understand)
So, when I perform (demonstrate) such a classic karate kata, even though I am the only one watching, I am often surprised by people saying, 'So it's true, all Japanese people can do karate!' Then, since there is usually a martial arts geek lurking in the audience, someone will inevitably provoke me by asking, 'Can you also do Bruce Lee's one-inch punch?'
Unless you are a serious martial arts geek, you might miss it, but in Bruce Lee's movies, Japanese people always appear as villains, wielding Japanese swords to bully the weak, or there is a setup where a group of karate practitioners attack Bruce Lee all at once and still cannot defeat him.
Furthermore, in old Hong Kong movies, white people were often depicted as the bad guys, and white actors who lacked the physical flexibility and smoothness of someone like Chuck Norris—making you wonder, 'Has this person ever actually done karate?'—would be defeated by Bruce Lee as villainous karate practitioners.
In order to dispel such prejudices against Japanese people and Japanese martial arts, when someone claims the 'Bruce Lee is the strongest because of the one-inch punch' theory, I say, 'I don't even need one inch; I can do it with a zero-inch punch,' and then actually demonstrate a punch from zero inches or show off an Aikido technique, saying, 'This is what it means to be Japanese' which is very well received overseas.
For those who have become interested in Aikido here, I will explain 'What is Aikido?'
In the world of Aiki, Sokaku Takeda, Morihei Ueshiba, and Gozo Shioda are widely known as the individuals who mastered 'Aiki.' On the other hand, Yasuhisa Shioda, the biological son of Gozo Shioda, began Aikido at the age of 13 and, while engaging in promotional activities at the Yoshinkan, devoted himself to training under his father, Gozo Shioda. However, unfortunately, his skill level did not reach that of his father.
However, this is not to disparage Yasuhisa Shioda. His ability was far superior to that of the average martial artist, but in comparison to Gozo Shioda, it is merely the difference between the tenth station and the first station of Mount Fuji.
This is similar to the example of Shigeo Nagashima, who is a baseball player whose name remains in history, while his son, Kazushige Nagashima, despite inheriting his father's genes and receiving elite education, did not achieve success as a baseball player.
Currently, there are no individuals in Aikido who have mastered 'Aiki' like Sokaku Takeda, Morihei Ueshiba, or Gozo Shioda, but there are many schools. For example, Korindo Aikido, Takeda-ryu Nakamura-ha Aikido, the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido Yoshinkai, Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (Ki Society), Rakushinkan, Aiki Manseido, Aikido Renshinkai, and so on. There is also something like Aikido that preaches 'Love' called Isshinkan Aikido, which preaches 'Love'. It is not appropriate to deny these organizations just because they have not reached the level of the founder.
Among these, the one recognized as the mainstream of Aikido is the Aikikai Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation that is the lineage of the organization established by Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.
Martial arts are a comprehensive training that includes not only physical techniques but also mental discipline, life philosophy, and guidelines for living. It is natural that one cannot master the techniques that a martial arts genius spent a lifetime perfecting in just one or two years of practice.
On the other hand, there are many Aikido techniques that are like 'magic tricks' that can be learned in an hour or a day of practice. Promoting these and conveying the philosophy of 'avoiding conflict' can be said to be a wonderful initiative.
The only thing I have doubts about in relation to Aikido is Hapkido.
Sokaku Takeda and the Origins of Aikido
An indispensable figure in the history of Aikido is Sokaku Takeda (1859–1943). He was a martial artist who spread 'Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu,' and this school serves as the technical foundation for Aikido. Let's trace the life of Sokaku Takeda and unravel how his teachings influenced later Aikido.
Sokaku Takeda and Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
Sokaku Takeda was born into a family of Aizu domain retainers in Aomori Prefecture. The origin of his martial arts dates back to the 'Daito-ryu Secret Teachings,' which were the family martial arts of the Aizu domain. This school is said to have originated with the medieval warlord Shinra Saburo Minamoto no Yoshimitsu and has been passed down as a secret for generations.
Sokaku Takeda is said to have studied this martial art from a young age and mastered its techniques. In particular, in addition to jujutsu throwing and joint techniques, his characteristic was the 'Aiki' technique of skillfully utilizing the opponent's strength. He also systematized these techniques and began teaching them as 'Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu.'
The Spread of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
Sokaku Takeda traveled throughout Japan from the Meiji era to the early Showa era, teaching martial arts. His students included police officers, military personnel, and Morihei Ueshiba, the future founder of Aikido. Takeda was known for his extremely rigorous instruction, and it is said that his disciples required a vast amount of time to master his techniques.
What is particularly noteworthy is that Sokaku Takeda's techniques were not merely jujutsu based on brute force. He emphasized the principle of 'Aiki' and systematized techniques to control opponents by utilizing their own strength and movements. This concept of 'Aiki' was the core philosophy that Morihei Ueshiba would later use when founding Aikido.
The Relationship Between Sokaku Takeda and Morihei Ueshiba
In the 1920s, Morihei Ueshiba studied Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu under Sokaku Takeda. Ueshiba was deeply impressed by Takeda's teachings and diligently mastered the techniques, but by fusing them with his own background in swordsmanship and religious thought, he created a unique martial art called 'Aikido'.
While Morihei Ueshiba based his work on Sokaku Takeda's techniques, he added a philosophy of 'not fighting, but harmonizing.' Because of this difference, Aikido developed into a peaceful martial art that transcended the boundaries of traditional combat.
The Legacy of Sokaku Takeda
Sokaku Takeda's techniques and philosophy are still passed down today as Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. This school not only leads directly to Aikido but also plays an important role in the preservation of traditional martial arts. Furthermore, his teachings have influenced modern martial arts and sports that emphasize body mechanics and mental state.
Sokaku Takeda was a figure who left a significant mark on the development of modern martial arts. His philosophy and techniques of 'Aiki' became the foundation for many martial arts passed down to future generations and remain alive today. Now that Aikido is known globally as a 'martial art of peace,' re-evaluating the achievements of Sokaku Takeda, who lies at its source, is essential for understanding the essence of martial arts.
The History and Appeal of Aikido
Aikido is one of Japan's traditional martial arts, and as its name, 'The Way of Harmony,' suggests, it is a martial art with techniques and a philosophy that emphasize avoiding conflict and harmonizing with one's opponent. Its origins are relatively recent, having been founded in the 20th century, but delving into its history reveals that it is deeply rooted in Japan's ancient martial arts and spiritual culture.
The Birth of Aikido
Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969). From a young age, Morihei Ueshiba studied ancient martial arts such as jujutsu, swordsmanship, and spear techniques. He was also deeply influenced by a religion called Omoto-kyo, and its spirituality is strongly reflected in the philosophy of Aikido.
In particular, 'Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu,' a school of jujutsu that Ueshiba studied, serves as the technical source of Aikido. However, Aikido evolved not just as a martial art, but as a discipline with a unique philosophy of resolving problems with harmony without harming the opponent.
The Development of Aikido
From the 1920s to the 1930s, Morihei Ueshiba refined his techniques and spread them through his disciples. Especially after World War II, the peaceful philosophy of avoiding violence, learned from the lessons of the war, drew attention, and Aikido became widely accepted.
In the 1950s, Aikido spread overseas, and dojos were established in many countries. It gained popularity, particularly in the United States and Europe, and became known as a representative element of Japanese martial arts culture.
Characteristics of Aikido
Aikido techniques focus on controlling the opponent by utilizing their movements rather than using force. For this reason, it can be learned regardless of physique, muscle strength, gender, or age. For example, techniques that deflect an opponent's attack and use that power to control them require harmony of both body and mind.
Also, the majority of Aikido schools do not have a concept of 'winning or losing.' In other words, it does not have a match format where one competes against others to determine victory or defeat; instead, it is characterized by an emphasis on practice and self-discipline rather than competition. This is a manifestation of Aikido's pursuit of a philosophy of peace and harmony.
The Appeal of Aikido
Aikido is not merely a martial art, but also a path of self-growth. In the process of refining techniques, one learns etiquette, self-control, and the spirit of coexistence with others. This is likely why Aikido is supported by so many people in modern society.
Aikido is also gaining attention as a means to harmonize mind and body within a stressful society. Training that incorporates meditation and deep breathing techniques helps restore peace of mind and provides a new perspective on daily life.
Aikido is the result of fusing Morihei Ueshiba's original ideas with the long traditions of Japanese martial arts and spiritual culture. Even today, its philosophy and techniques influence many people and are loved around the world. The spirit of this martial art, which aims for a world without conflict, should provide us with important insights even in these turbulent modern times.
Rintaro Takechi