Summary :
In order to calmly and fairly analyze and evaluate the characteristics of these two styles of Aikido, we must first define the meaning of the word "strength" to avoid any subjective interpretations. Please see (Note 3) at the end of this Chapter.
We must also not assert which is right or wrong because both these two styles Aikido have as their source O-sensei, Morihei Ueshiba sensei.
Keeping this in mind, I think that I can impartially analyze and evaluate them because I have practiced each of these styles for twenty-five approximately years. (Refer to Chapter 3)
The ultimate concept of Aikikai style Aikido and Iwama (Note 1) Shinshin (Note 2) style Aikido is the same, Peace and Harmony/Harmonization. However the training aspects and methods are different so we must first be aware of the respective features of each.
In order to do so, we must first define the meaning of the word "strength" to avoid any subjective interpretations. Here I would like to use the word in the meaning "self-defence ability" so that it can be easily understood for general public. The essence of Aikido is very profound and it is beyond mere martial art, fighting or self-defence technniques. Although it is a special kind of martial arts that makes all opponents harmonize physically and spiritually, I think that it is inevitable that acquiring the self-defence ability be an indispensable precondition.
I started Aikido when 32 years old and practiced Aikikai style (Note 4) for more than twenty years (1965-1987). However the actual years of practice were about fifteen years because I couldn't practice for about five years due to my occupation as a Japanese naval officer. The years from 1987 to 1989 were a transitional period in which I practiced a mix of both styles. I have practiced Iwama style (Note 4) for about twenty-five years (1990- the present).
Given my experience, the main conclusion of my thesis is that people who are interested in Aikido had better know the features of the both styles and I recommend that they switch to Iwama style if they can. The reason why I recommend this is because Iwama style is more rational and efficient in acquiring self-defence techniques. I will explain in detail in the following chapters.
One of the features of Iwama style is training the strength (Note 3) in Aikido by Solid method (Katai-keiko)( Chapter 2 (Note 6) ). Another feature is the training in Weapons techniques (Buki-waza)( Chapter 2 (Note5) ) in order to acquire strong breath power and the appropriate forms of the body techniques. Although the number of the people who practice Iwama style in Japan is still small, it is an infinitely charming and useful style even for beginners, women and elderly people.
Why is it so charming? Because Iwama style is the Aikido of O-sensei himself, Morihei Ueshiba sensei (1885-1969), the founder of Aikido. O-sensei's sole successor in Iwama style was Morihiro Saito sensei (1928-2002), ex-Ibaragi-dojocho, due to the fact that Saito sensei served O-sensei closely for twenty-three years in the post-war period (1946-1969) at Ibaragi-dojo in Iwama. After O-sensei's death Saito sensei devised and improved the teaching methods of O-sensei's Aikido in order to be able to teach it the general public.(Refer to Chaper 7)
I know that the Aikido world is a profoundly mental world since we call it "the non-fighting martial art". The principle of Aikido teaches us that we must not criticize the techniques of others, saying that I am strong or that he is weak. I know this principle very well and I strongly agree with it. However, I would like to tell those who believe in the above principle that I never compare any two people's skills. I am just looking at my years of experience and comparing of the strengths between past and present as it relates to myself-one person's personal experience as it relates to both styles.
It has been said that in Aikido it is natural that there are some small differences between dojos depending on the individual interpretations of instructors of the respective dojos. There is a feeling that there is generally no sense in comparing two styles in public. However, I would like to introduce the truths that I have drawn from my experience in practicing both styles. There are historical differences as well as significant fundamental differences in the practical techniques of both styles. In this thesis I will not address small stylistic differences.
I will describe both the pros and cons (points at which great care should be taken) of the both styles. Please understand that I am going to try to take an impartial stand. I hope that the readers will take my experience into consideration. I would be very happy if you reflect on your own skill in Aikido with a calm and analytical mind.
I would like to say clearly that the both styles derive from O-sensei's Aikido and nobody can say that one is right and that the other is wrong. I cannot deny that Aikikai Style is Aikido. Therefore I encourage those who still continue to practice Aikikai style or your present style even after reading my thesis to do so because I think it is the better that people enjoy practicing Aikido whichever style they choose.
The contents of the thesis starts with the outspoken comparison of the both styles, leads to what defines the strength of Aikido, how the strength in Aikido is trained and so on, comparing the both styles.
(Note 1) Iwama: The name of the place where Aiki Shrine and Ibaragi-dojo is located in Ibaragi prefecture north of Tokyo. O-sensei lived there from 1942 until his death in 1969.
(Note 2) Shinshin : The expression "We believe God" in Japanese.
(Note 3) Strength (in Aikido): It means self-defence ability in an actual confrontation. Self-defence ability is a composite ability of martial power, breath power, the forms and orders of techniques, the harmonization with the opponent, the circumstances etc. It doesn't only mean physically or technically strong. See Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 for more details.