(You Can Click Here to visit the original article in Japanese and English and see video clips)
Developing the ‘Koshi’
The core theme of this gasshuku was how to develop and engage what is called the ‘koshi’ in Japanese. Koshi is often translated as ‘hips’ in English. This is not strictly accurate. Koshi can refer to the region of the body from where the hip joints connect to the pelvic sockets to the region of the lower back and waist. This area of the body is very important for health and martial development, but it is often neglected in training. However, if the koshi is not cultivated, it is impossible to utilise the power of the entire body into techniques. A ‘whole
body’ connection, from the feet and legs to the hands, neck and head, is vital in order to bring aiki to all parts of the body.
What is the difference between these a gasshuku and a seminar? A seminar is essentially an extended open training session that is open to regularly practicing members and non members. As there is a wide variation in the levels and experience of attendees, teaching in a seminar tends to focus on introducing concepts and sharing training among others. This means that the material covered in a seminar is an overview of general principles.
A gasshuku in comparison is more intensive experience. The attendees are members of a who have a certain level of aiki already, so the training can occur on a deeper level. Deeper teachings can be shared in order to burn aiki in to our bodies. Additionally, A gasshuku should not have too many distractions. While it is also a social event, the focus for the length of the gasshuku is primarily on dropping one’s everyday worldly concerns to achieve a certain level of what is refereed to in zen Buddhism as ‘mushin’ or ‘empty mind’. This is a type of mindset in which one can really internalise the teachings and method of aiki. At its deepest level, a gasshuku can become an almost transformative process.The location of our main dojo in Ireland is good for a gasshuku. It is rural and away from many distractions of modern life. The air is good quality and most of sounds that surround the dojo are the created by birdsong, the wind in the trees and the soft fall of rain. This environment allowed practitioners to go deeper into their practice.
There are many aspects of developing the koshi, but on a bio mechanical level, the utilisation of the psoas muscles are important. These are two large muscles that connect either side of the lower spine to the inner thigh bones. The psoas muscles sit inside the pelvic girdle and are often atrophied thanks to our modern lifestyles. Long periods of sitting in chairs and immobility weaken these muscles and can often account for lower back pain, weak legs and weak muscles around the bladder and intestines.
In terms of developing aiki, the correct engagement of the koshi correctly allows the practitioner to transmit deep power of the body and combine it with the incoming force of the attacker without relying on muscle power from the arms and shoulders. It allows the practitioner to unbalance their opponent without strain and aids in the execution of effective throwing and locking techniques. Another benefit of a developed koshi is that it tends to strengthen the chushin, or centreline of the practitioner. Without a connected centreline, aiki cannot be manifested throughout the body. The utilisation of the koshi is important not just for aiki jujutsu. It is also important for many traditional Asian arts. In traditional, dance, calligraphy, tea ceremony, or performing and weapons arts the correct use of the koshi is evident in the vitality and power of the practitioner. It also allows a practitioner to maintain a high level in their art as they get older.
Once you understand how to engage the koshi, it can become apparent just by observation if a practitioner of any martial art or body system is using their koshi or if they are relying on upper body strength.
Many of the techniques we practiced focused on developing and engaging the koshi. Additionally, We also explore some exercises that can be performed solo so that the practitioner can develop their koshi through everyday living outside the dojo.At the end of the gasshuku we practiced a series of rinban (or line) practice and the development of the koshi of each practitioner was evident from the start to the end of the gasshuku.This training weekend allowed all practitioners to develop their practice do a deeper level.
Gambatte!
Oisin Bourke,
Head Instructor- Ireland Branch,
Director, Muden Juku Europe
July24,2022
E-MAIL: aiki@daitoryu-muden.com
2022年8月4日
いい氣 いい出会い いい仲間づくり
Good energy Good enccounters Good relationships
合氣護身術大東流無傳塾
塾長・最高師範 飯田 宏雄