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Paul Milburn, Kancho/ Chief Instructor
I first began the practice of Aikido through a cousin. At the time
I was
studying Karate and approaching my Dan grade but was getting disillusioned
with it. My cousin suggested I come
along and try Aikido which I did, I
knew straight away that this was what I wanted to do, and within a short
time
had given up Karate altogether.
I can just to say remember my Kyu grade days. I remember how I would look
forward
to Friday nights (which was when our class was on), the entire week
was spent looking forward to Friday nights!. So many
of the people that
were around then have now left Aikido, but I remember them with affection,
especially the ones
who were instrumental in helping me in my journey
through Aiki. I think in a way Kyu grade days are "simpler" for most
of us;
before the complexities of Dan grade and the often associated politics
begin to surface. I often wish I were
a Kyu grade once more!.
I always remember looking along the line toward the black belts and
wishing I could wear
"the black skirt". There was such a mystique about it
and I wanted to teach and perform well like my instructor. I never
realised
however how much hard work and sacrifice was required, which I think is the
reason why so few people who
begin Aikido actually become Instructors. I
was very fortunate to be an "Uchi Deshi" to my teacher who was a very
exceptional
5th Dan and who had been taught by a direct disciple of the
founder of Aikido. I think this is why I progressed quite
quickly. I
travelled abroad with my teacher and had some of the most memorable days of
my life, meeting other Aikidoka
and seeing different styles and teachers.
For many years this was my life, training nearly every day and sometimes
twice
a day. It was very hard but I would do it all again!.
I dont think there is anything I would like to change about
my practice and
on the whole enjoy everything in my Aikido. I guess my "pet hate" if I may
use the term is weapons.
The place of weapons in Aikido continues to be a
controversial subject within Aikido and even the masters can't agree,
so I
just take it as it comes. I think that aikido techniques are applied
according to the principles of the sword,
and not identical with every
aspect of sword work.
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Therefore I think weaponry is something that can
enhance Aikido practice at higher levels, but is
not critical until Dan
grade is reached.
My teacher understood Aikido movements as the expresssion
of an inner
spirit, and the techniques exist in some way to train and serve
that aspect, as far as I can see weaponry must follow
on from basic body
movements one has mastered, therefore to give a sword to someone and ask
him to perform a movement
when he has not yet learned to move his body
without a weapon is contradictory and defeats the purpose.
As far
as the future of Aikido is concerned, I think it is very important
to concentrate on a greater unity between the styles.
This is beginning to
happen but has a long way to go. No one has a monopoly of wisdom and there
is a great amount
of skill and knowledge to share with each other.
Every style has its own strengths and weaknesses, areas of special skill
that it
has honed and developed. By sharing this with each other, we can all be enriched.
How this will all work out remains to be seen and we can only hope that all will proceed happily.
As far as an
inspirational message is concerned. Keep training is about the
best I know. Aikido presents us with all kinds of challenges,
both within
ourselves and with others, and as we journey we will all hit times when we
lose direction and become discouraged.
This is an important part of Aikido
training and I always think it sad that so many leave at this point. We
must all
learn to become like trees which can bend under these pressures,
but never break and are always strong at the roots. Keep
your feet firmly
on the tatami, whether you are tired or not, whether you feel like it or
not, whether the class is
busy or just one or two present.....ALWAYS be
there. This is perhaps the most important training of all because it is
useful for "big" Aikido as well. One of the first generation masters
Master Rinjiro Shirata 10th dan, who recently
passed away, said shortly
before he died "I think I'm finally getting the hang of Shiho Nage!" - I
think if we can
all keep this humble mindset in our training, we will
continue to make Aikido very enjoyable, both for ourselves and others.
In Aikido
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