Wrist-mounted, Spring-loaded

Minoru Mochizuki, and Tadashi Abe

is a story that occurred the Master Minoru Mochizuki skepticism concerning a young Tadashi Abe.

Minoru Mochizuki, 10 º Dan

was a man named Tadashi Abe, who died recently. Once when I visited O Sensei in the Iwama dojo to greet you upon my return to Japan after the war [WWII], I had the next encounter with him. O Sensei was happy to learn that I had safely returned and gave me a warm welcome. I was to sleep that night at the dojo. That night he came to my room an evil-looking man with a haircut to the monk and asked permission to enter. When I gave permission he entered.

- "My name is Tadashi Abe. Sensei, "I can ask a direct question?"

I told him to ask me what I wanted. I asked if you really studied Aikijujutsu seriously. In those days art was not yet the name of Aikido. When I said yes, I said:

Tadashi Abe, 6 º Dan

- "Really? I have long been hearing things about you, Sensei. I've heard that has had real combat experience. It seems strange that someone like you are satisfied with an art as Aikijujutsu.

When I asked so I thought why not Ueshiba Sensei said that neither Mr. Morihiro Saito would be able to withstand a fight against him or even three minutes. He would defeat them in one fell swoop.

- "You are very sure of yourself, right?" I replied. "Do you really think you can beat Ueshiba Sensei?" I said.

replied that he thought it would be easy for him and even beat Sensei added

- "I've been watching Ueshiba Sensei for a long time and does not convince me as an art practice Aikijujutsu. I'm sure I can beat him with one punch in boxing. I heard that You put emphasis on combat, is it true? "

I replied as follows:

-" I've been in many street fights, but would not include it in the category of 'combat'. And I have also assaulted enemy camps sword in hand. "

then asked if Aikido was really helpful or not to fight. When I said that Aikido was not only useful in fights but also in times of war told me that my answer was not convinced. Then I suggested that attacked me and stayed there, indicating that attack as best I know. He asked me to put me on guard. I replied:

- "Do not ask unnecessary things. There is no way to defeat the enemy if he tells you what to do. Attack me like! "

Abe murmured:" Sensei, "I can really hit you? It's strange ... it starts all over ... "Then he put on guard and attacked me suddenly. I dodged the blow [taisabaki] and kicked him. He grunted and fell to the ground. Immediately applied a technique of resuscitation [katsu] and gave him a massage.

- "How can someone like you, who collapses and loses consciousness when he gets a little kick, take something in a fight?"

- "Sensei, Is that aikido techniques include kicking? "

-" Stupid! What do you mean by that question? We use kicking techniques or whatever it takes. I've even used artillery. Martial arts, weapons and artillery are all Aikido. What do you think is Aikido? Do you think that it is twisting wrists? It is a means of war ... an act of war! Aikido is a real fight with swords. We use the word 'Aiki' because he can feel the mind of the enemy comes to attack, so we can respond immediately. Check out the Sumo. When you give voice [Miatta! Miatta!] Get up and are thrown against each other in a flash. That itself is 'Aiki'. When a person faces an enemy while in a state of mind free of any idea or thought and is instantly able to deal with it, we call it 'Aiki'. In ancient times was called "Aiki no jutsu." Thus, artillery or anything becomes 'Aiki'. "

- "Is this ...? I think I understand. "

- "If you still do not understand, come see me anytime."

After this episode, Abe took my fear and greeted me from afar. But when I was sent [by Ueshiba O Sensei] Europe asked me to take him as his assistant.

During my time in Europe also had interesting experiences. As we practiced things like wrist dislocation some people wondered if this type of training would actually be useful in a real fight and I asked many questions, so I gave the following explanation:

- "When we practice, learn the right way to move the body and how to use force [kokyu ryoku] rationally. By using the 'Aiki' you may be able to respond immediately when an enemy is lurking about to attack. This way you can shake off anybody. " So

a student asked me: "So I can bring a gun? If I use a gun, Sensei, what would you? "

My response was that then I would bring a rifle.

source: Aikidojournal