AIKIDO'S BAD REPUTATION IS DESERVED! | ROBERT MUSTARD SHIHAN

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

check out some of our other interviews here kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6eogYikma2HhcU

[@AikidoApplied]

Thanks very much. Good discussion Glad Mustard sensei took the time to articulate the issues so directly. The decline of Aikido? Where to start? Talent drain. "The great softening" of society. Commercialization. Poorly taught by unqualified people. Reduced demands on students. Technically difficult art in an age of impatience. (The piano is more difficult than the kazoo. Everyone can try. Not so many are really good.) Misunderstandings (both by students and outside observers) about what Aikido is and what one is learning. At its broadest, fundamentally, Aikido is a Way to develop better human beings: body, mind and spirit by the rigorous drilling of martial arts techniques (at the most rigorous level you can acheive). The core practice is a partner-based dynamic form of kata-keiko (forms practice) which, done well, should involve diminishing levels of cooperation as one progresses - but can be adjusted in the moment based on the level/skill of your partner. With this format, all people can participate in and benefit from this budo (to varying degrees of difficulty and depth). Think of it like surfing. There is gentle Waikiki and there are Mavericks and Nazare. Same activity, but totally different experiences. In my view, Aikido practice must retain the rigor, risk and spirit of applied martial arts training, even if a student seeks personal development. In fact, deeper personal development can be achieved from those pressures on the student. Many Aikidoka need to better understand the limits of their training, if they are (not particularly gifted physically and) not pushing the boundaries of training beyond the classical method. If you seek "Aikido Applied", you must progress beyond the core forms practice to learn to "use" the art spontaneously, improvisational-ly (like piano) - which in the past in Tokyo meant fighting in Kabuki-cho or Roppongi or scheduling matches. Nowadays? You'll need to expand the scope of your training in the dojo (additional drills, free-style, randori) and then gain non-cooperative experience in sports match fighting or arranged contests. Best to avoid spontaneous survival conflicts, but if you get that experience and survive, you'll learn. Find your Way!!!!

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Thanks for taking the time to contribute so much to thus discussion. I have to say I find it hard to disagree with much of what you say

[@AikidoApplied]

@@AIKIDOSILVERDALE Thank you for offering interesting content that stimulates important discussions.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

That why we're here!

[@GeorgeLedyard]

Mustard sensei and I met way back at the Aiki Expos. I have a huge amount of respect for his Aikido. While my teacher, Saotome Sensei was from a different "style" if you want to call it that, what he talks about is spot on to what I was taught and what I have tried to do.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Thanks for engaging George, He was a lovely guy to talk to and I think we've become friends as we too seem to agree on many of the points made in this interview. We'll have to talk to your good self sometime if you're keen?

[@BoomBoomDeluxe]

Superb! How wonderful to see two such experienced martial artists talking so openly. Looking forward to seeing the rest of this interview

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

thank you

[@michaelwright248]

Thanks for sharing this conversation.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Our pleasure Michael. More to come from this interview, it was very interesting to say the least!

[@rickdangerfield1183]

Legend! I've no idea how you set this up but what a great interview. fabulous stuff guys

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

thank you Rick

[@hattorihanzo3688]

An opinion, measured and delivered with consideration must be respected.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

indeed

[@Clarity2020Australia]

Refreshing to hear a senior man being this honest. thanks for posting.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

our pleasure and more to come

[@ДмитрийЧе-ь2л]

Great stuff. It is refreshing to see a master of Robert Mustard caliber to give an honest view on modern aikido. Yoshinkan Aikido is well known not only for it is martial spirit, but also for aiki. Could you ask Mustard sensei for his take on that topic.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

More to come from this interview! Thanks for contributing.

[@RetrogasmicPodcast]

What a fascinating man. I can't fault his logic or his opinion either. Very good thank you AS>

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

cant disagree

[@rashidmartialarts9513]

Excellent discussion

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Thanks Rashid, more to come soon.

[@RedM1n1onX]

Been a few years since I read Mustard Shihan's book - great read, really recommend it, great video too, looking forward to watching the rest. There is just one point I will make. Where Robert and many older instructors come from it was old school, and it was hard core. Over the years I think all martial arts have 'softened' from where their origins came from simply because there is not the need for such an aggressive approach. We are in the silicone age of sitting at computers all day, not riding bikes and playing rugby and falling out of trees so naturally the 'self defence' aspect has become more the 'art'. And as instructors we have had to change with the times. Roberts comment about 'some students need to be punched in the face' to me translates to the lack of combat mode in some schools. If you have never been in a real fight on the streets then you rely on the tournaments in the dojo. I have been in tournaments for karate in ippon kumite and later in full contact multiple point sparring and they are a real eye opener. I think people do need to put on some mitts and wear a mouthguard and have a go just to get over that adrenalin dump and fight or flight feeling. Relying on modern Aikido alone against a fast striking/kicking opponent is very hard unless you have many years under your belt.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

100% agree and I think that's the point he was trying to make. ALL martial arts need some form of reality check.

[@CarlaCasteneda]

refreshing to see two senior ranks being so frank about their art.

[@dunkenFrancis]

A huge thank you to Robert Mustard shihan for taking the time to talk to us so honestly.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

100%

[@optimusmaximus9646]

Great discussion. Having studied several martial arts, including tae kwon do (second Dan), boxing, wing chun, kendo, and judo where getting hurt (sometimes seriously in my case) was part of the development of the student, I tried aikido as I was very keen to learn about it. I actually tried three different styles but I eventually gave up on all of them. I think the main concern, at least for me was that I found them insincere with regards to their martial origins. I am used to taking big hits but most aikido students are not so experienced. They then wonder why it fails them when use it in the street in a real altercation or are brave enough to try it out in the ring against another martial art (e.g., Rokas Leonavičius who unfortunately suffered a terrible injury). Very few aikidoka can actually punch. But in all fairness, neither can most judo practitioners. Whilst atemi is in the curriculum it is no longer practised but retained only as a symbolic remnant in kata. I would love to find an aikido school where I can actually try to strike the opponent as one would on the street, and where the opponent would be required to put some genuine effort into neutralising the attack, rather than just going through the motions. I think the closest thing that comes to that is Tenshin Aikido (e.g. sensei Lenny Sly) but the number of clubs is very small compared the total number of aikido schools out there. Shame really as I really do like aikido. I think the concepts are quite sound and is a great supplement to all martial arts.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

@@optimusmaximus9646 good observations, none of which I'd disagree with. Our channel promotes cross-training amongst Aikidoka and other arts to try to evolve training practice to resolve the very issues you've highlighted. Great input and welcome to the channel

[@optimusmaximus9646]

@@AIKIDOSILVERDALE Hi Dunken, thanks for the feedback. I've watched your videos before and always get something out of them - this one is no exception. To all our aikido brothers and sistes in New Zealand, cheers from Australia 🙂

[@paddyhinton9665]

Really interesting, again wishing I'd started 30yrs earlier, but related to the comments about intent. Intent and "extending your feeling" was taught under my first instructor, and was integral in how you hold yourself (best practiced in and out the dojo). Certainly at my level, its not really mentioned, hopefully this will change as I move through the training. But all that time I spent in the pub in my 20s,although fun, I listened to the 40+ training sessions a month, what commitment. Great listening to the chat, I certainly will try to train with intent.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

thanks again for contributing Paddy - he's an intersting man and we have 3 more videos from this interview to come!

[@acquiesce100]

Love how he says Steven Seagal gave us a ‘bit’ of a boost. Ha. Robert, Seagal gave a huge boost and Aikido has practically lived of him since his first film. Seagal is the best thing to ever come out of Aikido.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

He definitely brought aikido to the public eye in the 80s but has arguably done as much damage to the the art in recent years by association with his (cough) "questionable behaviour".

[@acquiesce100]

@@AIKIDOSILVERDALE Well I don't think he gave Aikido a "bit" of a boost like you discredit him for. Without Seagal Aikido would have died a long time ago. He kept it going in the 80's and 90's until it became the joke it is today. And no, I am not a troll. I am someone with 25 years of Aikido experience and I have trained in Japan in 2007. Thank goodness I saw the light I left. Steven Seagal's Aikido is flawless and Steven Seagal is actually better than the founder of the art. Seagal is the only martial artist I ever seen who have actually managed to excel the founder of the art itself. Of all the sensei I have trained with over 25 years and seen, none of them come close to Seagal and his style. Steven Seagal is the best thing to have happened to Aikido. I agree, Seagal nowadays is odd. Oh well.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Interesting take, thanks for your response.

[@Kensho_81]

He‘s kind of a pendulum: first he might gave Aikido a boost in reputation, now it‘s quite the opposite. 😤

[@robrosa5763]

Great interview Mustard Shihan. But you didn't refer to the Melbourne Shihan as the "Gifted One"........On a serious note, awesome interview and very real as far as explaining everything about Aikido and the bad rap it gets. Cheers RR

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

glad you enjoyed it Rob, thanks for responding

[@valentincastelo]

NOT ALL AIKIDO IS EQUAL.

[@dmitryvinnik8591]

Hello. Thanks for the interesting conversation. I will express my opinion on this issue. All discussions about the reputation of aikido as a martial art inevitably fall into the trap of false conclusions and conclusions. Here it is appropriate to draw an analogy with nuclear physics. When the ridiculous and absurd scientists Curie, Rutherford, Einstein, Bohr were fiddling with the physics of the atomic nucleus, no one could have imagined that this was the creation of a powerful weapon. But they created a source of energy for mankind. The same principles can be used in different ways. Trying to supplement the arsenal of aikido with "blocks" means to stop studying the interaction of partners, entrances to the attack, and actually stop studying aikido. These principles of Uke and Tori communication can later be used in any martial arts and military disciplines. Therefore, aikido cannot be deformed. It is extremely efficient and practical. Thanks.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

thanks for your contribution Dmitiry, not sure I personally agree with you entirely, but it will be interesting to hear what other think?

[@shodansmith]

Always love Mustard Sensei, v down to earth, lots of truths!!

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Thanks for responding Christian. He was so open, it was a pleasure talking to him - lots more to come from this interview in the next week or so.

[@chrislemoh2019]

Shout out to Sensei Joe Thambu: he is technically excellent with a good heart.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Absolutely. Heard a lot of good things about him, hope to visit him next time I'm in Australia

[@Alanhock75]

Trained under him in Melbourne in the early 2000s -great experience

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Always nice to hear good things about an instructor, it's getting rarer nowadays unfortunately

[@larkhallman]

The few students left who studied 10 years + regular classes under the late Shihan Kawahara understand the martial aspect in Aikido . The importance of the right teacher can never be underestimated. Unfortunately that generation of Shihan is dying off .

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

unfortunately very true, especially in Aikido but also in many other 'traditonal" martial arts.

[@luketitus7500]

Is the full interview in one part available please?

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Hi Luke - it's all in one playlist here kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHy2hHmooLeaiNU

[@largedifferent8432]

Wunderbar :-)

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Danke!

[@aikighost]

I quit at shodan and moved on to MMA and BJJ but frankly I had been thinking about moving on since about 2nd kyu anyway.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Yep, you have to be true to what YOU want from your budo. Also, there is only so much "prescriptive" training you can do before you get bored (move you foot half an inch left...)

[@paulmitchell5349]

I suggest you recommend Goju Ryu karate as a side class. Blocks and punches and kicks galore. Handed out and received. Par for the course.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

This entire channel focuses on crosstraining of all arts, couldn't agree more

[@valentincastelo]

I am a student from - CHIBA BIRANKAI - IT IS HARD CORE _ but yes there are plenty of mcdojos in the USA . - but if we kill each other in the dojo - we will have no students left within several hours. on a scale of 1 - 10 1= very slow and broken - 10 = killing field. WE PRACTICE AT 8 AND THAT IS VERY PAINFUL INDEED. AND YES - WE WILL HIT EACH OTHER..

[@ryohamaru2272]

if you wanna dig combative aspect try do training with sparring, bare hand or kumi tachi. it will help train mentality state of the student. be offensive or defensive person is a choice

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

I know a lots of clubs like ours that regularly train like this as well as cross train with other arts, but unfortunately this is still the minority amongst Aikidoka. Thanks for contributing

[@ryohamaru2272]

@@AIKIDOSILVERDALE yes thats good, cross training will help adding reference about combat art itself. traditional aikido is filled with lot master from many arts, modern aikido now is filled with average people with no background any martial arts. so lot of them dont understand what essence of aiki itself

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Unfortunately I totally agree with you. This channel is trying to change that

[@ryohamaru2272]

@@AIKIDOSILVERDALE in my opinion aikido is very good art, but now is obsolete. pedagogy must change or adapt with the situation. many instructor is lack about this knowledge.

[@ryohamaru2272]

@@AIKIDOSILVERDALE i suggest you collabs with guillaurme errard, he have write about "ningen keisei no michi" in aikido journal

[@imbradtaylor]

I quit after I got Shodan and came back 23-24 years later.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Out of interest, why did you quit and what made you return Brad?

[@imbradtaylor]

I quit initially because I had work commitments. It was several months after my test. Then I decided to try Baguazhang, because of a speculative article that suggested O'Sensei learned some Chinese Internal Martial Arts when he was there and I thought I saw similarities with Baguazhang. I got sidetracked from that. About 2 1/2 years ago when my son was 11 years old I found a 6th Dan in Yoshinkan Aikido living here in my current city. The only other options here are boxing and Kenpo. Sensei Fox wasn't currently teaching, but he offered to teach us and over that time our dojo has grown.

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Interesting. Do you feel that adding in the other art improved your budo overall? i ask this often to people with a similar history@@imbradtaylor

[@imbradtaylor]

​@@AIKIDOSILVERDALEoh and recently 2 other Senseis have shown up in class. One is KI Society and the other is Aikikai. They are there to learn Yoshinkan, but the rest of us benefit from the addition of their knowledge. Sensei Fox has invited them to share.

[@imbradtaylor]

​@@AIKIDOSILVERDALEI learned that my way isn't the only way.

[@yashasupercow99]

First

[@abitcrude8591]

lol second then

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

@@abitcrude8591 third? what are we doing? lol

[@brucerobertson8461]

needs to revert back to old school ....needs to ....lose the touchy feely..get real for those who want to get real. and let the others fumble their way through.....teaching standards are set by the dojo cho as is certification. EXCELLENT teachers are few and far between. good luck

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

Couldn't agree more

[@jicliffgerman.1372]

Hola. Deberian de traducirlo en Español. Es interesante oir la opinión de un experto . Gracias

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

¿No puedes activar los subtítulos CC con el botón de abajo? Por cierto, me alegro de que hayas disfrutado el video y gracias por comentar.

[@NB-xq4qt]

5 year for nidan in kendo....poor

[@AIKIDOSILVERDALE]

it def varies from art to art, nidan in our style at least 8-9 years, in BJJ it could 17 or more lol