Shoji Nishio
Shoji Nishio | |
---|---|
![]() Shoji Nishio in Århus, Denmark 1984 | |
Born | (1927-12-05)December 5, 1927 Aomori Prefecture, Japan |
Died | March 15, 2005(2005-03-15) (aged 77) Tokyo, Japan |
Native name | 西尾 昭二 |
Other names | Ai Do In Bu Yo Sho Gaku Yu Ko Ko Ji[1] (posthumous Dharma name) |
Style | Aikido, Iaido |
Teacher(s) | Morihei Ueshiba, Kyuzo Mifune, Yasuhiro Konishi, Shigenori Sano |
Rank | 8th Dan Aikikai, 7th Dan Iaido, 6th Dan Judo, 5th Dan Karate |
Shoji Nishio (西尾 昭二, Nishio Shōji, December 5, 1927 – March 15, 2005) was a Japanese aikido practitioner and innovator. He held the rank of 8th dan shihan from the Aikikai. He was a student of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba and practiced along with Seigo Yamaguchi and Hiroshi Tada.[2] He achieved multiple high ranking honors in other martial arts, most notably Iaido, Judo, Karate.[3][4][5][1]
Nishio developed his Aikido style based on his understanding of Ueshiba's teaching and experience with other martial arts. His style has been described by practitioners as dynamic, natural and effective.[6][7] The uniqueness of his style compared to other Aikido styles is the integration of the sword principles into Aikido techniques.[8]
His approach to martial art is demonstrated by the creation of a new school of iaido, the introduction of koshinage, and a different interpretation of classical budo concept. Some emphases of his Aikido style include the importance of acknowledgement of opposition, weapon techniques, natural stance, and atemi. Nishio's contributions to Aikido extended beyond technical aspects as he played a significant role in the art's international development. He left a lasting impact through his teachings, publications, and the worldwide propagation of his style. It is taught in 19 countries in Europe, America, Asia, South East Asia and Australia.[9][10] He was honored by the Japanese Budo Federation with the Budo Kyoryusho award (2003) for his contribution to Aikido's development and global reach.[1]
Early martial arts training and influences
Nishio started practicing judo in 1942 in a dojo near the Ministry of Finance in the Japanese Mint, where he was then employed. After the war ended in 1945, he joined the Kodokan Judo Institute.[8] Kyuzo Mifune, considered to be one of the greatest judo practitioners,[11] was Nishio's trainer during this period. He achieved 6th Dan Kodokan Judo.[2][1] This background created the technical foundation that helps him introduced koshinage into official Aikido throwing repertoire.[4]
By 1950, Nishio switched to practicing karate because he felt the restriction from judo competition inhibited his martial art growth.[12] In karate, Nishio was trained under Yasuhiro Konishi, the founder of Shindō jinen-ryū (神道自然流) karate.[13] He achieved 5th Dan Shindō jinen-ryū.[2][1]
The technical influence of karate in Nishio's Aikido style is significant as he emphasized the importance of atemi (strikes)[6][14] as well as the comprehensive range of atemi types in his teaching.[15]
Encounter with Aikido
Still feeling that karate was limiting,[12] Nishio kept searching for another martial art. After being told about a ghost-like martial artist whom Nishio's sensei at the time couldn’t hit,[8][16] he decided to try Aikido. With his karate friends, Nishio went to Nuke Benten to watch Aikido. He signed up after watching two classes.[2] Changing primary martial art did not stop Nishio from practicing other ones. At the beginning of his Aikido career, he was still practicing judo and karate. It was common for him to train about five hours a day.[2]
Views and philosophy
Nishio joined Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1952 after 10 years of practicing other martial arts. Aikido was still in the early stage of development as the dojo was not yet properly repaired after the war[2] and there were around five people practicing on a good day.[12] He was promoted to shihan and began to teach around 1955.[17] As his Aikido developed, he incorporated skills and principles of other martial arts into his own aikido style. In 1976, he was promoted to 8th dan Aikido.[4]
Nishio believed that one of Aikido's core tenets was about acknowledging the other person.[18] Most Aikido techniques offer 3-4 opportunities to striking down opponents but ultimately choose the least damaging option.[19] He said Aikido practitioners should try not to injure the attacker.[16] This type of choice materializes the philosophy of acknowledgment, understanding, acceptance and mutual respect of and for others, even as they are opposition. Aikido's philosophy stands in contrast to other martial arts' goal of overcoming other. Nishio believed that this context helped recreating each technique close to the spirit of Ueshiba.[19]
Nishio believed that the innovation of Aikido was a requirement Ueshiba had from its practitioners. He also asked practitioners to develop based on on their own background.[20] His conclusion based on Ueshiba's words was
Before the Founder passed away thirty-four years ago he told us, “This old man has brought [aikido] this far; all of you must take it from here.” In light of these words, I think it is insufficient—unforgivable, in fact— for us to simply maintain the status quo.[21]
The commitment to this view is reflected by Nishio's technical contributions and distinctions within the martial art world. He is considered[by whom?] as "one of the foremost technical innovators" in Aikido.[22] Nishio believed that other martial arts knowledge was a "nourishment" for one's Aikido development.[23]
All styles of budo are continuously struggling in their own fashion to improve. Practitioners of budo must remain aware of and understand the nature of these changes. Arts like karate, judo and kendo all have their good points and these can be used to nourish one's own budo training, taking them into account and making even greater efforts. [...] The only people who condemn other budo are those that do not practice them;.[24] Shoji Nishio
Technical approach and contributions
Stance
Nishio believed that natural stance (shizentai) was the way to face an opponent, adversary, or training partner. It becomes a physical manifestation of humanity in Aikido.[18] It's said[by whom?] that in his final years, O'Sensei also disliked kamae (roughly means stance before the fight).[3]
In Nishio's style, the stance takes form of hand, hip straight down naturally. Both feet should also be straight with one slightly higher than the other. This feet position let the practitioner face his opposition directly and acknowledge him (a core tenet in Nishio-style). This stance is the same when practitioner use a sword or a jo (a wooden stick). With the sword, the tip of the sword lie down near front foot in front of the holder. With the jo, the direction of the jo intersect with opposition's eyes.[25]
Physically, these form a "no stance" stance; however, the practitioner should already taking a mental stance of acceptance, awareness, preparation. The hand is then offered to the opposition. Entering technique starts at the moment of contact.[25] In comparison, most other Aikido styles' stance have one hand or both hands extended forward, usually with extended fingers.[26][27][28][29]
Irimi interpretation
In budo, irimi is essentially the movement to obtain an opponent's "dead angle." This refers to a strategic position offering effective strike and control opportunities while it is significantly harder/slower for the opposition to do so. In Nishio's style, in front-facing position, irimi is taken as a half-step[30] instead of a one-step in other Aikido schools.[31] The step is to the right and slightly forward, create a direction of about 30 degree compare to the shoulder's initial position.[32] By taking half-step instead of full step, practitioner stays connected to the opposition thereby maintaining effective control of the situation.[18]
Atemi
Aikido is forty percent throwing and sixty percent pinning. [...] Further, in all of the techniques there is atemi. [...] In the aikido I learned (and that I now teach), we do throws and pins with the rhythm and feeling of atemi.[33] Shoij Nishio
In mainstream Aikido styles, atemi are demonstrated infrequently, and felt into disuse.[22] In Nishio's style, atemis are everywhere and numerous (his teaching list at least 10 different hand strikes, 5 elbow strikes).[15] Almost all Aikido techniques demonstrated by Nishio have multiple atemis at the beginning and during techniques.[34] More than strikes, atemis in his style determine the rhythm and timing of techniques.[35]
Introduction of Koshinage - hip throws
The "hip throw" which is now commonly performed during promotion examinations at Aikikai dojos, was not a well-known technique at first. Aikido's throwing repertoire was limited to iriminage, shihonage, and kotegaeshi. Koshiwaza was independently researched and developed by Nishio (utilizing his judo background)[4] and Hiroshio Kuroiwa when they were young instructors at the headquarters, and it is said to have spread to other Aikido practitioners.[36]
Approach toward weapons usage
In 1955, due to the lack of explanation regarding sword and jo techniques from Ueshiba (and other instructors),[12] Nishio started to study iaido under Shigenori Sano (10th dan Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu).[8] He achieved 7th Dan Nihon Zenkoku Iaido Renmei.[2][1]
In iaido, Nishio practiced a number of different styles and consolidated what he believed to be useful.[16] By 2001, numerous addition and revision of kata were introduced in Nishio's iaido system. At one point, the number of kata were over 30. By the end, he finalized his iaido system to 15 katas, most of which correlated to specific Aikido movements.[6] His system is called Aiki Toho Iaido or Nishio-ryu Iai.[37]
In 1957 or 1958, Nishio trained in jōdō with Takaji Shimizu (headmaster of Shintō Musō-ryū jōjutsu)[38] and Yari or art of the spear (Hōzōin-ryū sōjutsu).[4]
Underlying principles
In Nishio's style, all techniques can be performed with the wooden sword bokken, wooden stick jo in hand as well as without weapons.[39]
I have experience in karate and judo, and feel the way of the sword is central, so I reflect empty-hand techniques and throws in my sword and jo movements. O-sensei said, "If your hands hold a sword, then aikido is a sword; if your hands hold a jo, then aikido is a jo."[23] - Shoji Nishio
In weapon training, he believes, practitioners should try to be "on the edge". That means avoid being struck, deliver an effective final strike and stop within hair's breadth of contact.[23]
Sword techniques
Purpose
Nishio believed the purpose of the Aikido sword was to purify, as he called it the "sword of purification".[40] The sword in Aikido does not cut the opponent. Rather, it is a tool to control the attack, even before its occurrence. The sword is used to redirect opponent's energy, voiding the need of physical strike.[40] This approach emphasizes the focus on control, the removal of conflict and unnecessary of damaging others. Thereby using in this way, it will forge the sword's controller out of mental "impurities" (the desire to hurt and creation of conflict). The sword techniques in Aikido aim to find unified direction, not cutting down opponent.[40] Therefore it is a tool to guide both persons toward new understanding and mutual respect. This aspect shows the "purification" of intention of the opposition. The swords also help practitioners understand the core physical mechanics of empty-handed Aikido techniques.[41] This view of utility emphasizes striving for perfection of bodily movements, hence "purifying".
Characteristic
The sword of Aikido makes no sound.[40] - Shoji Nishio
Described as otonashi, or "silent," which means sword techniques mostly produces almost no harsh sound. It is the result of Nishio's sword work relies on minimal blade contact with opposition's sword. His sword techniques anticipate and exploit gaps in opponent's attacks, turning defense into offense usually in one single precisely timed movements.[4] This approach differs from Morihito Saito's style, where the significant part of controls are achieved through impact with the other sword, resulting in significant clashing of the swords heard throughout.[42]
Impact and influence
Nishio's impact on Aikido went beyond the Japanese border and transcended techniques. He contributed to the international development of Aikido throughout the world by teaching, holding seminars and help establishing dojos of his Aikido style. The regions teaching Nishio-style Aikido include Central and Northern Europe, the United States, Mexico, France and Germany[9] as well as Vietnam, Iran, Australia. In 2003, Nishio received the Budo Kyoryusho award from Japanese Budo Federation for his lifetime contribution to development and worldwide propagation of Aikido.[1]
Notable students
Nishio cultivated a following in many countries. Some notable practitioners of his style includes:
Name | Aikido Ranking | Other dan ranking | Practice country |
---|---|---|---|
Koji Yoshida[43] | 7th Dan | 6th Renshi in Musoshinden-ryu Iaido, 7th in Nishio-ryu Toho Iaido | USA |
Ichiro Shishiya[44] | 7th Dan | 5th Dan Aikido Toho Iai | Japan |
Kunio Yoshimoto[45] | 7th Dan | 5th Dan Iaido | |
Paul Muller[46] | 7th Dan | 5th Dan Aikido Toho Iai | France |
Philip Greenwood[47] | 6th Dan | 5th Dan Iaido | USA |
Personal life
Nishio was born in Aomori Prefecture of Japan in 1927. Occupationally, he mostly worked for the Ministry of Finance in the Japanese Mint for his entire career from 1942 to 1980.[4][6] He died in March 2005 from prostate cancer.[9]
Published works
Books
- Shoji Nishio, Aikido – Yurusu Budo. The Irimi-Issoku Principle, Dou Publishing, 2004. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- “The Path to Forgiving Martial Arts” (Interview) “Definitive Edition Morihei Ueshiba and Aikido 2 - Direct Disciples Talking About the Founder” edited by Aiki News Editorial Department, Dou Publishing, 2006 , ISBN 4-900586-83-8 .
DVDs
- "Shoji Nishio's Aikido Volume 1: Reverse half body one-handed/Aihan body one-handed edition", Dou Publishing, 2004 , ISBN 4-900586-41-2 .
- "Shoji Nishio's Aikido Volume 2: Sho-uchi Edition", Dou Publishing, 2004 , ISBN 4-900586-42-0 .
- "Shoji Nishio's Aikido Volume 3: Yokomen-uchi/Ryote-dori/Sode-dori/Shoulder-men-uchi editio,n" Dou Publishing, 2004 , ISBN 4-900586-43-9 .
- "Shoji Nishio's Aikido Volume 4: Aikido Toho Iai Edition", Dou Publishing, 2004 , ISBN 4-900586-44-7 .
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Shoji Nishio". Sakura Aïkikaï. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
- ^ a b c d e f g Li, Christopher (2013-11-18). "Interview with Aikido Shihan Shoji Nishio". Aikido Sangenkai Blog. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
- ^ a b "Shoji Nishio - Aikido Master". Aikido Health Centre. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Shoji Nishio, Shihan | Shoji Nishio: Nishikaze Aikido Society of America". Retrieved 2023-12-24. Cite error: The named reference ":0" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ "Shoji Nishio - Sensei Aikido". senseiaikido.com. 2020-01-21. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
- ^ a b c d "Nishio Sensei". www.aikido-paul-muller.com. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
- ^ "Nishio Aikido – Aikido Journal". 2021-05-09. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
- ^ a b c d "Yufukan Sofia (Kiyotsura-dojo) - Shoji nishio shihan". nishioaikido.bg. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
- ^ a b c "故 西尾昭二師範について | 蕨合気道会" (in Japanese). 2017-09-17. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
- ^ "Dojo List | Shoji Nishio: Nishikaze Aikido Society of America". Retrieved 2024-06-21.
- ^ "三船久蔵". いわての文化情報大事典 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-12-26.
- ^ a b c d "Interview with Shoji Nishio (1984), Part 1 by Stanley Pranin – Aikido Journal". 2018-02-06. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
- ^ "Shoji Nishio, Shihan | Shoji Nishio: Nishikaze Aikido Society of America". Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ "The Study of Budo | Shoji Nishio: Nishikaze Aikido Society of America". Retrieved 2024-06-26.
- ^ a b Nishio, Shoji (2004). Aikido – Yurusu Budo. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. pp. 22–25. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- ^ a b c "Shoji Nishio: Going Beyond O-Sensei – Aikido Journal". 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
- ^ "About - Nishio Aikido Information". nishioaikido.info. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ a b c "A True Aiki Swordsman: Philip Greenwood on Shoji Nishio – Aikido Journal". 2019-03-20. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ a b Nishio, Shoji (26 May 2004). Aikido – Yurusu Budo. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 13. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- ^ "Don't Cut the Person with your Sword: Philip Greenwood on Nishio and Aikido Philosophy – Aikido Journal". 2019-02-01. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
- ^ Nishio, Shoji (January 1, 2004). Aikido – Yurusu Budo. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 7. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- ^ a b jimart888 (2015-11-19). "Shoji Nishio: "Aikido's Innovative Genius," by Stanley Pranin". aikidoshoshinkai. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c "Nishio Sensei". www.aikipeace.com. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
- ^ "Aikido Journal". Aikido Journal. 24 (1): 21–22. 1996.
- ^ a b Shoji, Nishio (2004). Aikido – Yurusu Budo. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 14. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- ^ "Basic Stance".
- ^ Newens, Hoa. "Stances in Martial Arts".
- ^ "Posture". discovering-aikido.com. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ "General information on the stances and body movements used in Aikido | BigRock Aikikai". www.bigrock-aikikai.com. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ "Understanding Nishio's Half-Step Can Lead The Way". www.gunjiuniversity.com. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
- ^ ""Irimi," by Ellis Amdur – Aikido Journal". 2011-11-30. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). Aikido – Yurusu Budo. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 17. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- ^ "The Study of Budo | Shoji Nishio: Nishikaze Aikido Society of America". Retrieved 2024-06-30.
- ^ José Vicente Moreno (2019-03-11). How to properly preform atemi in Aikido. Retrieved 2024-07-22 – via YouTube.
- ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). Aikido – Yurusu Budo. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 15. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- ^ Profile of the Founder - The words and appearance of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba as told by 14 direct disciples. BAB Japan. 2009. p. 66. ISBN 978-4-86220-431-8.
- ^ "SHOJI NISHIO". aikidoshoshinkai. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
- ^ Aiki News. "Interview with Shoji Nishio (1992), Part 1". Archived from the original on 2018-05-22. Retrieved 2024-06-30. Alt URL
- ^ Nishio, Shoji (2004). AIKIDO - YURUSU BUDO. The Irimi-Issoku Principle (in English and Japanese). Aiki News. p. 28. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- ^ a b c d Nishio, Shoji (26 May 2004). Aikido – Yurusu Budo. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 27. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- ^ Nishio, Shoji (26 May 2004). Aikido – Yurusu Budo. The Irimi-Issoku Principle. Aiki News. p. 29. ISBN 4-900586-29-3.
- ^ zaynit (2010-03-16). Best of the Friendship Demonstrations 1985-1986-1987, part 6. Retrieved 2024-06-30 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Koji Yoshida, Shihan | Shoji Nishio: Nishikaze Aikido Society of America". Retrieved 2024-06-21.
- ^ "Ichiro Shishiya Shihan". www.irmeiseikai.com. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
- ^ "KUNIO YOSHIMOTO". aikidoshoshinkai. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
- ^ "English Portrait - Page 2". www.aikido-paul-muller.com. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
- ^ "Martial Arts in Temecula". Greenwood Aikido. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Nishikaze Aikido Society of America - Official Nishio Organization in the U.S.