Vicksburg Aikikai - Nostalgic Photos

Yamaguchi Sensei

A Small Contribution about the Late Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei (1924 – 1996)

Lament has been expressed that Yamaguchi Sensei did not leave behind instructional
material such as a video or book. I certainly agree with that. William Gleason and Stan
Pranin have discussed the remarkable technique of Yamaguchi Sensei. It occurred to me
that I had some material to offer about Yamaguchi Sensei from notes I kept while practicing
at Hombu Dojo from 1973 to 1980. Yamaguchi Sensei taught a yudansha (black belt)
course annually. The figure and text given below were taken from material distributed at
one of these courses in 1973. The first attempt at translating the figure was done by my
wife, Kinuyo Kraus, a native Japanese language speaker. Then, I prevailed on colleagues
originally from China to review and interpret the figure, because some of the Kanji are quite
old. I would like to thank Professor Sam Wang and Dr. Yan Ding (who lived in Japan for
three years), both of the University of Mississippi, for their kindness in offering
interpretations of some facets of the figure.

Translation of Yamaguchi Sensei’s Explanation Accompanying the Figure Distributed
March 1973

“O-Sensei often said that the Aikido symbols fge have deep philosophic meaning. I will
never completely understand their meaning. However, in an attempt to make them clear to
myself, I prepared the accompanying figure. It is my hope that it will help you understand
the meaning of the symbols. The great Zen priest Sengai created poetry and paintings.
One of his drawings shows the figures fge. In any case, a great philosopher always
makes us think deeply. The f means “basic.” The g means “variation.” The e means
“total.” The figure, giving an overview, is a spiral.”

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In addition, according to my notes, on March 4, 1978, a Saturday, I happened to be seated
opposite Yamaguchi Sensei at a coffee shop booth after one of the yudansha classes.
Here are some points he discussed, transcribed onto a napkin, and then into my notes:

1. One needs to have naivety or innocence to improve.
2. The most simple (correct) movement is done if the skeleton moves unhindered.
     Overuse of muscle impedes movement.
3. The front (of the person doing a technique) can deceive, but the back cannot.
4. One must move on the balls of the feet, breathing (flowing?) through the heels.
     Do not bounce.
5. Sit in the middle of the dojo and expand your mind to its perimeter; if do that,
     you will have no openings.
6. When finishing a cut with a sword, don’t squeeze the hilt at the end, but let
     it fall freely.

I wrote notes about the start of the class that day, which must have been the opening class
of the annual series. Yamaguchi Sensei talked humbly and said he would do what he could
to teach us during the course. He could really yell at the class and at individuals. Then,
when he laughed, it was like sunshine coming through large storm clouds.

Some people have written about his technique. Let me mention that you had to have
excellent ukemi skill to receive Yamaguchi Sensei’s techniques. Although he appeared to
perform them without effort and often as if magically, taking his ukemi could, in fact, be
dangerous. When I (try to) teach his style, I first review ukemi with the students, or else
they think the techniques are too rough.

Dr. Wang’s Interpretation
     (1) Follow guidance from Heaven (God) to create.
     (2) Develop body and weapons as one unit.
     (3) Use breathing to strengthen inner force.
     (4) Use variations to enhance the effectiveness of body movements.
     (5) Resolve skepticism by analysis and comprehension based on Yin-Yang
            philosophy.
     (6) Use appropriate techniques such as soft or hard to achieve “to let live or kill.”
     (7) Consider all directions before releasing your force.
     (8) Whether seated or standing, always be ready to act decisively .

Dr. Ding’s Interpretation
     (1) Following guidance from Heaven, gain the skill of aikido.
     (2) Execute variations by using your body.
     (3) Direct your strength.
     (4) Answer questions, analyze, and comprehend.