AN OPEN SECRET
A Students Handbook forLearning Aikido Techniques of
Self-Defense and the AikiWay
![Tony M Blomert AE Blomert Enterprises LLC 1106 W Park Suite 127 - photo 1](/uploads/posts/book/363016/tmp_648e4de7a78196e00a79adda40444d49_3MIWCL_html_2d64d516.jpg)
Tony M. Blomert
A&E Blomert Enterprises, LLC
1106 W. Park, Suite 127
Livingston, MT59047
Copyright 2014, Tony M. Blomert
Published by A&E Blomert Enterprises, LLC
ISBN: 9781310209796
SmashwordsVersion
A&E BlomertEnterprises, LLC
1106 W. Park, Suite 127
Livingston, MT59047
www.aikidotoday.com
An Open Secret/Tony M.Blomert
1st edition
An Open Secret contains material protected under Internationaland Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprintor use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may bereproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronicor mechanical, including photocopying, recording, scanning or byany information storage and retrieval system without expresswritten permission from the author.
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DISCLAIMER:
Please note that the publisher and author ofthis instructional book are NOT RESPONSIBLE in any mannerwhatsoever for any injury that may result from practicing thetechniques and/or following the instructions given within.
Martial arts training canbe dangerous to you and to others if not practiced safely. Ifyoure in doubt as to how to proceed, or whether your practice issafe, please consult with a trained martial arts instructor beforebeginning. Since the physical activities described herein may betoo strenuous in nature for some readers, its also essential thata physician be consulted prior to training.
Best efforts have been used in preparingthis material which is presented solely within this book foreducational purposes. The author and publisher make norepresentations or warranties of any kind, and assume noliabilities of any kind with respect to the accuracy orcompleteness of the contents.
While all attempts have been made to verifyinformation provided in this publication, the publisher assumes noresponsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation ofthe subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specificpersons, peoples, or organizations are unintentional.
Every effort has been made to identify allindividuals depicted in photographs and illustrations, and toobtain their permission for publication. Any omissions areunintentional. If you are depicted and not properly identifiedplease contact the publisher for us to obtain appropriateauthorization.
Neither the author nor thepublisher shall be held liable or responsible to any person orentity with respect to any injury or incidental or consequentialdamages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly orindirectly, by the information or strategies contained herein, asthe advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable foryour own unique situation .
Book Layout and Editing by Mary Jo Stresky, The Write MoJoLiterary and Research Services (www.thewritemojo.com)
Photographs by Eva Szabo
Photo Models: Aaron Anderes, Kelly Goebel,Wells Nishimoto, Rajesh Patel, Joshua Puskarich, Emmanuel Santos,Satoru Sato
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why the Title, An OpenSecret?
My Purpose for WritingThis Book
How to Use ThisBook
Self-Defense, PhysicalFitness and Spiritual Enrichment
Variations in Japanese andWestern Manners
Bowing
When to Bow
Standing Formal Bow
Seated Bow
Sitting andStanding
Steps to Sitting in Seiza
Variations
Alternative Sitting Methods
Knee Walking( Shikko )
The Line-Up
The Class
The FormalClosing
StudentResponsibilities
Classroom Etiquette
Coming to Class
Leaving During Class
Bowing
Respecting the Shomen
Respecting Your Fellow Students
How to AddressPeople
Dojo Layout: Joza andShimoza (front and back)
History of theUniform
How to Care for theDogi
How to Fold theDogi
The Hakama
How to Wear a Hakama
How to Care for a Hakama
How to Properly Fold a Hakama
Weaponry and Eye-HandCoordination
Jo Short Staff
How to Select a Jo Staff
Bokken
How to Design a Custom Bokken
The Style of the Bokken
Other Common TrainingTools
Shoto
Hanbo or Tanto
Suburit
Shinai Take
How to Care for a WoodTraining Weapon
Sanding
Oiling
Storage
The Methodology of WeaponHandling
Start and End of Class
Handling a Weapon Exchange
Bowing with aWeapon
Standing Bow
Seated Bow
Rank System(s)
Ranks and Titles
ExaminationEtiquette
Examination Partner
Seating
Examination Bowing Etiquette
Beginning of the Examination
Conclusion of the Examination
Receiving a Promotion Certificate
Ki Energy
Training withOthers
IndividualTraining
Tip 1: TheMiddle
Tip 2: TakeUkemi
Tip 3: Training with theDemonstrations Uke
Tip 4: Mental SnapshotMethod
Tip 5: Nine Times Slow andOne Time Fast
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PREFACE
W hile seated on the floor in total stillness, I am filled witha sense of tranquility. An ikebana arrangement sits graceful against the rich woodpaneled backdrop of the shomen . A portrait of the founder(OSensei ), appearing simultaneouslyserene and stern, seems to be focused solely on me.
![Glancing just off center at the display ofweaponry I realize the simplicity of - photo 2](/uploads/posts/book/363016/tmp_648e4de7a78196e00a79adda40444d49_3MIWCL_html_246e4b6c.jpg)
Glancing just off center at the display ofweaponry, I realize the simplicity of the room is very deceiving.These surroundings have hundreds of years of tradition, and obviousand hidden meanings are everywhere.
This appointed time andplace to demonstrate what Id learned after years of study formy dan exam hasbeen years in coming. I contemplate the task at hand, and thenclear my mind of all thought. There is only breath. My breath --lifes breath.
Breathe ... blink ...breathe.
The sweltering air has grown heavy withhumidity, and I realize that Im in a different time and place.
Its mid-summer in feudalJapan in the year 1629. Im standing onone side of a rope and plank bridge spanning a treacherous riverbelow. As I begin crossing over the single person-wide path, I seea man standing on the opposite end whos also beginning to crossover.
We have instantrecognition. We are aite (opponents), and are both in samurai dress with daisho ( katana and w akizashi ). Sunlight glints off thehighly polished steel blades of my swords. Each receiving onethousand blessings from the kami , they had been forged and honedwhile the smithy made the offerings.
The drama unfolds as weboth continue our paths across the bridge. Neither of us can orwill yield by turning back, and therefore only one will crossalive. There is only one way for matched warriors to achievevictory: The first to take thespace!
Breathe ...blink.
The air feels cool on myskin as my mind returns to the present. The noisy chatter of overfifty students engulfs the room, and they go silent as the panelof Shihan enter.The quiet is broken by the calling of my name for the examination.The next hour is a replay of that fateful moment in 1629, but thistime without any bloodshed.
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