Yoshinkan Aikido Senshusei Training Program

[utubesqueeze]

@brooklynmonk1 Good question. Though "Angry White Pyjamas" was published in 1999 and this video to Youtube in 2007. I suppose some of the instructors may overlap. Also, the British guys are kind of interesting. Normally the only English Westerners you hear of living in Japan are Americans.

[WestBfella]

@utubesqueeze The English ones are not so interesting - there is a really big club in Nottingham which has two full time dojos and Robert Mustard visits. I imagine they promote the Japanese course.

[afiqsince86]

fuck its like in millitary

[RedTailedTuna]

It would be really cool to do this but sadly most people in the States have to work real jobs for a living that wont allow them the time to train In aikido this way

[emerin76]

who says there are no real attacks in Aikido? Sure, we begin with slow unrealistic attacks, but once we know what we're doing.

I've been hit many times, even had bloody lips. I love training aikido, and I love training hard. I will continue to give and receive real strikes and sometimes I will fail, but as O'Sensei said "Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something"

[Mistabutts]

@emerin76 I trained with Kancho Hirokazu Kanazawa in Karate a few months back and he said the same thing :)

[iBlobs23]

I wish I could go to japan for some training with the masters:(

[Godsmasher22]

Did that woman make it through?

[fightjapanrc]

@Godsmasher22 Yeah, she is quite tough.

[brooklynmonk1]

@Godsmasher22 Robert, are any of the people featured in this video also featured in the book Angry White Pajamas?

[neilbrown100]

@WhoTheGreat Cos i'm married with a young family now and can't really justify a year in Japan. I earned a Black Belt in JuJitsu when i was 19 and that would've been the perfect time to take a year out to do 'the course' but i joined the Royal Navy instaed. Maybe if i'd read the book a year earlier i would've done it. Shoulda woulda coulda though eh?

[Shinkatana420]

anyone saying Aikido needs compitition..

doesnt understand,the differeance between sport and Budo.

Budo is like a match with live blades...there are no rules.

sport is a game....with rules.

[ziaaziz]

I think the instructor need to work on saying less "ahmmm" ...very distracting when you are trying to concentrate on the talk of discipline... Instructor should have talked about his interactions with senior black belt to give his good side..if he does become a little casual with them..

[8stepsifu]

Your defense is only as good as how you are attacked in practice. Aikido would be so much better with realistic attacks. I know its a training method, but for demos, doing it on someone less compliant is more impressive. Great video nonet heless.

[Sirus362]

@8stepsifu Aikido can only be practiced with a certain amount of force. After that injuries occur its is designed to break limbs. How realistic would you want it to be. All your Aikidoka would be in hospital. I see the same comments over and over again. What is your idea of a realistic attack?. Just because you dont see them throwing punches doesn't mean to say they cant defend from it.

[tokaidosan]

very good...this is Budo, Real Budo.

[fox091180]

aikido is learning a whole life .

[neilbrown100]

Tough year! ever since i first read 'Angry White Pyjamams' a couple of years back i've wanted to do this course. Wish i'd done it a few years back

[MrJayJayJay123456789]

Im reading that book at the moment, and im loving it!!

[swordsamuraix]

I just have to say even thought you learn one style you can still be a excellent fighter without learning other styles but that is my two cents

[halingredhill]

gunnyhunny must be a big boy to call people names possibly a thousand miles away.

[asuraizen]

Each and every martial art is incomplete. If you adopt a single style, you are an incomplete fighter. If someone in aikido is more experienced than someone in jiu jitsu/karate/judo or vice versa then the more experienced one will win.

Now if we compare skill of a style with both opponents at same experience level. Both opponents will score strikes where the other martial art is weak. That is what i learn't from my sensei who is primarily a karateka.

[sullyb23511]

You should do a follow up and see where some of these guys are. Did any of them drop out? Who perservered? Things like that.

Thanks for posting this video as well as all the other videos which you have posted. I appreciate it as I know others do.

[ronengt]

no one dropped out,we all  graduated.

[daijishin]

Out of your collection, this one has always been my favorite. It's great if you could expand it to a full half hour (an episode) on Shenshusei alone.

[davem732006]

lol.. Some of these comments!

[seamic]

Very few of us...if we are lucky...will ever have to defend our lives or well being in a fight. In modern time the study of a martial art has to go beyond that basic thought.

For example, Aikido was developed to help to promote a non-violent nature.

Let's face it: a handgun is probably better than 99.9% of martial arts to protect yourself. It has to be about more than that.

[TheSeventhBeggar]

Yeah, sure Aikido was develped to help promote a "non-violent nature" - that's why the Tokyo riot police use it . . . to help promote a non-violent nature in the rioters by submitting them.

[attilaclark]

I've got high rank in jujitsu and judo. I took Aikido and found that it is much more effective at fighting with multiple opponents.  Jujitsu is terrible for multiple opponents but maybe better in some ways vs a single opponent. Which is better, it depends. Attila

[locoraider78]

Martial arts evolve or become obsolete. Such is the case of Aikido which is pretty much useless now a days. For real budo, try kyokushin or it's newest offsprings. I can't really see an experienced jujitsu fighter being over taken by an equaly experienced aikidoka. Better take those $1500 a month and throw them in the trash.

[markaval]

You totally miss the point.  Other than cage fighting, why would a normal jujitsu fighter want to 'take on' another martial artist anyway? It seems you are caught up in this 'what is the best martial art' pointless argument. Martial arts is about self defence against attack in the street - good martial artists don't go around attacking people. Aikido is just another martial art - no better, no worse than any other, and like jujitsu has its good practitioners and its bad ones.

[fightjapanrc]

If they are enjoying what they are doing and feel they are getting something out of it why would you bother to make these negative comments. This mythical "streetfight" scenario is truly strange since 99% of martial artist probably never use their training in the "street". Real street fightersgenerally have no martial arts training, and if they do, its normally boxing. Kyokushin would be particularly problematic because of its lack of punching head attacks or defense against a head attack.

[alfonsorivera1]

Several of kyokushin offsprings like shidokan include head punches as well as throws and stuff. I just think that Aikido is simply not good enough to be taken as a "defense" martial art. If you like it that is fine, you have your opinion and are entitled to it. As a fan of martial arts competition, Aikido ranks low in the charts. And even though the street scenario may not be common, I do believe in being able to step into a ring and being able be victoriuos. That's my opinion.

[moenod]

Aikido is not a combat sport, like most other martial arts. Agatsu or self victory is important to people who strive to follow the way you can't learn agatsu if you are constantly thinking about victory over others. victory over others is not the true purpose of martial arts, in the ring maybe it is for many martial artists thats true. when you are in a ring there are rules,there is a winner and a loser. that's what makes it at that point a combat SPORT. Budo is more than just winning.

[lagook]

the ring is another path of self discovery

shows what your are capable of under pressure

people who reduce people who compete?

i love competition so.... i personaly think all martial artists should compete in full contact

[vas3000]

Agree it's all about the self victory, thats the real Budo

[freestylex7000]

@locoraider78 that isn't soo true

[seamic]

I think I would go insane if I had to listen to that teacher say: "eeeeehhhhhmmm" every 3 seconds.

[Mistabutts]

@seamic It really pissed me off too. Perhaps it is mental training haha

[rendered555]

Nottingham! woot!

[Pain2Pleasure]

You want it you go for it an you get that belt,shouted at pushed who cares at the end you did what others would wimp out at.OUS

[fightjapanrc]

I kind of doubt hardcore martial arts training is meant to be "enjoyable". I am not sure any super intense physical training of any kind, be it aikido, boxing, marathon running, or anything is supposed to be enjoyable. They are rites of passage and by their very nature are supposed to break you down.

[1234iluvthemarinecor]

dude its not a "rite of passage." You make it sound like some weird cult-ish thing. It's hardcore training. End of story.

[fightjapanrc]

1- Do you what "rite of passage" means?

2- Do you know anything about Yoshinkan Aikido?

I have my doubts on either account. BTW Marine Corp bootcamp is also a rite of passage.

[1234iluvthemarinecor]

1 - yes I know what rite of passage means and I understand what you mean, or think you mean but senshusei is not INTENDED to be a rite of passage, simply for people to learn very quickly and very well.

2 - I've studied Yoshinkan Aikido for quite a while under an amazing teacher who studied directly under Ando Tsuneo Shihan who was the senior student of Shioda Sensei.

[fightjapanrc]

Do you know anything about the history of Moriei and Aikido? It is kind of funny you mention the word "cult". It is strangely appropriate. Rite of Passage is any life experience desinged to change you profoundly. Hard high school, bootcamp, intense survival training, and the senshusei program all qualify as "rites of passage". End of story?? I don't know.

[1234iluvthemarinecor]

The people in the senshusei course do it because they love it so much they're willing to take the hardcoe pain and shit if it means they grow. And it also makes them appreciate not being yelled at even more.

[1234iluvthemarinecor]

This doesn't do justice to the pain they go through. Knee walking past when their knees are bleeding. Standing in kamae for long periods. ect.

Also my sensei has told me that on more than one occasion the teachers would take students out drinking till 3 am or so. And their was no option of saying no. And then doing senshusei the next morning with a wicked hangover. Or doing aikido technique while they were drinking.

[MrPinoy91]

people think Aikido is easy...

this is very good trainning. compared to studios I've seen in america.

[Sam9227]

oh and as another point if you want to know more i suggest this book ... Angry White Pyjamas by Robert Twigger it is an account of the life of Robert Twigger a foreigner doing the Senshusei course i found it insightful

[Sam9227]

this course is about you controlling your body not your body controlling when you stop i.e your pain . i have found that yoshinkan aikido, yet a 'hard' style, is about spirit. If your arm gets broken get up and carry on this is what this course is about.

[finrodmithrandir]

hmm, imo, even if these students get a black belt, the quality is not there.

a black belt student who have earned his black belt through 3-4 years of training seeing whether there is a double jump will still be much better.

like someone commented, its the journey not the destination.

i find this aikido training kinda fake.

like, instant aikido.

aikido cant be instant, its more than the technique.

much much more. 1 year is way too short

[boscojosh]

im lost for words. aikido means love to me and i dont see much of it in the video.aikido changed me over time, i see the jounery as more inportant than the destination.

[jazzyslip]

Well who said black belt was the destination... Traditionnaly, a Shodan only ;eant you were accepted in the school: it is this the very begining of the journey ;) But I do think that, even with an intense training, one year is too short... I believe you need more time to understandthe technichs, to ripen them... But then, maybe that is not what is asked for Shodan here, as Shodan is just the begining of the study.

[aikikaipitesti]

I agree the shodan is just the beginning. At shodan level you must know and be able to apply the basics. but i do not think that the period is too short for shodan. Early students of Ueshiba became shodan in even less time. It all depends on training and dedication. Imagine that these arts were used in war. You had to become very good very fast because you couldn't go to war with a bunch of 50 or 60 year olds

[1234iluvthemarinecor]

actually 3rd dan is the "first step" in aikido.

[aikikaipitesti]

1234iluvmarinecor. shodan is the first step from which you take on responsability. But i must agree with you that many realize true knowledge of the basics at about thie 3rd dan which is regretable.

[theElrin]

Remember that this course was DESIGNED with the Tokyo Riot police in mind. So the "Discipline' factor was to coincide with the training already established by the police force.

[aikidosai]

By the fact that SanDan (3rd Dan) means 3rd Step (Dan means Step).

ShoDan - 1st Dan - 1st Step

NiDan - 2nd Dan - 2nd Step

SanDan - 3rd Dan - 3rd Step

ec.

[bkcottle]

WWC - (cont.) The comments made on the video were from a single viewpoint. As a Sewanin, I drilled perfection into the Senshusei, because it was demanded by the instructor staff. During my course's New Year's (Kagamibiraki - mirror breaking) ceremony, we witnessed one of the highest instructors decimate his uke (a yondan) for nearly 5 minutes (most demonstrations last 90 seconds), because of a minor mistake. Every instructor would give a different opinion as to why the course is "military-like".

[bkcottle]

WWC - the Hombu Dojo does NOT want senshusei to just "get a black belt". There have been senshusei who have failed to achieve either shodan rank or to get their instructor's certificates. Judo is a sport and a quite recent one at that. Yoshinkan is not a sport. The bushido values of service, loyalty, and discipline are to ensure Yoshinkan instructors are of the highest quality. Regular Yoshinkan classes are very relaxed and stress-free in comparison.

[bkcottle]

RC - In no way did I mean to suggest Israeli Senshusei are engaged in illegal activities. My good friend is Israeli and I have spoken several times with the former head foreign instructor (also Israeli) and my perspective/comments are borne from theirs. One married well into a Japanese family, the other taught English and Yiddish, sold jewelry, sold kebabs, among other things. Bottom line: it's difficult for even Japanese to train during the day and work in the afternoon/night.

[WorldWarCheese]

Also, the fact that they want you to get a black belt just seems rediculous. Why not just say "Get better. LOTS better" instead of putting an interesting, yet meaningless, goal like belt color into all of it?

[WorldWarCheese]

...Fanatics it seems to me (Especially 'round 5:10 into it)

And for a Japanese Dojo... well... let's just say the only Asian I was was the sensei...

[fightjapanrc]

It is an international program so clearly people outside Asia come. I doubt the dojo is selecting against Japanese. Part of the bias is mine. I interviewed mainly foriegners. The show was about foriegners going into hardcore Budo situation.

[WorldWarCheese]

I guess that makes sense... Still it creeps me out the militant screams, discipline and the notion of "boot camp" and how the instructor was saying "we must show them the hardness" or something like that. I've been to Judo camps led by Olympians and Japanese from the Kodokan and in no way do the instructors actually want you to suffer or expect you to line up and bow every morning.

[bkcottle]

What logic are you referring to Spock, because you have none. Please share your profound logic with us and answer a few questions. 1. How did you come to a figure of $14000 a month? 2. Why is being a salsa teacher salsa a foolish idea for a Senshusei? 3. Do you actually know how to spell "Israeli"? 4. Where did I suggest that "Israeli" Senshusei sold X? Honesty is only rude if you're not interested in the truth.

[fightjapanrc]

You are either a genius or a complete moron because you insults are more confusing than offensive. You seem be making some point it just completely eludes me what it could be.

[fightjapanrc]

Clearly no reasonable person could take offense at your comments.

[bkcottle]

Furthermore, anyone who has actually graduated from the course would immediately understand why teaching salsa is a foolish idea. RC, you try to sound knowledgeable and authoritative, but the comments you made on your video are those of someone who hasn't got a clue of what goes on during the course. Malik was doing exactly what he should have done as a Sewanin and yet you chose to make him look bad. Until you put on a gi and do the course, you're just a wannabe with a camera.

[fightjapanrc]

This is degenerating quickly!!! Are you suggesting Isreali senshusei made their income selling ecstasty? If so you are being rude. If not, then you are simply making disparaging comments about Isrealis that have no bearing on the converstation. I suggested the Mexican gentlemen contact Isreali senshusei to find a means to take the course without teaching English. Your comment are either rude or rude and irrelevant.

[fightjapanrc]

Can you follow my logic or are you going to have to resort to more personal attacks?  I can try to explain once again if you are still puzzled.

[bkcottle]

Because 1) Israelis selling Ecstasy in Tokyo are not representative of Israelis everywhere, and 2) it was NOT a comment intended to offend, but a fact. Unfortunately, with the exception of jobs related to language education, the job offerings in Tokyo are slim if you're not Japanese or fluent in the language. It seems you think you're an authority on the course. Just because you made a video about the Senshusei doesn't make you one.

[bkcottle]

No offense to Israelis, but a lot of them in Tokyo are involved in dodgy enterprises. If you get caught doing something illegal, you will be deported (Japanese have no tolerance for law-breaking foreigners) and the dojo will not help you. There are websites devoted to matching teachers with prospective students for private lessons. However, a lot of students cancel at the last minute, pay late, or are lonely (in need of companionship). Your best bet remains finding a job at a language school.

[fightjapanrc]

I am curious. How is this comment meant not to be offensive to Isrealis? Why even bother to preface it with "No offense to Isrealis"? It seems your comment would be more useful if you gave constructive suggestion on how to earn $1500 (not $1400 ) a month without teaching English.

[bkcottle]

$14000 per month?! Plan on at least $1500 USD per month. If you want to teach at a language school, you MUST have a bachelor's. Also, you will need to be a native-speaker of the language you teach. There are schools that offer Spanish lessons, for example Nova or Interac. Language schools usually sponsor their instructors, so you'll qualify for a work visa. If you try to get a cultural visa, the dojo will sponsor you, but the Gov't requires you to have about $20,000 USD in a Japanese bank.

[juicyovni]

What kind of part time jobs do the senshusei students do? I'm very interested in this program, but I know living in Japan is very expensive. Do you think I could find a job as a spanish teacher. I'm from Mexico.

[fightjapanrc]

Senshusei mainly teach English. I know some Cuban guys who teach Spanish, work as waiters, and teach salsa. There is some demand for Spanish teachers but not all that much. You can live in Japan for about $14000 per month.  It won't be pretty but it is doable. You should try to contact some Isreali senshusei they had to find work that did not involve teaching English. They no better.

[bkcottle]

No worries Ronen. I'm sure that everything you heard about me was all bad...and it's all true! I'm busy with my doctorate at present, but I'll be back at the hombu dojo next year. Hope to train with you guys. Paul told me a lot of great things about your class - sounds like you guys had one of the best. Congrats!

[bkcottle]

I did the course several years ago and a senshusei shodan is legit. Practicing one or two techniques a day for 11 months, with the tiniest mistakes hammered out, you can become a very proficient beginner, which is what a senshusei shodan represents. I'd put a Yoshinkan senshusei shodan up against any Aiki-kai shodan. The senshusei shodan will have better footwork, discipline, and purer movements. For a life-changing experience and building character, the senshusei course has few equals.

[ronengt]

Hi BK.thanks for sticking up for SENSHUSEI.

we heard a lot about you.

Ronen

[simong1972]

Akidoka20 - You have no idea what you are talking about. I did Senshusei with ronengt and challenge you to train with anyone from our course and survive!

[aikidoka20]

from 6 kyu too 1 dan in 11 months? this is bullshit. if you want to undestand the way of aiki only a little bit one has to study at least 6 years, training each day and giving one self fully to the way.

[ronengt]

GO BACK TO WATCHING THE POWER RANGERS ON T.V ,KID.

SORRY,I MEANT aikidoka20 - grand master.osu!

[Lemurai]

I know how bad they fell spent a year and a half at a muay thai camp way in the boondocks. Makes me feel like crying when I think back

[glendo86]

great video, where can we see the full version?

[qix1t]

this isnt the same one as the tokyo riot police course is it. I thought tokyo riot police you needed to have a black belt to begin the thing?

[fightjapanrc]

It is the same dojo but not the same program. The senshusei program is more intense. They do it seven hours per day. The police course is not so many hours and I believe yes they need a black belt in something else to qualify. The two groups train together sometimes.

[Aikiparkour]

Yoshinkan is funny. :)

[halingredhill]

it is easy for those who haven't done anything like this to stand back and criticise without really appreciating why this course is so renowned. What's interesting is the guy who did the weak shinkoku ended up doing a really good one at the end of the film - that to me shows why the teachers push these guys so much.

[ronengt]

thanks mate,it was my first shinkoku,the next day i did ok as you saw

[trickboy1]

FYI, it's "kenshusei."

[fightjapanrc]

fyi, no it is not.

[Sasuke002]

the talk like the military. o.o

-monotone*really loud*-

[furoshiki]

I was training at this dojo while this was being filmed last summer. Where can I see the whole show?

[risingsunintl]

looks like a bunch of 'angry white pyjamas'...indeed brainwashing but good for the spirit, be strong or go home! Just take the experience for what it is and then the next step. Yoshinkan is 'old school' hardcore budo...

[halcali1973]

Senshusei is a very exacting and intense 11 months, it isn't brainwashing but attempting to cram a huge amount of information into exhausted minds in a short space of time. Loved the 'motivational' speech!

[ygius]

yeah, a bit brainwashing

[fightjapanrc]

Which rite of passage or super intense experience isn't "brainwashing"? We could all use slightly cleaner brains!

[ravingsayain2]

just because your comment made me curious, why do you believe this to be brainwashing?

[witchtemplar]

I wish i could pilgrimage to Japan and study like this

[fightjapanrc]

You can. All the senshusei work part-time jobs and make it happen.

[witchtemplar]

Im a cop with a wife and 2 little children. I really cant until they are grown. Then my wife and i are free to pursue that which is our passion...