Kawaraban No. 54

05/2005

by Bernhard Roesch (manager card systems)

Did you ever hear the term ‚win-win’, which became quite popular recently? According to the dictionary it means ‚’something favorable and beneficial for both parties during negotiations or something similar’. This term could be applied in a wide range, but if used in business life for example, it has the meaning: Partner A has a good understanding of partner B and because he is providing benefits for partner B, business will be successful.

This concept sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

At first I want to introduce myself ...

Hallo, my name is Bernhard Rösch. You will have already noticed by my name that I am not a Japanese. I was borne and grown up in the countryside of the former Western Germany. In 1990, with 25 years, I came to Japan for the first time as a trainee. Thereafter I often commuted to and fro between Japan and Germany. Altogether I already have a Japan history of 10 years. I am living together with my wife (a Japanese) and my son aged five in Tokyo.

Actually there are no specific external characteristics. I am the guy, who is impolite towards everybody else in the morning, who is unshaven, and who has a dozy face (I want to apologize to everybody, who noticed it). I practiced in Germany and Japan before, and now I joined Tendoryu Aikido together with my son about six months ago.

Why Aikido? Why Tendoryu?

Why? What could be the reasons? As I did not reflect about that very thoroughly up to now I would now like to share my thoughts with you a bit (there is no specific reason for the order).

I practice Aikido

• for my health
• because of Shimizu Sensei, the other teachers and all students
• because I am convinced that according to my experience up to now Tendoryu Aikido is the Aikido nearest to the true Aikido
• because I simply like the movements and ideas of Aikido
• because it could be applied to various areas, and because – generally spoken – it is a  Budo art that gives me balance in life.

 I could continue this list, i.e. because I do not want to lose to my son.

About Aikido in Daily Life

As in case of the formerly mentioned win-win idea one party is not permitted to take all the advantages, it is rather important, to consider achieving some balance. I think that is quite similar to Aikido. When practicing as Uke with somebody naturally the position will be changed, and with the same level of practice you are able to adapt the role accordingly and to enjoy yourself doing so. And if we always act according to the Ki (speed) of our partner and move jointly, for the first time a technique will develop (at least in case of advanced students).

Recently I can clearly feel the natural power and the beauty of the local Aikido, up and down, right and left, Omote and Ura, the whole body is utilized, and there are no unnecessary movements, everything is in balance.

The Real World?

Regarding reality the main problem is that I cannot yet cope with the positions and that my feet do not move as required. If there are ably people, there are as well people like me. Doesn’t it seem to be in balance unfortunately in this case as well?

Finally I want to share a statement from Shimizu Sensei (reverential): “Repetition is important”, the unremitting repetition of the same technique and a ‘training full of life energy’ are the keys to progress.

Well, in Germany as well it is said ‘Mastery by Training’. That gives me some hope. I guess it is said that you ‘should train three times a week and should practice Aikido daily’. Well, obviously it will take some more time.

I am looking forward to the next training. Thank you.

© translated by Peter Nawrot 10/2006