Thoughts on NERU, by I. Shibata, 7th dan

From http://www.aikidosphere.com/is-e-neru

By I. Shibata 7th Dan, Shihan
Aikido Shibata Juku

Three months have passed since my arrival in Berkeley. During these three months, I have been closely observing the student's training while I teach them, and I have begun to realize that there are many Japanese words which are difficult to translate into English. (Needless to say, my English is very limited at this stage.) It is especially difficult to try to explain in English those words or concepts which Japanese people understand on a sensory level.

One such word is NERU, as it relates to the body. I consider this concept to describe a most important aspect of our training. I would like to give it some thought here. Because written Japanese uses Chinese characters, which are ideogrammatic, the written word NERU has three basic meanings, each slightly different from the other.

First, NERU means to temper or forge steel from iron by subjecting it to heat in order to eliminate undesirable impurities in the ion. Second, it means to soften, impart luster to, and weave fiber. Third, it means to bake in a fire.

The following list presents actual circumstances in which the Japanese will use the word NERU to describe an activity. I would like the reader to try to sense the concept underlying the words:

• To temper or forge steel from iron by fire to eliminate undesirable impurities for a particular purpose; for example, to make a sword.
• To soften or impart luster to silk for weaving.
• To mix flour and water for kneading before bread is baked;
• To mix the ingredients of clay with water for kneading to the right consistency for use.
• To mix, harden, and bake in fire;
• To polish an idea or plan;
• To polish one's art or techniques in order to cultivate character;
• To round out one's character through progressive experiences while studying an art;
• To drill and train the body and mind;
• To train in martial arts;
• To improve an activity through the experience of accumulated practice until the act becomes second nature.

Making the most of aikido training

To be able to train in Aikido correctly, applying these principles of training during practice is vital. It is equally important for teachers of the art to be reminded of the original intention of Aikido training; as left to us by the Founder. Also posted is the second Doshu’s addendum to the reminders of the founder, which was written in the same spirit. Please take time to read and ponder on these. I hope we will be guided by these as we apply them in the course of our training and daily lives.

Morihei Ueshiba O’Sensei’s Reminders in Aikido Practice:

O Sensei, last classes in Tokyo

1. Aikido decides life and death in a single strike, so students must carefully follow the instructor’s teaching and not compete to see who is the strongest.

2. Aikido is the way that teaches how one can deal with several enemies. Students must train themselves to be alert not just to the front but to all sides and the back.

3. Training should always be conducted in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.

4. The instructor teaches only one small aspect of the art. Its versatile applications must be discovered by each student through incessant practice and training.

5. In daily practice, first begin by moving your body and then progress to more intensive practice. Never force anything unnaturally or unreasonably. If this rule is followed, then even elderly people will not hurt themselves and they can train in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.

6. The purpose of Aikido is to train mind and body and to produce sincere, earnest people. Since all the techniques are to be transmitted person-to-person, do not randomly reveal them to others, for this might lead to their being used by hoodlums.

Chiba Sensei: On choosing a partner for practice

From http://learnaikido.co.uk/chiba-sensei-on-choosing-a-partner-for-practice/

It is always enjoyable to work with a partner you know and who understands you. He or she can be co-operative or even helpful to your particular problem at a given stage of training. It is, therefore, natural to seek partners at your own level.

However, if progress is to be made in training, particularly in the development of a solid physical base and dynamic, flexible movement, an ideal practice should include many different elements. In this regard, some of the basic concepts commonly understood in the Japanese martial arts need to be carefully considered.

First, you should practice with partners who are training at a more advanced level. In this training, keep an open mind to the individual characteristics of your partner, which vary from person to person. Train your eyes to the diverse expressions of the art and the reasons behind them, such as sex, age, height, weight, mentality, personality, nationality, history of training, and physical condition. Cultivate your powers of observation. Practice and apply your technique with maximum effort, so that you can come to know your limitations and can learn to extend them. (If you don’t know what your limitations are, you cannot work with them). Learn ukemi that is applicable to different styles of execution.