問 與 答
Questions and Answers
1. WHY PRACTICE MARTIAL ARTS IN THE FIRST PLACE?
For men: because you are male. Every man should know at least a little bit about how to defend. Otherwise man is not fully a man.
For women: to learn basics of self defence, keep some form of physical fitness, improve health and have a hobby.
For all: to have more than just a job, home, food, and kids – some kind of difference is needed if we want to feel that our lives are more complete, yes?. Different people choose different activities. Some choose martial arts. To develop and maintain some level of fitness, encourage better circulation, calm and cultivate the mind.
2. DAITO-RYU AIKIJUJUTSU vs AIKIDO
This is the most common question ever.
There’s a lot of confusion going on, some caused by people who are not knowledgeable enough, yet try to appear as “the expert”.
There should be no conflict between these 2 arts, just alternatives. Everyone should practice what they feel happy with. For example: I found some convergence between Daitoryu Aikijujutsu and Yoshinkan Aikido, but a divergence between Daitoryu and Aikikai. Practicing both arts I found that in Aikido I can only learn about 10% of what I can really learn from Daitoryu. In Daitoryu we study more techniques and many important concepts. Modern Aikido is the innovation - Daito-ryu is the roots. Moreover Daitoryu’s goal is Aiki. Aiki is what Takeda Daisensei had but his students didn't, except one.
It's especially important to recognize that Aikido went off in a very different direction, essentially cutting off the roots entirely. So the question more important to ask should be: what did modern Aikido delete from the original art? It deleted 90% of the material.
Below are some differences as well as some similarities.
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DAITO-RYU AIKIJUJUTSU |
AIKIDO |
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Aiki is the goal of Daitoryu research – a technique how to prevent the opponent from using power at the moment of contact. It is the study very similar to Internal Force development. Before one learns more about Aiki, one relies on momentum, leverage, etc.
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Aiki is the philosophy of harmony. In technical aspect – it is blending with partner’s movements, redirecting them in circular motions, using the opponent’s momentum against him. |
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Ancient art classified as Kobudo (most probably the oldest Koryu Jujutsu in Japan) developed as Oshikiuchi in around 1100. Reformed and renamed to Daito-ryu by Takeda Sokaku Daisensei in early 19th century.
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Modern art developed from Daitoryu by one of Takeda Sokaku Daisensei students: Ueshiba Morihei Osensei in around 1930-1950’s. |
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Daitoryu is not a sport. Daitoryu is the Aizu-clan’ Samurai Art of Self-Defence. Daitoryu training is to discover the unlimited human potential, both mental (mind, spirit) and physical (body). Achievement of inner harmony and peace (like all martial arts) is also important. Daitoryu is for all, irrespective of age and sex, willing to study it and understand some aspects of Japanese culture.
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Aikido is not a sport. Aikido is not a fighting method. Aikido is the development and strengthening of the body and mind, peace and harmony. Aikido is for all, irrespective of age, sex, race or culture. |
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Techniques are learned with emphasis on details and precision. |
Most dojos (except for Yoshinkai) do not teach precise technical details. The feeling is more on general circular motion and mutual cooperation.
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Practice is often closed for general public. One can join after making an appointment. Observing classes is sometimes not permitted, but in Kyokuden it is compulsory to observe some classes before joining.
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Practice is shown to general public, anyone can join. Sometimes classes are very casual. |
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Possibly unrefined look in the beginning, even rough, but elegancy comes with mastery after many years.
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Elegantly beautiful techniques that look graceful and fluid are taught from the beginning. |
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Triangulation or small circle is present in most techniques, leading to fast conclusions.
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Techniques are done in large circles, motions are wider and sometimes slower, making the look graceful |
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Defence is turned into offence (“Aiki is an attack” – Sagawa Sohan), the use of Samurai Mind (Mushin) – when facing life-death situation.
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Techniques are designed to move away, redirect and neutralize the attack. |
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The superior choice is not to harm the attacker is preferred. Students learn how to be able to apply possible conclusions: A). control, B).knock-out, C).cripple, D). kill – accordingly to circumstances.
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Techniques are theoretically designed not to injury the attacker. |
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Most techniques use Atemi (striking to vital points) before applying drop, throw, or lock.
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Strikes are sometimes taught to a certain degree, but nowadays greatly discouraged. |
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Training is safe since pain is applied with restraint, but all students are taught to use controls that can end up with sharp pain, and can be extended into join dislocation or break. There are almost no injuries.
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Training is safe and pain is applied with restraint in small doses. However, some injuries occur due to “misunderstanding” between the defender and the attacker. Not the case with all dojos. |
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Good breakfalls are required, as many techniques finish with sudden drop (original idea for real situation is to prevent the opponent from taking ukemi).
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Good breakfalls are required but not essential, since all techniques finish with blending of the attacker and defender, hence making a breakfall predictable. |
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At some stage students research and apply techniques on resisting opponent. Cooperation is not emphasized, but if the technique is applied correctly the partner receives it and reacts accordingly. |
Resistance is greatly discouraged. Depends on dojo – cooperation is very important and sometimes hinders the students from learning the techniques correctly. Often, a smooth outlook of the technique is preferred rather than details.
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The philosophy is based Discipline of Bushido. Peace and harmony – are obviously important since we live in large society. I would say that in Kyokuden an unlimited human development is the main part of the philosophy.
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Emphasis on peace, love, and harmony, friendship and good society. |
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Many techniques are researched for long periods of time. The goal is to develop technical skill called Aiki in all techniques. |
Techniques are learned by practicing against various attacks, encouragement is on the coordination of attacker-defender and blending both motions. Research is not present.
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To learn the complete art requires at least a decade. Over 2500 techniques survived from the past ages. Mastery requires lifetime.
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It is possible to learn the complete art within 2-3 years, as there are only 10-15 main techniques, the rest are variations of these. |
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Each set, i.e.: Ikkajo, contains many techniques that share the same concept leading to an improvement, once understood. |
Only a few single techniques survived, i.e.: Ikkajo is a single technique, not a set. There are no concepts that can lead to deep improvement.
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The art must be taught by feeling it. It is kind of body-to-body message. Executing techniques on the partner is not nearly enough.
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The art can be learned just by watching it and executing techniques on the partner. |
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Each level (Ikkajo, Nikajo, Sankajo, etc) provides a different principle present in all techniques of that level. Later variations are taught additionally.
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Principles were not transmitted into Aikido, only variations of techniques. |
Generally: the physical and mental benefits are the same, sharing practice with people of similar thinking, the variety of the people who can practice both arts. I have long experience in both: Daitoryu and Aikido. In my opinion, Daitoryu offers additionally on-going journey of research into physical and mental aspects of techniques, relaxation of muscles during the execution of techniques, self-discovery and research into human body.
3. DAITORYU AIKIJUJUTSU vs JUJUTSU
The main difference is in the type of techniques. Each of these schools emphasize their own curriculum and their own techniques, each has unique flavor.
Such is Daitoryu – it has its own flavor, its own techniques and unique curriculum.
In addition, the unique aspect of Daitoryu is Aiki. In our dojo this is the ultimate goal, but nowadays such goal became rare, even in many Daitoryu dojos in Japan.
The addition of Aiki into various Jujutsu techniques is what makes Daitoryu unique and effective.
4. WHAT IS JUJUTSU?
JUJUTSU vs JUDO, vs BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU, vs EUROPEAN JU-JITSU
Jujutsu is a form of unarmed combat developed in the ages of Samurai. Usually the Samurai studied the sword and various other disciplines, such as stave, spear, etc. Amongst these disciplines was also Jujutsu. It is an art of how to defend using throws, locks, drops, sweeps, chokes, strikes. Japanese Jujutsu has no sport competitions. Japanese Jujutsu has many different styles. There are many styles (Ryu) of Japanese Jujutsu. There used to be over 300 ryu, now there is much less. Famous ryu are Yoshin-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu, Tenshin-shinyo-ryu, Yagyu Shingan-ryu, Asayama-Ichiden-ryu, Araki-ryu, Shibukawa-ryu, Kiraki-ryu, etc.
Judo is a modern art, which became a sport. Judo is based mainly on 2 Jujutsu ryu: Kito-ryu 起倒流 and Tenshin-Shinyo-ryu. Judo has eliminated techniques dangerous or unsuitable for competition, such as wrist locks and strikes.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu originally was developed from early Judo and places emphasis mostly on ground-fighting (submissions). It also has its own sport competitions.
European Ju-Jitsu was developed in early 1900’s in the UK. It is combination of Judo, Tenshin-Shinyo-ryu, with Karate and some additional techniques of other Jujutsu and Aikido. It’s main objective is self-defence, but some schools have their own sport competitions.
5. WHY STUDY DAITORYU? THE BENEFITS.
I can’t say why someone should study Daitoryu. It’s very personal choice. In my case I chose this art because of:
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unlimited total human development: physical, mental, and spiritual.
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very old Japanese tradition,
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rich in techniques,
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rich in principles not present in other martial arts,
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pursues the research of real Aiki technique
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Japanese Jujutsu with the goal of Aiki: Internal Power development.
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it’s my life’s journey and passion,
Is Daitoryu for you? I don’t know. One thing for sure: you must be serious when practicing it.
6. AGE LIMITATION?
No limit. I believe that young kids shouldn’t practice arts where they’re thrown heavily (such as some dojos of aikido, judo). There are cases of growth complications in later years. However, kids could practice - providing they do techniques carefully and slowly mainly from sitting positions, gradually increasing the level of techniques.
Elderly individuals can practice, providing they do not strain themselves, take a rest when it is necessary (also, older individuals will not be required to take falls).
Generally, in Kyokuden I teach adults. As long as there are 2 adults - Daitoryu practice can take place.
7. WHAT IS ORIGINAL AIKIDO?
Original Aikido is Daitoryu. Nothing else.
Most people feel offended (strange reaction) and follow with: “But Aikido is not only based on Daitoryu, the Founder studied other martial arts as well…”
My answer is: You are wrong. Aikido is based purely on Daitoryu. Period. Actually, Aikido is 10% of Daitoryu. Sword in Aikido is based on basics of Kashima-Shin-ryu.
“But the greatest invention of Aikido is their 2 entry methods: Irimi and Tenkan”.
Wrong again. That is another misconception made up by some people with little training and knowledge. Both of these movements exist within Daitoryu (as they’re in Kendo), what modern Aikido has changed is to make them much larger and circular (hence slow and impractical by their very nature). In fact Daitoryu contains over 10 other body shifting methods (Taisabaki).
I’ve done my research, over 25 years of it. Yes, just like many of you I did study Aikido for over 10 years. It is important to note that non of the Ueshiba Sensei’s students followed his Aikido (or Aikibudo). Basically, Aikido as we know it now is a creation of Ueshiba Osensei’s students (mainly: Aikikai circular look - his son Kisshomaru and Mr.Tohei; Yoshinkai - Shioda Soke; Yoseikan - Mochizuki Soke; Shodokan or Tomiki-ryu - Tomiki Soke).
8. ARE YOU AGAINST AIKIDO?
I’m not against Aikido. I’ve practiced Aikido myself for quite a long time, and some techniques do share similarities. I still think highly of Yoshinkan Aikido standard. I stopped Aikido to continue deeper in Daitoryu, because I’ve realized that I will learn much more in Daitoryu, and I stepped onto this never-ending path of wonders. I was lucky to make such choice.
I am against dishonesty. If my art is disgraced or misunderstood I will stand in its defence, naturally. This is my duty as Sensei.
First issue is the misguided history of Aikido; second issue – the main purpose of aikido.
People should say what is true, don’t mislead students. The students should be not blind, and objectively seek what they want. Every martial art has its own purpose, and everyone should study the style they really love. There is a place for Kickboxing and there is a place for Qi-gong, but you don’t practice Qi-gong to participate in K-1.
9. AREN’T DAITORYU TECHNIQUES OUTDATED?
Sure, some are. Yet without practicing them it is impossible to learn this art’s structure and principles. Without principles the art is lost. In Kyokuden I try to balance it with teaching various answers for situations they may encounter in self-defence. Additionally, there are many techniques of Daitoryu that are very effective even in present day self-defence. I want to emphasize “Self-Defence” not “Combat Competition”.
Yet, I must add that the practice of old techniques that were used by the Samurai gives a satisfaction much higher than anything I’ve ever learnt.
10. WHY BOTH DAITORYU AND AIKIDO HAVE MANY TECHNIQUES AGAINST WRIST GRABBING ATTACKS?
In case of Daitoryu: some techniques are not practiced for self-defence but to learn a specific principle or feeling. Some techniques are the easiest to learn from such attacks (later they’re taught against other attacks).
In case of Aikido: the techniques are taught from various wrist grabs and other attacks because they come from Daitoryu.
11. WHAT IS THE MAIN POINT OF DAITORYU TECHNIQUES?
Restraining the aggressor from further attacks by total body immobilization, using very little power. Having choice of ending the confrontation with:
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Not harming the attacker (control, lock, hold, choke)
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Harming the attacker (joint dislocation, break, knock-out, kill)
Obviously, we always try to make choice "a".
12. WHY VARIOUS DAITORYU SCHOOLS LOOK SO DIFFERNTLY?
I’ve posed this question many times in Japan, to various Daitoryu teachers. None of them had answers.
In my opinion:
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The student didn’t learn much from Takeda Sokaku Dai-Sensei.
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The student learnt only a part of the curriculum (strangely, that could be a part which is not the beginner’s part – yes, Takeda Sensei seems to have taught “upon request”).
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The student changed the curriculum and techniques to suit their own dojo needs.
The most complete curriculum is in Sagawa-ha Daitoryu Aikibujutsu.
Which would naturally bring us to the next question:
13. WHO IS THEN THE LEGITIMATE REAL SUCCESSOR OF TAKEDA SOKAKU DAI-SENSEI?
No single successor was ever named by Takeda Sokaku Daisensei.
Most of his students (even Takeda Daisensei’s sons) believed that Sagawa Yukiyoshi Sohan should succeed.
Later Takeda Tokimune Shihan became Soke, but using his own name: Daitoryu Aikibudo.
And Yamamoto Kakuyoshi Shihan was gived title Soshi by Takeda Sensei.
So … we can’t figure it out at all.
Which brings us to another question:
14. I’VE HEARD THAT USHIBA MORIHEI WAS TAKEDA’S BEST STUDENT
That is false. There were quite a few people whose level was way higher.
15. WILL I LEARN HOW TO FIGHT EFFECTIVELY IN LET’S SAY MMA’S RULES?
No, I don’t teach MMA’s, I have no interest in teaching how to fight (although I did practice fighting arts such as Kyokushin and Kickboxing). I used to teach some mixed-up combat just for self-defence, but not anymore.
Yet, I do not stay within the parameters of one art in regards to training .
If you think you will learn how to fight in a tournament or against professional fighters – you come to the wrong place. Self-defence? Yes. Fighting? No. Depth? Yes. Beauty of form? No. Internal Power? Yes(after many, many years). Just exercise of just breathing? No.
However, can Daitoryu help you improve if you are into competitions? If you follow all the advices and study the techniques patiently, I’m sure it will. An achievement of properly built relaxed body will help enormously.
16. …BUT HOW WOULD I DEFEND IF I FALL ON THE GROUND WHEN ATTACKED, OR IF I’M ATTACKED BY A PROFESSIONAL?
I do teach basic defence on the ground, how to escape from various grabs, common attacks, etc. This I teach as an additional skills which I call Goshin-jujutsu.
Regarding the 2nd part of the question: it is very, very unlikely you will get attacked on a street by a professional or in professional manner. In such case you will still be able to survive the attack with little or no harm, and the professional who attacked you.. will end up in jail. We do take training seriously and effectiveness as crucial issue – but there are limitations: one – beginners must re-learn how to move their body and how to do basic techniques; two – there is a place to draw line, we can’t come to learn such sophisticated art and still find time and willingness to engage in sparring sessions.
Most important is not to miss the entire point of Daitoryu practice, not competition.
17. HOW MANY YEARS TO BECOME “MASTER”?
Lifetime is not enough.
The first results you should see within 5 years.
Daitoryu is just impossible to be taught quickly, especially nowadays when people have to work and there are many distractions such as TV, games, entertainment, etc.
In times of Takeda Daisensei – people had a lot of time, people were more eager to remember and review techniques, so it was maybe possible to learn this art faster.
18. WHAT DOES YOUR CURRICULUM INCLUDE?
This is covered on other page, but again:
Locks, Throws, Drops, Takedowns, Strikes, Kicks, Chokes, Vital Points, at advanced levels weapons (sword – long and short, knife, stave, walking stave, iron fan, spear).
The main art in the beginning is Daito-ryu Jujutsu, but I will also introduce helpful concepts from my training in such arts as Kyokushin karate, Yoshinkan aikido, Shihequan, Baguazhang, Kickboxing, European Jujitsu, etc.
19. WHAT IS THE WAY OF PROGRESSION IN KYOKUDEN DOJO?
In the beginning you will learn “ABC”: how to move your feet, hands, arms.
Then you will learn how to react to various attacks. You will be constantly reminded to relax.
After that you will be taught where to put your hands, feet, and which parts of the body to relax and where to put power. That will be the first part which is based on Jujutsu and Kempo.
Then you will train to make techniques more fluent. You will be constantly reminded to relax. You will start to recognize how to move your body via deep study of basics (Ikkajo-sho or Introductory Set 1). There will be a stage where you will develop smooth movement (similar to Aikido, but based on Aikijujutsu and Kempo).
You will be taught other techniques, Aikijujutsu and self-defense, and you will be constantly reminded to relax.
Finally, you will develop hunger for more knowledge, and hopefully you will remind yourself to relax. At this stage you will have a choice of entering into Daitoryu Aikibujutsu Kenkyukai group (if allowed) and discover special methods of practice and learn more how to to use your body and relax; or you could choose to concentrate on Jujutsu and self-defence alone.
Most important is to understand the significance of set 1 and later the basics of Aiki-body practice (in Kenkyukai group). This is the key to unlock many other doors.
20. WHAT ARE THE RANKS IN KYOKUDEN?
I divided the curriculum into 10 kyu ranks (10th kyu being the lowest and 1st kyu being the highest). They are represented by coloured belts. After kyu there are Dan ranks represented by black belt.
21. HOW OFTEN CAN I GRADE?
You grade when we decide you are ready.
22. WHY DO YOU TEACH SOME TECHNIQUES AND STRIKES THAT ARE NOT TRADITIONAL JAPANESE ORIGINS?
For example: in case of strikes they had to be modified. Some are simply not practical, some have better modern variations (i.e.: karate vs boxing). Some are just ideas for modern world self-defence. Some people may call me a “heretic”, but I believe in thinking “outside the box”. Strikes and kicks are basics of martial art, they must exist and my students must know how to use them.
23. WHY DON’T YOU JUST TEACH DAITORYU AIKIBUJUTSU FROM THE BEGINNING?
First, what I teach is based 90% on Daitoryu. In Taiwan people have no experience in any kind of Jujutsu, but Aikikai Aikido, Judo, now also Brazilian Jiujitsu. There are no Kobudo, no Jujutsu ryu, not even different styles of Aikido. There are very few (or none) martial arts teaching points different than just a form, or a competition, or Qi development. For this and many other reasons I require everyone interested in Daitoryu and Aiki to first study the curriculum as I designed, which will introduce the student to the concepts that are very different. To strengthen their bodies in a proper manner. To become familiar with Jujutsu. For me to get to know the student well. Only then one will be allowed into the research group. Also, it is an official policy of my Sensei that Daitoryu Aikibujutsu must be closed-door group, and I follow that policy, since it serves the school well.
24. AS DAITORYU NEEDS TO BE PRACTICED WITH PARTNER, HOW CAN WE IMPROVE OURSELVES IN HOME?
Obviously you cannot practice by yourself. You can mentally run through the techniques to memorize them, repeat some moves alone, but that’s all. You need dojo practice at least once a week.
What you can do at home is:
Become stronger by exercise. Develop stamina. Develop speed in Taisabaki. Progress in additional skills of punching and kicking, etc.
25. I’VE HEARD YOU PROHIBIT STUDENTS FROM STUDYING OTHER MARTIAL ARTS.
Usually I encourage everyone to study various martial arts. I myself studied many different arts. However, some martial arts are in direct conflict with Daitoryu principles – that means the student’s progress will be greatly hindered if he/she studies in my dojo and still goes to another dojo where he/she learns conflicting principles. Whatever the student learn with me he/she will “unlearn” by going to some other styles. I don’t want to waste my time, and the student’s time. Through my experience I know what’s the best for my students. So it depends on which martial art the student wants to study additionally to my dojo. For example: boxing, taekwondo, or kendo are all fine with Daitoryu, since their mechanics are completely different, and maybe can even help.
1. 為什麼要練習武術
對男性而言：每位男性多少都需要了解一些防身護衛的技術，否則就不是一個完整的真男人。
對女性而言：學習基本的自我防衛，改善體質，維持健康，並培養一個正面的興趣。
對每個人而言：為生活添加一些除了工作、家庭、飲食、小孩以外的元素。讓自己的生活更加完整。
不同的人選擇不同的活動，武術是其中一項不錯的選擇。培養並維持相當程度的健康，促進循環、陶冶心靈上的平靜與性情。
2. 大東流合氣柔術與合氣道的比較
這是最常見到的問題。
這其中存在著大量的混淆，部份是因為一些不具備真才實料但卻妄充專家的人所造成。
對於這兩種技藝之間不應該存在矛盾，而是非黑即白的明確。所有人應該選擇所喜愛的去練習，舉例來說：我發現大東流合氣柔術和養神館合氣道之間有所交集，但是大東流和合氣會則有歧異。學習這兩種門派，我發現在合氣道，我只能學到我在大東流所學到的１０％。在大東流我們學習更多更多的技術和大量的重要概念。現代合氣道是以大東流為基礎下的創新產物─大東流是它的根源。此外，大東流的目標是“合氣”，而合氣是武田大老師所擁有，但他的學生所未具有的(除了一位之外)。
認知「合氣道已走向另一完全不同方向」是非常重要的，基本上合氣道完全脫離其根源了。所以與其問「這兩者的差異」，或者更應該問的是「合氣道從其原本的部份刪除了些什麼？」，有９０％部份遭到了刪除。
下列是一些異同之處：
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大東流合氣柔術 |
合氣道 |
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合氣是大東流所研究的目標 - 一種如何避免「對手在接觸的瞬間使用力量」的技術，這和所謂的內力發展非常類似；在學習更多關於合氣之前，會先仰賴動能、槓桿...等原理。
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合氣是和諧的哲學，在技術的層面—藉由融合對手的移動，藉由圓形運動予以導向，利用對手的動能對抗對手（借力使力）。 |
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被歸類為古武道的古老技藝（有可能是日本最早的古流柔術）在１１００年左右發展為「御式內」（不外傳之技術），在１９世紀初期由武田惚角大老師重新整理且命名為 「大東流」。
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由武田惚角大老師的學生：植芝盛平 道祖於１９３０－１９５０年發展自大東流的現代技藝 。 |
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大東流不是運動，大東流是是會津藩武士的自我防衛技術。大東流的練習是去發現人類無限的潛能，包括心靈（精神）和物質（身體）兩層面。心靈和諧和平靜的結果也同樣重要（如同所有的武術一樣）。大東流適合所有人，無關乎年齡與性別，而可學習且了解日本文化的層面。
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合氣道不是運動。合氣道不是用來格鬥，合氣道是身心的延伸和發展、和平和協調。合氣道適合所有人，無關乎年齡、性別、競技或文化。 |
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藉由強調以細節和精準度方向來學習技法。 |
大部分的道場（除了養神館）不教導精確的技法細節。更著重在圓形運動和互相配合的感覺。
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對於一般大眾來說，採關起門不對外的練習方式。如果要加入必須獲得同意，旁觀課程有時候是不被允許的。 但是在「極傳武塾 」我們要求欲參加的在加入前必須先觀看過本課程。
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對於一般大眾來說，採公開的練習方式，任何人都可以加入，有些課程是非常隨意的。 |
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通常一開始練習的時候會看起來不美觀，甚至粗糙，但是經過多年的粹鍊之後會看起來優雅。
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從一開始就會指導做出看起來優雅美觀且流暢的技法 |
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大部分的技法講求小圓形或是三角形，以最快達到效果。 |
技法會以大圓形、大動作、或是有時會以較慢的動作完成，以看起來美觀。
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防衛轉變成攻擊（“合氣是一種攻擊” ~佐川宗範之言），當面臨生死瞬間時，採用武士的想法（無心） 。
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技法被設計以移開、導向或是化解攻擊。 |
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學員會學習如何在各種對應的情況下選擇處理方式：Ａ-控制、Ｂ-擊倒、Ｃ-殺死 。 而最好的選擇是不傷害攻擊者。
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技法理論上是不傷害攻擊者。 |
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多數的技法利用在摔、投、鎖之前使用當身（擊打對方的要害）。
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有時候會教一定程度的打擊、但是現在並不鼓勵這樣的技法。 |
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藉由有限度的疼痛，因此練習是安全，但是所有的學員被教導利用控制達到犀利的疼痛以作為技法的完結，且知道如何破壞關節。在練習中幾乎不會受傷。
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練習是安全的且疼痛被控制在最小限度下，然而，有些傷害肇因於攻擊者和防禦者間的「誤解」。不過並非所有道場都是如此。 |
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需要良好的受身(護身倒法)，許多技法會以突然的落下作為結尾（原本在真實情況下是為了避免對手做受身）。
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需要良好的受身(護身倒法)，但是非必要，因為所有的技法依賴攻擊者和防禦者的配合，所以可以事先預期而進行受身。 |
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某些程度的學員會研習且施術於抵抗的對手，並不強調配合，但是如果技法如果正確，對手要做出對應的自然反應（如遭受打擊要有相對的反應） 。
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抵抗是被嚴正反對的，要看道場—配合非常重要，有時候阻礙學員正確學習技法；有時候，流暢的技法外形更勝於細節 |
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哲學構築在武士道的基礎下，生活在社會之下，和平和和諧顯然是重要的；我會說：在「極傳武塾 」，無止盡的自我開發是最中心的哲學。
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強調和諧、愛、友情、和平以及良善社會。
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許多的技法需要長時間研習，終極目標是將所有技法都發展出稱為合氣的技術。 |
所學習的技法以對抗各種攻擊，強調以攻擊者和防禦者彼此配合的方式進行練習，並不提供進一步的研究 |
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要學習整門武藝至少需要１０年。有超過２５００個技法歷經了時代的考驗而流傳下來。要成為大師需要一輩子的時間。
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由於只有１０∼１５個主要技法，其餘的都是這些主要技法的變化；要在２∼３年間學完整門技藝是可行的。 |
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每個組合，列如「一ヶ条」包含許多共有相同概念的技法，了解其概念之後可以為技法帶來相當的進步。
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只有一些單獨的技法被流傳下來，例如一教是一個單一技法，而非一整個組合。沒有可以引導入更深進步的概念存在。 |
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必須藉由感受技法來學習。 這是一種身體與身體的交流。光是在夥伴身上施行技法是不夠的。
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可以用看的來學，然後在夥伴的身上施行其技法得以學習。 |
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每個階段（一ヶ条、二ヶ条、三ヶ条…等）提供不同的原理展現於該階段所有的技法中。之後會額外教授不同的變化技法。
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原理並沒有被流傳至合氣道，只有技法的變化。 |
大致而言：大東流與合氣道所帶來的生理與心理上的好處是相同的。兩者都能與志趣相同的各種夥伴分享練習。對於這兩種武術我都有相當長時間的經驗。我認為，大東流更額外提供了對於下列項目永不止息的追尋旅程：技法的生理與精神方面的研究、施展技法時的肌肉放鬆、對人體的自我發現及研究。
3. 大東流合氣柔術與柔術：
主要的差異在技法的形式。每個流派都強調他們自己的教程與技法。每種都有他們自己的偏好。大東流如是：擁有自己的偏好、技法以及獨特的教程。
更有甚者，大東流獨特的方向就是“合氣”。在我們的道場，這是一個終極的目標。但在現代社會中，即使是在許多日本國內的大東流道場，這樣的目標變得很稀有。
在許多柔術技巧中加入合氣，是讓大東流獨特且有效的重要元素。
4. 什麼是柔術？ 柔術、柔道、巴西柔術、歐洲柔術的差異？
柔術：是源自日本武士時代所發展出來的一種徒手戰技。武士通常學習劍與各種其他科目，如棍、槍…等。柔術也是其中之一。這是一門以摔投、擒拿、崩落、掃、勒喉、打擊…等技術防衛的武藝。日本柔術沒有運動比賽。日本柔術有許多不同的流派如：楊心流、竹内流、天神真楊流、柳生心眼流、浅山一伝流、荒木流、渋川流、気楽流…等。
柔道：是運動化的現代技藝。柔道主要根基於2個柔術流派：起倒流和天神真楊流。柔到去除了一些列如擒拿以及勒喉…等危險或不適合比賽的技法。
巴西柔術：原本是由早期的柔道所發展出來的，並且強調地板技。巴西柔術也有自己的運動比賽。
歐洲柔術：大約於１９００年發展於英國。混合了柔道、天神真楊流與空手道以及一些來自於其他柔術與合氣道的額外技法。主要的課題是自我防衛，但某些體系也有自己的運動比賽。
5. 為什麼要學習大東流？有什麼助益？
我不能說為什麼某個人一定要學習大東流，這是個人意願的選擇。就我個人而言我選擇這項武藝是因為下列原因：
1. 無限的全面發展：生理、心理以及靈魂。
2. 非常古老的日本傳統。
3. 豐富的技法。
4. 許多別的武術所沒有發表的原理。
5. 追尋真正合氣技法的研究。
6. 以合氣為目標的日本柔術：培養內在的力量。
7. 這是我生命的旅程與熱情。
大東流適合你嗎？我不知道。可以肯定的是當你練習大東流時須保持嚴謹的態度。
6. 有年齡限制嗎？
沒有限制。我相信年輕的兒童不應該練習一些他們會被重摔的武術。（如合氣道、柔道）。曾有一些幾年後導致生長障礙的案例。然而小孩可以由坐姿技巧開始，藉由小心並緩慢的餵招慢慢提升技巧的等級。年長的個人也可以練習，不強迫自己，並在必要的時候休息（同時，年長者不會被要求做摔跌）。
一般而言，在「極傳武塾」我教導成人。只要有兩名成人，就可以進行大東流的練習。
7. 什麼是原本的合氣道?
原本的合氣道就是大東流，除此之外別無他物。
大部分的人會感到被冒犯（怪異的反應）並接著說：
「但合氣道不只是根基於大東流，創始人也學了許多其他武術…」。
我的答案是：
「你錯了。合氣道純粹根基於大東流的片段。事實上合氣道算是１０％的大東流。合氣道中的劍術源自於鹿島神傳流。」
有些人會說：
「但是合氣道最偉大的發明就是他們的２大技巧：入身與迴轉。」
這又是一個錯誤的論述。是某些練習較少但想像力豐富的人所捏造的錯誤概念。這兩個２動作都存在於大東流之中，正如它們也存在於劍道中一樣。現代合氣道所改變的是使這些動作更大、更圓。（從此慢與不實用成為了他們的自然）。事實上大東流包含了超過１０種以上的身法步法（体捌）。
我花了２５年完成在這個議題上的研究。是的，正如同你們大多數人，我學了超過１０年的合氣道。留意到很重要的是沒有任何一位植芝盛平的學生遵從他的「合氣道」(或稱「合氣武道」)。基本上，我們現今所認知的合氣道是由植芝盛平的學生所創建的。(主要來自：他的兒子植芝吉祥丸 先生與藤平先生的合氣會(圓的外型風格)；鹽田宗家的養神會；望月宗家的養正館；富木宗家的昭道館或富木流)。
8. 你反對合氣道嗎？
我不反對合氣道。我自己也曾經練習很久的合氣道，且某些技法確實有相似處。我仍相當肯定養神館合氣道的標準。我終止了合氣道而持續鑽研大東流是因為我發覺我可以在大東流學到更多，並踏上了這條充滿驚奇的無盡之道，我很幸運的做了這樣的決定。
我所反對的是不誠實。如果我的武術門派遭受了貶抑或誤解，我自然會挺身而出而保衛之。這是身為老師的義務。
第一個爭議是對合氣道歷史的誤解。第二個爭議是合氣道的主要目的。人們應該陳述事實，而非誤導學生。學生不應該被蒙蔽，並應客觀的追尋他們的期望。每一種武術都有自己的目的，而每個人都應該學習他們真正喜歡的流派。有練習踢拳道的地方，也有練習氣功的場所，但你不會為了參加Ｋ－１格鬥比賽而練習氣功。
9. 大東流的技法過時了嗎？
當然，其中的某些技法是過時了。但是若沒先練習這些技法，不可能學到這門武藝的架構和原理。沒有原理，就會迷失。在「極傳武塾 」的課程中我試著藉由教授應對各種自我防衛情境的多種解答來平衡這一點。除此之外，大東流的許多技法對於現代自我防衛的需求仍相當的有效。我在此強調：「自我防衛」而非「格鬥比賽」。
另外，我必須加入一些過去日本武士所使用的舊技法的練習。這帶來比我學過的任何東西都還要更高的滿足！
10. 為什麼大東流和合氣道有那麼多對付手腕擒拿的技法？
大東流的狀況：某些技法的用意不是防身，而是為了學習特定的原理或感覺。某些技法最容易學習的方式是透過應對特定的攻擊而學習。（之後這些技法將被教來對付其他的攻擊）。
合氣道的情形：很多技法的教學借助於許多的手腕擒拿和其他攻擊是因為他們源自於大東流。
11. 大東流技法的要點為何？
以非常小的力量、向對方施展全身性的固定，遏止侵犯者的進一步攻擊。
可以有下列選擇結束衝突：
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不傷害攻擊者（控制、擒拿、壓制、勒喉）
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傷害攻擊者（關節脫臼、骨折、擊暈、終結其生命）
很顯然的，我們總是嘗試第一種選擇。
12. 為什麼許多的大東流分支看起來如此不同？
我曾多次於日本向許多大東流的老師提出這個問題，沒有一個人有答案。
我認為：
1. 學生沒有學夠武田惚角大老師的武術。
2. 學生只學到部分的教程。（奇怪的是那可能是非初學的部分。是的，武田大老師過去似乎依照學生要求而教學）。
3. 學生自行更改了教程與技法使適合於他們自己道場的需求。
最完整的教程是「佐川派大東流合氣武術」。
這會引申出了另一個問題：
13. 誰是武田惚角大老師的合法正統繼承者？
武田大老師並沒有親自指定任何一個單一繼承者。
他大部分的學生（甚至他自己的兒子）都相信佐川幸義宗範應該繼承之。
在此同時，武田時宗師範成為宗家，但是卻使用自己的招牌「大東流合氣武道」，而非武田総角大老師的「大東流合氣柔術」。
而山本角義師範也被武田大老師授以「總主」的頭銜。
所以我們很難去探究這個問題.....。
然而這又引申出另一個問題...：
14. 我聽說植芝盛平是武田大老師最好的學生？
那是不真實的。武田大老師有不少等級與程度較植芝更高的學生。
15. 我可學到有效的格鬥方式，如 ＭＭＡ（綜合武術）嗎？
不，我不教導ＭＭＡ。雖然我練習如極真空手與踢拳道等格鬥技，但我對教導如何打鬥並無興趣。基於自我防衛需求，我曾教導過一些混合戰鬥技巧，但僅此為止。
是的，關於訓練，我不執著於一門武藝的參考指標。如果你希望你能於格鬥場中比賽，或是與專業選手對抗，可以另請高明。
我們教導的重點：自我防衛、深度、內在力量（在多年之後）。
我們所「不」教導的東西：格鬥、美感的型(套路)、純粹的運動或呼吸養身技。
然而，大東流對於競技格鬥是否有幫助？若你遵守所有的指導並耐心學習技巧，我很肯定大東流對於競技格鬥將會有幫助。達成合宜的體質培養將帶來極大的助益。
16. 若是這樣，若我被攻擊而摔倒在地、或是被專業選手攻擊該如何自保？
我確實有教導地板防身技、如何由各式各樣的扭抓中掙脫、常見的攻擊…等等。這些額外的技巧我稱之為「護身柔術」。
至於第二個問題，要在街上被專業選手以專業武術技巧攻擊的機會是相當小的。在這樣的狀況下你應仍然可以於攻擊下全身而退，或者略帶輕傷，而攻擊你的專業選手終將面臨牢獄之災。我們確實嚴肅認真的看待訓練和效率為重要的課題。但仍有以下限制：
1. 初學者必須重新學習如何移動身體與如何施行基本技法
2. 時間有限。我們很難在學習如此複雜的武藝之餘，還能抽出時間與意願進行搏擊對練。
最重要的是不要錯過大東流的全貌，而且大東流並非針對比賽競技而設計！
17. 我多久可以成為大師？
有生之年是不夠的。
最初的成果會在５年內顯現。大東流無法快速的傳授，特別是在人們忙於工作，且有著許多如電視、遊戲、娛樂等分心因素的現代社會。
在武田大老師的時代，人們擁有更多的時間且更渴望記憶並複習技法。是以當時或許可能更迅速的學習大東流。
18. 你的教程包含了什麼？
這個問題在別的頁面有詳細的說明。再度在此說明：
擒拿、摔投、崩落、擒抱入地板技、打、踢、勒喉、穴道。高段者另有武器教學（日本長劍、日本短劍、格鬥刀、棍、杖、鐵扇、矛槍）。初學內容主要為大東流柔術，另外也會加入我所訓練過而有幫助的武術的一些概念元素：極真空手道、養神館合氣道、食鶴拳、八卦掌、踢拳道以及歐洲柔術…等。
19. 請問極傳道場的教學進行方式？
開始時你會學習最基本的”ㄅㄆㄇ＂：如何移動你的腳、手、臂。
接著你會學到如何應對各式的攻擊。你將持續的被提醒放鬆。
之後你會被教導手腳的正確位置，以及身體哪些部位需要放鬆、哪些部位需要力量。這將是以柔術與拳法為基礎的初步學習。
接著你將學習如何更流暢的施展技法。你將持續被提醒放鬆。藉由基礎的深度學習（一ヶ条初或組合一）你將開始意識到如何移動你的身體。你將會有一個培養流暢動作的階段（類似合氣道，但以合氣柔術與拳法為基礎）。
你將學習其他的技法：合氣柔術及防身術，並仍將持續的被提醒放鬆。
最後，你將養成對更多知識的求知慾，並希望你能具備提醒自己放鬆的能力。
在這個階段你可以選擇加入「大東流合氣柔術研究會 」（須審查允許），並發現特別的練習方式並學習善用自己的肢體並且放鬆。
或者你也可選擇專注於柔術與防身術。
最重要的是了解組合一的要義，以及合氣體的鍛鍊（在研究會）。這是通往許多其他道路的關鍵。
20. 請問極傳的段位制度？
我將教程分為１０級（１０級最低，１級最高），各自有相對應的色帶。一級之後有黑帶＂段＂的制度。
21. 我多久可以升級？
當我們認定你準備好升級時。
22. 為什麼某些你教的技法與打擊技巧不屬於日本傳統武術？
舉例而言：某些打擊技需要被修改，某些很單純的不實用，某些則有了更好的現代化改良（如空手道與西洋拳擊）。某些則是單純基於現代社會自我防衛的考量。某些人可能會視我為異端，但我更相信跳脫傳統僵化籓籬的思考。打擊與踢擊是武術不可抹滅的基本，必須存在。
23. 你為什麼不一開始就直接教授「大東流合氣武術 - 合氣研究會」？
首先我的教學有９０％是建立於大東流的基礎之上。在台灣人們除了合氣道、柔道及巴西柔術外，鮮有與其他柔術之流派的接觸經驗，更完全沒有日本古武道、其他柔術流派，甚至也沒有其他組織 團體的合氣道，且目前絕大多數的武術教學重心僅在於型/套路、比賽或氣功。有鑑於此，還有其他諸多原因，我要求每一個對大東流與合氣有興趣的人先學習我所設計的與其他武術相異的概念引導學習課程。以適當的方式強化體質，並藉以熟悉柔術。具備了這樣的條件後才允許加入研究團體。這也是我的老師的正規規矩，大東流合氣柔術必須是個有審核制度的封閉性團體。由於成效良好，我決定遵守這樣的政策。
24. 既然大東流需要與夥伴一起練習，我們在家要如何自我提升？
很明顯的你無法自己單獨練習。你單獨能做的就是於腦中進行每個技法以記憶之。單獨重複其中的一些動作。除此之外，你每週至少需要一天到道館練習。在家可以做的就是藉由例如打擊或踢擊之類的方式訓練強化自己的體質，培養強度。提升身體移動的速度。
25. 聽說您曾經禁止學生學習其他武術?
通常我鼓勵每個人學習多種武術。我自己便學習了多種武術。然而某些武術的方向與大東流的原理相互衝突。若學生同時於我的道館學習大東流，又同時於教授與大東流相互牴觸的原理的某些道館學習，則學生的進展將受到相當大的阻礙。這種情形下，不論學生向我學什麼，都會遭影響誤導為其他形式而成為一場空，浪費學生與我彼此的時間。根據我多年的教學經驗我很清楚什麼是對我學生最好的。所以這個問題需視學生除了我的道館教學以外，還想學什麼其餘的武術而定。不與大東流衝突的武術例如：拳擊、跆拳、或劍道都可以。由於他們的力學機制與大東流完全不同，甚至可能對大東流的學習有些幫助。
還有授予資格的助教或資深的學生在其它地方教嗎？
沒有。目前沒有任何指導員是從本道場出來教的，我尚未給予過任何人開辨道場或教學授徒或公開演練的許可/資格。
