Originally posted by ghp
Nakamura sensei firmly believes that all three elements lead to a more balanced (and skilled) martial artist. Not saying one is better than the other; rather as was more eloquently said -- each compliments the other.
All I'm saying is that while Nakamura sensei believes this of your style, not all instructors believe it of theirs.
If one conciously chooses to practice only one of the three elements -- or is otherwise unable to challenge the other two elements -- he is not "wrong;" rather, he just does not acquire as broad a range, and as deep an understanding of the "big picture."
It is the opinion of the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Seitokai as led by both Fukui-soke and Ikeda-soke that this assertion is incorrect for us. I have no doubt that it is essential to your system, or Nakamura-sensei would most likely not have made such statements.
Tanida-sensei made a point over dinner when he was in town. He was specifically referring to the Tameshigiri crowd. You will have to forgive me, I did not write it down(gotta remember to start wearing a wire when he comes to town). It went something like this:
We do not understand why they do what they do. They do not understand why we do what we do. We don't comment on what they do, and they don't comment on what we do.
He of course was talking about the situation in Japan not the situation here as it is common practice for Americans in the JSA to publicly state their opinions of other styles and training systems.
I respect your loyalty to your instructor. From everything I have heard he deserves that loyalty, but I respectfully object to the assertion that our training methods are insufficient. They are quite sufficient for our style. We simply have a difference of opinion.
Charles Mahan
Iaido - Breaking down bad habits,
and building new ones.