To those following the recent threads here, and on Aikido Journal and Aikiweb:
Beware of Internet Propaganda
For some reason, there are a handful of mixed martial artists who have been trying to strip mine the inner teachings out of arts like Daito-ryu, and then *intentionally* attempting to discredit the current generation of Daito-ryu members as well as instigate infighting and political drama. On one hand they give props for what Daito-ryu *was* in prior generations, while on the other hand doing everything they can (sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally) to undermine the efforts of the current generation of the arts in their attempt to preserve their teachings for future generations to benefit from.
Many have wondered why Daito-ryu appears to have so many political problems associated with it. Well, its clear that due to the undying interest and popularity of the art, many outsiders have exploited the art to serve their own agendas. Some unethically use the name to market their own teachings, while others use the name of the art and its instructors as a means to qualify their own teachings. Some do it for money, while others do it for fame and ego. But the game is the same.
Why exploit Daito-ryu? We can only assume that Daito-ryu and its current membership are the only things that stand between them and spreading their own interests. They use internet forums such as these as a free place to spread infomercials about themselves and their own teachings, while at the same time tearing down the "competition". If what they have to offer is so great, why can't it stand on its own merit? While Daito-ryu has had internal political issues in the past, there are many members of the various branches of this current generation that are on friendly terms. Any "political" issues being spread right now are being manufactured by those who don't have deep knowledge of the art, and are in the vast majority of cases, outsiders. Members answer their questions only to be disregarded (by them at least) as naive, ignorant, or stupid. But think about it - who is more likely to know about the internal workings of an art? Outsiders with superficial or no formal exposure to an art, or long term members in good standing? Who is more likely to know the full story, or at least, the other side of the story? Who is more likely to have *first hand knowledge* of certain "unnamed" people being referenced in these threads? If the art did not have so much to offer the current generation of Daito-ryu members, then why would they still be studying it? Tricked by mass hypnosis?!?
I write this post in hopes of warning the public reading these threads of a growing trend I'm seeing on the internet. Posters using unnamed people and senior instructors to back up their unsupported opinions, while at the same time discounting feedback from those who might be in a position to know the situation better. Daito-ryu is apparently the source they wish to destroy, and aikido is the market they wish to sell to:
"Tired of your techniques not working right? Want to perform aikido the way the founder did? Fix it with our brand of mixed martial arts that 'they' don't want you to know about. Let's call it Daito-ryu aiki, and trust me - aikido is supposed to have the 'Daito-ryu aiki' we are talking about. Don't let the name change of the art or the Founder's evolution of aikido fool ya. We know what's best for you."
Just something to think about. If you're still curious about Daito-ryu, ask those who are members in good standing what their experience has been. If people writing these posts are hinting around to you through private phone calls or emails about their formal involvement with Daito-ryu, contact the branch they claim to have trained/train with and VERIFY IT FOR YOURSELF. Hell, I'll even help put you in touch with a representative if desired. Like everything else in life, apply common sense and recognize propaganda and hype for what it really is. All those picking at the art have a vested interest in seeing it discredited. Arts don't survive if the instructors don't transmit the teachings, and the art doesn't benefit from having a student base that sucks.
Regards,