Inryoku: Interview with Gérard Blaize

Gérard Blaize, the first non-Japanese Aikido expert to receive the rank of 7th dan Aikikai, spent five and a half years in Japan where he studied Aikido at the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo following mainly Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Seigo Yamaguchi.

In 1975, he met Michio Hikitsuchi, one of the most respected personal students of the founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba, and followed his sole guidance until his teacher's death in 2004.

Hikitsuchi Sensei was a Shinto priest as well as a high ranked martial artist. In 1957, Hikitsuchi Sensei received from O Sensei the Masakatsu Bo Jutsu diploma in form of a scroll, as a teaching license in the training with the Aikido long stick. Furthermore, in 1969 he was personally awarded the 10th Dan rank by O-sensei.

Gérard Blaize has inherited and is still carrying the legacy of Hikitsuchi's holistic Aikido to this day.

Book Contents: Biography of Michio Hikitsuchi. Biography of Gérard Blaize. Finding Hikitsuchi Sensei. A Strict Teacher. Hikitsuchi Sensei's Rightful Place. The Gift of Katsugen Undo. Building an Aikido Body. Inryoku, the "Attractive Force". Is Suwari-waza a Relic From the Past? What Happened to Atemi? "Gestures" of Aikido. Bukiwaza Stories. The Meaning of Expressive Freedom in Budo Training. Takemusu is Inryoku. Training in the Subtle Elements of the Art. "Waza Spring Forth from Kototama". Praying the Kami. Crossing Paths with Itsuo Tsuda. Understanding the Founder. Has Morihei's Dream Just Become Utopia? Supplement: Key Points to Bear in Mind.