Thus, Kishinkai can be interpreted as “the association, the group that practises in joy”.
A little more about Kishinkai
Leo Tamaki, and his co-founders (Issei Tamaki, Julien Coup and Tanguy Le Vourc’h), were inspired by principles from Tamura Nobuyoshi (aikido), Kuroda Tetsuzan (soke of the Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo), Hino Akira (founder of the Hino Budo), Kono Yoshinori (kobujutsu) to name only a few.
Kishinkai is neither a federation nor a traditional school (koryu), but can be considered as a current of practice. Even though Kishinkai gathers people with the same principles and research, the external form may have some variations.
Here is a quote of Leo Tamaki, describing the Kishinkai Aikido (open translation):
“It is under the name Kishinkai Aikido that I define my teaching as well as the one of people practising in the same direction than myself.
Said like this, it sounds clear. But when a demand of a more precise definition arises, things become complex. This is because we can discuss the technical principles, the use of the body, the ethic, the historical origins, and so much more.
But when you meet masters such as Kuroda sensei, you quickly realise how description of their work can only restrict their entirety under a layer of superficiality. Same applies to master Tamura, master Yamaguchi, master Shioda, etc.
[By defining] we are exposed to describe only a small part [therefore limiting its entirety].”
In Kishinkai Aikido we imagine ourselves in a situation where the opponent’s physical abilities are greater than ours. Therefore we cannot use our strength against someone stronger, faster, taller, etc.
Practice will aim to gain a martial efficiency based on muscular relaxation, on modification of the use of the body and on intention reading (alongside other components). All of these principles are included during the realisation of techniques.
Kishinkai style is therefore accessible for anyone.
