What's Happening in Bill's World

Last update 7/10/98

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I'm the one on the left!

Steven Seagal performing the Kotegaishi

THOUGHTS ON AIKIDO:

Seems like each time I mention that I am involved with the Martial Arts someone asks "Which one?" and I answer "Aikido". This response is usually met with a blank stare, so I quickly ask "Have you ever seen a Steven Seagal movie?". If the answer is yes then I explain that he is a Seventh Dan (degree) black belt in Aikido and what you see in his movies is a very stylized form. His earlier films are more true to the art but he needed to sell tickets so some liberties were taken. Usually the next question is "Is that anything like Tae Kwan Do?" To this I answer "Let me explain about Aikido"

WEAPONS IN AIKIDO?

Why would an Aikidoka (one who practices Aikido) want to train with ancient weapons (i.e. swords etc...) in this age of lasers and guns? The reasons can be found in the distant beginnings of the art. The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba (pictured left) addressed as O'Sensei, was an accomplished swordsman and knowlegable in many weapons systems. He developed most of the balance and movement concepts used in Aikido from those weapons (especially the sword). O'Sensei described practicing with the Jo as, "Dancing on the bridge between Heaven and earth". To the right, you will see a picture of two of the three weapons taught in the Aikido. The slender curved stick is the Japanese wooden practice sword (Bokken), the longer straight stick is the Japanese short staff (Jo) and, not pictured, is the wooden practice knife (Tanto). Use of these weapons in Katas (ritualized fighting forms), the Kumitaci (sword against sword), Tanto-dori (knife against empty hand) and Jo-dori (Jo against empty hand) teach the Aikidoka correct balance (three point, including the center) and movement (from the center) to be used in all of the Aikido techniques. These are extension weapons (i.e. increases the reach of the attacker) so the movement needed to avoid and counter the attack must be more precise and positive than with a empty hand strike. Yes, weapons are taught in Aikido but only as a suppliment to the empty handed techniques not for offensive use. However, I must admit there is nothing like picking up a Japanese sword or Bokken for the first time. Maybe there is some of the old Bushido warrior in me!! Below is a picture of two of my other favorite weapons (the Sai and Nunchauku). Both of these teach timing and strengthen the hands, forearms and wrist (very important in Aikido). Besides that I like the picture.8-)

I LOVE KNIVES!

Since I was a kid I have enjoyed a well made, very sharp knife. Whenever I had a few dollars that is what I would buy. I have a few left from my childhood and a some military weapons I like to collect, but my favorites are made by Benchmade. I have found that all of their knives are well made, sharp out-of-the-box and well designed. I usually carry the Benchmade Model 800 (AFCK) and the Model 910 (Stryker) both have the black Teflon coating (plain edge). Although I do trade out with the Model 975 (mini CQC-7) and the Model 875 (Sentinel). Below you can view my small collection of these great knives.

From left to right the mini-AFCK, AFCK, Stryker, Sentinel, mini CQC-7 and Mini-CQC-7 with serrated edge.

In the kitchen a well balanced, sharp knife that is made for the job at hand is even more important. My father was a meat cutter and professional cook, he taught me that a sharp kitchen knife was much safer and easier to use than a dull one. We like our Henckels Four Star cutlery (We have four of these knives). They are beautifully made, perfectly balanced and holds an edge forever!! All I have to do is convince everyone that you wipe them down after use not PUT THEM IN THE DISHWASHER!!!! Are you listening Mary??8-)

To keep all of these knives ready to use I like the Razor's Edge sharpening system and equipment. It is a simple, dry, two step method of putting a "scary" sharp edge on any cutting tool. The system has sharpening guides that attach to the knife and make honing the correct primary and relief angles easy. There is also a companion book that explains the theory of sharpening and the reason for each step in the sharpening process. All of this make the whole process simple to learn and accomplished.

I ENJOY THROWING KNIVES:

I have been throwing knives since the mid-1950's. If you could have seen all of my knives back then you would have guessed my hobby since all of their tips were broken!! There weren't too many good throwers back then so I experimented with everything I had (Too many movies I guess!!). The best of these were the military combat knives that were still available from WWII, but they were not made for this type of treatment ergo my broken tips!!! Just recently I was introduced to the Hibben's Throwing daggers and found them to be well made, very consistent weapons. I have several of both the 8" (Thrower II) and 10" (Thrower III) and one of the Hibben's Throwing Axe just for a change of pace and throwing style. I have read about larger, heavier knives, but I have not found a supplier. I have set up a small throwing range out back and enjoy the time I spend practicing (that is me to the left!!). The physical movement and mental focus compliments my Martial Arts training. There are several excellent "Throwers Pages" on the Web take a look at this sport and try it!!! You may find yourself hooked. (Check out the results of my throws in the picture below!!!)

My throwing daggers in the target (not bad!!)

I ENJOY THE SHOOTING SPORTS:

One of my favorite shooting weapon is the Model 1911A1, .45 ACP caliber, self loading pistol. I think anyone who has used Browning's creation will agree that the "1911" is one of the finest pistol made. I have the Norinco full size reproduction and a Colt Combat Commander (see their pictures below). I found both to be accurate, reliable and a lot of fun to shoot! Another reason to own this pistol is that parts and magazines are readily available and are inexpensive. Almost any gunsmith can "trick this gun out" (accurize the weapon) to any extent you wish. When I qualify for my Conceal Carry License one of these will be my choice of carry gun. My other favorite is the M1 carbine (See the other picture below). I own a 6 digit serial number example made by Inland (made in 1943). While I was in the USAF I qualified "expert" with this great old weapon and I still enjoy taking mine out and plinking away. I try to practice often with all of my guns, but work and "to-do's" around the house keep me busy. Since I reload my own ammunition I can practice often and still keep the cost down.

The blued pistol is the Norinco and the stainless the Commander.

This is my carbine fitted with a bayonet and "stock pouch".

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bilwas@intertex.net

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