|
Notes
On the north coast of Honshu, near Aomori, sits the small
village of Ariki, home to generations of the Arai Clan.
Tendo Arai, a decorated war veteran, returned there
convinced of the futility of struggle and determined to
raise his family far from the crowded cities. He also became
a convert to the pacifistic philosphy of Moreihei Uyeshiba,
and practised Aikido as a means of cultivating his mind. His
twin sons have been raised in Aikido since they were old
enough to join him in training and have become remarkably
proficient in the art. Their training has involved long
hours of mediation, philosophical discussion, running for
miles in the wooded mountains around Ariki as well as
martial training. In addition, they practice some of the
arts of Bushido, in honour of their village's illustrious
history. Kenichi, the oldest, is an acccomplished swordsman,
while his brother Tadashi favours the bow. The two brothers
are inseparable. They attended the dojo of Saito-sensei at
Iwama and stayed briefly as instructors. These days they
teach at a small school in Ariki. The brothers are known for
their terse and unforgiving nature. They will never use a
sentence when two words would do, and never use a word when
a look is sufficient. Nonetheless, they are never afraid to
voice their opinions.
|
|