By Audrey Lim
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| Philip Lee Sensei performing a 'nikkyo' (second lock)
on the attacker |
A variation of the finishing lock in the pinning down position |
"Aikido
is the way (do) of harmonising (ai) the spirit (ki). Through
Aikido, my body and spirit are harmonised as one", quips
the 47 year old sensei. This man is no stranger to the art
of Aikido. He has practised Aikido for about 30 years and
has worked his way up the Aikido ranks along the way. He
now holds the 'godan' or fifth degree black belt, just four
grades below the world's best from Japan, where the art
originated.
"Aikido", he claims, "has trained him to relax and be
flexible, to stay calm in the face of adversity, to be alert
and swift in reacting, and to be disciplined and focussed.
As such, he is able to juggle countless leadership positions
and still remain true to all of them".
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Executing a 'Shihonage'
(four sided throw) |
'Irimi
nage', showing the technique to bring down the
attacker from 'Shomen-uchi' (direct strike directed
to the face). |
'Koshi-nage' (Hip throw) |
One memorable incident which he relates illustrates the
significant impact Aikido has had on his life. "I happened
to be travelling on the road on a motorbike when I suddenly
collided with an oncoming car. I was literally tossed a
few feet above ground before catapulting downwards towards
the ground. When I landed, it was amazing that my body did
not slam onto the ground. I just rolled over and over and
flipped myself upright again, the Aikido style of breaking
a fall. I emerged unscathed, without the slightest sign
of injury. My art truly saved my life, for my reflexes were
trained to respond to the most immediate and dangerous circumstances."
In fact, he is so truly immersed in his passion that
he even took time off work to visit Japan for a month, in
order to practise Aikido at one of the 'dojos" there. Apart
from him, no other member in his family has experienced
Aikido first-hand, the way he has. But under his influence,
his 11-year old triplets were introduced to Aikido five
years ago. "Indeed", he confesses, "Aikido lessons are the
only times when I do get to interact with my kids". His
wife and his daughter, now 19, too have had their fair share
of experience in Aikido. In fact, Lee says at least a third
of his students are female, driving home the point that
Aikido isn't just only for men.
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| Variation of "Kokyu-nage" (breath-throw). |
Another
variation of "Kokyu-nage" (breath-throw). |
Entering to the side to defend against a
'Tsuki' (thrust). |
Contrary to other martial art forms that make use of
brute force and strength, Aikido only requires one to be
physically fit and to be able to meditate and relax. Similar
to 'taiji"", Aikido works on the principle of "qi'', the
inner strength of a person. Aikido is essentially non-violent
and was conceived by its creator, Morihei Ueshiba (often
referred to by his title 'O Sensei' or "Great Teacher').
"Force is never opposed by force. By means of circular movement,
the attacker's force is diverted and turned back upon him.
Indeed, this is one of the most subtle and graceful forms
of martial arts, ideal for the self-defense of people, females
and males alike,' Lee explains.
Lee also feels that Aikido has benefitted him in other
ways. "Can you guess how old I am?" he asked at the start
of the interview. It turns that he's 47 years' old, an age
that belies his youthful appearance. We thought he was in
his late 30s or maybe early forties. Indeed, the black belt
Aikido master could have easily deceived us when he demonstrated
the complex moves of Aikido so very swiftly. And the answer
to his youthful appearance? "Aikido of course", he replies
confidently, "are you interested?"