The MENKYO system
This system is an ancient system present in Japanese martial arts. When it was created , Philippe Voarino, Alain Grason and the founding members of TAKEMUSU AIKI INTERCONTINENTAL wanted to return to this progression system. Thus 3 diplomas appeared in the TAI passport:
KIRIKAMI - MOKUROKU - MENKYO KAIDEN
These diplomas were never used and very quickly the pages concerned were the place where the progression in the Dan system of the practitioner was mentioned.
The practitioners of TAI then created ITAF and again there was talk of these 3 diplomas but this time in addition to the Dan system. Both systems were therefore present this time in the passport but just like with TAI these 3 titles were never used.
For many years, we have believed in these diplomas but not as a replacement for the Dan system or even as a complement but as a system in its own right. Today we have the opportunity to implement them in the development of Takemusu Aikido.
This is why today we offer technical progression via the Kyu / Dan system (with exam up to the 5th Dan TAU) but also progression via the Menkyo system.
This system will require technical knowledge but also historical and educational knowledge, a deep understanding of the technical tools of one's own method but also openness to different practices, the practitioner will be encouraged and supported in his personal research and he will be offered numerous aspects of practice.
Presentation of the MENKYO KAIDEN by Alain GRASON
Dan and Menkyo graduation ceremony during the YUDANSHA 2024 internship
The diplomas
KIRIKAMI
Prerequisites:
2nd Dan TAU
Authorizations acquired:
Exam up to 2nd Dan
(within the respect of 2 Dan difference)
Regional and National Internships
Symbolizes the SHU progression phase.
The one or the practitioner protects the teaching received through reproduction. Technically this is the 1st KOTAI stage. For the practitioner, it is a question of instantly demonstrating the technical and educational knowledge of the tools related to this level.
Kotai is also the level of development of the I, in this sense the practitioner will be led to learn to know himself.
From a historical point of view, the practitioner will be asked to know the broad outlines of O'Sensei's life and the stages of the development of Aikido in his own "technical stream".
MOKUROKU
Prerequisites:
4th Dan TAU
Kirikami
Authorizations acquired:
Exam up to 4th Dan
(within the respect of 2 Dan difference)
National and International Internships
Assistant in Kirikami training
Symbolizes the HA progression phase.
The practitioner validates here the technical and educational skills and the understanding of the second stage of the method: JUTAI
This phase will be that of understanding the principles underlying one's own practice. The practitioner will then have to show their deep understanding of the tools used until then.
In realizing this, he will also have to “break” with his own method to discover and deepen lessons that the tools do not allow him to acquire. In this sense this level will be that of openness and exchange towards other practices, other teachings.
Practitioners will then be required to have a greater knowledge of the different currents of Aikido with their technical, pedagogical specificities, etc., and to present a higher level of teaching skills.
MENKYO KAIDEN
Prerequisites:
6th Dan TAU
Mokuroku
Authorizations acquired:
Exam up to 5th Dan
(within the respect of 2 Dan difference)
Collegial award of 6th - 7th and 8th Dan
Setting up a recognized branch/group
Delivery of Menkyo diplomas
Symbolizes the RI progression phase.
The practitioner shows here the technical, educational skills and understanding of the third step of the method: EKITAI
This phase will be that of the PROPOSAL. The practitioner at this level will not only be able to demonstrate technical and pedagogical mastery, historical knowledge and an openness to other practices but he will also be able to offer his thoughts and the fruit of his practice and personal research.
As a Menkyo Kaiden, everything that can be proposed will be unconditionally recognized by the group and the differences will bring wealth to the practitioners.
Functioning
The steps of the MENKYO system
01
Entry into the MENKYO system
Entry into the MENKYO system is not done automatically once affiliated with TAU nor at the request of a practitioner. Entry is made by recommendation of at least one practitioner already in training in the system which offers the entry of a practitioner and his name and under his responsibility.
03
Delivery of a MENKYO diploma
The awarding of a diploma is not done on an examination strictly speaking but on the constant evaluation of the practitioner from the first day of entry into the system. The diploma is awarded on the day the practitioner has met the progression and transformation criteria relating to the level of training.
02
Training
The training takes place both collectively (courses / specific meetings / exchange groups) and individually. The training is an Ishin Den Shin training where everyone takes responsibility for their learning, their support, their progress.
04
Continued support
After obtaining the first diploma, the practitioner continues his path always with support towards the acquisition of new knowledge / skills and increasingly towards autonomy and his personal research.