Christian Tissier sensei in Paris, France
April 11-16, 2001

Contributed by Arthur Benjamin*

From April 11th through April 16th I traveled to Paris, France where I attended an aikido seminar conducted by Christian Tissier, 7th dan. The seminar was moderately attended by about 200 practitioners. Since the late 80's, now and then, I've gone to different venues in France for his seminars. Usually the summer stage (French for seminar) draws about 300+ aikidoists from many countries. Tissier sensei is considered one of the foremost aikidoists in Europe. The last time I heard a count, his federation had more than 12,000 members across Europe. His home dojo in Vincennes (a suburb of Paris) has more than 300 students.

I know just a few basic biographical facts about Tissier sensei. As a young man he moved to Japan and studied aikido for 10 years. Principle influences: Yamaguchi sensei & Saotome sensei. He was one of Yamaguchi sensei's senior students. He moved back to France, established his school and contributed greatly to the popularization of aikido in France. Aikido was already practiced in France at the time, but really bloomed after he returned.

An interesting fact about France and martial arts: all martial arts instructors are registered and certified by the government. Whatever the art may be, instructors must test to qualify. Many teachers share public facilities with others, for instance, judo and karate or aikido and kendo. The government provides equipment and so forth. Of course, some teachers have their own facilities.

The top ranking professional teachers in Tissier sensei's federation have regions that they are responsible for. This is similar to Japan; however, it is regulated by the government organization.

To characterize Tissier sensei's aikido, I would say it is very dynamic. An athletic style, yet replete with subtleties that he has identified in the art. I would also add that he is a superb technician with a no-nonsense understanding of why and how Aikido works.

C'est ne marche pas? One time I attended a seminar featuring Tissier sensei in Montreal, Quebec. I was practicing with a friend who was unfamiliar with Sensei's technique. He came over to us and asked, "C'est ne marche pas?" Literally translated this means: "It does not walk?" However, he was asking us if the approach didn't work. He then proceeded to explain and demonstrate why he did that technique the way he did it.

I would say that Tissier sensei has developed a distinct methodology for teaching aikido. It is very clear and accessible. Even though I am not fluent in French, I could understand his method from his demonstration and breakdown of technique. He does speak English and oftentimes explains in English since most Europeans understand it as well.

Another component of the Tissier sensei style can be summed up in one word: Ukemi. It is very common to see his uke flying through the air only to land with hardly a sound and apparently no impact. Seems effortless.

The first time I saw this, I was skeptical. It seemed contrived. As time went on and I was able to pick up some of this ukemi movement, I began to realize that to master such body control was yet another approach to developing oneself as a martial artist. I've heard from many teachers that one must control one's own body first and not focus on controlling the attacker to really learn aikido.

The lesson I took away from this (for my own aikido) was that the coordination and timing involved in this "French" style ukemi was preferable to the way I allowed myself to hit the mat for too, too many years.

Now I emphasize (to my students) the virtue of responsive, quick and efficient ukemi as being one of the most important skills to acquire within aikido.

There is a downside to this style. On more than one occasion, I've heard Tissier sensei exhort his students to attack harder. It seems since the emphasis is on the ukemi, then the less knowledgeable students serve up a less credible attack and throw themselves into an ukemi form too early. Here in the U.S. I've noticed that the reverse is often true.

Another characteristic of Tissier sensei's aikido is that he demonstrates exceedingly quick and precise foot movement. One does not see sloppy movement at his seminars. The students emulate that. This brings me to a point often demonstrated by Tissier sensei. Movement! Aikido as movement, not technique necessarily. To execute a kote gaeshi for instance, it is movement that is the driving force and not merely a twist of someone's wrist. Of course this makes a given technique more accomplishable for individuals of all sizes, regardless of strength.

In conclusion: if you ever have a chance to attend a seminar conducted by Tissier sensei, it is great practice and well worth the time and effort.

*Arthur Benjamin has practiced and taught aikido since 1973. He has been a member of ASU since its inception and holds a 6th dan granted to him by Saotome sensei in 1999. Currently, his dojo, North Shore Aikido (www.nsaikido.org) is located in Skokie, Illinois where he has taught for 10 years.