Student Article

Aikido
A Beginner's Perspective

Now only 1½ years into my study of Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku Ho Aikido, I have come to realize that I will be constantly learning. Learning about the wide and varied aspects of the Art of Peace, learning about my self and about my family relationship, and learning about others I may meet in life and how I choose to interact with them. My experience has been very positive thus far as a member of the Wadokai (Organization of the Peaceful Way) and I intend to continue my practice for a long time, hopefully without an end in sight.

My first impression of Aikido was that it was technically very complicated and difficult. I would read about natural postures or natural positions which, in the beginning, felt anything but "natural" or the least bit comfortable. But with earnest practice, I have found that if you keep an open mind, things will get easier, more balanced and in turn, more natural. In just this short time I have seen the benefits of just letting go, relaxing, or not resisting and the effective results in waza (technique) which can result. In training the body and by employing the Four Basic Principles of Ki Development (Keep One Point, Relax Completely, Keep Weight Underside and Extend Ki) to help train the mind and spirit, I am finding that techniques flow better when both physical and mental obstacles are removed. Aikido has helped as a method of centering and calming the mind; being able to call upon this can be a great life benefit, not just for self defense.

Four aspects of Aikido which peaked my interest initially and which continue to be driving factors in my training are the concepts of respect, humility, gratitude and a lack of competition. The practices of proper etiquette (reigi) and politeness, and also of being humble and grateful are very attractive concepts to me as a means of self improvement. To be self disciplined is a good thing, but discipline alone does not always correlate to a proper attitude. I have made it a personal goal to keep striving for an attitude of selflessness (botsuga) and to do away with any strong egocentric qualities. Aikido seems to be a perfect way to train to be self aware without being selfish; a way to re-shape my personal behavior and thinking from the inside out. I think that if I can keep that mind set, regardless of how technically skilled I become or how long it takes me, Aikido will have been a success.

Because Aikido lacks an overall competitive nature and de-emphasizes strength, size, and winners or losers, it seems to help me focus on what is really important, which is bettering myself through continued practice and helping others in turn. To study Aikido is not to mimic impressive physical techniques to beat an attacker, but to attain a deeper insight into Aikido's philosophy and training methods as a way to a better life. To me, learning how to be in harmony includes not only the ability to avoid and control an attacker, but to have a balance with myself and an increased awareness of my surroundings. I do not wish to down play, however, Aikido's importance as an effective way of self defense. I am very grateful to train in a martial art and style which is highly effective but also provides more choices about how to deal with an attacker (or multiple attackers) depending on a particular situation.

I also appreciate the fact that Aikido provides other training methods to help coordinate mind, body and spirit and develop Ki. Similar to Keeping One Point, I have found the concept of Ki and Ki development a lot harder to visualize or experience. I suppose this is true for most aikidoka when first practicing the art since Ki is more of a hidden internal reality than an obvious external object. I am glad that Koichi Tohei Sensei developed the six basic Ki training methods: Yon Dai Gen Soku, Kiatsu Ho, Ibuki No Ho, Ki No Taiso, Ki No Kempo, and Ki No Seiza Ho. These varied training methods allow me to better empty the mind while the movements and breathing techniques help coordinate the body. The capacity to remain calm and relaxed in the midst of chaotic situations is a comforting notion. To be able to call upon this ability if multiple attackers are encountered is of obvious advantage, but to utilize peace on a daily basis in life is of even greater importance. I suppose in one sense, when you gain a great inner peace, it imparts an even greater outward strength.

While studying some of the history regarding Aikido's founder (Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei) and his ultimate development of the Way of Harmony, it seems that O'Sensei was constantly searching to perfect a system in life to promote and perpetuate peace. Aikido can end conflicts quickly and with as little damage as possible to the assailant; Aikido is a way to self-improvement while helping others in turn; Aikido is free flowing without constraints, and as such, harmonizes the practitioners with the world around them. The idea of infinite creativity and spontaneity (Takemusu-Aiki) in Aikido makes it very appealing to me to continue hard disciplined practice (Shugyo), and makes me realize Aikido is limitless. Aikido starts with the self but imparts selflessness to the student who can carry this forward to others. Two of O'Sensei's quotes which made an impact to me are: "Masakatsu-agatsu katsu hayabi" (True victory is self-victory, right here right now) and "When life is victorious there is birth; when it is thwarted there is death. A warrior is always engaged in a life and death struggle for Peace."

Another excerpt from Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei's life which reminds me of his own selflessness and that there is no place for ego, is found in the following passage (instructions to his disciples):

"Aikido cannot be explained with words; one must practice and attain enlightenment of mind and body. Aikido training is not a sport nor asceticism; it is an act of faith based on the desire to achieve total awakening. Do not be in a hurry; for it takes a minimum of ten years to master the basics and advance to the first rung. Never think of yourselves as all knowing, perfected instructors; you must continue to train daily with your students and progress together on the Path of Aiki."

Submitted by: Student
Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku Ho Aikido
Wadokai - Atlanta Dojo
January 25, 2005

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