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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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