Aikido from the Inside Out
Aikido Training
Guidelines, attitudes, and aphorisms
The bottom line in learning aikido is in training. Nothing substitutes for time on the mat. However there are some general guidelines that make this time on the mat more effective and more enjoyable.
Like everything else in this book, I recommend that you find out for yourself whether these guidelines make sense. I've found them effective in the training process. You'll have to see if they work for you.
Training is a personal study, not a competition.
In our culture, it's pretty hard not to feel competitive in aikido training. But you'll learn aikido quicker and "deeper" if you can resist this temptation and turn it into a personal study.
Going slow is better. You can find the "feel" of aikido.
The wish to accomplish tends to make us want to speed up when it's better to go slow. Going slow actually helps in a practical way because it gives the nervous system the time to experience the movements from the inside out--to feel the movement--which is how it is actually learned.
Learn to do more with less.
This approach helps to overcome the almost irresistible urge to "do" aikido, particularly with muscle or force. If you learn to do more with less, you'll have to find the aiki way of doing things.
Experiment as much as possible.
Discover the full "envelope" of a form. Knowing where things don't work is as useful as knowing where things do work.
Never do anything that feels dangerous or beyond your capabilities at the time.
Aikido is an intelligent art. The old maxim,"no pain, no gain" should be replaced with "no brain, no gain." Don't put yourself on the sidelines because you've ignored your body's warnings. And learning self-defense may mean defending yourself from bullies in your own dojo. Always take care of yourself. Be sure to ask your partner to slow down or go easier if you feel you're not ready for a particular level of training. If for some reason they don't respond appropriately, stop training with them.
Let your training be filled with joy!
If you're not having a good time, you may be missing the point of aikido training. Lighten up!
How do you adopt an attitude? And why should you? Here are some suggestions to consider while you attempt to answer these questions.
Relaxation
Keep your body relaxed throughout your training. Being relaxed during aikido practice is a bit of a paradox. It's hard to learn to be relaxed because learning implies doing something, and if you try to relax, the trying will most likely produce the opposite effect. Relaxing is more like not trying. This doesn't mean that you don't have an intent. It means you let the intent do it, not your muscles and "will."
Large Awareness
Take in the big picture. Be aware of all that is around you. Keep your awareness "soft" and on your partner's center, not on his fist or weapon. "If you focus on the sword, the sword will slay you!"
Calmness
Cultivate for an attitude of calm, centered relaxation. This attitude will allow you to respond to an attack with clarity, speed, and precision.
Attitude of reconciliation
An attitude of reconciliation will eliminate most conflicts before they start, keep a conflict from escalating, and allow you to resolve a conflict with minimum harm.
These aphorisms, some of which have been mentioned elsewhere in this book, come from years of my own training and study. I provide them to suggest directions for your study, as you see fit.
There are differences between the left and right sides of the body. One side is usually "better" at aikido. Instead of favoring the better side, train diligently on the "other" side. Let one side teach the other.
Learning aikido is really "unlearning" bad habits more than learning something new.
The principle of aiki resolves opposites.
Aikido is a "feeling." Ultimately it is the feeling of loving kindness. Training with this feeling changes the "quality" of our movements.
Aikido is intimate (but not sexual).
With proper blending, by leading your partner's ki and touching his center, you'll find the technique is over before the throw occurs.
Do all the movements with the whole of oneself, not with just the parts.
If it isn't working, try less!
A technique is the application of aikido principles to a specific situation.
It's easier to move your partner's mind than his body.
The physical follows the energetic.
Even though your touch is light, you want to touch "through" your partner, into his depths.
Learn to throw away your techniques as soon as possible.
Be in control, even when being thrown.
Real aikido is the embodiment of the principles of aikido along with the tactics of aikido
