Over the Ribby weekend I had some interesting conversations with many of the students on the mat and off. These conversations and other observations made me ask again, the questions, what is Aikido and what can it do?
The answers to the questions will be different to each individual Aikidoka but I think it is worth taking time to reflect upon them every so often. The answers will also depend on where each individual Aikidoka is at in their practice of Aikido. Aikido practice is a journey where over time the various levels of understanding and perception develop and change. As does the sense of harmony with one's self and one's surroundings. This is an infinite continuum of learning and developing. Each time you ask these questions of yourself or others you get are likely to get a different answer. Next month, next year different answers again. Each answer is a valid one. Just different because of the learning and development curve each student is on.
There is no doubt in my mind that Aikido is a powerful martial art. As such, at times, in some sessions it appears confrontational and aggressive. Over time, often a long time, students find it less and less so and dispense, gradually, with this spirit of confrontation in practice in favour of a spirit of co-operation and harmony.
So – what is Aikido? A common thought is that the techniques learnt can be likened to a set of tools which can only be used efficiently and effectively by someone with skill and intent. The theme of the recent Ribby weekend course was 'the structure of Aikido'. It was based on 4 principles, Irimi, Kokyu, Kaiten and Shiho. The Preston course earlier in the year was based on Kuzushi , breaking balance. These are just some of the tools in the Aikido toolkit. There are many more.
In Aikido, as with most tools one should choose the right tool for the job and never use more force than necessary. The more you practice, the longer you do Aikido, the more 'tools' you gain. You become increasingly aware that aggression and confrontation are avoidable with the development of whole and effective body movement as you recognise the key (no pun intended) to using them. You reach a point where you feel a wish/will to execute through the purity of the movement and the gentleness of the application of the tools.
What about the second question? What can Aikido do? As you become more involved in Aikido practice you become more aware even sensitised to the atmosphere around you, whether at home, at work or at play. This heightened sense of situational awareness which has developed during Aikido practice could help you avoid potential conflict with others or in certain places because you feel uncomfortable in the situation, sensing a lack of harmony. As you develop your Aikido you develop the means of maintaining a proper physical and mental distance when you meet difficult or uncomfortable situations which may give you the ability to relax more. In taking the tension out of yourself it is plausible that you take the intensity out of the situation. A means of protecting oneself from mental and physical danger whilst imposing no injury or hurt on anyone else.
So now a third question can be posed. Why does this happen? What causes it? This is only a thought. Perhaps, unbeknown to yourself at first, you have developed a different outlook based on the intense co-operation that is instilled during practice. Every time you practice you help others to learn whilst accepting their help in return. Your self-assurance is boosted by the increased confidence with which you use your ever developing Aikido skills, leading, timing, blending, in more pressured sessions during practice. Equally you have developed a better understanding of the reason why you should give sincere attacks and the need to respond with sincerity.
Finally - Can aikido really do this? For me, the answer has to be yes with the caveat perhaps to a greater or lesser degree depending on the attitude and approach of the individual students. Through continuing to practice Aikido you become aware of subtle but noticeable changes. These changes are both physical and psychological. The physical is often quite clear to see within the practice on the mat. The psychological is possibly more significant to the individual concerned and less obvious to others.
The first comment students often make is that they feel better in themselves immediately after practice and note that as they continue to practice this feeling lasts longer. Some comment that there is a change in their perspective on life and that some things which bothered them before became less important. Perhaps the biggest change for some is that the enjoyment of doing Aikido brings about a greater appreciation of how life can be more enjoyable too.
This is a lot to think about, but wait and see. As with most things in life, what you put in you will get back with interest. From time to time ask yourself the questions posed above and see how they and you have changed.
