Aikido Frustrations
I've been a student of aikido for more than thirty years and I've been a teacher for twenty six years. These days when I think about aikido it disappoints me to hear many people, especially the ‘online experts’ criticising aikido and questioning its effectiveness as a form of self defence. Many of these so called experts have obviously not studied the history of aikido, let alone set foot in a dojo, for if they had, they would have realised that aikido has its origins in aiki jujitsu, the empty hand form of self defence utilised by the samurai warriors of Japan.
Since its development in the early part of the twentieth century aikido has evolved into two distinct schools of thought and teaching. Aikido styles, or schools, such as the Yoseikan style (The style that I leaned from my teacher), chose to maintain many of the techniques and philosophies of the founder, O’Sensei Moriehai Ueshiba’s pre-World War 2 teaching. Yoseikan is considered a hard and practical style of aikido more closely aligned to the old aiki jujitsu and ideally suited to self defence.
On the other hand, Aikikai style which was more the creation of the founder’s son, has a more spiritual base relying on the cooperation of your training partner creating a more flowing and dance-like art.
Even though these styles/schools of aikido are sometimes very different they also have many similarities and share many of the same basic technique.
Many times it does not matter whether the style is classified ‘hard’ or ‘soft’, it depends on the teacher that you have.
My aim as your teacher is to clear away the myths of aikido so that you can get to the heart of the practice. Whatever your view of aikido is, is not important. It's the teachings that are important. The teachings originate from the founder and passed on to his senior students.
The Principles Are Your Teacher
My teacher always taught me to not rely on the teacher but rely on the teachings and more specifically the principles of aikido. The principles are rarely studied, which is a shame, because by learning the principles of aikido, as with anything, you will lay a strong foundation making your technique more effective and your training more enjoyable. By learning the principles you are saving yourself many hours and years of frustration.
I was fortunate to have learned aikido when I did and I realise that I am only a conduit, passing down what my teacher/s have taught me to my students. Of course I am not perfect but I believe that after so many years of training I have the knowledge and skills to help you make great progress in our art if you follow the principles that I teach.
Train Smart
Now that I'm in my sixties, and having trained for so long, I know that it's increasingly important that I look after my body and not overdo things. Training smarter and not necessarily harder is my motto, and to make sure that I get enough rest each day.
Aikido teaches us to use our entire bodies when practicing. This includes utilising proper breathing techniques that help us to remain calm under pressure and to not get fatigued. Each day we should focus on our breathing. Perhaps start meditating and combine your breathing. Go for a walk and count your breaths in, holding and out breaths.
There are many aspects to aikido that can help create a better life. If you have not tried aikido, please come and see us and we shall get you started on a unique journey.
I wish you all the best with your training. If you have any questions regarding training please feel free to come and see me.
Sensei