Aikido, the way with Aiki (part 1)

To have come to my current understanding of this Aiki has taken me more than three decades of Aikido training and practice. Although this Aiki can't be transmitted or taught directly, it is thanks to my teachers and their methods of training and practice, it is by letting me feel their techniques, making me think about things and making me do the actual work which has brought me here. Ever since I came about to realize about the existence and the functioning of this Aiki, my Aikido training is focused on refining my Aikido practice in accordance with this Aiki.

Well, sometimes it makes me wonder where would I have to place all of this. Evidently even if this Aiki thing means a great deal to me, it most probably doesn't really has to mean anything to anybody else. Then again, looking at the videos available showing the Aikido of O-Sensei and also reading the founders explanations on his Aiki and his Aikido, I pretty much feel encouraged to continue following this 'way', a way which, since I came about to realize about this Aiki, I'm absolutely intrigued about.

From the explanations given by founder and also from what can be seen, and more particular from what can't so much be seen and found in his Aikido, this Aiki makes perfect sense to me. It really gives me the impression that O-Sensei mostly always used this kind of Aiki in his Aikido.

"O-Sensei mostly always used
this kind of Aiki in his Aikido"

So well then, the one question that still has me pondering: if Aiki in Aikido really is more akin to what I think it's supposed to be according to O-Sensei's explanations, then, is martial excellence, as it's so widely promoted in the Aikido community, really the one and foremost important thing to look for in Aikido?

 

"Aikido is budo,
Aikido is love"

 

O-Sensei clearly states that Aikido is budo. So the logic of budo must be respected. He also states that Aikido is harmony and Aikido is Love. This really sounds like a contradiction. Though if it isn't, then what kind of budo is O-Sensei talking about and referring to? 

By thinking more deeply about O-Sensei's explanations on his art and also about his explanations on his understanding of budo, at least some aspects of his art may become more understandable. I think, to understand the Aikido of O-Sensei we not only need to study the techniques of his Aikido, but indeed, we also need to study carefully what he had to say about his art. 

According to my experience, Aikido can only be understood through our very own body-experience, our very own perception. Real understanding in any body art, such as Aikido, I reckon, is based on body experience. A real understanding cannot be gained, when based on theories and thought constructs alone. Once the body understands, the mind will be able to follow and understand as well. This, I reason, leads to real understanding. Therefore the Aikido techniques as given to us by the founder allow us not only to physically experience and understand the body concepts of the art but they may also lead to an understanding of the philosophical and spiritual aspects too.

 

"we need a critical 
and also kind of
scientific thinking mind"

 

With the development of our abilities we will gain insight and also gain confidence (in our understanding and abilities). To do so we need a critical and also a kind of scientific thinking mind. Although it is important to fully trust in our teachers teachings, we should at the same time not just believe in what we are taught and told, but we should, for a better understanding of things, analyze and verify ourselves.

Sometimes things are not what we think they are, as we can't see them for what they really are. This may be because we aren't, whatever the reasons, capable of seeing things clearly. Taking budo perception as an example: just because yesterday I wasn't able to perceive an opening or suki 1, doesn't mean that there was no such thing. Of course it was there, I just wasn't able to perceive it. Well, this is just an easy example to illustrate the difference between a personal reality which depends on one's own perception (with personal filters and distortion) and reality itself (without personal filters and distortion). By developing my perception abilities, today I'm able to perceive that same kind of opening which before I didn't even knew it existed. 

Therefore, what I regarded as being the truth about Aiki and Aikido yesterday is not necessarily the same as I do today. Also, what I regard as truth today, tomorrow I might not necessarily do so anymore. Although, since the principle of this Aiki is based on the laws of nature itself, it will most certainly not change, but my understanding of it may evolve and deepen nevertheless. Aikido really has the power to change people, that is, if people are willing to let those changes happen. To make this leap of progress in understanding, we need to change. We need to let go our fighting mind and we need to let go of our spirit of competition.

 

"To make real progress,
we need to change"

 

All the things I’m talking about here, I am well aware, certainly may only be one of many more parts when it comes to give a complete explanation of Aiki in Aikido. But really, I can only talk about this particular type or part of Aiki which I have come to understand myself, to the degree I understand it right now, that is of course.

"our Aikido too, could come
closer to be the Aikido,
as it was designed, explained
and practiced by the founder"

By thinking deeply about the founders explanations on his Aiki and his Aikido, we might be able to find out more about theses subjects. And by following the founders directions, I beliefe that our Aikido too, could come closer to be the Aikido, as it was designed, explained and practiced by the founder.

 

 

 1  suki = jap.: opening, gap, vulnerability, moment of inattention (explanation taken from Two Cranes Aikido)

  

Page first published on 06.09.2023
Page last updated on 02.09.2025

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Disclaimer: everything presented in this post only represents my personal opinions based on my personal  knowledge, understanding and experiences made regarding the matter in discussion except where quotes are made. Other opinions are highly respected as long as they can withstand the argumentation. Some of the points presented may be purely speculative on my side due to the lack of evidence known to me. Any evidence presented to help clarify the points in question is highly welcomed. The post may still undergo little changes, although the content will mainly remain the same.

Notes on Copyrights: Neither text or parts of the text may be used or published elsewhere without the consent of the author. It is OK though to quote with correct references made to this text.
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