AIKIDO
means different things to its many practitioners. It is seen
as a means of efficient self- defense, as aesthetic movement,
a harnessing of ones vital life force or "ki", a way to conflict
resolution or a path to enlightenment and health.
Whilst
all these views have great merit they mean nothing UNLESS
THEY CAN BE TURNED INTO ACTION.
So,
"how do we go about aquiring these skills"?
Understanding
why
Well, as our mind controls what our body does, we can see that
any change in our physical performance will require a mental
adjustment on our behalf. This being so, we must consider how
our mind presents itself and how we can influence it.
In
this regard nature has provided humans with an effective and
quickly changing focusing capability. It is achieved via short
bursts of concentrated awareness. This is an instinctive survival
skill which enables us to scan and respond to the presence of
food and the need for flight or fight.
For any such response to be practical, however, we would also
have to concentrate on the "task in hand" long enough to achieve
the desired result.
So,
the next question is 'How do we sustain our concentration if
nature has given us a rapidly switching awareness?
Well,
this is possible because concentrating is not about lengthening
this basic burst of attention, but about being able to re-impose
an identical intent cyclically into a sequence of bursts as
they arise.
What
do we need to do?
If
we are to perform at our best we must learn to master concentration
technique. To achieve this, we need to undertake physical practices
that force us to "hold focus" and perform accordingly. In this
regard aikido with it's dynamic "one on one" martial partner
practice is a brilliant training for teasing out these subtle
and highly rewarding 'ki' or sustained mind power skills.
How
we do it
Because much of our mental and physical activity is dominated
by habit, we are building superior focusing power if we can
force ourselves to reject habitual responses. Accordingly, in
aikido, we strive to practice effective technique effortlessly
in total opposition to our normal strength reactions.
This
"non-conflictive" aiki control is the combined manipulation
of a partner's balance and the use of micro and macro avoidance
strategies. A focal management, or sequencing, of sensory
inputs incorporating an OUTWARD MENTAL
PROJECTION based at our body's "centre" or abdomen
anchors this control.
For
the student, this focus management is built on existing competency
levels.These levels are gradually expanded through a training
program of martial aiki exercises.
A
slow and steady practice is undertaken to ensure one's speed
of learning is not exceeded. Minimal strength is applied in
an array of traditional empty hand and weapons partner practices.
These involve the challenge of strong grips, simulated strikes,
and defensive technique employing sound joint manipulations
and throws.
Whilst
daily training is best, at least two training sessions a week
are required to ensure progress. Experienced instructors are
used to guide students to skilfulnesss in a safe, disciplined
and nurturing non-competition environment.
AIKIDO
TAKEMUSU TEACHERS AND DOJOS
IN MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA
