Philosophy & Principles
Aikido is a purely defensive art based on the principle of active non-resistance. Rather than meeting violence with reciprocal violence, the aikidoka (practitioner) learns to evade and re-direct the power and energy of the attack resulting in the attacker being unbalanced and subsequently either projected (thrown) or immobilized (pinned). Thus, it is the attacker’s own force and momentum which ultimately neutralize the aggression. Since the aikidoka never meets force with force, the techniques can be effectively applied even with a larger, stronger attacker or (at the higher levels of the art) with multiple attackers. While all traditional arts emphasize defense, Aikido stands alone in that its highly developed standard of ethics are manifest in the techniques themselves. Great emphasis is placed on using the minimum amount of force necessary to neutralize an attacker’s will and desire to fight, while simultaneously seeking to protect the assailant from the more extreme consequences of his own violence.
Partner practice:
Do not be mistaken, Aikido is budo. Aikido techniques are extremely powerful and some have the potential to cause pain, injury, or even death. For this reason Aikido practice must always be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. Unlike most other martial arts, there is very little solo or “kata” practice in Aikido. (The exception being some weapons training.) Since our goal is the blending of our energy with that of another, practice is done with a “partner” not an “opponent”. Many people, when first exposed to the art, note that, “it looks like the attacker is just going along with the technique.” That is because that is exactly what they are doing! While this may be difficult to understand in the “win/lose” context of modern sport, it becomes very clear when one actually experiences the power of Aikido. To resist an accomplished aikidoka’s technique is not only foolish, it is downright dangerous. If competition were allowed, we would have to eliminate many of our most powerful techniques because of the risk of serious injury.
Always remember that your partner is, in essence, loaning you their body so that you can perfect your movement. You must always respect each individual’s unique situation, taking into account differences in age, size, strength, physical condition etc. Don’t forget that for every throw or pin that you execute, your partner will get to “return the favor” so be sure to treat others the same way you wish them to treat you. Everyone on the mat is there to learn and help their partners learn and improve. Practice should be serious yet joyful, energetic yet supportive. Remember, Aikido is not a sport or a game; there are no tournaments or other forms of competition in Aikido. It is each student’s responsibility to bring only positive, constructive energy onto the mat.
