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Practice
At the beginning of each session, the class is called into a line, most
commonly arranged in order of grade. The instructor stands in front of
them and seiza is assumed:
-
The student kneels on the floor with the knees apart
- The
bottom is lowered to touch (not rest on) the heels and the hands are
placed on the thighs.
- The
spine is kept slightly curved, but upright
- The head is facing forward, with the chin slightly tucked inwards
Seiza
Depending on the dojo, this action is performed when the instructor faces the shomen and/or when he faces the class.
After the ceremony, classes commence. Classes typically involve stretching or warming up and technique instruction. Movements aim at strengthening coordination, posture, and flexibility. At the end of class, students gather together in a line for the ending ceremony. Assuming seiza, they practice mokuzo, the closing of their eyes and concentrating on their breathing. Lastly, the ceremonial bow is completed.
Principles
Non-resistance
It is natural for humans to react when met with aggression. For instance,
at the flick of a hand, many flinch or try to shield their eyes to protect
themselves. Aikido, however, teaches the opposite of this defensiveness;
rather it focuses on non-resistance. Instead of stopping the force by
meeting it directly, the Nage puts his body in circular motion, accepting
and redirecting an attack.
Judging
Of Distance (Ma-ai)
Another principle of aikido is ma-ai, or the judging of distance between
opponents. Visual approximation of the attacker's distance and his weapons
(if any) enables one to perceive the attacking action and adjust accordingly.
Speed also goes hand in hand with ma-ai. Varying one's speed and movement
to the attacker's momentum enables both persons' movements to be harmonized.
Body
Alignment
Body alignment is fundamental to practicing these skills effectively.
The hara, or body's
center of gravity, should be aligned over the body's support base so that
good posture is maintained. This is assumed when:
- Feet are spread shoulder width apart with one foot in front of the other
- Knees are relaxed, the forward knee slightly bent
- Head, chest, and torso are upright
- Hips are square, leading each turn (the circle made by the shoulder should be wider)
- Fingers are extended; when grasping or holding, however, they are closed, and power should be concentrated on the little finger
- Arms are straight (but not stiff) at a low, central, or high position,
depending on the attack situation
Good
standing posture
Circular
Motions
Movements are performed in a circular manner, representing a concentration
of energy at one's hara. This sort of motion also prevents an attacker
from regaining his stability and attacking again. In Aikido, the "Uke,"
or person who attacks and receives the technique, and the "Nage,"
the person who throws or directs the technique, work cooperatively to
harmonize their movements. This means that as the Nage performs the four
moves, the Uke performs the opposite. In the end, they have both given
(attacked or controlled) and received (yielded) in the process.
O
Sensei's Rules For Training (c. 1935)
These are the original guidelines established by O
Sensei:
- Aikido
decides life and death in a single strike, so students must carefully
follow the instructor's teaching and not compete to see who is the strongest.
-
Aikido is the way that teaches how one can deal with several enemies.
Students must train themselves to be alert not just to the front, but
to all sides and the back.
- Training
should always be conducted in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
- The
instructor teaches only one small aspect of the art. Its versatile applications
must be discovered by each student through incessant practice and training.
- In
daily practice first begin by moving your body and then progress to
more intensive practice. Never force anything unnaturally or unreasonably.
If this rule is followed, then even elderly people will not hurt themselves
and they can train in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
- The
purpose of aikido is to train mind and body and to produce sincere,
earnest people.
Since all the techniques are to be transmitted person-to-person, do not randomly reveal them to others, for this might lead to their being used by hoodlums.
Setting
Aikido is practiced in a dojo, or training hall. The majority of (or entire)
the floor is covered with square-shaped tatami, or soft mattresses. The
original Japanese tatami was made of tightly woven straw, typically measuring
8-10 meters long and 6-8 centimeters thick. These days, many dojos they
are covered with canvas and the straw is replaced with modern synthetic
materials. The tatami are placed close together so that there are no dangerous
openings, and although fairly hard, they cushion a fall. Other parts of
the dojo are used for seating and ceremonial emblems are hung on the walls.
A
traditional dojo
Etiquette
Throughout the class, students follow certain rules of etiquette. Upon
entering the dojo and mat, it is proper to bow towards the Shomen, the
front of the dojo where the teacher usually sits. At some dojos, an altar
for the gods is located here as well. Bowing is meant as a notion of respect
towards one's instructor and O'Sensei.
As with many other martial arts, students are expected to have a clean and respectful composure. Fingernails and toe nails should be trimmed, uniforms clean, long hair tied back, and jewelry and shoes removed (so that the mat won't be damaged).
In the event that a student arrives late, he must sit quietly at the edge of the mat until the instructor allows him to join the class. During instruction, talking is kept to minimum and exercises are performed promptly. Students must also ask for the instructor's permission and bow towards the Shomen before leaving the mat. At the end of class, they help with any necessary cleaning.
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