Intro
The movement of Aikido is the dynamic movement of the universal energy forces. The power of Aikido is the power of a strong and unified spirit, mind and body moving in harmony with everything around it. Its origin is Budo. Its development is the result of two thousand years of a cultural process of change and refinement, a continuing martial contest of natural selection. It is an evolution etched in blood.
The study of Budo and the development of Aikido was the life work of Morihei Ueshiba, a figure of great renown who traveled the length and breadth of Japan studying under the greatest masters of many arts. Hard work, severe discipline and all the money he could earn were poured into his mastery of the sword, the spear and the arts of self defense. Deeply interested in the study of spiritual thought, he also practiced many different spiritual disciplines. Still, he was as yet unable to unite his spiritual beliefs with his physical accomplishments.
A short time after returning from military action in the Russo-Japanese War, he retired to a small house located on a mountain outside his village. There he lived and studied silently; his days spent training his body and his nights spent deep in prayer. It was at the end of this time of severe training that he had the realization he had been seeking all of his life. At that moment, nature’s process became clear and he knew that the source of Budo is the spirit of protection of all things.
“Budo is not felling the opponent by force; nor is it a tool to lead the world into destruction by arms. True Budo is to accept the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, and correctly produce, protect and cultivate all beings in nature.”
Morihei Ueshiba intimately recognized and understood the harmony and power of the creative process from which all things evolve. His art was the sword; his creative way was Budo. His understanding and enlightenment is creatively expressed by the protection of all life through a powerful and graphic application of universal truth. Aikido is creation, not destruction. It is a positive energy which creates harmony and justice out of violence.
To talk of harmony and justice is simple. To apply those principles to the conflicts which we face every day, though, requires a deep understanding and sincere trust. Logic may tell us that truth lies within the process of harmony, but the moment something of value rests on the outcome of a situation, we no longer trust that logic. The beautiful ideas and eloquent phrases are forgotten under the pressures of reality. In philosophy, a theory of truth is expressed in words, but the truth of Aikido is expressed in action and the theory proven in practice. By the physical application of its principles we develop a deeper understanding in the heart instead of the mind. Through practice and experience, we learn to trust its power.
Aikido training is to challenge yourself, not the other. You will develop confidence by facing your fears, and negative fighting spirit will become creative fighting spirit. The stress and pressure of serious Aikido training brings this spirit to the surface, exposing it so that it can be examined and refined in a controlled atmosphere of respect and mutual study. Discovering your physical limitations will cause you to reflect on the deepest meanings of harmony and conflict, and to strive for a level of consciousness above the selfish ego, closer to a universal consciousness.
The physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of the principles of the spirit. Negative force is not met with conflict, but joined, controlled and redirected through the power and balance of spiral movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of all the energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law and the processes of nature. Its sincere practice and study deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature’s balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, with other people, and with ourselves.
This is the essence of Budo. It is not the art of fighting, of narrow technique, but an art of personal refinement and of protecting the quality of life. Aikido is first and always Budo. Without the heart of a warrior and the deep desire to protect society, to protect all life, Aikido becomes an empty dance. Budo is its spirit.
Aikido is not a sport. It is a discipline, an educational process for training the mind, body and spirit. An Aikido dojo is not a gymnasium. It is the place where the way of the discipline is revealed. Physical technique is not the final objective, but a tool for personal refinement and spiritual growth. The correct attitude of respect, sincerity and modesty, and the proper atmosphere are essential to the learning process. And as Aikido is a martial way, they are essential to the safety of each individual. The following rules are necessary to the maintenance of this atmosphere and vital to your study of Aikido.
Rules of the Dojo
- Practice safety first and foremost, and train with awareness.
- Please keep our dojo clean. Leave it cleaner than you found it.
- Pay your dues on time.
- Excuse yourself to the instructor if you must leave the mat during class. You may return to the mat without waiting for the instructor’s approval.
- For safety purposes, remove all jewelry before practice.
- Be aware of other students on the mat and where your partner is falling. Protect your partner(s) and yourself.
- If an injury occurs, report it to the instructor immediately. Record the incident in the logbook.
- Immediately attend to any injury that involves bleeding. It is also important that mat be cleaned right away.
- Keep your gi (uniform) and body clean, as well as your mind.
- Do not leave your gi in the dojo; take it home and wash or air out. Mend holes and tears.
- No eating in the practice area. No gum in the dojo.
- Keep your toenails and fingernails trimmed properly.
- Do not disturb a class in session.
- Do not use the dojo for any purpose other than regularly scheduled classes unless approved by the chief instructor.
- At least two children or one child and a parent must be present during the children’s class.
- No personal phone calls without the permission of the instructor. Do not use the phone for more than three minutes. No long distance calls.
- Treat others as you wish to be treated.
- Have fun and enjoy yourself! Be thankful for what you have and smile from the one point.
Proper Etiquette
Aikido is not a religion, but the education and refinement of the spirit. You will not be asked to adhere to any religious doctrine, but only to remain spiritually open. When we bow it is not a religious performance, but a sign of respect for the same spirit of universal creative intelligence within us all.
The words spoken at the beginning of practice between the students and instructor are, “Onegai shimasu.” Loosely translated, it is a request, which when spoken by the student means, “Please give me your instruction.” When spoken by the teacher, it means, “Please do what is expected of you,” or “Please receive my instruction.” The words spoken by the student to the instructor at the end of practice are, “Domo arigato gozaimashita.” “You have my respect and gratitude for what you have just done.” This is the most respectful way of saying thank you.
Dojo literally means, “place of the way or learning.” Much of the etiquette was developed in Japan, largely to preserve peace and life.
Bowing (Rei)
Bowing is done by the student to demonstrate respect for the founder, the instructor, the dojo and fellow students.
- Upon entering and leaving the dojo, make a standing bow.
- Please bow in the direction of the shomen (front) wall before entering and exiting the mat.
- At the beginning or ending of class, bow simultaneously with your instructor to the shomen and then to the instructor.
- When called upon to assist in demonstrating a technique, bow to the instructor and bow again when done. After the demonstration, the class will bow and practice.
- Bow to your partner, when beginning and ending a practice session. At the end of class, bow to everyone with whom you practiced.
- Please greet all chief instructors of other dojos with a bow.
Customs
- Students should sit facing the shomen wall before class starts. If necessary to pass by when people are lined up in seiza facing the shomen, walk in back rather than in front.
- The proper way to sit during class is in seiza – the formal Japanese sitting posture. A cross-legged position is acceptable if seiza is impossible. Inform the instructor of particular problems with knees or feet that do interfere with the ability to sit in seiza. In any case, an attentive posture should be maintained. Slouching, slumping or leaning is not conducive to practice of balance and centering. Students should not sit with legs outstretched.
- Onegaishimasu (“please” or “I ask a favor”) and Arigato Gozaimashita (“thank you”) are the customary expressions used at the beginning and end of class, respectively.
- The mat should be swept before and after each class. Many dojos will wipe the mats down with freshly rinsed rags in addition to sweeping. It is the students’ responsibility to keep the dojo clean. It should be a place for misogi (purification).
- Address the instructor as “sensei” (teacher).
- Offer to fold and fold hakamas for instructors, especially for guest instructors.
- Remove your shoes and leave them neatly on the shoe rack.