Advanced Aikido. Phong Thong Dang

continuous practice of aikido. Etiquette and respect should find natural expression in all one does. The essence of aikido is to unite "with the universes energy (ki) and to follow the dynamic flow of nature." (UESHIBA, K. 2004, P. 24).

      This should be the basic principle in the mind of every practitioner. There are not a lot of formal rules of etiquette in aikido because by following the principles of nature all people will behave respectfully and with the highest good for all in mind. This represents the very positive, even optimistic, point of view of aikido.

      HUMBLE CONFIDENCE, RESPECT, AND LOVING PROTECTION FOR OTHERS

      In the beginning, students know that they do not know much about aikido. As they progress in training, they will often believe that they know quite a bit. Eventually, with consistent and persistent training, students of aikido come to know that they do not know and enjoy the idea that they will never know most of aikido. The advanced student accepts the lifelong learning process that keeps them actively engaged in training.

      In the beginning, students look to the instructor to teach them all the aikido they need to know. Eventually, students of aikido accept that their instructor can only point the way. The path taken by advanced students is completely their own responsibility. The instructor can point the way and teach them the basics, but as for the finer points of the art, the advanced students of any martial art learn to depend more on their own drive to learn and to train.

      In the beginning, one will either lack confidence or be overconfident. Aikido is difficult to learn. As one progresses in training, one has some sense of both confidence and humility. Eventually, the student of aikido maintains humility yet has attained a sufficient level of technical and conceptual skill to have something to be humble about.

      In the beginning, one can seldom apply the technical skills of aikido in a structured training context. As one progresses in training, one gains technical application within a predetermined routine. Eventually, the student of aikido can apply the technical and conceptual aspects of aikido in spontaneous contexts.

      In the beginning, one learns the basic techniques of self-defense. Eventually, the student of aikido is able to apply the concepts of aikido in his or her martial intent as a way of war but also as a way of life, as a way of peace.

      In the beginning, one seldom has self-appreciation. As one progresses in training, one begins to appreciate him or herself and all others. Eventually, with consistent and persistent training, the student of aikido develops a deep appreciation and respect both for the self and for all others. The development of compassion implies that the advanced student knows that he or she can do great damage, but chooses to protect his or her training partner.

      Eventually, the student of aikido learns to face all of life's opportunities with a humble sense of confidence in his or her ability and training. Such students demonstrate a respect for all of nature, including humanity with all its imperfections. They extend ki toward all in need of assistance, compassion, and loving protection.

      Many would say that you can tell an advanced student by the way he or she stands, bows, and pays respect to others. Correct posture, discipline, and the respect of lowering one's head communicate a correct attitude.

      A dueling scene in Akira Kurosawa's 1954 film classic, Seven Samurai, illustrates this point. Simply by watching the calmness, stillness, and proper alignment and posture of a character in the on-guard position, it is obvious who will and does win.

      Eventually, with consistent and persistent training, the student of aikido stands relaxed and erect with the spine straight and eyes forward. When bowing from a standing position, slowly lower your upper body by bending gently at the waist. Your hands should remain at your side.

      When moving, glide with a natural step moving from your center.

      When seated in seiza (kneeling), your spine should be aligned, your body relaxed, your knees placed relatively close together, and your hands placed on your knees or in your lap. When bowing from seiza, slowly sweep your left palm down to the center of the mat in front of you. Follow that by sweeping your right hand around, joining your left in a triangle. As you slowly bow forward, place your elbows on the mat and your forehead on your hands. Try not to raise your buttock as you bow. Return to the upright kneeling position only after your bow has been completed.

      Always bow before and after instruction and when taking turns in practice.

      Be friendly, but not social on the mat. This is time for training. Keep verbalization to a minimum even if you are making a training point to your partner.

      An attitude of respect and gratitude should permeate all you do. That attitude will show.

      CODE OF CONDUCT TRAINING

      Following a strong tradition of etiquette and respect, and in the same spirit of bushido, the advanced student of aikido will naturally develop and express a code of conduct. This code of conduct is not externally dictated or motivated, but comes from an internally validated sense of knowing.

      Eventually, with consistent and persistent training, the student of aikido will recognize and respect the genius of O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. He or she will have a deepening faith and commitment to the teaching of aikido and the community that he or she shares practice and training with.

      By developing a deep sense of connectedness, the advanced student of aikido will attempt to refrain from all bad or evil acts, to do only those things that are good and in the best and highest interest of all, and to continue to train and practice to unify and purify the body, mind, and spirit.

      Pain and suffering in this world come from ignorance. Aikido is a means to offer peace and protective love to the world. Advanced students of aikido refrain from doing harm or killing, from stealing, from sexual inappropriateness, from telling lies, from abusing intoxicants, from misguided speech and slander, from arrogance, and from misusing the lessons and gifts they have received through their aikido training.

      Knowing that the best media in which to present a message are modeling and self-expression, the advanced student of aikido expresses, to the best of his or her ability, the qualities of generosity, moral conduct, patience, courage, self-control, and wisdom.

      Eventually, the student of aikido trains not only to better his or her self, but also to help and be a model for others in and outside the dojo.

      DOJO RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES TRAINING

      There are many roles, relationships, and responsibilities within a dojo. There are the tori and the uke. There is the status of kohai, tohai, and sempai student. There are the sensei and student relationships. There is also the Shihan and sensei relationship.

      The tori/uke relationship is unique in aikido training compared to other martial arts. As mentioned earlier, the tori is the one executing the technique. The uke is the one receiving it. They are the two interdependent partners in training. One cannot train without the other. It is for this reason that the development and expression of the utmost respect, safety, and gratitude is cultivated and facilitated between all training partners. Success in aikido depends on a reciprocal and interdependent relationship between fellow students and training partners. This is the heart of aikido training. Because aikido is noncompetitive, the tori/uke relationship is one of cooperation. The uke must give tori an approach and attack that has honest intensity and intent. Since aikido uses the energy provided by the approach and attack, anything less than honest intensity and intent would not truly allow the training partner to practice. The techniques in which one is training would become ineffective and inefficient in real-life situations. This could lead to harmful consequences. Too much intensity and intent would not allow beginning students to practice and train. Similarly, the technique used by the tori is executed with honest intensity and intent, but not to the extent of harming the uke.

      The kohai, tohai, and sempai relationships among students are also unique and special. Few people appreciate the direct interdependent relationships and responsibilities that are at play in these student status relationships. Many times, unconsciously, these roles only have unspoken expectations. Sempai is a senior student. Kohai is a junior student. The kohai will look upon his or her sempai with respect. The sempai will look upon the kohai with compassion,