Value both practice and demonstration
Endô Seishirô, Aikidô Saku Dôjôchô, translated by Daniel Nishina
The 9th International Aikido Federation (IAF) Congress and Seminar was held at the Olympic Center in Yoyogi, Tokyo,
September 7 – 12. This event included seminars and demonstrations. The seminars enjoyed their good repute from the
previous time and saw a greater number of participants of over 600. The demonstrations were held for the first time and consisted of representatives from IAF member nations, making for a large-scale event. Although I knew little of most of the featured representatives and their practice histories and skill levels, I viewed all of the demonstrations from start to finish. While I was unfortunately not left with the impression that all of the demonstrations were good, there were two or three that were sound.
Since before, whenever I view demonstrations I endeavor to observe everything from how the participants enter the arena, to the way in which they walk, sit, stand, and bow. As a result, I have noticed that there is a significant relationship between such behaviors and the demonstration itself. Those who give a good demonstration, from the time they enter and face their partners after bowing, already exhibit the attitude that they are in a serious situation. They are composed with collected feeling, their upper bodies are relaxed, and their overall activity is settled.
We practice budô in the format of attack and defense with a partner. Accordingly, we tend to become preoccupied with
how to defeat the partner, develop bad habits and overuse strength. In practices such as kenjutsu, in which weapons are used, there is a basic awareness that even a touch will cut. Without correct posture and distance, the weapon cannot be used effectively. Furthermore, as using the weapon poorly poses a danger for the practitioner him/herself, practice is conducted with seriousness and attentiveness.
Although there is a demand for seriousness and attentiveness in body arts practices as well, the distance is closer and there is direct contact with the partner, which can result in both the body and feeling instinctively becoming rigid. When one tries to defeat the partner, it becomes necessary to inflict considerable damage, which may cause one’s posture to suffer and one to overuse strength and develop bad habits. Consequently, seriousness and attentiveness are lost and movement becomes indolent and reckless.
In order to avoid such developments, it is necessary to be wary of becoming preoccupied with whether or not techniques are effective, and first simply repeat the forms, both uke and tori, correctly. It is simultaneously crucial to carefully observe the use of one’s body and the state of one’s heart/mind, and the relationship between the two, during each technique. One should be mindful of taking the time to absorb into one’s body everything from techniques involving small movements of the arms and legs to larger and simpler movements, in such a way that strength is not overused.
Based on the preceding, if we are to consider demonstrations as a venue of seriousness, that which we cultivate during daily practice, from techniques to the state of our heart/minds, can be expected to manifest during such events. It is especially on such occasions that one must not be conscious of one’s partners or techniques, and perceive a self that is humble and with an empty mind. (November 2004)